Exile Brewing Company

Brewpub

4.6 (1,778 on Google)

About Exile Brewing Company

Exile Brewing Company is a brewery and brewpub on Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines. It has brewed lagers, sours and IPAs since 2012, and the kitchen cooks from scratch to match the beer. The brewery says its beers have won gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.

Exile was inspired by the immigrants who made the country what it is today. Flagships include Ruthie, a gold lager, and Maria, a Mexican lager. Ruthie also comes in a non-alcoholic version.

The menu runs from burgers and Tursi Classics to weekend brunch. Every dish is made in house, and food can be delivered through DoorDash. Kids' meals are half price on Fridays.

Most weeks are busy. Thursday brings trivia, and Wednesday brings a burger, fries and pint deal. More people have reviewed Exile on Google than any other brewery, taproom or beer shop in Des Moines on this site.

From Exile Brewing's own website, read September 24, 2026.

Amenities

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Map

Google rating

4.6out of 5

4.6 on Google from 1,778 reviews, as of November 2026.

Questions people ask

Can I bring my dog to Exile?

Dogs are allowed on the patio. They are not permitted inside the brewery or brewpub.

Can I tour the brewery?

Exile offers brewery tours, listed on the beer page of its website. You can buy a keg there too.

Does Exile have a happy hour?

Yes. On trivia Thursdays, happy hour runs from 3:30 to 5:30pm with discounted pints and half-priced apps.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes. Brewpub reservations are taken online. It also books private events, buyouts and off-site catering.

Which breweries are close by?

Lua Brewing is 0.3 miles away and Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company is 0.8 miles away. Iowa Craft Beer Tent is 0.8 miles away and Confluence Brewing Company is 1.1 miles away.

Answers come from Exile Brewing's website, read September 24, 2026.

Breweries near Exile Brewing Company

A row of beer taps

4.7 (1,614 on Google)

Lua Brewing

Des Moines, IA

0.3 mi

Brewing tanks in a taproom

4.2 (1,418 on Google)

Flix Brewhouse

Des Moines, IA

4.7 mi

Before you visit Exile

Book a table on exilebrewing.com if you are coming with a group. The kitchen closes an hour before the bar does.

Check the events page before you go. Trivia, a Wednesday run club and seasonal pop-ups like The Haunting at Exile fill the calendar.

Plan to walk. Lua Brewing is 0.3 miles away. Confirm hours on their own sites before you make the trip.