Alcohol
Cosmopolitan Lounge
Martinis and the City
Although she may not be serving the cast of Sex and the City on a daily basis, Cosmopolitan Lounge manager Sherry Waner is very familiar with the phrase, “I’ll have a cosmo.”
The Cosmopolitan Lounge resides inside the posh hotel, Suites of 800 Locust, in downtown Des Moines. Before the property became the sophisticated hotel it is today, it had a varied history. The building was originally constructed in 1912 for the Des Moines Club and hosted spaces for accountants, lawyers, barbers, railroad workers and passersby alike. Eventually the club moved to another downtown location in the 1970s and the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners moved into the building. The Shriners vacated the location in 1987; then the structure sat empty for 11 years. Before the hotel restoration began in 2001, consideration was given to have the building demolished.
The renovations created the 51 suites while preserving the uniqueness of the building exterior. When the Suites of 800 Locust opened its doors in 2001, the Cosmopolitan Lounge was unveiled alongside it. The hotel and bar helped put the wheels in motion to revive the downtown Des Moines after-work and nightlife scenes.
The hotel is no stranger to catering to red-carpet clientele. Guests ranging from presidential candidates, to pop singing sensation Britney Spears and rocker Ozzy Osbourne have all stayed in the suites. Even if you’re not a big name headliner, locals can expect to receive the same royal treatment from the staff as the stars receive.
The Cosmopolitan Lounge’s atmosphere is warm and inviting and immediately makes guests feel at ease. The décor emulates the dark sophisticated style of the hotel, but with a modern feel. The hustle and bustle of the city quickly melts away as the dark atmosphere surrounds you and
relaxing music fills your ears.
Shortly after 5 PM, patrons including downtown workers and residents, corporate travelers, musicians and actors flood into the Cosmopolitan Lounge. Sherry Waner is a skilled manager and bartender and is always eager to please all her guests. Read the reviews about the Cosmopolitan Lounge in Juice, on Metromix.com and DesMoinesNightlife.com and you will see that the greater Des Moines area agrees that Waner and the Lounge are a great combination.
Waner dazzles patrons with an extensive martini menu that offers something for everyone, from sweet dessert drinks to dry martinis. For those that prefer something a little different, there is also a rotating, seasonal drink menu and, of course, old favorites are available upon request. The martinis are so exceptional, you will be glad they left the shaker so you can enjoy the drink to the last drop.
If you are looking for more of a fast paced, upbeat crowd, the Lounge features live music every Friday evening, showcasing local talent personally scouted by Waner. The Cosmopolitan Lounge is a great place for a romantic evening with your sweetheart or just to unwind after a tough day at the office. Better yet, it can’t be beat for those nights when you and your girlfriends want to pretend you’re living the big city life like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte.
