The Continental: The favorite of those in the know

This top lounge's substance equally delivers on style.

The vibe: Respectable. Tasteful. Cozy. If only these captured the essence. The only things missing at The Continental are the mahogany and leather bound books. This dark, wooden lounge evokes so much comfort and warmth it practically beckons you to get out of the cold and cozy up to a fall beverage. The Continental challenges its customers to respect themselves and broaden their drinking horizons. It stocks the bar with premium liquor and the bar stools with political heavyweights. Contemporary art bedecks the walls above simple wooden booths, and if the classy environment starts to get to your head, you’ll find yourself believing you can interpret the work. The narrow layout and low lighting enforce intimate conversations with your group. This isn’t a meat market or a last-stop-of-the-night kind of place. Deals are struck here. Birthday dinners for young professionals are celebrated. After-work happy hours with the high-brow white collar set are enjoyed in a relaxed, yet dignified setting. You’ve never respected yourself more after a few drinks.

Going to The Continental makes a statement. It’s where you bring the passive aggressive acquaintance visiting town that you were always “forced” friends with anyways—but you feel obligated to show them around for a night, because you’re nice like that—that’s incessantly “just joking” about how small-minded and quaint Des Moines is and in the same breath criticizes any place that doesn’t have a dress code and brandy snifter, who is daring you with the bemused condescension that is their tone of voice to impress them. Heh, yeah, you’ll impress them, alright.

The libation: Name another bar in town that has a Mojito list, classic cocktail list and scotch list that rivals the length of its beer and wine lists. Didn’t think so. The Continental simply doesn’t skimp on quality, so choosing your beverage will be tough. Really, study the menu before you make a selection—there’s a lot to take note of. Like the Bloody Mary with 20+ ingredients. The Mojito list is stellar. A visit to The Continental is not complete without someone in your party trying the mojito that shares its namesake (Chambord with vodka, sugar, club soda, muddled mint). If you’re looking even further outside the box, then direct yourself to the Basil Martini (rum, sugar, lime juice and fresh basil). The rotating list of seasonal beverages won’t disappoint if you’re craving a comforting drink that brings some holiday cheer with it. The Hot Apple Pie (Tuaca, hot apple cider and whipped cream topped with ground cinnamon) will kick start the holiday spirit in your bones. It’s rich, aromatic flavor makes you wonder why more places don’t offer hot alcoholic drinks. Be careful, because the Scotch list will spoil you. Glenlivet 18, Dewars and Macallan 18 are just a few of the names worth dropping. For you average joes, there is beer, but you could go anywhere for that. This is where you go when you’re craving a Caipirinha and most bartenders in town look at you dumbfounded when you order it. It’s the home of foodies and liquor snobs who are looking for a place that understands one should never apologize for discriminating taste.

The deal: Recession-Proof Happy Hour – 10 food menu item selections starting at $2.95 Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Oh, happy day.

Address: 428 E. Locust St., 50309, Des Moines, IA. 50309

Phone: 515-244-5845

Web site: http://www.continental-lounge.com

Hours: Restaurant: Mon – Thur 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Bar: Mon – Sat 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.