Founders Irish Pub

Founders Irish Pub: Bondurant's Beloved Bar & Grill Just Minutes from Des Moines

Tucked into the heart of Bondurant, Iowa, Founders Irish Pub is one of the greater Des Moines area's most welcoming neighborhood spots for cold drinks, satisfying American comfort food, and genuine small-town hospitality. Located at 110 1st Street SE — just a short drive east of Des Moines — this bar and grill has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike who want a relaxed, unpretentious place to unwind without fighting downtown crowds.

What sets Founders apart from other Des Moines-area restaurants and bars is its one-of-a-kind connection to the Chichaqua Valley Trail. The pub's expansive outdoor patio sits directly adjacent to the trail, making it a perfect pit stop whether you're arriving by bicycle or motorcycle. During warm months, live music fills the patio, creating a lively atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back week after week.

Value-seekers will love the weekly specials that make Founders one of the best deals in the Des Moines dining scene. Weekday Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and the Friday After Work special drops domestic bottles and wells to just $3 while offering free homemade chips and salsa. Thursday's Buckets & Burgers deal — an $8 classic cheeseburger paired with a bucket of domestic beer or seltzer — is practically legendary among regulars. The pub also offers flexible banquet and event space ideal for private parties, corporate gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Founders Irish Pub is reachable at