Des Moines’ historic, 47-year old Yardarm Pub & Broiler, located at 812 S. 230th Street, will be closing its doors for the last time on June 1, 2019, according to a Facebook post. The property – which includes several other tenants – was recently valued at $1,138,400, and the new owner is listed as 830 S 230TH ST LLC. The new property owners gave official notice to the Yardarm on Friday, May 10. This classic “dive bar” was first opened in 1972, and was known for its dark interior, pool tables, laminated wood topped tables, and an authentic, fun 1970s vibe. It has hosted weddings, funerals, birthdays, retirements, fundraisers for the community, and there are also many stories of people meeting their spouses there (read some memories about the Yardarm here). Oftentimes, the SeaFair Pirates could be seen “warming up” at the funky pirate-themed pub before the annual Waterland Parade, with the iconic Moby Duck parked outside. The new owners will likely tear the building down and replace the current businesses with a mixed-use condo building. The property has 14,094 square feet of commercial space and 42,060 residential. “The new owners had a pre-application meeting with the City in April where they proposed a mixed use development with condos,” City Clerk-Communications Director Bonnie Wilkins told The Waterland Blog. “They have not contacted the city since that meeting.” Racheal Nicole, who has worked at the Yardarm for around 20 years, promises that there will be a huge send-off party for this historic joint soon, so stay tuned… Here’s the Facebook post from Racheal, posted on Friday, May 10:

It’s with heavy heart that we your yardarm staff announce the Yardarm Pubb will be closing it’s doors for good June 1st 2019. We know there have been many rumors floating about, but our fate hadn’t been confirmed untill late yesterday afternoon. We are all deeply saddened by this news. The Yardarm is like a home to us all, though some of our stays have been longer than others, all of us feel the same the Yardarm is home and the customers are family. We do not know the exact plans of the new building owners all we know is we have to vacate, And so closes our chapter in Des Moines. It’s been one hell of a run! We love Everyone who has been a part of our past and present, and hope to continue to know and love all of you in the future. Of course we aren’t closing our doors without saying our goodbyes so stop by and see us before we sail off into the sunset. Thank you for the years, and thank you for all the memories !!! With ❤️ The Yardarm
The Yardarm is located at 812 S. 230th Street: ]]>

8 replies on “Des Moines' iconic dive bar Yardarm Pub will be closing for good June 1”

    1. I’m going to miss watching Seahawk games there. Good memories that will stay forever.

    1. I’m going to miss watching Seahawk games there. Good memories that will stay forever.

  1. Pretty nearly, the “Best Hamburgers” for miles around, as advertised by this old stand by of a roadhouse. We have loved it and had many dinners there with as many as 40 people; our neighbors and friends. This little treasure of a “hangout” will be sorely missed by a multitude of Des Moines residents, mostly because, it is irreplaceable. Though we must accept the passing of al things, including people, the ones who worked there, and greeted us, it is not easy to say “good bye”. We loved, too, the gigantic servings of nachos hot bowls of chili, and most all brands of beer you could wish for. We certainly hope that the staff will find new jobs, because nothing matters more than the loyal manager. chef, and our favorite waitresses’ welfare. As Des Moines grows and progresses to a new future, our hope, now, is that something really worthwhile, profitable and neighbor friendly, will evolve on this spot. So, Yardarm souls and edifice, you have been loved with every minute spent under your roof, at your tables and bar. So please accept this fond farewell, from happy guest “regulars”. Kleenex anyone?

  2. Pretty nearly, the “Best Hamburgers” for miles around, as advertised by this old stand by of a roadhouse. We have loved it and had many dinners there with as many as 40 people; our neighbors and friends. This little treasure of a “hangout” will be sorely missed by a multitude of Des Moines residents, mostly because, it is irreplaceable. Though we must accept the passing of al things, including people, the ones who worked there, and greeted us, it is not easy to say “good bye”. We loved, too, the gigantic servings of nachos hot bowls of chili, and most all brands of beer you could wish for. We certainly hope that the staff will find new jobs, because nothing matters more than the loyal manager. chef, and our favorite waitresses’ welfare. As Des Moines grows and progresses to a new future, our hope, now, is that something really worthwhile, profitable and neighbor friendly, will evolve on this spot. So, Yardarm souls and edifice, you have been loved with every minute spent under your roof, at your tables and bar. So please accept this fond farewell, from happy guest “regulars”. Kleenex anyone?

  3. We learned of this sad closing by driving up June 5. It was a gem. Great staff. Excellent food…ground their own meat for wonderful burgers. Even plenty of level parking.
    Thanks to you all who made it so special, and best wishes. We’ll miss you and the Yardarm experience!

  4. We learned of this sad closing by driving up June 5. It was a gem. Great staff. Excellent food…ground their own meat for wonderful burgers. Even plenty of level parking.
    Thanks to you all who made it so special, and best wishes. We’ll miss you and the Yardarm experience!

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