The Food and Drink Guy

Tag: Dinner

  • Motley School Tavern (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Motley School Tavern (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    07/22/2022 Motley School Tavern

    We were intrigued by the name when we saw it in a restaurant search, so had to give it a try. We went last Summer and while we found it a little pricey, we really enjoyed each of the plates we ordered.

    As a starter, we ordered the Chorizo & Potato Empanadas (see picture) and would highly recommend them. Next, my wife ordered the Grilled Hanger Steak (see picture) and I ordered the Fried Bologna Sandwich (see picture). As an ‘After School Snack’, the Fried Bologna Sandwich was relatively small – but was very tasty. My wife really enjoyed the Grilled Hanger Steak – it was juicy, cooked as ordered and the sauce and toppings tasted great.

    If you are in the area, this is definitely a place that you’ll want to give a try. There are so many unique menu items that you are bound to find one that you will enjoy.

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    Chorizo & Potato Empanadas
    Grilled Hanger Steak
    Fried Bologna Sandwich

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  • Pepperjax Grill (Clive, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    Have wanted to stop to eat here for some time and finally took the opportunity.  I went with the server’s recommendation and ordered the Signature Steak Philly (see pictures) and oh, was it delicious!  Although it is essentially a fast food setup…go through the line, order and wait for your food at a table – the food was delicious.  If you like Philly sandwiches, you will definitely want to stop here.

    The only thing I was a little disappointed with was the cleanliness of the floor in the dining area.  The grease film on the floor near the beverage area left it feeling slippery and a cause for caution.  I did ask a lady who appeared to be a shift leader about it and she said that they were busy and hadn’t had a chance to clean the floor yet.

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  • The Walnut (Des Moines, IA) Review

    The Walnut (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    07/15/2022 The Walnut

    Had read about this place and drove by it several times before getting the opportunity to eat there this past Summer.

    My wife and I decided to order several appetizers so that we could experience more on the menu. We ordered the Loco Moco (see picture) on the waiter’s recommendation and really enjoyed it! The hamburger, gravy and egg combination were great together. We also ordered the Chipotle Chicken Tacos (see picture) – which we thoroughly enjoyed and would also recommend.

    If you are in the area, I highly recommend this place for their unique menu items. You won’t regret stopping by to give it a try.

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    Loco Moco
    Chipotle Chicken Tacos

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  • Giordano’s (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Giordano’s (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    06/26/2022 Giordano’s

    We drove by this place numerous times and always wanted to stop, finally getting our chance one evening when we were hungry for pizza. There were several different beers on tap at a separate bar area and ours were served cold.

    For our meal, we ordered The Special as a thin crust (see picture). The toppings seemed fresh, veggies had a little crunch left to them and the crust was very good.

    This was one of the better pizzas we’ve had in the area, so would recommend a stop to try it out for yourself. On our next trip, we will likely try some of the other Italian dishes – which looked very good.

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    The Special (thin crust)

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  • Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery (Ankeny, IA) Review

    Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery (Ankeny, IA) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.33* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    06/25/2022 Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery

    Had some time while in the area and this place looked interesting, so my wife and I stopped by to have a Harp and a Guiness. We sat at a table outside to enjoy the summer warmth. We had just eaten, so will have to stop by for a meal on another day.

    The exterior was very inviting (see pictures), the beer selection was good and the bar looked great (see picture). I recommend a stop to whet your whistle…and the food looks great also!

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  • Cheese Bar (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Cheese Bar (Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 4*

    06/24/2022 Cheese Bar

    Our friends invited us to a group outing here and we really enjoyed the experience. We started with drinks, including a Lost in the Woods (see picture) – which my wife loved.

    For dinner, we ordered a Cheese Meat Board (see picture) and the Fondue (see pictures) along with Loaded Fries (see picture) and Cheese Curds (see picture). All of them were fantastic – I can’t think of one to call out in particular, so would recommend them all! The Loaded Fries were creamy and cheesy while the Cheese Curds were rich yet light at the same time.

    This is truly a tasty experience that you will want to enjoy with someone special – I recommend it.

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    Loaded Fries
    Cheese Curds
    Fondue
    Fondue
    Cheese Meat Board
    Lost in the Woods

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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