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Address and Contact Information
Address: 428 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 243-0611
Website: http://www.barnicodsm.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Bar Nico. Des Moines’ hot spot for modern Mexican fare, craft cocktails … Des Moines, IA 50309. Mon – Thur 10:30a – 10p. Friday 10:30a – 12a. Saturday 10 …
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Latin soul, Midwest heart. The BEST Tapa Happy Hour in DSM. (3-5pm) M-Th: 10:30-10PM F: 10:30-12AM Sat: 10:30-12AM Sun: 10:30-9PM 428 E Locust St · Photo by …
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Book now at Bar Nico in Des Moines, IA. Explore menu, see photos and read 136 reviews: “Great atmosphere! Not for a quiet romantic meal but definitely a fun …
Reviews
John Uhlemann
This is the best thought out and presented North Mexican food I have had outside of Mexico. The flavors, textures, and imagination were amazing, the presentation beautiful, and wine list, though small, well selected, and, of course , it is gluten free (important to one of out party). The service was attentive, without being obtrusive, and the owner even lowered the music in our area so we could talk.
… moreT “Taragone” D
FINALLY!! Tacos worth leaving the house for. Not only is this place adorable, not only are they completely gluten free, not only do they offer a fabulous selection of fresh tasting and varied Mexican inspired items, their tacos are the best we’ve had since moving to DSM from Austin!!
30 years in Florida and a handful of years in Texas spoiled us for fresh, simple, well-made tacos. We had the wild boar and the pork belly tacos. Everything added to the taco complimented the well-seasoned and perfectly cooked meat, instead of smothering it in unnecessary toppings. Our only regret is waiting so long to give them a try.
The atmosphere is wonderful, with booths set up to provide a feeling of privacy. Outdoor seating is a bonus option we enjoy. Service was friendly, unobtrusive, and knowledgeable. Our new favorite place.
… more30 years in Florida and a handful of years in Texas spoiled us for fresh, simple, well-made tacos. We had the wild boar and the pork belly tacos. Everything added to the taco complimented the well-seasoned and perfectly cooked meat, instead of smothering it in unnecessary toppings. Our only regret is waiting so long to give them a try.
The atmosphere is wonderful, with booths set up to provide a feeling of privacy. Outdoor seating is a bonus option we enjoy. Service was friendly, unobtrusive, and knowledgeable. Our new favorite place.
Cat T.
What a hidden gem! Happy Hour here is absolutely unbeatable. High quality, fresh, chef level cuisine at an affordable price. Presentation, variety, and execution were flawless. Not to mention the entire menu is Gluten Free!
I ordered Maine Lobster Quesadilla, Braised Lamb Empanadas, & Seared Scallop Tacos for an insanely fair cost of $20 during their 3-5pm Happy Hour! Tacos $7, Tapas (savory dishes) $6, and Botanas (snacks/sides) $5 are reduced. My total was supposed to be $45 so this is a crazy deal.
Alex the manager was very friendly and Mary (next door at Kitchen Collage) was the one who recommend me to come try it out. She’s a Des Moines local and if you’re from out of town (like me) pay her a visit because she will tell you all the spots to visit during your stay!
The vibe in Bar Nico is immaculate. Great mood lighting, interior design, clean restrooms, and outdoor seating options if you wanna bring your furry friend.
I highly recommend Bar Nico to all locals and visitors. Come check them out and support local businesses to keep them around for years to come.
… moreI ordered Maine Lobster Quesadilla, Braised Lamb Empanadas, & Seared Scallop Tacos for an insanely fair cost of $20 during their 3-5pm Happy Hour! Tacos $7, Tapas (savory dishes) $6, and Botanas (snacks/sides) $5 are reduced. My total was supposed to be $45 so this is a crazy deal.
Alex the manager was very friendly and Mary (next door at Kitchen Collage) was the one who recommend me to come try it out. She’s a Des Moines local and if you’re from out of town (like me) pay her a visit because she will tell you all the spots to visit during your stay!
The vibe in Bar Nico is immaculate. Great mood lighting, interior design, clean restrooms, and outdoor seating options if you wanna bring your furry friend.
I highly recommend Bar Nico to all locals and visitors. Come check them out and support local businesses to keep them around for years to come.
K B
Amazing food! A super welcoming and hospitable/knowledgeable staff! Also it’s all gluten free! You can’t go wrong with anything in the menu. Chef Matt and his team are innovative with their dishes and do a great job with texture, flavor, spice and taste. This is a must place visit and then visit it a few more times. This is my wife and i’s favorite restaurant!
… moreToby Lawson
Our bartender Irland makes one of the best margaritas I have ever had. We got there during happy hour and it was very reasonable. The food is all gluten free and hand made. We ordered way too many tacos because the price was so good. Even the churros are gluten free and handmade and tasted amazing with the house made caramel. It should be on your top places to visit in Des Moines.
… moreShane Mc Quillan
The food was so well presented and tasted as good as it looked. Atmosphere is sharp, with a high attention to detail. Drinks were high quality, and the staff were very attentive. Definitely will be back.
… moreKelli
Bar Nico is a total gem.
The atmosphere is vibrant and stylish.
The food and drinks are consistently excellent, and their happy hour is one of the best in town.
Highly recommend the blackberry margarita—add this one to your list.
… moreThe atmosphere is vibrant and stylish.
The food and drinks are consistently excellent, and their happy hour is one of the best in town.
Highly recommend the blackberry margarita—add this one to your list.
Rachel Stephens
I am currently in Spain for the second time this year and let me just say that the chocolate and gluten-free churros that I had at Bar Nico in Des Moines, Iowa of all places were the best I’ve had – far better than any of the chocolate I’ve ever had in Spain hands down.
I honestly don’t know how this place is in business with their incredibly affordable Happy Hour. We nearly got one of everything because it was in the $5-7 range for each dish.
Even their normal prices are fantastic for meals. We definitely enjoyed the chicken wings and I loved the black squid ink tortillas that were part of the chimichangas.
We loved basically everything we ordered and it was so nice that the entire menu was naturally gluten-free as a celiac.
I live in Vegas and have talked about flying back to Iowa specifically so that we can eat here again, that’s how much we liked it.
Service was fast and polite, the ambiance felt moody and cool.
Visited: November 2025
… moreI honestly don’t know how this place is in business with their incredibly affordable Happy Hour. We nearly got one of everything because it was in the $5-7 range for each dish.
Even their normal prices are fantastic for meals. We definitely enjoyed the chicken wings and I loved the black squid ink tortillas that were part of the chimichangas.
We loved basically everything we ordered and it was so nice that the entire menu was naturally gluten-free as a celiac.
I live in Vegas and have talked about flying back to Iowa specifically so that we can eat here again, that’s how much we liked it.
Service was fast and polite, the ambiance felt moody and cool.
Visited: November 2025
Melinda
I ate here for the first time last Friday and visited again with another group of friends yesterday for Happy Hour. I wouldn’t call this food Mexican, or even Mexican fusion…maybe Mexican-inspired. Who cares really? Maybe people looking for authentic Mexican food… Whatever it is, I loved it! The flavors were complex yet complimentary. Service was on-point. Restaurant was nicely laid out and decorated. They might have an issue getting groups over 4 in as I only saw one table that could accommodate such numbers.
Happy Hour is from 3pm to 5pm. Not sure if that occurs every day. Happy Hour is a good way to get your feet wet and try a few different things. Their house margarita and seasonal margarita are on the HH menu. I highly recommend the seasonal. It’s made with tamarind but it’s not heavy. There’s just the right amount. They do not serve salsa with your meals but will bring you a salsa that will complement all of your food if requested. Everything I’ve had there was fantastic. My boyfriend thought his wings were pretty underwhelming but who goes to a restaurant like this to order wings? He can write his own review.
All in all, I highly recommend coming here. I loved it. All of my friends loved it. As I said in the beginning, the only people that may be disappointed are those that take branding seriously and are looking for mom and pop Mexican restaurants. If you want to try what I consider to be modern, worldly cuisine…Come here!
… moreHappy Hour is from 3pm to 5pm. Not sure if that occurs every day. Happy Hour is a good way to get your feet wet and try a few different things. Their house margarita and seasonal margarita are on the HH menu. I highly recommend the seasonal. It’s made with tamarind but it’s not heavy. There’s just the right amount. They do not serve salsa with your meals but will bring you a salsa that will complement all of your food if requested. Everything I’ve had there was fantastic. My boyfriend thought his wings were pretty underwhelming but who goes to a restaurant like this to order wings? He can write his own review.
All in all, I highly recommend coming here. I loved it. All of my friends loved it. As I said in the beginning, the only people that may be disappointed are those that take branding seriously and are looking for mom and pop Mexican restaurants. If you want to try what I consider to be modern, worldly cuisine…Come here!
Dave Stout
Was looking for a place size we had the afternoon without the kids, found this through Google search and wasn’t disappointed.
Had the chipotle chicken enchilada and it was one of the best dishes either of us have tried in a decent while. Partner had the Al Pastor tacos also were good, but not at the and level as the enchilada. Cocktails were also well paired. Pomegranate margarita was a seasonal special. We’ll be back!
… moreHad the chipotle chicken enchilada and it was one of the best dishes either of us have tried in a decent while. Partner had the Al Pastor tacos also were good, but not at the and level as the enchilada. Cocktails were also well paired. Pomegranate margarita was a seasonal special. We’ll be back!