Welcome to Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Shirley’s Bar & Grill, located in West Des Moines, IA, is a vibrant neighborhood gem that captivates diners with its inviting ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Patrons rave about the tantalizing menu featuring standout dishes like unbeatable tots, hearty burgers, and the renowned Rachel sandwich. The drink selection, particularly the large and flavorful margaritas, perfectly complements the laid-back setting. Guests consistently highlight the warm, friendly service, where attentive staff like bartender Jodi enhance the experience with their personal touches. Whether enjoying live music or the convivial atmosphere, Shirley's radiates a sense of community, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike.
- 9250 University Ave Suite 117, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States Hotline: +1 515-414-8986
Welcome to Shirley’s Bar & Grill, where flavor meets friendliness in the heart of West Des Moines! Located at 9250 University Ave Suite 117, this vibrant neighborhood spot has carved out a reputation for its delicious offerings and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're craving a casual bite or a lively night out, Shirley's is the perfect destination.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the warm embrace of a place that prioritizes not only great food but also genuine hospitality. Diners rave about the attentive service, with friendly staff like Corey and Jodi ready to welcome you with smiles and expertly crafted drinks. The atmosphere strikes an ideal balance—it’s energetic yet cozy, making it perfect for everything from a quiet dinner to a fun outing with friends.
The menu features a variety of crowd-pleasers, including unmatched tater tots, indulgent burgers, and the standout Rachel sandwich. Guest favorites also include the blackened cod sandwich and the mouthwatering pizza dip. Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and a touch of love, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. If you're a fan of cocktails, don’t miss their impressive margaritas or the expertly mixed extra dirty martinis—both of which have garnered glowing endorsements from satisfied guests.
But it’s not just about the food and drinks; it’s about the experience. Live music adds a lively backdrop, elevating your dining experience even more. Regulars like Gabrielle and Eric applaud the welcoming vibe and attentive staff, and the consistently high-quality food keeps them coming back for more. As one guest put it, “It was love at first sip!”
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Shirley’s Bar & Grill is a must-visit. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with memories of a fantastic night. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave!
For any inquiries, you can reach them at +1 515-414-8986.

I LOVE Shirley’s! It is a perfect neighborhood spot with great food (the tots are unmatched and the burgers and the Rachel, turkey sandwich, are awesome!!). For drinks, I am partial to the margaritas that is large, strong and delicious. And you can’t beat the friendly service and great atmosphere with nice seating, booths and comfy leather stools plus great music and the perfect volume. I typically sit at the bar and Corey always greets me with a smile and has my drink ready for me before I’ve managed to sit down. Highly recommend!

I wish I could give more than 5 stars for the atmosphere!!!!! One of the best Bars I’ve been in for quite some time. The food was excellent as well (blackened cod sandwich & tots). Bartenders were excellent & accommodating while preparing great drinks. And the live band was fabulous!! Can’t recommend this place enough, when I’m in town again it will be a “must stop”.

We had an amazing time at Shirley’s in West Des Moines! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food totally lived up to the hype—fresh, flavorful, and made with obvious care. But what really made our experience stand out was our server, Myka. She was incredibly friendly, attentive without being overbearing, and had great recommendations. You can tell she genuinely enjoys what she does, and it made our visit all the more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back—thanks again, Myka, for making our visit perfect

First time here, and I’m already a fan! The music vibe is awesome, the atmosphere is super chill, and the drinks are great! Huge shoutout to Jodi behind the bar - friendly, fast, and knows how to make a great drink. Can’t wait to come back!

We love the pizza dip here!! The French dip and the creamy parm dressing both fabulous!! Can’t wait to try more! Cassie has been our server a couple of times and has been amazing!! I love good service!!

Came in for the first time tonight and it was love at first sip! Jodi made me the BEST extra dirty martini, aaaaaaand hand stuffed some blue cheese olives!!! All the staff was great and there’s such a warm and welcoming vibe walking in. This is definitely going to be our new regular spot!

I was at Shirley's a few weeks ago and never took the time to review until now. Because I'm thinking about going back this weekend! When I walked in, I was greeted at the door. I went to the bar to dine, as it was pretty busy and there was an open spot. The bartender there was Jodi, and she was very friendly from the moment I sat down. Getting my beverage to me quickly, a Tequila Sunrise with it's own sweet flavor. She recommended the Italian sandwich, which was really good. But I'll probably try something different this time because it all sounded yummy! Thank you for your great service, Jodi! She was very attentive to me and the servers. I was thanked by a staff member for coming in as I got up to leave.

Restaurant Review: Shirley’s in Waukee I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Shirley’s in Waukee, and let me tell you—this place is a gem. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the warmth of a restaurant that truly takes pride in what they do. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between cozy and lively, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal or a night out with friends. The service? Top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about making sure every guest had a great experience. Now, let’s talk about the food. Wow. Every bite was packed with flavor, clearly made with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something with a little creative twist, Shirley’s delivers. The menu has a great mix of options, and everything I tried was cooked to perfection. If you’re anywhere near Waukee, Shirley’s is a must-visit. Great food, great people, and an all-around fantastic dining experience. I’ll definitely be back!