El Bait Shop

200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines
(515) 284-1970

Recent Reviews

Mark Mclaughlin

Always a good time to be had here with the multitude of beers available and great food from the

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots, Beer Flight

Heath Thede

Massive beer selection here. Knowledgeable bar tenders.

Chris Hodges

Always a fun place to hang out with friends after work. They have great food and cold drinks. Atmosphere is amazing! It is worth to at least try it once, you will be back.Parking: It does get tight for parking. Plenty of street parking. Park next to them or go just a little east and park there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots, Hot Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Beer Flight, Wings, Goulash

Sarah Watson

Had the gizzards as a main dish and hubby had the open face rarebit burger.

Bob Darr

Watched the Iowa Hawkeye womens game but No sound in the bar. I really enjoyed the service and suggestions. The special breakfast burrito was outstanding. Tater tots inside was a pleasant surprise. Watched the game .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

TONY PHILLIPS

Didn't go to El Bait Shop, but Highlife. Three of us ordered fried chicken, and it was way over done. The Manager gave us a discount after we told them.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Zachery Peterson

Very busy place some of the food was cold. But still good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hot Beef

Cathy Braun

BEST broasted chicken ever!! Great bartenders. Be sure to ask Ed, a bartender, for a Mr. Ed beverage... suggested by the mixers in MN?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs, Mashed Potatoes

Jeff Corbin

Was really looking forward to trying out their incredible beer list and some food after traveling all day. It was .likely the only night I will ever be in Des Moines and have the chance to try things out. Sat down just after 9 pm and was told the kitchen had closed! Seriously? The server did recommend a place somewhat nearby where we could get food. We went there and ate quickly in order to get back to El Bait Shop in order to order lat least a couple beers before they close. We were there at 9:45, and it turned out that they had locked the doors fifteen minutes before closing at 10. And there were at least twenty people inside enjoying themselves. Unbelievable! I have been to restaurants and bars all over the country and have never seen anything like this. The kitchen closes at 9, the bar at 10? Ridiculous!

MtZ Reviewz

What a place! So much stuff to see on the walls, but it’s not gimmicky feeling. The music is very 90’s punk on a Monday night which is fantastic, and goes either way the homemade feel of having boasted chicken that is juicy and crispy. There must be 200 beer options including 2 great hop water N/A options. They’re good enough you don’t need a bunch of other N/A choices I’d say! Friendly service. Right location!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Michael Bloedel

Almost too many beers to choose from! So many craft beer choices it's unlikely you wouldn't find something you want.Great pub food. I can recommend the spam and egg sandwich, and chili.It has a country roadside tavern atmosphere.Bartenders were knowledgeable, attentive and helpful with decisions.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs

S. M. Dougherty

Soooooooo, many beers from which to choose. Not enough time.Didn't eat here so I can't speak for the food.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

James CR

Went here for lunch with some guys from work. Had the special, chicken fried steak, and it was good. The roll was delicious too. I thought it was gonna be a bit hard, by the looks. Also ordered the Thai peanut wings. Tasty with a small kick.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Wings

amber smith

Every time I visit Des Moines, this place is a definite stop!!! As a lover of craft beers, this place always has incredible choices!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beer Flight

Jennifer Schoff

There was a glitch with my meal...they offered me free dessert, free appetizer, drink...ANYTHING to keep me happy. Even the chef came out several times and apologized. WAY above and beyond. We NEVER have a bad experience here!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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