Joker's on Court Avenue to be relaunched as new Shag's bar

Joker’s nightclub in downtown Des Moines will close on Saturday. Owners said they plan to revamp the second floor space at 216 Court Ave. and rename the bar Shag’s.

Barmuda Cos. of Cedar Falls owns Joker’s and two other downtown bars, The Stuffed Olive and Voodoo Lounge. Owner Darin Beck said Joker’s needed a refresh.

"Joker’s has lived a pretty long life as night clubs go in larger markets," Beck said. "Joker’s is still a pretty busy place on weekends, but we don’t do comedy anymore as we did in the beginning and the club in desperate need of an upgrade."

Shag’s is a throwback to a bar Beck operated for 24 years before closing in 2010 in Cedar Falls called Shagnasty’s. It will be a dance club and featured five pool tables and two bars. He described the atmosphere as “pub meets club with a modern yet retro feel.”

Work on the new space begins Monday, Beck said. He plans to launch Shag’s on St. Patrick’s Day weekend in mid March.