The Contrary — Restaurant in Des Moines

The Contrary: A Vibe Worth Experiencing 🎶🍸 Let’s start with the name—Contrary. It’s all about being the opposite of what you’d expect. And walking into The Contrary during its soft opening felt just like that. Picture a cocktail lounge that’s part swanky hangout, part music haven, and all-around vibe. Big kudos to Billy Weathers for creating something that truly flips the script on what Des Moines nightlife can be.

Here’s how it happened: a couple of weeks ago, I was rushing to a show at Wooly’s when my friend, Mr. Walker, flagged me down. “You’ve got to see this place!” he said. I tried to tell him I was late, but he insisted, and honestly, I’m so glad he did.

From the moment I walked in, I was blown away. The ambiance is a perfect mix of cozy and upscale—dim lighting that casts a warm glow, dark green and gray walls, and a plush red velvet “conversation pit” that practically begs you to sit down and chill. And then there’s the music. Charles Walker III (aka DJ cdisiac) spins an eclectic mix of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, funk, and house music on weekends. The vibe reminded me of the heady, chill energy of Hedkandi and Housexy UK nights—perfectly curated, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool.

Now let’s talk drinks. The handcrafted cocktails are as creative as they are delicious. Sure, they might take a little time to make, but watching the bartenders in action is part of the fun. The menu itself is playful and full of intriguing options, though I’d love to see the fonts a bit bigger for easier reading.

While I haven’t tried the food just yet (next time, for sure), the menu is packed with tempting seasonal dishes like squash-based hummus, banh mi sandwiches, and chili crisp salmon. My waiter, who—small world—happens to be the son of a friend, couldn’t stop raving about the chef’s creations.

The space itself is cozy and narrow, which only adds to the intimate, exclusive feel. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, chat with a stylish crowd, and soak in the amazing music.

The Contrary has officially become my new go-to spot. Billy Weathers and his B.Well team have created something extraordinary—an oasis of good vibes, great music, and a menu that keeps you coming back. Next time, I’m diving into the food and maybe even pitching the idea of spinning some deep Afro-Latin or house vibes myself. If you’re looking for a spot that’s fresh, classy, and totally contrary to the usual,...

The Contrary is exactly what Des Moines has been missing! A swanky cool cocktail bar nestled in the East Village with elevated but approachable cocktails. We followed our favorite local bartender Ben here and he is still mixing up some killer craft cocktails as per usual!

We got to try some of his newest creations along with ones on The Contrary’s very detailed menu, all of which were well-balanced and thoughtfully made. And not to mention getting you to where you wanna go! We stopped by after having dinner so we didn’t get to try their food, but the drinks, music, and vibes were 10/10! R&B/hip hop on a Saturday night and phenomenal cocktails — what more can you ask for? All in all, we are extremely hyped about The Contrary and can’t wait to see what they have in store. The staff were very warm and friendly, giving you that neighborhood bar vibe. Check them out and grab a seat at the bar. You will not be...

From the moment you walk in, the vibe is great! Warm lighting, fire decor, and good energy that sets the tone for a nice night. This cocktail lounge doesn’t just serve drinks; it serves an experience!!!

The cocktails are expertly crafted and tasty. I’m a mocktail gal and they never disappoint. The bartenders clearly know their craft and are as friendly as they are skilled.

Don’t get me started with the food! If you haven’t tried the Dates….run and get them now 😂😂 I could eat 20. Super fresh, healthy, and I love that I can grab late night eats in Des Moines that aren’t fast food!

Great music and love the touch of having a DJ. Every detail is intentional and I love it.

Whether you’re on a date, out with friends, or flying solo, this place should...