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    Iowa Taproom

    4.0 (449 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Beer Bar
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Iowa Taproom Takeout or Delivery

    Iowa Taproom Photos

    Business Info

    IOWA TAPROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Casual
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Iowa Taproom

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chicken Wings
    Leah W.

    I was in Des Moines for a work event and needed a place to have dinner in downtown. I saw the Iowa Taproom was nearby and had decent reviews. It was honestly not good at all. The salad was bad. I'm talking the lettuce was from the inside of the iceberg but also somehow wilted. There was chicken and wontons on it but none of it was good or appetizing. We got an order of wings which was decent. Also ham balls because I was curious. They were okay. But the biggest letdown was honestly the salad. How is that possible to make a bad salad? The service was good, super sweet waitress. And the ambiance was cool! At one point a deer did walk up to the window which I found strange for a downtown but Iowa stuff?

    Taps
    Megan M.

    Came here after dinner for drinks. We had great service and a HUGE selection of beer. I couldn't make up my mind so I got a flight. Our bartender graciously brought samples so I could choose. Every beer was delicious and all from Iowa! They looked like they had a great food menu as well, but we didny try any on this visit. Will be back next time I'm in town!

    Blonde Fatale
    Miranda S.

    Stopped here recently for a few drinks and a plate of meatballs. No complaints or issues with our drinks or the meatballs. Very tasty and reasonable price as well. Friendly staff. Attentive. Clean area. Decent restrooms.

    Pork Tenderloin
    Tiffany O.

    Wandered into Iowa Taproom while I stayed in Des Moines for an overnight. Would recommend seems like a chill place to go for beers. I'm not a beer drinker however I did have a cider I enjoyed. Accompanied by a pork tenderloin sandwich that was juicy and delicious. It's a big venue, and there is outside dining as well. Staff was friendly, saw the owner interacting with staff, checking on things.

    Lager beer flight
    Erica B.

    This place was incredible!! Our server was phenomenal and I wish I remembered her name. We came in for a few apps, beer flights and some Sunday football. My husband and I each got a flight and were super impressed with the variety. He is a sours guy and tried 4 different sours. For appetizers, we got the cheesesteak egg rolls that were DELICIOUS and the cheese curds which were also sooo good! Ambiance was great for sports and also festive for the holidays. Would definitely recommend! Lunch plates that were coming by for other tables looked great too.

    Beer wall
    Dennis S.

    I stopped in for some after dinner drinks so I cant comment on the food but the beer selection was the best I have ever seen. The service was great and super attentive, our beertender making suggestions and helping us make out flights for my whole group. Great space for larger groups with several large tables in addition to the long bar seating. Overall I cant wait to return, a must stop for any beer lover in the vicinity of Des Moines.

    Bourbon BBQ Wings
    Christine I.

    A great event space especially for larger groups! Very casual and has lots of seating options. It can get pretty noisy during peak times but the space is well maintained! For the most part every time I've been here the service has been friendly enough and efficient with getting food out pretty fast!

    Cheese curds
    Leah B.

    Very cool spot with interesting Iowa and vintage decor. I loved the silo with all of the taps on it. The service was friendly and prompt. They have a lot, A LOT of beers, ciders, and sours brewed right here in Iowa. My husband and I got the burger that was made with ground beef and breakfast sausage and topped with an egg (I think it was called the good morning, but I can't remember). It was beyond delicious!!! The whole concept is superb! We got sweet potato fries as our side. The cheeseballs were nice and crispy, and cheesy. The kids Mac n cheese was very creamy. The flights offer a way to be able to sample the different beers you wanted to try!

    Flight
    Stephen C.

    We had a lovely time interacting with our bartenders. Food was excellent and filling. Love the atmosphere. There is too much beer on tap here to sample all in one visit, but you can try, as I did. All from Iowa. Of note was the pork sandwich. It was a large schnitzel served on a bun with lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles. Not as big as Figlmüller (IYKYK) but still ambitious.

    John O.

    I do love Des Moines Underrated beer city Get down there pronto Something like 99 taps of all Iowa beers from over 35 Iowa breweries that are always rotating. Open all 7 days. It can get crowded. If you can hit it during a down time you have hit the jackpot. I would like to just sit here all day. Heard through a rideshare driver that one company owns all of these great places in Des Moines. Hessen Haus, Fong's, El Baitshop, Iowa Taproom, etc. They know what they are doing if that is the case. To sum it up, the food is great. The beer is plentiful. The staff is friendly. Seems like they even remember me lol. If all things work out, should be back soon in the dead cold of winter.

    Entrance and bar
    Erin L.

    We walked in and were seated right away. The place is somewhat decorated for Christmas, but it's still an inviting atmosphere with their enormous craft beer selection. I love the apricot beer, but opted for water tonight. I got the blackened salmon BLTA. The A stands for avocado. It was on a ciabatta bun. Very tasty and filling. Hubby got the Reuben and I snagged a bite. It was how it was supposed to taste and still warm. Very good. Our server was polite and friendly and we were in and out in less than 40 minutes. :).

    Chicken Fried Chicken Cheese Steak Egg Rolls

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    10 days ago

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    14 days ago

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    Steevo A.

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    6 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    5 days ago

    Stopped here on a road trip. Close to the Hwy, great food and friendly service. Amazing beer selection.

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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 month ago

    Service and ambiance was fine but I order the French dip and I got sick from it later that evening after I went.

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Great service and atmosphere. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Thanks for a great night!

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Such a great atmosphere! Decor is inviting. WOW to all the taps. Great service and food!

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    8 months ago

    Great customer service and wonderful atmosphere. Would go back again. Giant selection of beer and great food

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    3 years ago

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    6 months ago

    The food was great and the service was outstanding!! The ambiance was right on and very welcoming.......John

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    10 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Maybe consider mentioning on your website the day your closed for a private event! Lousy communication!

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - Iowa Taproom

    Is this place Lis friendly?

    Did you mean to ask if Taproom is kid-friendly? Yes we are. We have kids in here all the time. We do require an adult to be at a table with kids. Thank you!

    Do you have gluten-free options?

    They have broccoli

    Do they have wine?

    No. Kombucha and root beer

    Beer flights available?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    El Bait Shop

    El Bait Shop

    4.3(588 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free parking

    The Ultimate Stop for Bikes, Beer & Bites…read more After a day of biking, we made it back to El Bait Shop with some friends. This place is a solid choice, whether you're in the mood for the world's biggest selection of tap beers or some fantastic gastropub and comfort food from the lounge next door. We love it here because we can park our bikes in the provided area off the patio and still keep an eye on them. The outdoor service area is semi-shaded and the service is just as good as you'd get inside. As a beer lover, I can tell you the selection is ridiculous and expansive. If you want it, they probably have it, and from four or five different breweries at that! The menu is also loaded, with choices from both El Bait Shop and the High Life Lounge. Today, our food order was as impressive as the beer list. While I can't recall all the beers we had, the food included a Prime Rib Sandwich with tots ($14.99), the Pizza Burger also with tots ($11.99), the Philly Style Pot Roast Sandwich with a side of potato salad, and a massive bowl of Macaroni and Cheese ($11.99). We were starving after our ride, but that didn't change the fact that the food was all delicious, well-prepared, and served by our very attentive waiter, Kyle???, May. No one had any complaints, and the beer was cold and on time! Overall, we love the eclectic vibe of this place. Its downtown location gives you some great views, and more importantly, you're within walking distance of almost everything downtown Des Moines has to offer. This is a go-to spot for me, and I love taking first-time visitors here because it's so unique and the quality of both the service and the food is always on point. Oh, and did I mention the beer selection is completely insane? If you haven't been here yet, you are missing out, and you don't even know it. PRO TIP: Come here, and before you leave, slip over to the High Life Lounge for a throwback moment. Next time, start there and slip over here for a beer!

    Wow this is not a dive bar, no matter who calls it that…read more We came in for a bite to eat and a beer while passing through Des Moines based on Yelp reviews. Had a sour with three fruit flavors that was lovely, and lunch of broasted chicken and beef stroganoff. The beef was surprisingly tender. Friendly service. Highly recommend this place!

    Photos
    El Bait Shop
    El Bait Shop
    El Bait Shop

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    Iowa Taproom - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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