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.
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
Curtis Hadley
Great beer selection! So many taps and so little time...Servers were great and pandered to my desire to watch Purdue Hoops at the bar. So many great beer recommendations, great local hot-sauce as well as great food.This is now one of my top go-to places in Des Moines!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Beer Flight
Pamela McBride
Great place! My food was so delicious, and our server was very attentive. And friendly. The selection of tap beer was unbelievable, but sadly, I can't drink due to medical concerns. Darn it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Gibbons
This place is always a good time. Great crowd, great atmosphere, amazing food, and one of the best beer selections in Des Moines. Service is always on point guaranteeing you will have a great time.
Had the gizzards as a main dish and hubby had the open face rarebit burger.
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
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
Very busy place some of the food was cold. But still good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Hot Beef
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
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!
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
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
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
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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
Great beer selection! So many taps and so little time...Servers were great and pandered to my desire to watch Purdue Hoops at the bar. So many great beer recommendations, great local hot-sauce as well as great food.This is now one of my top go-to places in Des Moines!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Beer Flight
Great place! My food was so delicious, and our server was very attentive. And friendly. The selection of tap beer was unbelievable, but sadly, I can't drink due to medical concerns. Darn it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is always a good time. Great crowd, great atmosphere, amazing food, and one of the best beer selections in Des Moines. Service is always on point guaranteeing you will have a great time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5