Schera's Algerian American Restaurant & Bar

What can I say about this gem? Who would have thought that this building that looks near damn abandoned from the outside would be hiding such beer and food treasures inside. Crazy draft list, and an even crazier (if that's even possible) bottle list. Super friendly staff too. It's worth a trip up to Elkader.

Schera's was a destination on a recent trip to NE Iowa, as it's not really near anywhere. The selection is always varied and eclectic with a variety of styles to please everyone. The vibe here is amazing, it's cozy inside with a worn antique bar, and an excellent patio space out back with a killer view of a double-arched stone bridge over the Turkey River.

The beer and wine selections are unmatched, I had a Jester King Spon Syrah & Sangiovese and Freethought, both on draft. Small pours available to try the various drafts. Noticed a deep selection of Boon including the Monoblend series. They are hosting an upcoming Lambic Fest soon, so keep an eye on their email list.

Food was good, fresh made and they had some specials on the menu for Fall. Falafel was crispy and fresh, and the rabbit leg dish I had was pretty good. Service was limited to the server, who was working hard but struggling to keep up with all the tables. Only one other staff member pouring drinks and running food. Our server was friendly but rushed, which was understandable considering the current labor shortage. Check their website before you go and try to make a reservation if possible.

Overall, Schera's was a worthwhile destination and highly recommended if you find yourself in NE Iowa.

Visited on Zwanze Day 2018, so my impressions may be a bit skewed. Cozy lighting in the bar and dining areas and the absence of loud music gives the place a very pleasant vibe. These folks appreciate beer, no question. Awesome selection of both draft and bottled beers. The servers seemed friendly and knowledgeable despite the three- and four-deep lines at the bar. The food was outstanding as well. If I find myself in Elkader before Zwanze Day 2019, I will make it a point to stop in, sample some of the great tap list, and enjoy the excellent food in a more relaxed setting. And there's a nice view from the patio overlooking the river, too.

One of the great gems of Iowa, and helping building the scene for great beer and authentic food in a very unexpected spot.

I showed today (12-22-2012) up for lunch at about 1:30pm to find only two other tables. There are plenty of seats in this cozy place.

Half a dozen good taps and a great selection of bottles. I had a Tripel Karmeliet and a Nogne Imperial Stout. Served slightly colder than I enjoy, but didn't get cold enough to cause a lot of condensation on the glass and I could still hold it in my hand. They had a glass washer pre pour and someone had to come up from the back to pour it correctly (I'm guessing). The only complaint I had was how they stuck the tap head into the beer. I hope they keep those very clean everyday.

I grabbed a simple Shawarma (gyro) and is was ok. They used slices of meat instead of a spit, but it tasted good. The service was pretty bad. It was some young girl who spent more time staring out the window and plugging her phone on to her charger than focusing on my hand going up across the bar for ten minutes before I got out of my chair and went up and asked her for service.

They also had Jolly Pumkin's Pumkin Ale and Kwak on tap. Good selection for the area.

I was on a business trip for a few days and saw this place listed on Beer Advocate. It was about 40 miles away from my work site, but I decided to give it a try. Boy was I happy I did!

Elkader is a small, quaint town in a beautiful section of Iowa full of picturesque bluffs. And right in the downtown area sits Schera's, which you might not even notice if you aren't looking for it.

From the outside, the restaurant appears like any other small-town cafe you might encounter. I chuckled at some of the signage on the door, such as "If God wanted us to filter our beers, he wouldn't have given us livers."

As soon as I stepped inside, however, I was completely blown away by the bar taps! I saw the Golden Dragon above multiple Draak's on tap, the Pink Elephant of Delerium, as well as at least a dozen other world-class beers, including St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Hennepin.

One of the owners, Frederique, was running the bar and gave use several samples as well, he was an extremely nice guy.

When you sit down you get a menu, a wine list, and a beer guide that had to be at least 30 8X11 pages thick, containing notes on various beer styles and which ones were available at Schera's. I made the waitress come back several times for my order, because I kept getting engrossed in the beer guide and couldn't decide what I wanted! I would estimate they had at least 100 different beers, and a majority of them I had not even seen for sale before.

I ended up starting with a 2009 St-Ambroise Vintage Ale, which was an English barley wine, and simply fantastic! Came in a bottle and a little tube like a fine liquor, all brought to the table for me. Did I say fantastic?

With dinner I had a Scotch Silly, which was a very good Scotch Ale, on draft. Like just about everything on draft, it was served in a matching Scotch Silly glass and coaster. Went great with my 20oz black angus steak cooked medium rare. The dinner was only $19, which is a great price for such a perfectly cooked piece of 20oz steak!

Went for novelty for dessert, choosing the Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout. It was pretty good!

Me and my co-worker had such a good time we came back the next and last night of our trip. I had a St Bernardus Abt 12 (served from the tap in matching glass and coaster), Gulden Draak (also from the tap with matching glass and coaster), and a Bell's Expedition Stout for dessert (and yes, also served with matching glass and coaster!). I had their signature dish for my meal, Couscous Royale, which was absolutely delicious.

Although we ate in the dining room both nights, if the weather is nice you should definitely try the outside eating area which is a beautiful patio right on the Turkey river and just upstream from a beautiful old double-arch stone bridge.

I would recommend that any beer-lover stop in to Schera's if you have the opportunity - you will be glad you did!

I had the pleasure of going to schera's a few days ago. Me and my friends are currently cycling across the country and schera's upon first impression, rivals anything we have seen elsewhere on our trip. The building itself is beautiful, high ceilings, and a spacious back porch over the river set for an amazing atmosphere. We were lucky enough to meet frederique, (hope I spelled that right) one of the owners. The amount of care and work he puts into his draft system is better than 99% of what I have seen in my life time. Every pint served is served as it was intended to be, and with appropriate glassware. Missing this place would be a great mistake. The beer selection was through the roof; from jolly pumpkin to delerium schera's has you covered. If you are near elkared at all this is a MUST see location for any beer lover.

We went on one of our typical day trips. Went to Elkader to pick up the local delicacy Raw Dawg(steak tartare, kinda)

Wife went to the quilt store and I went to the bar across the street. It was an old brick building. Inside was also old looking with very high ceilings and some remodeling.

I walked in and sat down at the bar fully expecting the usual lame list. My eyes nearly bugged out of my head. St Bernardus Abt 12, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Scheider Edel-Weisse, Unibrioue Trois Pistoles. This is not the entire list. All the beer was tapped to perfection. I tried a couple and must say the beer is perfect. The bottle selection was like a who's who for what is available in Iowa. They really know their beer.

On to the food: A nice selection of American staples and a unique sampling of Algerian food available at night. I tried a bowl of Algerian vegetable soup. All the food we had was fresh and well done. All items served very quickly.

The owner was an interesting sort from Boston and very personable. I will go back next time we visit. A top notch spot.