New Bar in Town
// VF File Photo by Elle Lacher
The Old Tavern Brewery was shut down during Prohibition, but 300 Craft & Rooftop is giving the old brewery a new face while holding onto the historic presence of the building. Ryan Flannery and Darren Helm partnered to open 300 Craft & Rooftop to give people a place to relax and enjoy Des Moines in a different way.
“The brewery shut down during the Prohibition and basically remained vacant for most of the time after — until now,” Flannery said. “When we first looked at this place, there were boxes to the ceiling.”
The third floor, of the 300 MLK complex is now home to 300 Craft & Rooftop. The new bar is joining neighbors Guru BBQ and Fuzzy’s Tacos. Flannery chose this location specifically for the history of the building. The history brings character to the new and improved rooftop bar as well as the interior.
James Thyberg, manager of 300 Craft & Rooftop, has spent nearly a decade working in bars in downtown Des Moines. Thyberg said 300 Craft & Rooftop sets itself apart from the rest of the local bars by its scenic views as well as its craft beer and cocktails. One interesting aspect of 300 Craft
& Rooftop, I thought, was their use of various sherbets and egg whites in signature craft cocktails.
With beautiful views of downtown Des Moines and Principal Park, 300 Craft & Rooftop also has an interesting interior look. The décor inside includes exposed brick, concrete floors and pops of modern art. I think the mix of industrial and modern design merges 300 Craft & Rooftop’s history as well as the present.
One of my favorite parts of 300 Craft & Rooftop is the use of Iowa-based artists’ work to decorate the interior. A mural from Des Moines artist Van Holmgren, whose work can be seen on the side of RoCA or Zombie Burger at Jordan Creek Mall, sits behind a purple couch that gives a modern flare to the old-style brewery.
Another focal point in 300 Craft & Rooftop is the three semi trailer doors painted by Trey Bush. These pieces not only add character to the space but also give balance to the modern flare and rustic industrial feel.
Shortly after St. Patrick’s Day 300 Craft & Rooftop will be closing to complete its rooftop. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-April.
“With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, we couldn’t miss out on the festivities,” Flannery said. “We will be having beer stations around the rooftop as well as the bar inside during St. Patrick’s Day then closing shortly after to complete the rooftop.”
// VF File Photo by Elle Lacher
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