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Lua Brewing

About

Lua Brewing is a notable establishment in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, which successfully combines the concepts of a craft brewery and a high-level restaurant. Located in the charming historic Sherman Hill neighborhood, this place has become a magnet for connoisseurs of quality beer and original cuisine.

Lua Brewing. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

Traveller photos:

The founding principle of Lua Brewing is an uncompromising "quality above all." This motto is reflected in every aspect: from the selection of premium raw materials and refined brewing techniques to the elegant presentation and overall atmosphere of the venue. Guests are offered an impressive selection of house-made beers, covering everything from traditional German and English ales to modern hazy IPAs and refreshing fruit slushy sours.

The menu at Lua Brewing's restaurant is sure to surprise and delight even sophisticated foodies. The signature "Smushburgers"—juicy burgers that have become a trademark of the establishment—are particularly popular. In addition, you can enjoy more refined items here, such as house-made caviar, which demonstrates the creative approach and attention to detail of the local kitchen.

A visit to Lua Brewing is not just an opportunity to enjoy excellent beer and delicious food, but also a chance to experience the culture of craft brewing and gastronomic mastery in a cozy and welcoming setting.

Contacts

If you are planning to visit Lua Brewing, it will be helpful to know its contact details. You can find up-to-date information, opening hours, and the menu on the official website or by contacting the establishment directly.

How to contactContact
Address1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Phone+1 515-630-5311
Websiteluabeer.com

What to Do

At Lua Brewing in Des Moines, visitors can enjoy a wide range of craft beers brewed right on-site. Here, you can sample unique varieties such as "Snappy Bois", "Hazer Lazers", "Flatty Monsters", as well as rich, strong stouts. Each type of beer has its own unique character that can surprise even experienced connoisseurs.

In addition to beer, Lua Brewing offers a diverse menu of dishes developed by a chef with experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant. This guarantees high quality and exquisite taste for every dish, perfectly complementing the beer list. Guests can enjoy food and drinks in a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.

The establishment features a cozy patio that is dog-friendly, so you can come here with your pet. For large groups or special occasions, Lua Brewing has a large "Harvest Table" that seats up to 16 people and is available for reservation. This makes the brewery an excellent place not only for beer tasting and a delicious dinner but also for meeting with friends or colleagues.

Getting There

Lua Brewing is conveniently located in the heart of Des Moines, at 1525 High Street. It is situated in the picturesque historic Sherman Hill neighborhood, making it easily accessible for both visitors to the city and local residents. Thanks to such a central location, reaching the establishment will not be difficult.

Given Lua Brewing's central location, it can be reached in various ways. Public transport routes likely serve the area; it is recommended to check the current bus schedules or other modes of transport passing through the Sherman Hill neighborhood. Of course, you can always use taxis or popular rideshare services, which will quickly take you from any part of the city directly to the entrance.

If you are staying in central Des Moines, walking to Lua Brewing can be a pleasant part of your day. Some hotels and apartments are within walking distance, allowing you to combine a brewery visit with exploring the surroundings of the historic district. For those who prefer to travel by private car, it is worth checking parking options nearby in advance, as it may be limited in central areas.

Nearest city: Des Moines

History & Facts

Lua Brewing in Des Moines is the result of the passion and years of experience of its founders, Scott and Whitney Selix. Their story began when they met while working together at a craft beer bar. After ten years dedicated to brewing, customer service, and gastronomic travels in search of unique flavors, they decided to bring their dream to life by opening Lua Brewing in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood.

A key role in the establishment of Lua Brewing was played by a lucky coincidence and the formation of a strong team. A close friend of the founders, Zach Dunbar, who at the time was the head brewer at the renowned Forager Brewing in Rochester, Minnesota, was looking for new challenges in the industry. He joined the project, bringing his wealth of experience. The culinary side was led by Chef James Arbo, who moved to Des Moines from the Michelin-starred Plumed Horse restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks to this stellar lineup, Lua Brewing opened its doors to visitors in November 2019.

Success was not long in coming. Within its first 18 months of operation, Lua Brewing achieved impressive results, being ranked among the top 50 breweries in the world. Additionally, the establishment received prestigious awards from Catch Des Moines, being recognized as the best restaurant and one of the best new restaurants in Des Moines. These achievements highlight the unique combination of quality beer and fine dining that Lua Brewing offers.

Time Needed

When planning a visit to Lua Brewing in Des Moines, keep in mind that this place combines a brewery and a restaurant. To fully enjoy the atmosphere, taste different varieties of beer, and try dishes from the menu, it is recommended to set aside approximately 1.5-3 hours. This time should be enough for a leisurely introduction to the beer list and the establishment's culinary offerings.

Of course, the duration of your visit may vary depending on your preferences. If you only plan a quick tasting of a few beers, an hour might be sufficient. However, if you want a full lunch or dinner accompanied by various drinks, or simply want to spend time in pleasant company, it is better to count on a longer stay.

In general, Lua Brewing is a place where you can either grab a quick bite and try interesting beer or spend several hours enjoying gastronomic delights and a friendly atmosphere. Therefore, plan your time according to your preferred type of relaxation.

Working Hours

The Lua Brewing brewery in Des Moines operates on the following schedule so you can plan your visit: from Monday to Thursday, the doors are open to visitors from 11:00 to 22:00. On Friday, you can enjoy the atmosphere and drinks from 11:00 to 23:00. On Saturdays, Lua Brewing starts its work earlier, at 9:00, and welcomes guests until 23:00, and on Sunday, the hours are set from 9:00 to 21:00. Important point: the kitchen stops taking orders one hour before the official closing of the brewery.

Lua Brewing operates year-round, following the specified schedule. Although there are no strict requirements for reservations in the provided information, to guarantee comfortable seating, especially during peak hours, weekends, or if you plan to visit with a large group, it is recommended to check for reservation availability in advance. It is always best to check the official Lua Brewing website or contact them directly for the latest information on holiday hours or special events.

DayOpening hours
Monday11:00 – 22:00
Tuesday11:00 – 22:00
Wednesday11:00 – 22:00
Thursday11:00 – 22:00
Friday11:00 – 23:00
Saturday9:00 – 23:00
Sunday9:00 – 21:00

Nearby

Visiting Lua Brewing in Des Moines is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and atmosphere. However, to make your trip even more fulfilling and memorable, it is worth taking the time to explore the surroundings. There are many interesting sites located near this popular spot that will allow you to dive deeper into the culture and life of the city.

Exploring nearby attractions will not only diversify your leisure time but also provide new experiences. Whether it's historical monuments, cultural centers, or simply picturesque corners, everyone will find something to their liking. Below is a list of some interesting places located near Lua Brewing, along with the distance to them.

NameDistance
Hoyt Sherman Place0.1 km
Pappajohn Sculpture Park0.3 km
Noce0.5 km
Ricochet1.3 km
Cowles Commons1.4 km
Science Center of Iowa1.5 km
Iowa Events Center Arena1.5 km

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