“Cece is THE BEST!! On our past two visits, we have had Cece as our server and she is such a joy to have! Our drinks and waters were always full. She was engaging with our children making them feel welcome.We were happy to see we were in her section on our last visit to play golf for my husband’s birthday. Even while in the golf bays, she was accommodating, attentive, and extremely timely with her service. She’s a gem and we will request to be in her section next time we visit!“
“Stopped here while traveling for work and it did not disappoint! There was street parking available up front and though we did not have reservations we were seated fairly quickly at the bar. We almost ordered one of everything to share. Each dish had unique flavors that tied perfectly together. The staff knew their food well and gave excellent recommendations. If you are going to get dinner in downtown Des Moines, you have to come here.“
“What an experience!! Having been a server in a fine dining restaurant many years ago what stood out to me most at Oak Park, on top of the amazing food and classy aesthetic, was the clockwork like polished service provided by the waiters and sommelier. Maybe it's a post COVID nostalgia for the old days of a well staffed restaurant, but it's been a long time since we've had every need proactively taken care of and plate settings artfully whisked away without thought. Top it off with a great menu and fantastic flavor combinations created by the kitchen team with no detail ignored. Keep up the amazing work!“
“My daughter and I were having a fun night and stopped by RoCa to grab a bite before Les Mis. The drink, called aptly I dreamed a dream, was the best cocktail we’d ever had! Plus the Asian lettuce wraps and Fig and goat cheese flatbread were both scrumptious. Special thanks to the bartender who was so kind.“
“I have eaten here too many times to count--at least 80-100 times over the past 15 years! Best cheeseburger and fries (ask them to make the fries extra crispy!!)! Their bacon wrapped tator tots and their humongous tenderloins are something you shouldn't miss either. For that matter, everything is good! Beer is cold! And the place is clean! Don't just drive by! Stop in and have a bite to eat!“
“Cozy little place in West Des Moines. Was down from the Twin Cities for some other business and needed a quick lunch. The junction chicken was delicious and the sweet potato fries were some of the best I've ever had. It's a small place and seating is somewhat close together. Service was a bit slow but very friendly and welcoming. I would stop again if I'm in the area.“
“Everything was phenomenal from beginning to end! The waitstaff was attentive but not overbearing, and our waiter in particular was so friendly and recommended the crab stuffed walleye, which was to die for! The environment was classy and intimate, yet casual enough that it felt comfortable and warm. The best part of the meal was the appetizer- the seared ahi tuna is too good for words, just trust me on this and order it! This was a great place to visit for my birthday dinner, and we definitely plan on being back.“
“Came here on Saint Patrick's Day for the green beer. We also tried the Green Caramel Apple cider. It was very sweet and delicious. It was fairly busy but no wait. The food options were amazing. Not limited to typical bar food. We had a Reuben, Kimchi flat bread, and brussel sprouts. It was so much food, but so good we couldn't stop eating.“
“Haven’t been in a long time my mom would take me after school when I was little we would get chili dogs it was really good food from what I can remember and there cookies tasted exactly like subways but better ❤️❤️Probably haven’t ate here more than 10 years I’m an adult now and im so happy it’s still open“
“One of our favorite places in the DSM metro!!! Excellent food, top notch cocktails, high end atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. Wish I had a 6th star! Always make a reservation, it can be hit or miss with availability.“
“Update: After a year or so since the previous review, we finally went back. This time it was easy to get a table and we enjoyed delicious food. Everything tasted fantastic and full of flavor. The only real downside is it's a bit pricey for small portions, but you're getting quality food. I've updated my score accordingly. For us, this would not be a regular visit due to the price point, but it will be for special occasions.-------Stopped by tonight for dinner around 7:15pm. 30 minute wait or immediate service at the bar. We chose the bar but sat there for at least 15 minutes without ever being greeted or waited upon. Ended up walking out. We'll try again with reservations to see how it goes. I understand being understaffed, but it was poor service too.“
“My husband and I have been coming here for 7 years and it remains one of our absolute favorite spots. Great food with large portions. Very tasty desserts (if you're not feeling a big meal, its worth swinging by for just a dessert). Good staff. Cozy atmosphere. A Des Moines must!“
“Enjoyed all courses, including the chef's bites (cheese curds) and naan. Burnt carrots were delicious; the pig wing and shrimp weekly special was exceptional, as was the steak. Appreciated attentive service; we're looking forward to a return visit.“
“I feel that this place is super good to go to eat, the food there is super good and when something runs out they put it out very quickly, the service is excellent, they serve you very quickly you ask questions like a guy. If you take children to that place they ask you how old they are and what you are going to order for drinks and well if you don't have children or they don't take you to that place they only ask you the other thing and even though the place gets very full, that's normal but from there everything is excellent.“
“Never had a bad meal or experience here - it is a solid go-to for classic and creative food and drink. The staff is helpful and best in the city. The drink options are amazing and the food is some of the best in the city. If you haven’t been you are cheating yourself out of a great dinning experience.“
“The onion rings were light and real easy on the stomach. I also got a chili cheese coney which had onion pickle and mustard on it as well. That combination was new to me but it was surprisingly delicious. I'll be back in for more. Who knows maybe I'll be a regular before long.“
“Awesome food, awesome staff, and great location. The first time I came here I thought why is this restaurant out in the middle of nowhere? Now it’s becoming more developed around the area and it fits that gap for an area that is somewhat out the way. It’s the perfect place to stop on my way home after work. I like to stop for a beer or two while I wait for my take home Pizzas. Trust me if you like Fong’s pizza, you will really like this menu!“
“Great drinks. I love the brown butter old fashioned. This is our 4th time here and each time is great. The wait staff is always kind, fast, and makes the experience even better. I had the fish and chips tonight and it was delicious. I had to take 1/2 home because the portions are huge. Highly recommended!“
“It's just about the friendliest place we've been to yet. The food was great, I had the mushroom burger and fries, and they were the best fries I've had in a LONG time.. we started with fried pickles and fried cheese curds cause we couldn't decide , they were both great! My husband had the Bleu burger and really enjoyed it. Fresh ingredients are not brought in by Sysco ( a rare treat).We will definitely come back next time we are in Grimes.. quite a little gem this place is..“
“I was treated to lunch for my birthday today with my brother and longtime family friend. I enjoyed the Cuban Sandwich with fries very much and it was quite delicious. Our waitress was respectful and helpful with accommodations for one of our orders and checked in on us to make sure our dining experience was enjoyable. We were allowed to sit wherever we wanted and it was quite spacious and clean.“
American • $$$
“Everyone was so welcoming when we arrived! It was our anniversary & the hostess at the desk said we were to be given something special after our dinner. We had a great server, Miles! We were wished a happy anniversary & thanked for coming! We saw no treat as the hostess had said. Oh well food was good. We'd go again.“
“Great place overall. The service was excellent, and the staff was friendly and professional. Live jazz was performed as part of the Wednesday night schedule, which created a fantastic atmosphere for dinner. The food was served hot and fresh and was plated well. The crab cakes were delicious.“
“It was a amazing experience the salad bar was a meal in itself and then the warm loaf of bread and butter and my 16oz ribeye medium rare was cooked perfectly it was definitely to big to eat all at once so I took half of it and my loaded baked potato home with me and I made a ribeye steak sandwich with it and it was just as good as it was the first time I had it I will definitely be going back there in the near future“
Gastropubs • $
“If I could give 20 stars I would. Atmosphere was fun, my server was attentive, the drinks were fantastic and I redeemed a free bar bite after joining the rewards program recently. The manager Kendra was kind and excited to tell me about the menu items. I can’t wait to go back, it’s going to be my new spot!“
“I go for the fries and get the salad with salmon. Life is good! I must mention Erica, great service at the bar. Fries are hot and crispy, dusted with Parmesan. Salad full of flavor with apple, mango, almonds, blue cheese perfectly cooked salmon. Great overhead music too! Talking heads psycho killer. So fun!“
“Great food, drinks, and service at a small local bar and grill. Daily specials that can't be missed, including the mushroom and Swiss burger pictured. I had the Cowboy burger and it was tasty. The ranch is top-notch, and what Iowan doesn't love ranch! They also create a few other delicious sauces, including their Uptown sauce that was perfect with the onion rings. My only critique would be that the burgers were a little more well done than I prefer which made them a touch dry. But great quality beef. Staff were attentive and explained all the specials and options. It is a typical bar and grill layout with tables as well as a large wrap around bar.“
“The fries are excellent although the last 2 times I went to B-Bop's the burgers seemed like they weren't cooked enough. Not pink but kinda soggy still. A good burger should have a bit of char a good example of this is at burger king. There was not enough sauce on the burger either. But definitely not a bad choice if you are hungry. If you have not tried the chocolate shake you're missing out. It's like what McDonald's used to have but a bit better even.“