El Bait Shop was opened on April 17th, 2006,

by seven local owners. We have 105 beers on tap and over 100 beers in bottles. The décor is eclectic, with dozens of beer signs, a working shower, taxi-dermied animals, murals, outdoor bar and a giant patio.

El Bait Shop is a good value where you don’t have to spend a fortune for great food and beer. The bar has over 100 beers on tap, which makes it the biggest selection of American Micro-brew in the world! Beers from breweries from Maine to Oregon and many in between, as well as several beers brewed here in the great state of Iowa. A new menu was created in April 2009 filled with American bar favorites like: 10 kinds of wings, a ton of appetizers, Mexican favorites, fish tacos, burgers and other delicious foods that pair well with our brews.

El Bait Shop is the place to be before and after the I-Cubs game. We have 26 bike racks and are right in the middle of many of Des Moines’ bike trails which makes us a favorite stop off for bike riders from all over the city and state. We have won many honors; we are rated A on Beer Advocate, were “Best New Bar”- Cityview 2006, we were one of Esquire Magazine.com’s “Best Bars in America 2007” and were voted “Top 200 Bars in America” Draft Magazine 2009.