El Bait Shop sits at 200 SW 2nd Street in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, and has earned a national reputation as one of the finest craft beer bars in the United States. The venue's kitschy fishing-and-hunting theme — mounted trophies, old tackle, and taxidermy scattered throughout the room — provides an ironic backdrop to an extraordinary tap list of more than 260 craft beers, spanning Iowa producers, regional stalwarts, and internationally recognized breweries. The crowd is broad: serious craft-beer enthusiasts, curious visitors, and neighborhood regulars share the long bar and mismatched seating, united by a genuine appreciation for a well-poured pint. Dress is entirely casual; no one is turned away for what they are wearing, and the atmosphere is unpretentious despite the exceptional range of the product.
The sheer depth and breadth of the beer selection is the defining characteristic of El Bait Shop. Bar staff are knowledgeable and encourage guests to ask for recommendations across styles, ABV levels, and flavor profiles, making a visit as much an educational experience as a social one. Iowa craft breweries feature prominently on the tap list, giving visitors an efficient survey of the state's growing brewing scene in a single sitting. Ciders, mead, and a basic spirits selection supplement the beer programme, while the kitchen offers a bar-food menu to fuel longer sessions. Music plays as background ambience; with 260 beers to discuss, conversation dominates the room.
El Bait Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM and Sunday from noon to midnight. No cover charge applies at any time, and walk-in entry is the norm. The bar fills quickly on weekend afternoons, particularly during Iowa Hawkeyes or Iowa State Cyclones game broadcasts. Groups larger than ten should plan arrival during off-peak hours to secure enough seating in the mixed arrangement of bar stools, booths, and tables.
Good to know
- Hours
- Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Signature
- Over 260 craft beers on tap and in bottles; tackled fishing theme decor; one of the US's best beer bars
Location
200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
41.5831, -93.6265 View on map
Highlights
- Over 260 craft beers on tap and in bottles spanning Iowa, regional, and international producers
- Knowledgeable staff offering guided recommendations across styles, ABV levels, and flavor profiles
- Iconic kitschy fishing-and-hunting décor providing an ironic backdrop to a nationally recognized beer programme
- Open six days a week until 2:00 AM with no cover charge and no dress code
Tips for visiting
- Ask bar staff for a recommendation — with 260 options, guidance is valuable and freely given without pressure
- Game days for Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones pack the bar from early afternoon; arrive at opening to secure seating
- Groups larger than ten should visit during off-peak hours — the seating arrangement can make large-party coordination difficult at busy times
- Sunday hours end at midnight rather than 2:00 AM; plan the visit timeline accordingly
Frequently asked questions
How many beers does El Bait Shop carry?
El Bait Shop carries over 260 beers across its tap handles and bottle and can selection, drawn from Iowa craft producers, major regional breweries, and internationally recognized labels.
Is there a cover charge at El Bait Shop?
No cover charge applies on any night. Entry is free, with payment only for drinks and food ordered at the bar or kitchen.
Does El Bait Shop serve food?
Yes, the bar operates a kitchen offering a bar-food menu throughout regular operating hours, making it suitable for a longer visit combining meals and drinks.
What makes El Bait Shop stand out among Des Moines bars?
The combination of over 260 taps and bottles, extensively trained staff, and the kitschy fishing-camp décor gives El Bait Shop a distinctive character that sets it apart from standard taprooms or craft beer bars in Iowa.