Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.El Bait Shop
Pub$$$$
Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines
"GREAT beer selection, friendly knowledgeable staff and great food!"(25 Tips)
"El Bait Shop/High Life Lounge for Jimmy Carter Happy Hour"(3 Tips)
"You can get the High Life lounge menu and El Bait Shop's menu :)."(3 Tips)
"Awesome selection and can't wait to try more of the beers on tap!"(14 Tips)
125 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- beer
- casual
- jimmy carter happy hour
- good for groups
- tater tots
- (15 more)
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Here's what you're gonna do. Order the 2 pints & 2 lbs. of wings. Beers: Lost Coast Apricot Wheat & Bent River Jalapeño Pepper Ale. Order 1/3 each of tang, dry rub, and mexican wings. Then die happy.
Ben BaronOctober 7, 2017I can't begin to praise this bar enough: great food, awesome atmosphere and staff, and a stellar tap and bottle list. If you are in town and love beer you must visit.
Ben BJune 2, 2020With so many options on tap, it's hard to know where to start. I recommend something local. Avoid the big name breweries you can get back home. Experience something you can't normally enjoy.- Chris LaffertyApril 13, 2022GREAT beer selection, friendly knowledgeable staff and great food! Get the bacon wrapped tots and the fish tacos. Say hi to Nicole!
This place has been called a "Top 200 Bar in America" many years by Draft Magazine. But, you don't need them to tell you that. One visit and you'll know it.
Dean CulverFebruary 16, 2019Great event!! I had a great time and had really great beer....and oh yea thd brunch food was very delish!
Juice MagazineApril 24, 2012Voted #4 in our reader-determined Top 50 Bars. Few bars can impress beer lovers like el Bait Shop. With more than 100 beers on tap and another 170 in bottles, they will have a brew you like. Read more
Dave GrossJanuary 20, 2018Bar staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Try the highlighted food choices off the menu - you won’t be disappointed!
Nathan SummersonNovember 23, 2019Fantastic place to experience all life and beer has to offer. If they make it, this place has got it. Delirium Tremens in a bottle as well!!!
Men's Health MagJuly 9, 2012Bring a few buddies and try the "Two Pounds, Two Pints" deal, where you can fill up on any of the 10 flavors of wings and 104 beers on draft. Try the Mexican wings, made with a spicy wet sauce.
KT FloridaJune 7, 2015If it's too crowded here you can always grab a beer and go next door to the less crowded High Life Lounge
dino de LeónApril 25, 2013What a find! tremendous beer selection and smart staff. plus the brosters chicken will have you getting all "game of thrones" on your food. go. now.
Greg CrawfordNovember 27, 2015Great selection of beer both draft and bottle. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff will make anyone feel at home.
If you can't find a beer you like in this establishment, then you should be "suds-free" in your alcohol consumption. The food is pretty good too!!!!
A beer snobs wet dream. So many good beers, and super good bar food.
Best selection of beers on tap in the state. Over 100 on tap.- Juice MagazineOctober 5, 2011With 105 beers on tap and 155 in cans and bottles, el Bait Shop is the undisputed king of beer bars. See their top 10 selling beers: http://dmreg.com/yGt6jC Read more
Chad HinzOctober 17, 2015Great selection of beers, even if you don't drink beer regularly you'll find something here!- Juice MagazineJuly 11, 2013The Jimmy Carter Happy Hour is back!. It starts at 6 p.m. and is on a weekly basis. Read more
Rick ClaytonNovember 1, 2015Atmosphere was great and beer was terrific. Didnt get to try the food but will be back.
Soni Maze LaddSeptember 20, 2015Get the deviled eggs--yummy! And the cole slaw and traditional wings too.
The bathrooms have been redone and they are awesome! Just as awesome as the beer and food!:))
Tell the bartender what styles you like and then ask for a recommendation. You won't be disappointed.
DATABOYMay 25, 2013This place is hoppin'. Recommend the Confluence Black IPA & Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots. #healthy
Are you a beer lover? There are over 180 taps here. That's all you need to know.
Thai Peanut Wings and a massive selection of beer to wash them down with.- Greg JansmaAugust 8, 2011Scrimshaw is the best beer I've had there so far! Awesome selection and can't wait to try more of the beers on tap!
Great 3 course meal here. App: beer. Main course: beer. Desert: beer.
Try not to be overwhelmed by the beer selection, and definitely order something that you've never tried before.
I'm a cider beer fan, and I already knew I loved Strongbow, Woodchuck, and Ace Pear. But I tried the Woodpecker and Sutliff, and the Woodpecker on tap was waaay better.
The peanut butter bacon burger is definitely worth a try!
Great lunch spot! Try the Baja Fish Tacos or a Taco Salad.
1,958 Photos
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The world's largest selection of craft beer is right here. 120 taps, and more bottles. With delicious food and live music, there's something here for everyone.
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
(515) 284-1970
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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"Belgian beer selection great, low key atmosphere, not sure most people know about it"
Chris MacKenzie - 8.6
"I've enjoyed fish and chips across England & Ireland. The fish and chips here are quite good; easily the best I've had in the States."
Jody - 8.1
"They don't charge enough for their steak sandwich. Sirloin fillet on toast with fries and a salad for under 12 bucks. One of the best that I have had"
Mike K
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- 8.8
"Deviled eggs on the menu! I like mine with a bit more mayo but these are still yummy! Great service and cold beer."
Andrea Binger - 8.7
"Good beer selection. Lot of different concessions. Tix prices very affordable. Not a bad seat in the park."
Ken Lassiter - 8.7
"Everything about this place is great: the food, the boot, and thru atmosphere."
Mike Henneberry
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