The Lift

First time at The Lift yesterday, had heard great things, and it didn't disappoint. My band played last night, and from the time we walked in, until we left - we were impressed by the owner and staff. There are two main areas: bar side with pool table/jukebox/etc., and the live music area (plus a bar and pinball machines in the back). It was almost like two separate bars, but there were wide openings connecting them together. Great beer selection, free popcorn, friendly vibe. The sound/mix was excellent - not too loud, but you could still feel the energy. Highly recommended for a quick drink or an evening there. Also, there's a great Italian restaurant above that you can take food to-go and eat downstairs at the bar.

The Lift in Dubuque is excellent! Great staff, the bar is fun and has it's own style. You're in the heart of the best part of Downtown. If you're in Dubuque you should visit The Lift.

Best burgers in town!

Great place to see live music. Possibly the best place in Dubuque.

We are from MO and where looking for a nice quite bar. It was a Sunday they had live music but we could still have a nice conversation without yelling. The bartender was great. So wish I bought a shirt. But it was agreat time.

Very good tap list for beer, cute underground feel. Nice place to hang out.

Cool bar with lots of space if yr not into crowds (at least on the night we were there). I was told afterwards there is actually a busted lift in a back room somewhere that you can see - if yr into old broken elevators.

Came down recently for a show. The atmosphere is still the best around. If you can tolerate a small venue this place is the bees knees. It’s a great place for an intimate show with your favorite artist. Low key, mellow, and chill.

Nice selection of beers. Live music the evening that I visited. Just by luck it was a band that played music that I enjoyed very much, Useful Jenkins. Basement venue. Crowd was pretty laid-back enjoying the show. I plan to go again.

I go to grab a beer here almost any night I can. Such a great, cozy bar. Music going on all the time. Great tap list, with a lot of Iowa beers. And most importantly, amazing bartenders who make you feel at home here.

I really like the atmosphere and people here. I would be great if it was easier to find for those that haven't been before but otherwise it's a great place to go for a drink with some friends. They often have pretty good live music too.

This bar, also known as the busted lift, has one of the most beautiful setups that I've ever seen in what looks like it's supposed to be a dive bar. It doesn't look busted at all! The hardwood boar is lovely, and every staff member of met there on the two times that I've been there have been more than accommodating and super friendly. the new part of this is separated from the bar, so if you're going to just get a drink you can totally do that and not be bothered by what's going on on the other side or vice versa. They have a couple pool tables on the bar side, and there's actually a smaller bar on the venue side in the back that they probably use I imagine whenever they're busier. It's all underground, which makes it a really neat place to visit if you're in the area.

Coolest bar in town. Bare stone walls, great outdoor space, tons of local live music and visiting bands as well. Bartenders are well-seasoned and amiable. Great location for travelers too!

Relaxed Atmosphere with lots of different beers on tap! The lift also has different genres of live music almost every Friday and Saturday! The bartenders are friendly and know a large variety of drinks!

Very interesting place! Great staff. Good prices on drinks. Definitely fun.

Great atmosphere and large draft beer selection.

One of those staple spots that makes Dubuque. They have something like 30 taps, always changing so there's always something new to try. Great whiskey selection. Awesome bartenders.

Matty is probably one of the nicest guys we met in Dubuque this weekend. He's a bit stoic, but don't get put off by it. He wants you to have a good time and enjoy your stay in the city.

The place itself is filled with tiny unique features. Like a cove right behind the bathrooms to sit down away from it all. And a cove near the darts. Don't miss free pool on Thursday nights either. Also, check out where the cash register had to go in order to save space. Uniqueu. Unequivocal.

All a great atmosphere and great selection of craft beer. Have seen many excellent music there too.

A hidden gem in Dubuque! I don't know how they do it, but I have yet to see a bad band play there. On several occasions I have shown up on a week night not know anything about the band playing and end up loving them. Keep it up!