Food: 4*
Atmosphere: 4*
Value: 4*
Service: 2*
Would I go back / Recommend?: 4* (Probably)
Total check/person: $37
09/11/2026 Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company +1 (515) 282-2739
It had been a while since our last stop for food here. Given the availability of a table and its proximity to the Wicked show presentation last night, we decided to give it a try again with our guests.
While all of the food we had was definitely above average, the service was extremely slow – both for beverages and food. After almost 10 minutes without anyone stopping at the table, I decided to walk up to the bar to order a beer – since I wanted to sample a couple before making a choice anyway. While our waitress showed up while I was gone, took drink orders for the others and apologized profusely for not knowing that she was covering our table…it didn’t get any better from there.
My drink (from the bar) was completely consumed before the others were delivered at the table. Our table reservation was at 6:00, so we thought we had plenty of time to eat and get to our 7:30 showing. However, it turned out to be after 7:00 before our food arrived, as we waited over 30 minutes, with apologies for the delays and assurances that it was almost ready.
Finally, on to the food. My wife ordered the 12oz Ribeye w/ Crispy Reds (see picture). The flavor was good and it was cooked as ordered (Medium Rare) – however, it was cool to the touch, so was obviously setting outside of a warmer for an extended period. The Crispy Reds potatoes were quite tasty, especially when dipped in the side of ranch dressing (yes, I stole more than 1 of them). I ordered the Korean Bowl based on a strong recommendation from the waitress and really enjoyed it. The flavor was great and the sauce on the beef was very good. My only caution on it was brought to my attention by my wife – who pointed out that it was extremely salty. Yes, it would be even better with about half of the added salt.
Overall, the location relative to our intended evening venue was great and the food was above average…just make sure that you allow plenty of time to get your food and drinks.
03/15/2023
We have stopped here for food on a couple of occasions and have found it to be an above average pub food location with an interesting historical atmosphere. Today, we stopped by to try out their Happy Hour that we found on www.happyhourdesmoines.com and enjoyed our stop as well as the service and interactions with our server, Brent – who was fantastic! Brent went out of his way to give us great service, including bringing sample tastes of their local brews without even being asked – to encourage them over the Busch Lights that our guests ordered.
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Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com
Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com
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