The Food and Drink Guy

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  • Simon’s (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    We have heard so many good things about this place and finally got a chance to go there for dinner.

    Arrival was a little awkward, as there isn’t a hostess and no indications of who to see to get on the wait list.  We worked out way to the bar in the back corner and finally interrupted one of the workers to ask what to do.  They referred us to the owner (working behind the bar) who told us it would be about an hour wait and asked if we’re wanted a drink.  He never wrote anything down or asked for a credit card, just told us we could wait in his new suite a couple of doors down.  It was neatly decorated, had lots of seating, games and had a rest room…and the owner would occasionally show up to get the next party (all by memory, nothing written down).

    Following the waitress’recommendation, we started with an order of Mushroom Crostini (see picture) and boy was that good…so rich, creamy and flavorful!  For our dinner, my wife ordered the Lamb Chop (see picture) and I ordered the Pork Deburgo (see picture).  We exchanged samples (as we always do) and really liked both dishes – presentation, juiciness and flavor were all to our liking.

    Finally, it was topped off with the famous complimentary Red Velvet Cake.  Admittedly, it wasn’t quite everything I had hoped for (I like it a bit more moist with a bit more frosting) but it was still very good and just the right size for the two of us.

    You won’t go wrong stopping here for dinner!

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped here for dinner before our first Cubs game and left as Fuzzy’s Fans!  While you order at the counter, they deliver all but the Chips and Queso to your table and are great about checking in to see how everything is going.

    We started with the Coronita Beerita and Chips and Queso – both were delicious and highly recommended.  For our main course, I had Shredded Chicken & Carnitas crispy tacos, while my wife had the Taco Plate.  All of them were delicious!

    This obviously isn’t a high-end 5* restaurant with cloth napkins, but for some great Mexican food at a reasonable price that is walking distance from Principal Park…you won’t go wrong stopping here.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery (Peoria, IL) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped here for lunch on our way out of town following a business trip visit and enjoyed the experience.  The atmosphere in a remodeled Church is definitely unique.

    I ordered the Walleye Dinner special (see picture) and thought it was delicious – a lot of food and all of it was high quality.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Malo (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Found out about their Taco Tuesday $2 street taco special on happyhourdesmoines.com, so had to go there last night to try it. What an awesome place!

    There were plenty of chips and salsa (see picture) served.  The salsa and cream sauce were top-notch, while the chips were average. I immediately ordered a Paloma (delicious) and one of each $2 street tacos (beef and chicken) on corn tortillas. Both tasted great, but the beef were especially great – tender and such fantastic seasoning!  The chopped onions and cilantro on the side was another tasty addition.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Bacon Bacon (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.5* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    Have been to multiple Jethro’s locations, but this was our first visit to this location. Although we like to explore and try new places, our son and daughter-in-law like Jethro’s, so we stopped here with a visiting family member.

    I ordered the single meat platter with brisket.  It was average – good flavor but a little dry to my taste, as I’ve become a bit of a ‘brisket snob’ after making sure a few myself and knowing what I like. The sweet potato fries were good.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • 7 Stars Family Restaurant (Clear Lake, IA) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.5* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 3*

    Stopped here for lunch during our drive home. It is a good, clean and modern restaurant with a small town cafe feel. The food was good as well as the value.

    My wife ordered the Mushroom Burger while I had the Chicken Noodle Soup.  We thought that both tasted very good – the soup was not watered down and actually was fairly thick.

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    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Milton’s (Crystal, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Our son suggested that we stop here for dinner and we really enjoyed the stop.  We arrived just before closing time, so were warned that they would be starting to clean up but it wasn’t an issue at all.

    The decor was a little tongue in cheek and self-depricating – and the service was great.  We ordered the Jerk Mac & Cheese with chicken (see picture) and it was delicious.  A son ordered the Russian Rye and another ordered the cheese burger – both really like the sandwiches and the fries were tasty and crispy.

    And we ended up with a carrot cake to go for our Easter dinner – gluten free deliciousness!

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Pub 42 (New Hope, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    Went here Easter weekend with our son and really enjoyed the stop. It was very busy, so we at first didn’t think we had time to stay – but they ended up finding us a table to eat at the bar.

    The tap beer, drink and food selections were good and the place was very lively – with some great country music playing in the background.

    We started with an order of popovers since we hadn’t had any for a while and absolutely loved the butter that came with them.  We ended up all ordering the Fish Special for Friday after hearing that it was walleye and all really liked the meal.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Royal Foundry Craft Spirits (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    Neat, modern, industrial atmosphere with lots of space.  Friendly service, lots of space and games to play (Cornhole, badminton, ping pong, darts, etc).  Drinks are a little pricey ($10-$12, but very small).

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • La Dona Cerveceria Brewery (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.33* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Modern, clean venue that has been open for about 4 years and has a reasonable choice of beers (16).  It was a beehive of activity on a Saturday afternoon with several kids birthday parties, some basketball fans and others enjoying the beer (even some outside when it was only 50 degrees).  Also, the food looks great, but we had just eaten before going there.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Rookies Sports Bar & Grill (Clive) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    I’ve driven by here many times and haven’t stopped because it didn’t look like much from the outside.  However, I walked here during an oil change and am glad I did.

    I wasn’t even sure that it was open, as the dark tint on the exterior windows blocked out any activity or even beer lights from inside.  However, upon entering I was pleasantly surprised by the decor, friendly service, tap beer selection and food (french fries is all I had, but they had a larger menu).

    Update: My wife and I stopped here for lunch yesterday.  We ordered the blackened chicken quesadillas (see pictures) and really liked them.  They were fresh and tasty and the blackened chicken had just the right level of spiciness.

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  • Bierstube (Moline, IL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    Stopped here for dinner while staying in downtown Moline and enjoyed the German food.  I really like red cabbage and hot German potato salad is also very good.  The red cabbage was delicious – you definitely want to order it.

    I ordered the Leberkäse Dinner lightly beer battered per the waitress’ suggestion.  It was good and I would recommend it.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Pagalo’s Pizzeria & Gelato Cafe (Milan, IL) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Stopped here for lunch while in town based on a recommendation and really enjoyed the lunch.

    The restaurant was very clean and modern with nice decor, the workers were all very friendly and the place was quite lively.

    I ordered the grilled chicken pizza and really liked the seasoning, crust and overall flavor. Unfortunately, I didn’t save room for gelato after the pizza…so will save that for the next visit.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Jesse’s Embers (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 5*

    We stopped here for dinner when we were in the area based on a friend’s recommendation.  First impression from the outside and confirmed once inside was of a 70s-era steakhouse (dark, no windows & dark decor).  That is not a knock / negative comment, just an observation.

    Once inside, it was quite crowded but we were quickly welcomed by Joe the bartender who asked our names and then repeated them several times before we left.  I started off by ordering a Brandy Alexander ice cream drink and loved it.

    We enjoyed the table bread, which included plenty of available butter.  My wife overheard some other patrons talking about how good the onion rings were.  Since the large is only $1 more than the small we ordered a large and both thought they were good.  The best part of the meal was the salad with the house creamy garlic dressing – both the dressing and the croutons were delicious.

    For our main course we went with the London Broil – which unfortunately was the weakest part of the meal.  The slice laying on top was medium rare as ordered, but the other slices bordered on medium-well to well done.  As you might expect, those other pieces were dry, tough and lacking flavor.  When the owner stopped by our table (before we got our main course), he did mention that there was a substitute chef that night – so this dish might be better on another night.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Foundry Distilling Company (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.33* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 5*

    We stopped here when we were in the area to utilize one of our Passport coupons and enjoyed the stop.  We both loved the atmosphere and the friendly staff.

    The drink menu is abbreviated, but the main choices are there and the bartenders do an excellent job of creating drinks based on your tastes.  He made a Limeade for me and it was great.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Zora Bar & Rooftop (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    5.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    Wow…what a great place!  We had guests in town, so we were bouncing around downtown looking for some unique experiences for them and boy did this place hit the mark!

    They just opened in August of 2021 so the building is almost new and we got there for the first day that the rooftop was open this Spring.  The whole place was so open and modern…lots of open garage doors, plenty of black metal works for railings, etc. (see pictures) and a great sound system.  It was mid-afternoon on a weekday, so we had the VIP level all to ourselves.  We had to go down a level to refresh our drinks, but what a view from the top.

    The best part of all (and make sure you do this while you are there) was when Angie showed up with the ice shot glasses.  The shot glasses are literally made of ice filled with your favorite shot.  They are delivered to a platform by the stairs with black bells about 15′ away.  The object is to drink the shot (be careful, the ice shot glasses are very slippery in your warm hand ), then throw the empty shot glass at one of the bells, trying to ring them.  I have videos, but can’t post them to the review…believe me, it is fun!

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Los Tres Amigos (Waukee, IA) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    Had planned to eat at Shanghai per a friend’s recommendation, but they were short staff and had a wait so we thought we would try Los Tres Amigos instead.

    We were seated quickly even though the restaurant was pretty full and thought their chips and salsa were good (see picture).  I was not impressed with their Paloma.  It was served in a tap beer glass, didn’t have Tajìn on the rim (only very light salt) and didn’t taste that good.  We later asked how it was made and apparently they use lime juice and Squirt…my preference includes grapefruit juice and soda water or Fresca.

    My wife enjoyed her Carnitas Dinner (see picture) and the flavor was good in my Los Tres Amigos (see picture), but I was disappointed with how thin and tough the steak and chicken were.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • 701 Eateries (Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    We made reservations and met friends here while visiting in Fargo.  Reservations are right as it is a busy place and parking can bea but if a challenge (we had to park 3 blocks away).

    The decor is modern and chic and the servers were friendly.  My wife started with a Lingonberry Sour (see picture) and really liked it – tart and tasty.

    We started our meal with the Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates – delicious and highly recommended!  For our meals, my son ordered the Butcher Block Burger (see picture), my wife ordered the Prime Rib Sandwich (see picture) and I had the Nordic Salmon with Dill Sauce (see picture).  All tasted very good, but delivery took a long time and they were all barely warm when delivered.  I’m not sure if they were left on the counter accidentally or if they intentionally waited for something that took longer to prepare.

    Overall, the atmosphere was great, but the prices were a little high and the food and service were only a little above average.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Say Cheese Mac & Melt (West Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    After seeing a Facebook post of a morning TV live cooking event from my 1st cousin which featured her son cooking for the hosts, I had to try this place.  Anything that combines bbq meat and cheese has got to be good…

    The building and atmosphere were great…modern, clean, vibrant – with a little country music playing in the background.  You order at the counter, then take a number and they deliver it to your table.  I loved the presentation – a heavy cast iron skillet preloaded with a real metal fork…ready to be enjoyed.

    Per Parker’s recommendation, I ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese with Carolina Reaper cheese added – the ‘Parker Special’.  Boy was it delicious – moist, flavorful pulled pork, tangy bbq sauce, creamy cheese…and a little bite from the Carolina Reaper cheese!  I highly recommend this restaurant and this dish and can’t wait to return to try some other options.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • The Operating Room (Ankeny, IA) Review

    Rating: 3 out of 5.

    3.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 3*

    We stopped here with my sister-in-law, hey boyfriend and get daughters before they left town and enjoyed the stop.  

    Not being a huge arcade fan myself, the highlight of the stop for me was the Peanut Butter Cup Slushie.  It was delicious and I highly recommended it.  They also had a reasonable selection of tap beers, of which we sampled several.

    If you are into arcade games or want to entertain some teenagers for a few hours, this is a good stop.  There were a few 20-something couples there, but other than the alcohol, it seemed tailored to the teenagers and younger.  It would likely be a different atmosphere later in the day when only 21 and over are allowed.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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