Bellhop — Restaurant in Des Moines

We have visited Bellhop twice. Once before the owner change. Maybe 2 years ago and last Wednesday.

The first time we enjoyed ourselves and 3 of the 4 drinks we really enjoyed. The one just wasn't for us but I could see why people enjoyed it.

I remember that I really enjoyed the Saturn then.

Moving forward to our previous experience, it was late amd we had just landed from San Diego and wanted a couple drinks before we went to our hotel. It was close to midnight amd saw Bellhop was open. I was in the mode for the Saturn again.

My wife and I were really disappointed with all 4 drinks we had. The Saturn was not balanced at all. To much sugar from the oregeat and/or passion fruit. The other 3 drinks we ordered were their creations. Same thing, not balanced at all.

One drink my wife even thinks 2 of the ingredients were missing.

While sitting and drinking our 2nd round, I saw something that really disappointed me. Half gallon jugs, of what I assume was lime juice. If they are using pre packaged lime juice, makes me wonder what other ingredients are not fresh or house made.

If I am paying up to $13 for a cocktail I assume I should be getting fresh ingredients.

Look into Super Juice, if Bellhop reads this. I bartend for my career and its a game changer.

The only saving grace was 1 of the Bartenders. She was nice and talked with us. We ordered a couple 1 oz pours of Plantation Rum amd she explained she was hoping to get some more education about the...

I do like this place. The atmosphere is fantastic and includes tiki style drinks, a true rarity in the Midwest. The bartender that served us was fantastic and knew his stuff. The neon decor intermixed with some elements of tiki was a unique experience.

However a couple things stuck out in mind that dropped it to 3 stars

Issue 1: One member of the staff grabbed my glass of full water I was just served and scurried back to the bar. It's an honest mistake but I was trying to hydrate after a few drinks and by the time I had noticed, it was too late as the bar was reaching peak hours and we were ready to leave. It would be more appropriate to ask before taking the glass.

Issue 2: Seating isn't the best. The majority of the seating is stools with a small table. Which is great for conversation but not for the back. There are benches lined up on some of the walls but several larger groups were already using them

It is 100% worth visiting for the delicious...

I'm giving a generous 2 ONLY because Troy saved our experience. We sat at the bar and were given menus and then we weren't talked to again for over 10 minutes - boyfriend forgot what he wanted to order because of it. With 4 bar tenders and only about 5 other couples sitting at the bar, really upsetting to have to have waited so long. The woman that sat us made about 3 other groups drinks that had come after us, made plans with another group of women next to us, and handed them a liquor bottle from behind the bar. Same woman vaped behind the bar and throughout the restaurant multiple times and finally checked on us after Troy had already gotten our drink orders. Considering we paid $26 for two drinks and both have been working in the restaurant business for a combined 12+ years, we would expect way more out of this establishment. The drinks are great and a beautiful presentation, but the service is way less than...