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: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at El Bait Shop
Dairy-Free at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 19 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Onion Rings (Side), Cole Slaw and Broccoli. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Broccoli, Potato Salad and Deviled Eggs. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 33 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Onion Rings (Side), Macaroni and Cheese and Cole Slaw. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Homemade Chili (Cup), Chef Salad and Hot Ham & Cheese. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Broccoli, Homemade Chili (Cup) and Cottage Cheese. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Broccoli, Homemade Chili (Cup) and Tangermeister Cocktail. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Broccoli and French Fries. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop in Des Moines has 14 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Broccoli, Sweet Potato Tots and Homemade Chili (Bowl). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at El Bait Shop
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Salad | 0 g | 76.6 g |
| Italian Grinder | 47.7 g | 70.4 g |
| Chicken Pot Pie | 55.7 g | 64.9 g |
| Club Sandwich | 49.1 g | 57.3 g |
| Liver & Onions | 90.6 g | 56.7 g |
| Hot Ham & Cheese | 29 g | 51.7 g |
| Meatloaf Dinner | 86.9 g | 51.6 g |
| The High Life Man | 32.8 g | 43.9 g |
| Club Salad | 23.3 g | 39.1 g |
| Pizza Burger | 17.7 g | 36 g |
| Dinner Salad | 20.9 g | 33.8 g |
| Chef Salad | 9 g | 31.7 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Menu
Appetizers
- 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. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies - $9.99: Smokies wrapped in brown sugar and cayenne glazed bacon. Served with ranch dressing. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Velvet Elvis Dip - $10.99: Secret recipe with spicy sausage, Velveeta, and Rotel. Served with fresh tortilla chips. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Deviled Eggs - $5.49: Classic recipe deviled eggs. Four per order. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Fried Cheese Curds - $9.99: Wisconsin cheese curds battered, fried and served with ranch. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken Gizzards - $8.99: A basket of seasoned gizzards breaded and fried. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Pickles - $8.99: Five dill pickle spears battered, fried and served with ranch. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thin - Sliced Onion Rings - $9.99: A large basket of thin sliced yellow onion rings hand breaded and fried. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chips and Salsa - $5.99: Homemade Mild or Spicy Rojo. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chips and Cheese Sauce - $6.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chips and Guacamole - $7.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
High Life Classics
- Beef Stroganoff - $13.99: Tender beef, mushrooms and a creamy sauce with egg noodles. Served with one regular side and a roll. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Goulash - $12.99: Macaroni, tomatoes, hamburger and cheese served with one regular side and a roll. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mom's Pot Roast - $12.99: Slow roasted beef, carrots, potatoes and gravy served with one regular side and a roll. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Liver & Onions - $12.99: Grilled and served with two regular sides and a roll. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Pot Pie - $13.99: Puff pastry pie stuffed with chicken and vegetables smothered in gravy. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meatloaf Dinner - $13.99: Homemade meatloaf topped with sauce and served with two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Fingers Basket - $12.99: Fried chicken tenders on grilled Texas toast served with one regular side. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Macaroni and Cheese - $11.99: Homemade, topped with Parmesan and served with a roll. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Beef - $13.99: Slow cooked roast beef on grilled Texas toast, topped with mashed potatoes and gravy. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Turkey - $13.99: Slices of hand carved turkey on grilled Texas toast topped with mashed potatoes and gravy. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Poutine - $13.99: Brisket, cheese curds, French fries (or Tots!) covered in brown gravy. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
Wings
- 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. Available at: dinner, lunch
Salad & Soup
- Club Salad - $14.99: Lettuce mix, carrots, tomato, cucumber, red onion, grilled chicken, bacon, shredded cheese and croutons. Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dinner Salad - $9.99: Lettuce mix, carrots, tomato, cucumber, red onion, shredded cheese and croutons. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Taco Salad - $12.99: Large crisp tortilla shell, lettuce, choice of meat, tomatoes, green onions and cheese. Served with salsa and sour cream. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Homemade Chili (Cup) - $4.99 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Homemade Chili (Bowl) - $6.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Corn Chowder (Cup) - $4.99: Contains bacon Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Corn Chowder (Bowl) - $6.99: Contains bacon Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches
- Italian Sausage - $12.99: Graziano’s sausage patty, grilled and topped with sautéed onions, peppers and mozzarella. Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pizza Burger - $11.99: Seasoned burger topped with cheese, coated with bread crumbs, fried and topped with pickles. Served with a side of marinara. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Club Sandwich - $12.99: Hand carved turkey and ham with bacon, lettuce and tomato on grilled Texas toast. Available at: dinner, lunch
- BLT - $11.99: Three strips of bacon on grilled Texas toast with lettuce and tomato. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Cheese - $9.99: American, Swiss, mozzarella and cheddar cheese on grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Bacon & Cheese - $13.99: Grilled chicken breast topped with bacon and Swiss cheese. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich - $12.99: Breaded chicken with lettuce, tomato, and onion served on a toasted bun. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Tenderloin - $12.99: Extra large breaded pork cutlet, fried and topped with pickles. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spam Egg & Cheese - $12.99: Grilled Spam topped with fried egg and cheese on grilled Texas toast. Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Fried Egg and Cheese - $11.99: Two fried eggs with American cheese served on grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Hot Ham & Cheese - $12.99: Hand sliced firebraised ham and Swiss cheese served on two pieces of grilled Texas toast. Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
Burgers
- High Life Cheeseburger Basket - $8.99: 1/4 lb. burger with American cheese, pickles and onions. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Rarebit Burger - $13.99: Two 1/4 lb. beef patties served open faced, smothered with rarebit sauce and caramelized onions. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Patty Melt - $13.99: Two 1/4 lb. patties served on marble rye with grilled onions and Swiss cheese. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bacon Cheeseburger - $14.99: Two 1/4 lb. fresh beef patties topped with three strips of bacon and choice of cheese. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Diablo Burger - $13.99: Two 1/4 lb. burgers topped with grilled jalapeños, hot pepper cheese and spicy buffalo sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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. Available at: dinner, lunch
Broasted Chicken
- Breast & Breast (2 Piece) - $14.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breast & Wing (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breast & Drum (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breast & Thigh (2 Piece) - $13.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thigh & Thigh (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thigh & Drum (2 Piece) - $12.99: Includes two regular sides and a roll. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
El Bait Shop Favorites
- 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: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Market Street Tacos - $11.99: Two soft corn tortillas with onion, cilantro and choice of Chorizo, Shredded Chicken or Steak. Served with black beans. Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Original Pizza Puff - $9.99: Italian sausage, mozzarella, and pizza sauce in a puff. Two puffs and one side. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- 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-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Bait Shop Nachos (Regular) - $13.99: Tortilla chips, choice of meat, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos and banana peppers. Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quesadilla - $11.99: Flour tortilla, cheese, tomatoes, green chiles, onions and choice of Shredded Chicken, Chorizo or Steak. Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- French Fries - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tater Tots - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal Available at: breakfast, dinner, lunch
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cottage Cheese - $2.99 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Cole Slaw - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Potato Salad - $2.99: Contains bacon Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Corn - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Green Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baked Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Black Beans - $2.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Potato Tots - $3.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Onion Rings (Side) - $3.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mac and Cheese (Side) - $3.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chili Cheese Fries - $3.99 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Broccoli - $3.99 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Side Salad - $3.99 Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Tangermeister Cocktail Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about El Bait Shop
- Is El Bait Shop dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. El Bait Shop has 19 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Onion Rings (Side), Cole Slaw and Broccoli.
- What can I eat at El Bait Shop on a dairy-free diet?
- Onion Rings (Side), Cole Slaw and Broccoli carry the dairy-free tag, out of 19 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does El Bait Shop have vegan options?
- Yes. 14 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Broccoli and Sweet Potato Tots.
- Is El Bait Shop gluten-free?
- 3 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at El Bait Shop?
- Taco Salad, at roughly 76.6g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near El Bait Shop
- Fuzzy's Taco Shop — Mexican
- Malo — Mexican
- Abelardo's Mexican Restaurant — Mexican
- Mi Casa Cake Shop — Mexican
- Tasty Tacos — Mexican
- Fiesta Mexican Restaurant — Mexican
- Monterrey Mexican Restaurant — Mexican
- Pancheros Mexican Grill — Mexican
- El Salvadoreño — Mexican
- Giliberto's Mexican Taco Shop — Mexican
- Tito's Lounge — Mexican
- Abelardo's Mexican Restaurant — Mexican
