Social Profile: 
… View more
Step into a Work in Progress, a blue-collar basement bar that’s as hardworking as you are. We’re all about simplicity—concrete walls, industrial decor, and an atmosphere that’s as unpretentious as your favorite flannel. Whether it’s happy hour, a late-night gathering, before or after a Val Air show, or a casual drop-in, you’ll find real people, real food, cold drinks, and zero pretense. It’s time to clock out and chill out.
Address and Contact Information
Address: East Bar, 301 Ashworth Rd Basement, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 855-6786
Website: https://wips.biz/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Related Web Results
Work in Progress Bar | West Des Moines IA – Facebook
Work in Progress Bar, West Des Moines. 456 likes · 12 talking about this · 59 were here. Progress happens here—with cold drinks, a frosted bar rail, and…
Work in Progress Work in Progress | Toast
Come in and enjoy! Location. 301 Ashworth Road (Basement), West Des Moines, IA 50265. Directions. Similar restaurants in your area. scroll left scroll right.
Work in Progress Bar (@workinprogress.ia) – Instagram
*** in the basement *** ***of the @valairdsm*** Sun-Thurs: 3PM-10PM Fri + Sat: 3PM-MIDNIGHT Kitchen open until 9P …
Reviews
Morgan Roy
Stopped by for a drink and game of pool and stayed for a few hours. Woops!
Bar staff was great – poured a good drink and very personable (but not in a trap-you-in-a-convo way)! It was nice to drop in after work and reward ourselves for making it through another Monday. Vibes were great, frost rail was frosty, and parking was a breeze being a non-show evening! I had the vegan crunchwrap supreme and it was delicious. So happy to have a solid vegan option at Val Air Ballroom / in the Valley Junction area!! They use Beyond Beef, but it’s got nice crunch veg in there too.
To quote the great Billy Bob: I give it a ten!
… moreBar staff was great – poured a good drink and very personable (but not in a trap-you-in-a-convo way)! It was nice to drop in after work and reward ourselves for making it through another Monday. Vibes were great, frost rail was frosty, and parking was a breeze being a non-show evening! I had the vegan crunchwrap supreme and it was delicious. So happy to have a solid vegan option at Val Air Ballroom / in the Valley Junction area!! They use Beyond Beef, but it’s got nice crunch veg in there too.
To quote the great Billy Bob: I give it a ten!
Tyler Gorman
Ok no joke, this place is THE Hidden Dive Bar of WDM. The drinks are legit $3 mystery beers & the apps are to die for. The Chicken Lips & Eggs are amazing! Don’t forget the cold bar beers, and burritos.
Can’t wait to make this our Wednesday hangout before volleyball!
… moreCan’t wait to make this our Wednesday hangout before volleyball!
Brittany C
Don’t be fooled by other reviews, I visited on 11/01/25 and they had significantly reduced their food menu so they only offer three items: chicken strips, a walking taco, or a sloppy joe.
$10 is a pretty steep for four burnt chicken strips and no side. They also claim to have BBQ sauce, but it was more like honey mustard. I really wanted to love coming here before a show (the restaurant is way too fancy to be an atmosphere to set the tone for most of the shows they have), but the food options are just not good so its really not worth it.
… more$10 is a pretty steep for four burnt chicken strips and no side. They also claim to have BBQ sauce, but it was more like honey mustard. I really wanted to love coming here before a show (the restaurant is way too fancy to be an atmosphere to set the tone for most of the shows they have), but the food options are just not good so its really not worth it.
Jacy Erro
Hidden gem this. Drinks were great. Staff was awesome. The whole place has an unpretentious, laid back vibe. Soundtrack makes you feel cooler than you really are, and TV’s had The Office and No Reservations on. What’s not to love about that. Glad I checked it out before everybody knows about it.
… moreAmy “Amy Jo” Johnson
I TOTALLY LOVE THIS BAR!! Like yeah, i went to the concert at VAL air ballroom but the work in progress bar was defiantaly the highlight of my night!!!
… moreKaren Wiles
Had lunch there today with friends. The atmosphere was nostalgic. The, (almost one man staff) was fantastic, accommodating and entertaining. Then the food arrived, It was very good. The menu sounds like normal, bar type food, but it was the best food I have had in a Restaurant/Bar. Hats off to the Chef. Plan to return.
… moreAndrew Watgen
If you want to stop in for a quick bite before a concert, don’t bother. You will miss the show. The food will take 30-45 minutes to come. We wish we had just eaten somewhere else.
… moreJoe S.
Mystery Beer vending machine!
I’ve liked all the food I’ve tried so far. Favorites have been the buffalo chicken lips and bosco sticks. Daughter loved the Mac and cheese
… moreI’ve liked all the food I’ve tried so far. Favorites have been the buffalo chicken lips and bosco sticks. Daughter loved the Mac and cheese
jennifer johnson
Staff is amazing. Food is great. Drinks are good. Here for a concert spend some time downstairs at the bar
… moreSonja Mennenga
We loved everything! The filet was the best ever! We will return.
… more