El Bait Shop – Mexican
Stepping into this high-energy sanctuary of salt and sizzle, guests are greeted by the irresistible aroma of golden-fried comfort and the lively, unpretentious hum of a quintessential neighborhood haunt. The kitchen elevates the art of the bar snack, turning out crispy bacon-wrapped treasures and molten cheese curds alongside their signature Velvet Elvis dip for an experience that is unapologetically indulgent. It is a place where every crunchy, savory bite is designed to be shared over cold drinks and spirited conversation, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking soul-satisfying flavors in a laid-back atmosphere.
200, Southwest 2nd Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309 +15152841970 https://www.elbaitshop.com/0Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $
Dietary options: nut-free, high-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, low-carb, sugar-free, pescatarian, plant-based, mediterranean, diabetic, heart-healthy, low-fat, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, weight-watchers, clean-eating, atkins, low-fodmap, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, zone, raw-food, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, lectin-free, pegan, candida
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
- Bacon Wrapped Tator Tots - $9.99: Tater tots and jalapenos wrapped in thick bacon, then fried and topped with cheddar, and jack cheese. Served with ranch. Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies - $9.99: Smokies wrapped in brown sugar and cayenne glazed bacon. Served with ranch dressing. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Velvet Elvis Dip - $10.99: Secret recipe with spicy sausage, Velveeta, and Rotel. Served with fresh tortilla chips. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Deviled Eggs - $5.49: Classic recipe deviled eggs. Four per order. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Lectin-Free
- Fried Cheese Curds - $9.99: Wisconsin cheese curds battered, fried and served with ranch. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Fried Chicken Gizzards - $8.99: A basket of seasoned gizzards breaded and fried. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Fried Pickles - $8.99: Five dill pickle spears battered, fried and served with ranch. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Thin - Sliced Onion Rings - $9.99: A large basket of thin sliced yellow onion rings hand breaded and fried. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Chips and Salsa - $5.99: Homemade Mild or Spicy Rojo. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Chips and Cheese Sauce - $6.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Chips and Guacamole - $7.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Beef Stroganoff - $13.99: Tender beef, mushrooms and a creamy sauce with egg noodles. Served with one regular side and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Goulash - $12.99: Macaroni, tomatoes, hamburger and cheese served with one regular side and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Mom's Pot Roast - $12.99: Slow roasted beef, carrots, potatoes and gravy served with one regular side and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Liver & Onions - $12.99: Grilled and served with two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chicken Pot Pie - $13.99: Puff pastry pie stuffed with chicken and vegetables smothered in gravy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Meatloaf Dinner - $13.99: Homemade meatloaf topped with sauce and served with two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chicken Fingers Basket - $12.99: Fried chicken tenders on grilled Texas toast served with one regular side. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Macaroni and Cheese - $11.99: Homemade, topped with Parmesan and served with a roll. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Hot Beef - $13.99: Slow cooked roast beef on grilled Texas toast, topped with mashed potatoes and gravy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Hot Turkey - $13.99: Slices of hand carved turkey on grilled Texas toast topped with mashed potatoes and gravy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Poutine - $13.99: Brisket, cheese curds, French fries (or Tots!) covered in brown gravy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Traditional or Boneless Wings (1 lb) - $14.99: Served with carrots, celery and choice of Ranch or Blue Cheese. Sauces: Buffalo, High Life Tang, BBQ, Mo'Rub BBQ, Thai Peanut, Siracha Bourbon. Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Club Salad - $14.99: Lettuce mix, carrots, tomato, cucumber, red onion, grilled chicken, bacon, shredded cheese and croutons. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Chef Salad - $14.99: Lettuce mix, carrots, tomato, cucumber, red onion, ham, turkey, bacon, hard boiled egg, shredded cheese and croutons. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Dinner Salad - $9.99: Lettuce mix, carrots, tomato, cucumber, red onion, shredded cheese and croutons. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Taco Salad - $12.99: Large crisp tortilla shell, lettuce, choice of meat, tomatoes, green onions and cheese. Served with salsa and sour cream. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Homemade Chili (Cup) - $4.99 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, High-Fiber, Volumetrics
- Homemade Chili (Bowl) - $6.99 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, High-Fiber, Volumetrics
- Chicken Corn Chowder (Cup) - $4.99: Contains bacon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Volumetrics
- Chicken Corn Chowder (Bowl) - $6.99: Contains bacon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Italian Sausage - $12.99: Graziano’s sausage patty, grilled and topped with sautéed onions, peppers and mozzarella. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Italian Grinder - $12.99: Graziano’s Italian ground sausage topped with banana peppers, marinara, and mozzarella. Served on a toasted hoagie bun. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Philly Style Pot Roast Sandwich - $12.99: Tender pieces of slow cooked pot roast, grilled onions, red and green bell peppers and Swiss cheese served on a hoagie roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Pizza Burger - $11.99: Seasoned burger topped with cheese, coated with bread crumbs, fried and topped with pickles. Served with a side of marinara. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Club Sandwich - $12.99: Hand carved turkey and ham with bacon, lettuce and tomato on grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- BLT - $11.99: Three strips of bacon on grilled Texas toast with lettuce and tomato.
- Grilled Cheese - $9.99: American, Swiss, mozzarella and cheddar cheese on grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Prime Rib Sandwich - $14.99: Sliced prime rib topped with carmelized onions and choice of cheese. Served on a hoagie bun with au jus. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chicken Bacon & Cheese - $13.99: Grilled chicken breast topped with bacon and Swiss cheese. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich - $12.99: Breaded chicken with lettuce, tomato, and onion served on a toasted bun. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Pork Tenderloin - $12.99: Extra large breaded pork cutlet, fried and topped with pickles. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Spam Egg & Cheese - $12.99: Grilled Spam topped with fried egg and cheese on grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Fried Egg and Cheese - $11.99: Two fried eggs with American cheese served on grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Hot Ham & Cheese - $12.99: Hand sliced firebraised ham and Swiss cheese served on two pieces of grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- High Life Cheeseburger Basket - $8.99: 1/4 lb. burger with American cheese, pickles and onions. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Rarebit Burger - $13.99: Two 1/4 lb. beef patties served open faced, smothered with rarebit sauce and caramelized onions. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Southwest Black Bean Burger - $12.99: Seasoned black bean patty with avocado, sliced red onion, and choice of cheese on a brioche bun. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber
- Patty Melt - $13.99: Two 1/4 lb. patties served on marble rye with grilled onions and Swiss cheese. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Bacon Cheeseburger - $14.99: Two 1/4 lb. fresh beef patties topped with three strips of bacon and choice of cheese. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Spicy Diablo Burger - $13.99: Two 1/4 lb. burgers topped with grilled jalapeños, hot pepper cheese and spicy buffalo sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- The High Life Man - $15.99: 1/4 lb. burger patty, Italian sausage patty, three strips of bacon, Swiss and American cheese, grilled onions and jalapeños, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce. Topped with a mini powdered donut. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Breast & Breast (2 Piece) - $14.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Breast & Wing (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Breast & Drum (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Breast & Thigh (2 Piece) - $13.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Thigh & Thigh (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Thigh & Drum (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Fish Tacos - $12.99: Two soft shell flour tortillas, seasoned tilapia, shredded cabbage, pineapple salsa and cilantro cream sauce. Served with black beans. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Market Street Tacos - $11.99: Two soft corn tortillas with onion, cilantro and choice of Chorizo, Shredded Chicken or Steak. Served with black beans. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- The Original Pizza Puff - $9.99: Italian sausage, mozzarella, and pizza sauce in a puff. Two puffs and one side. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- El Bait Shop Nachos (1/2 Order) - $10.99: Tortilla chips, choice of meat, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos and banana peppers. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- El Bait Shop Nachos (Regular) - $13.99: Tortilla chips, choice of meat, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos and banana peppers. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Quesadilla - $11.99: Flour tortilla, cheese, tomatoes, green chiles, onions and choice of Shredded Chicken, Chorizo or Steak. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- French Fries - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
- Tater Tots - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy - $2.99 Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Cottage Cheese - $2.99 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Zone, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic, Lectin-Free
- Cole Slaw - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Potato Salad - $2.99: Contains bacon Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
- Corn - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Green Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Baked Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Black Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Sweet Potato Tots - $3.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Onion Rings (Side) - $3.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mac and Cheese (Side) - $3.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Chili Cheese Fries - $3.99 Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Broccoli - $3.99
- Side Salad - $3.99 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan
- Tangermeister Cocktail