The Food and Drink Guy

Tag: Dinner

  • TCI Bar & Grill (Polk City, IA) Restaurant Review

    TCI Bar & Grill (Polk City, IA) Restaurant Review

    4.4* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $33

    05/01/2026 TCI Bar & Grill +1 (515) 984-9440

    We wanted to try a burger here as they were one of 10 finalists for Iowa Burger of the Year – and we got the opportunity last night with our son and daughter-in-law, along with our grandson.

    Being on the golf course, it is a bit out of the way and admittedly was a little confusing to find the first time we drove over to see the location. That said, how can you rate the atmosphere as anything other but top-notch when you look out the large glass windows onto a well-maintained golf course and pond.

    Our first order was the adult beverages – which admittedly started with disappointment and ended in delight. I’m as stickler for details and love Mezcal Palomas (see my recipe to make your own at home), so the first thing I noticed was that “Poloma” was spelled wrong on the menu.

    We all thought the special on the board by the entry door looked good, so ordered a round of Gin Basil Smash drinks (see picture). While it tasted great, all of us commented about how small it was…so assured the next round included larger drinks (especially since they were all the same price). That was were my satisfaction turned to delight, as I asked our server if she could substitute Mezcal for the Tequila in the menu Paloma. She said that they could – and that drink (see picture) was fantastic!

    For our meals, my wife ordered Shrimp Tacos with corn tortillas (see picture) and I went for a Burger of the Year candidate with The Fuego (see picture). As we always do, we shared portions of our food to try both plates. The Shrimp Tacos and chips were delicious and I found the included salsa to be quite bland. As to The Fuego, be aware that this does indeed live up to its name and it quite spicey – I found it delicious, but my wife thought it was too hot and was trying to remove jalapenos and sauce for her 2nd bite. While the burger was good, the real star of the show with The Fuego was the fries – at least in my opinion. They were browned perfectly, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and oh, so delicious!

    If you go, I suggest you go during daylight to enjoy the view of the golf course…and make sure you try the french fries and a Mezcal Paloma!

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Shrimp Tacos w/ corn tortillas
    The Fuego w/ fries
    Gin Basil Smash
    Paloma (w/ Mezcal)

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • Westown Tap (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Westown Tap (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $16

    04/28/2026 Westown Tap (515) 732-1470

    Quick stop for a late and lite dinner after a church event tonight and was first impressed with the complete remodel since my last visit. The main bar and game rooms basically switched sides of the building, with the bar now on your left when you enter the building…and greatly improved lighting!

    Tonight we went with the Jalapeno Smash Burger (see picture) and were quite impressed – both with the burger and the fries. It was $10 Smashburger & Fries night, so the Value shot to a 5* rating as this was a great deal for some great food! We will definitely be watching the nightly specials as both Steak Night and Gyros Night look like excellent opportunities for the future!

    01/01/2025

    This place is near where my wife works and a group from her work has occasionally stopped here after work hours over the years. We noticed that it had a new name and was under new ownership, so stopped in to check it out for my websites.

    If you ever stopped by the previous business, you were well aware of the relatively dark, dungeon-like interior with booths of what seemed like 1970s velour. Those old booths have been removed, replaced by a number of table and chair options and the interior just came across as lighter and more lively, with multiple TVs surrounding the dining area and above the bar.

    The food was definitely above average for pub food and the value was great considering the $10 gyros special and the quantity of food provided. My wife ordered the lamb gyro with onion rings (see picture) and I opted for the chicken gyro with jalapeno cole slaw (see picture).

    We always share tastes of our food and today was no different – with both of us liking each others gyro. What really stood out to me though were the sides. I really liked the Jalapeno Cole Slaw and the onion rings were well above average also. The waitress warned me when I ordered that the jalapeno cole slaw had some kick and she wasn’t kidding – there were so many slices of jalapeno that I believe I had at least 1 slice in every bite that I took! If you like a little spice in your life, you will definitely want to give them a try!

    The food was great, the food special made it an excellent value and the service was good. We definitely thought it is a step up from the previous restaurant at this location.

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    Chicken Gyro w/ Jalapeno Cole Slaw
    Lamb Gyro w/ Onion Rings

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  • G. Migs 5th Street Pub (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    G. Migs 5th Street Pub (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $40

    12/15/2023 G. Migs 5th Street Pub +1 (515) 499-0269

    Stopped again after attempting Happy Hour at a nearby restaurant that was already full. This place always seems to be packed and tonight was no different – around 5:30 on a Friday. We were able to get a table right away, but there were a number of people standing and waiting when we left. I always enjoy places with free popcorn and G. Migs had that – although it so salty, we couldn’t each much.

    Once again, our meals were fantastic – each of us ordering one of the specials for the night as they were both highly recommended. My wife ordered the Shrimp Risotto (see picture & video) and I ordered the Prime Rib (see picture & video). The shrimp, prime rib and shrimp were all cooked to perfection, as was the asparagus. The dishes are a little pricey and you’ll likely find yourself bumping elbows with the other patrons and staff, but the food is very good.

    02/03/2023

    This was on my ‘Want to Go’ list and we had the opportunity last night when we joined our son and daughter-in-law and they suggested it based on a friend’s recommendation. Although it is a bit of a ‘dive’ (that isn’t a negative for me) and was quite packed when we walked in around 6:30pm on a Friday night, we were quickly seated and our server (Carolyn C.) was very helpful and attentive.

    We started with a round of drinks…they had a reasonable selection of various tap beers to satisfy most with a thirst for taps – all reasonably priced. For our dinner, I ordered The Pride of Iowa Wrap (see picture) with the pasta salad and my wife ordered the nightly special – Prime Rib (see picture) with asparagus and mashed potatoes.

    I enjoyed both the pasta salad as well as the wrap (2016 State Fair Award Winning). The pasta was a nice balance of sweetness, pasta & veggie crunch – and the wrap had a great tasting filling along with a unique wrap shell that was thin, soft, crunchy and tasty all at the same time.

    My wife’s Roasted Prime Rib was also delicious – from its preparation (did a good job delivering it as ordered – medium rare) to the sides. Although out of season, the asparagus was cooked to perfection – retaining a little crunch along with a soft interior. The mashed potatoes were also great (although a little strong on the garlic…if you don’t like that) – as they retained some of the peelings and had a few lumpy bits.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Shrimp Risotto
    Prime Rib

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • Cooper’s on 5th (West Des Moines) Review

    Cooper’s on 5th (West Des Moines) Review

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $40

    April 28th, 2026:

    April 5th, 2024:

    04/05/2024 Coopers on 5th +1 (515) 255-9895

    After really enjoying our first stop here over 2 years ago, we’ve been unsuccessful in getting in on several other occasions (didn’t have the forethought to make a reservation and they were full several times when we stopped in to check). Tonight we took the time to experience their Happy Hour while waiting to join our son and daughter-in-law at another restaurant for dinner.

    This time we arrived early (around 5pm) and were able to find seats at the bar to enjoy a glass of wine and a beer. For an appetizer, we were intrigued by the Fried Zucchini (see picture) and it was recommended by the bartender. We were impressed when it arrived and found both the zucchini and dip to be delicious – tempting us to place a 2nd order when we knew we needed to save space for dinner.

    A great stop in Valley Junction for lunch or dinner…just make sure that you make reservations, as you might not get in otherwise.

    11/19/2021

    We stopped here for dinner based on a recommendation that my wife read and really enjoyed the service and atmosphere.

    I don’t usually order meatloaf, but asked about it here since it was marked as one of the spicier dishes.  Our server highly recommended it – Cooper’s way (open-faced, topped with cole slaw), with the loaded baked potato salad side.  Boy am I glad I followed his recommendation…they were all delicious and I would highly recommend them.

    The meat loaf was very moist, tender and tasty, with just the right amount of peppery glaze to give it a kick.  White cheddar and American cheese slices were melted over the top – all of which was topped with a very tasty cole slaw.  And then there was that loaded baked potato salad that was unique, tasty and just the right portion size.  Think of a loaded baked potato squished into a small bowl with some relatively raw onions mixed in for taste and crunch – loved it!  My wife also liked it much better than her burger and helped me eat it.  Her burger was average, cooked beyond the medium rare that was ordered and a little dry…I would take the meat loaf before it any day.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • Tito’s Lounge (Urbandale, IA) Review

    Tito’s Lounge (Urbandale, IA) Review

    4.8* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $20

    04/27/2026 Tito’s Lounge +1 (515) 214-1066

    Tonight’s opportunity to enjoy another stop at Tito’s came at the end of my journey updating several locations for happyhourdesmoiones.com. It was getting to be dinner time, so asked my wife to meet me here for my last stop. Every time we’ve stopped here, we have been impressed with the quality of the food and tonight was no different.

    I had already enjoyed some Happy Hour specials at another venue, but my wife hadn’t yet eaten dinner. She ordered the Gyro & Fries (see picture) and as you might guess, I did try a couple of bites. We both thought it was a very good gyro and were delighted to see that it is the daily special each day from 11-2, so we will definitely be coming back for lunch some day.

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    01/06/2023

    We stopped back later in the week for the end of Happy Hour and dinner with our son and daughter-in-law. This was a whole different perspective! While the first stop on a Monday night was quiet, with only about 5 other patrons, Friday night was packed and quite loud. After not getting served for about 10 minutes, I went up to the bar and ordered our drinks as well as a Tito’s Flatbread.

    The Drinks and Tito’s Flatbread were delivered in a timely manner and then the owner (who we spoke with at the bar earlier in the week) served us the rest of the night. The flatbread was very good (sorry, forgot to take a picture), but the crust was much thicker than a typical flatbread – closer to a pizza crust. The large group that was there for happy hour started to clear out, but the place was still fairly loud (just FYI – very modern decor, but also loud and hard to carry on a conversation).

    For our dinner, I ordered Cevapi (see picture) on the owner’s recommendation when I asked for a Bosnian dish. My wife ordered the Beef Skewers (see picture), also on a recommendation. Both dishes tasted great – the steak and sausages were moist and flavorful, the pita bread was fresh and the served sauces paired well.

    The Tiramisu we ordered for dessert (see picture) was the weakest of the food we had. It tasted good, it just wasn’t anything like any other Tiramisu that we’ve had – it was wrapped in a paper band and the base was more of a white angel food cake than the lady fingers we have come to know and love. All in all, a solid place for a meal, assuming you are ok with a loud environment…or choose a time that has fewer people.

    01/02/2023

    We stopped here after enjoying another stop we found on www.happyhourdesmoines.com and were quite impressed with what we saw. The owner served us and when asked, said that they had only recently opened. The decor was top notch and in line with what you would expect in downtown Des Moines and the service was good (the owner was the only server, but there weren’t many people there).

    While we had already eaten at the previous stop, the Happy Hour specials looked quite attractive (see pictures) as did the Bosnian dinner plate options on the menu (see pictures) – so we will definitely be back to try the food!

    The owner suggested the Ella Bosnian pear brandy (he described it as a cross between vodka and tequila, which seemed a good description – see picture) and the sample he provided was tasty enough that he talked me into the Balkanita (see picture). We also sampled the Mango Mule (see picture) and found both of them to be delicious.

    Both my wife and I were quite impressed with the decor, menu options (we saw some of the food that was served), value and service. This seems to be a hidden gem that provides the ambiance of a downtown trip without the drive – we will definitely be back and highly recommend it.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Gyro & Fries
    Beef Skewers
    Cevapi
    Tiramisu
    Double Espresso
    Balkanita

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  • The Urban Grill (Urbandale, IA) Review

    The Urban Grill (Urbandale, IA) Review

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $29

    12/04/2025 The Urban Grill +1 (515) 278-1016

    Have been back a couple of times for Happy Hour, but finally getting it posted after our latest trip. This is a great stop for Happy Hours, especially if you like Flatbread Pizzas.

    We started our Happy Hour experience with drinks – with both of us ordering Lemon Basil Martinis (see picture) and we both really enjoyed them. Next, my wife opted for the Raspberry Limoncello (see picture) and I ordered the Raspberry Royal (see picture).

    For our flatbreads, we started with the Sausage & Mushroom (see picture) then followed that up with a Cheeseburger (see picture). Both of them were very good and we would highly recommend them…especially for the Happy Hour pricing!

    01/02/2023

    We stopped here after searching for a Monday Happy Hour on HappyHourDesMoines.com and although we have been here before, were impressed with our experience. It is hard to beat $5 Martinis (even if they were a little small) and $6 Flat Breads – all of which were delicious in a great atmosphere with fantastic service from Cassidy P. (she is fantastic)!

    I started with the Screwball Espresso Martini (see picture) and my wife had the Tirimisu Martini (see picture) – both were delicious and would have been even better as dessert after our appetizer / meal. We then ordered the Happy Hour flatbread specials – BBQ Chicken (see picture) and Sausage & Mushroom (see picture). They were Cassidy’s top recommendations and were both delicious!

    Along with our meal, I ordered the house pinot noir and my wife ordered a Lemon Basil Martini (see picture). The Martini was excellent and the pinot noir was also good.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Cheeseburger Flatbread
    Sausage & Mushroom Flatbread
    Lemon Basil Martini
    Raspberry Royal

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  • Blue Shark Ale House (Urbandale, IA) Review

    Blue Shark Ale House (Urbandale, IA) Review

    4.4* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $15

    04/27/2026 Blue Shark Ale House +1 (515) 630-0010

    My Happy Hour information at happyhourdesmoines.com was getting a little dated, so decided to head over to the Blue Shark again and check things out. While last time was for dinner with my wife, this trip was to enjoy the Happy Hour specials with a helpful server at the bar.

    Today I ordered a tap beer that I hadn’t yet had from their good selection as well as their daily special of Chips, Queso & Salsa (see picture). This was an extremely good value, as the portion of chips was generous as were the queso and salsa – enabling a good salsa/queso to chips ratio! I thought the chips, queso and salsa all tasted above average, so I left pleased (and full).

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    02/22/2023 Blue Shark Ale House

    We have stopped here several times before…especially during Lent for their Friday night fish fries. Since it was Ash Wednesday and we were in the area for Mass…it seemed like a good idea to stop here to have some seafood on the way home. Suffice it to say that we were a little disappointed in their seafood options given the restaurant name – fewer than a handful and to substitute shrimp for chicken in a salad was an additional $5. Based on their current menu, it seems that Blue Chicken might be a more fitting name for the restaurant. But I digress…

    The food presentation was great and the flavor was average – but the service was definitely above average, as Courtney took good care of us. Following a Jalapeno Margarita (we enjoyed it, just be forewarned that it does have a pretty good spicy bite to it), we ordered our meals.

    I ordered the Grilled Salmon (see picture) and my wife ordered the Blue Shark Chopped Salad (see picture). I thought the brocolli was cooked well – I like a little crunchiness left in my veggies and that is what was delivered. The salmon was slightly overcooked, but not to the point that it was overly dry and the mashed potatoes seemed a little bland (didn’t taste much butter or seasoning). The blue cheese on the chopped salad was delicious as was the shrimp (other than having to pay $5 more for the shrimp vs. chicken and only having 8 on the salad).

    Lastly, I knocked the Value down to below average not only due to the shrimp add-on mentioned above, but also because we found a 3% CSC (assume customer service charge as a result of using a credit card). I almost never carry cash anymore – doing everything with credit and am disappointed with any restaurant that charges extra for the use of a credit card. That is a business decision on their part, but they need to keep in mind that rather than get cash to go back next time, I likely will select another place instead…so I’m not sure they come out ahead in the end.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • Saffron Indian Cuisine (Johnston, IA) Review

    Saffron Indian Cuisine (Johnston, IA) Review

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $44

    04/24/2026 Saffron Indian Cuisine +1 (515) 897-0460

    It was honestly a bit of an accident that we even found this place and boy are we glad that we did – it was quite the hidden gem! We were out stopping at local spots to update my HappyHourDesMoines.com website and decided it was time to have some dinner. My wife did a restaurant search on her car’s system, this place popped up and since we both enjoy Indian food…we decided to give it a try. We left very impressed – especially with the food and the very attentive and helpful service from Kavya, who was awesome!

    We started by ordering a Mango Lassi (yogurt based ‘malt’) that was absolutely delicious – cool, creamy and full of mango flavor. We followed with Chicken Lollipops (see picture) as our appetizer and again, found them very good – especially with the side sauce.

    For our dinners, my wife ordered Korma (see picture) and substituted the chicken with lamb while I ordered the Gongura Chicken (see picture) at Kavya’s suggestion. We also ordered Basil Naan (see picture) and found it to also be very good – thin, tasty and fresh…and the basil flavoring was something we hadn’t experienced with naan before.

    They offer 3 spice levels and my wife ordered medium while I went with hot. We both like spicey food. Personally, I would have liked something in between the two on both dishes as my wife’s didn’t seem to have much spiciness and mine had a definite burn that overwhelmed some of the flavor. The good news is that we didn’t have to ask for extra rice to finish our meals as we do at most other Indian restaurants – both dishes were served with a generous portion.

    My only disappointment was the men’s restroom, as both the cleanliness and maintenance could use some improvement. The aesthetics to get there were also a little awkward, with it located in a hallway next to the kitchen that also had some carts and dirty dishes.

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  • El Mariachi (Johnston, Iowa) Restaurant Review

    El Mariachi (Johnston, Iowa) Restaurant Review

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $31

    04/18/2026 El Mariachi +1 (515) 276-3887

    This place has been on my Want to Go list for a while after seeing a recommendation in a publication. The first time we stopped by a number of years ago, we decided against going in due to there not being many cars in the parking lot. That was definitely not the case last night – the parking lot was nearly full and we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table, as they were quite busy. Needless to say, we left quite happy to have stopped – as we really enjoyed the experience.

    Our initial indicators of a good Mexican restaurant starts with their margaritas and then their chips and salsa. They passed it both areas – as both were above average. We started with a Spicy Jalapeno Margarita (see picture) from the bar while we waited for our table. It was good, but wasn’t very spicy. The chips and salsa (see picture) were very good – tasty, fresh salsa that was thick enough to stay on your chips and crispy tortilla chips with enough oil to indicate they were fried fresh.

    For our meals, my wife ordered the Tacos Carne Asada (see picture), while I opted for the Tacos Carne Asada (see picture) – both based on our waiter Omar’s recommendation. Omar was great – loved his recommendations, had a great sense of humor and was quite attentive to our needs! As stated, both my wife and I loved our plates – and yes, we shared with each other as always to both confirm. The only change I made to my plate was requesting corn tortillas – as I much prefer them to flour. I just can’t say enough about both plates – not only did we REALLY like them, but there was plenty to bring home for another meal.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Camaron Fajitas
    Corn Tortillas & Toppings
    Tacos Carne Asada
    Rice & Beans
    Chips & Salsa
    Paloma
    Spicy Jalapeno Margarita

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  • Gastro Grub & Pub (Waukee, IA) Review

    Gastro Grub & Pub (Waukee, IA) Review

    4.8* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $40

    04/17/2026 Gastro Grub & Pub (515) 300-2460

    It is becoming a bit of a broken record…as this place is in the top-tier favorites in the area. Tonight, we met with friends before a concert and enjoyed the food and drinks.

    I started with a Blind Tiger tequila drink (see picture) along with Fried Babybel (see picture) – both very good. For our dinner, my wife ordered Steak Fajita Tacos (see picture) and I went with the PB&J Wings (see picture). Not only were all of the food and drinks fantastic, but we also caught the end of Happy Hour, so we also saved some cash on several of our plates!

    12/14/2024

    Yet another great stop at Gastro Grub & Pub. Tonight, we started with a Mrs. Claus’ Medicine (see picture) and Casamigos Mezcal Paloma (see picture), then opted for multiple appetizers for our meals with a couple of craft beers.

    We started with Bacon Dates (see picture) and Brussels Sprouts (see picture), then topped it off with and order of Chicken Wings (Peanut Butter & Jelly of course – see picture). We have had them all before and really like them – and tonight was no different.

    04/06/2024

    This place is becoming a habit…and each time the food is just as good as the last time! Joslyn did a wonderful job serving us tonight and the owner (Sean) stopped by our table at the end of the meal. Gastro Grub & Pub is a class act and the only thing I could criticize (which I also shared with the owner) is that a couple of the windows above the front door were extremely dirty (see picture)…and unfortunately that was right in my line of sight during the meal. Apparently, that is the responsibility of the building owner, so he was going to bring it up with them.

    Tonight, we started with a Picante Peach (see picture) and a Paloma (see picture) – both delicious and expertly prepared by Mary behind the bar – but be aware, the Picante Peach has a good jalapeno burn. We started our dinner with Brussels Sprouts (see picture), then ordered a Wagyu Burger (see picture) and Peanut Butter & Jelly Wings (see picture) – followed by a Small Cookie (see picture) for dessert.

    07/14/2023

    During our latest stop, my wife ordered the N’awlins Shrimp Po Boy (see picture) and I again ordered the Peanut Butter & Jelly Chicken Wings (see picture).

    03/25/2023

    This is my wife’s go-to restaurant in the area and I like it also. We have stopped here on multiple occasions and have always enjoyed our visit, given the fantastic food and atmosphere (love the smells and lively vibe). Be aware of the fact that they are not open on Monday or Tuesday and only serve dinner (after 4pm). We have wanted to go several times on a Monday or Tuesday before realizing that they weren’t open.

    For our latest visit, we started with drinks – they have a good selection of unique and tasty tap beers and some unique cocktails. My wife ordered a Gezellig Dopptoberfest and I went with the special for dinner – the Mulberry Street Cocktail (see picture – a little sweet, but very tasty).

    As an appetizer, we ordered the Brussels Sprouts (see picture) and thoroughly enjoyed them – what a great combination Bacon Vinaigrette, Bacon Lardons & Parmesan Cheese. We have ordered this before, absolutely love it and would highly recommend it (although their other choices are also delicious, so it is a hard choice…).

    For dinner, I ordered the 5 Wings (see picture) with peanut butter & jelly coating (sounds weird, but you can’t believe how good they are – great combination of sweet and spicy). My wife ordered the Steak Pita with sweet potato fries (see picture) and while it was delicious, be aware that it is quite messy to eat as there are LOTS of juices.

    If you live in the Waukee, Urbandale, Clive or West Des Moines areas, you don’t have to make the drive downtown to enjoy some fantastic food and drink close to home. You won’t go wrong with a stop here to eat or drink.

    March 2022
    Stopped here tonight when the Irish Pub we sought out on St. Patrick’s Day was closed. There was no wait to be seated and we really liked the smokey smell (were told it was from the woodfire grill). We started with Bacon Wrapped Dates which tasted great but we’re a little small compared to those I’ve eaten previously. The Beet Salad was delicious as was the OJ Gets Dreamy beer.

    June 2021
    Started with a Tropical Blender IPA milk stout beer followed by a Raspberry Milk stout with my meal. For dinner I went with the waitress’s recommendation and ordered the Original Bacon Jam Burger and would highly recommend all of them.

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    Steak Fajita Tacos
    PB&J Wings
    Fried Babybel
    Blind Tiger
    Peanut Butter & Jelly Chicken Wings
    Bacon Wrapped Dates
    Brussels Sprouts
    Wagyu Burger
    Paloma
    Picante Peach
    Small Cookie
    Dirty Windows
    Mulberry Street Cocktail
    Steak Pita
    Peanut Butter & Jelly Chicken Wings
    N’awlins Shrimp Po Boy

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  • The Chicken Coop (Urbandale, IA) Review

    The Chicken Coop (Urbandale, IA) Review

    4.2* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $23

    04/11/2026 The Chicken Coop +1 (515) 334-2667

    We stopped with our son, daughter-in-law and grandson for dinner last night and enjoyed another solid experience. My wife ordered The Philly (see picture) and I went for the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich (see picture). As is our custom, we shared samples of each others orders and we both agreed that we would order either of them again.

    While we haven’t had a chance to try either of the other 2 locations in the Des Moines metro area, this has been a solid stop for lunch or dinner on each of our stops. If you order wings (which are very good), be sure to order them ‘crispy’ – a 2nd frying that adds to their already great taste.

    2023
    I was here a few years ago for a business lunch and brought my wife back tonight since it is one of the closest restaurants to our new home.

    Overall, we were pleasantly surprised, as the menu selection was greater than we expected and offered some higher-end steak, shrimp and salmon options. The tap beer selection was much better than many places and we really enjoyed the Peanut Butter Porter.

    We started with an order of Jalapeno Poppers. They seemed to be the frozen variety, but tasted ok and were delivered very quickly. I ordered chicken wings and true to my growing preference for the flats vs the drummies, I found the flats fall-off-the-bone tender while the drummies tended to be a little dry and tough. As to flavors, I split between Jamaican Jerk (liked it and would recommend it) and Tropical Heat (wasn’t impressed – syrupy and sweet but not much flavor or spice, I wouldn’t recommend it).

    11 Mar 2021
    Stopped back again tonight and had a much improved experience with the chicken wings. The waiter tonight suggested the Buck Nasty sauce and offered a ‘crispy’ option where they throw them in the fryer for a few minutes. Both were excellent suggestions that I highly recommend. I like spice and the Buck Nasty was about perfect for my tastes, while the crispy outer crust was a perfect complement to the very moist, fall-off-the-bone tender inside that tasted like they were smoked. Excellent wings tonight! The only negative – the menu from 6 days ago (see picture) showed the wings at $10.99 for 10 and tonight’s new menu increased the price by almost 20% to $12.99…

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
    Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
    The Philly

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  • Arcadia (Polk City, IA) Review

    Arcadia (Polk City, IA) Review

    4.8* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $32

    03/28/2026 Arcadia +1 (515) 207-0011

    We saw that Arcadia was a Top 10 Finalist for Iowa Burger of the Year, so knew that we needed to give it a try – and last night was our opportunity. Arcadia is a short drive north of Grimes in a newly developed area of Polk City just after you cross over the long bridge over Saylorville Lake.

    We were impressed with the new building as we drove up (told that it opened about 1.5 years ago) along with the lively, open atmosphere & modern decor as we entered the building. We started our meal with a couple of local craft tap beers – a nice selection was available.

    Since we came for the Burger of the Year contender, the Smashburger was one of our orders (see picture) and we opted for the Fish Tacos as our second meal (see picture). Both were delicious and highly recommended. While I offer my Kudos for offering Marshmallow Creme for a dipping sauce with the sweet potato fries (we haven’t found many places that do this…and we LOVE it), my only knock is that it was way too watered down and runny – with most of it running off the dipped fries rather than sticking to them.

    We finished with a Salted Carmel Old Fashion…and yes, it too was delicious and highly recommended! More information on the drinks and Happy Hour specials can be found at: HappyHourDesMoines .

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • Puckett’s Restaurant (Nashville, TN) Review

    Puckett’s Restaurant (Nashville, TN) Review

    4.4* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $18

    03/22/2026 Puckett’s Restaurant +1 (615) 770-2772

    This place came up in one of my wife’s searches and was close to our hotel while staying downtown, so was on our short-list of places we wanted to visit. We did stop for dinner on the way back from Broadway our last night…and are so glad that we did, as the food was delicious!

    We had already had a few adult beverages in the music venues on Broadway, so limited our consumption to food alone at Puckett’s. My wife ordered the BBQ Taco Salad (see picture) and I went for the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with slaw (see picture). As we usually do, we shared our meals and both of us really enjoyed both of them. The pulled pork was well done and soft, the sweet potato fries were crispy and delicious – and both of the primary sauces were also very good!

    Assuming you are a smoked meat fan (and why else would you stop…), you will enjoy your meal at Puckett’s!

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich
    Pulled Pork Taco Salad

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  • Church and Union Nashville (Nashville, TN) Review

    Church and Union Nashville (Nashville, TN) Review

    4.6* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 3*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $45

    03/22/2026 Church and Union Nashville +1 (615) 864-0977

    It was a beautiful, warm day in Nashville, we just got out of Mass and we were looking for someplace to stop for brunch when this caught my wife’s eye during a search. Since it was so nice outside, we requested an outside table to enjoy the sunshine.

    What caught my eye was the $3 Mimosas, so we definitely sampled a few of them (see picture) – but Cranberry was without a doubt my favorite. What I loved the most though was the Croissant Du Jour (see picture). It was recommended by our wonderful server, so we started our dining experience with it. The chocolate / salted caramel cream inside was oh so decadent…and how can you go wrong with a delicious croissant as the carrier!

    That’s not to take anything away from the main courses though. The Fried Chicken Sandwich with Spiced Honey Glaze (see picture) and Steak & Eggs (see picture) were delicious in their own rites. The chicken sandwich was a great balance of sweetness with a little kick, the potatoes had great seasoning and were baked to perfection – and the steak was a perfect medium rare (as ordered).

    While admittedly it was a bit on the pricey side, all of the food was oh, so good and I would highly recommend this place for brunch!

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Croissant Du Jour (chocolate salted caramel)
    Fried Chicken Sandwich with Spiced Honey Glaze
    Steak & Eggs
    Mimosas

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  • Gannons Nashville (Nashville, TN) Review

    Gannons Nashville (Nashville, TN) Review

    4.8* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $75

    03/20/2026 Gannons Nashville +1 (615) 920-6792

    This place caught my wife’s eye during her reviews of places to eat while staying in downtown Nashville and was an easy walk from our hotel, so it was our first dinner destination after arriving. The small signage made it a little difficult to find inside the Courtyard Marriott (see pictures), but from the moment we walked in, heard the live piano player and saw the dining area – we knew this would be a great experience.

    We started off by sharing orders of Lobster Bisque (see picture) and Burrata with Toast (see pictures). We really enjoyed both of them – the Lobster Bisque was so creamy and smooth and the Burrata was cool, fresh and clean. They were a great combination to start our dinner experience and I would recommend both of them.

    Since it was a Friday during lent, my wife opted for the BBQ Shrimp Pasta (see picture) and I went with the Daily Fish Special on Blue Corn Grits (see picture). As we always do when we go out, we shared our plates and really enjoyed both of them. The BBQ Shrimp Pasta was rich, buttery and smooth and the Fish Special was a tasty white, flaky and blackened fish served on a bed of rich, creamy blue corn grits. Here again, both are highly recommended.

    While it is one of your more expensive area stops for dinner, you will appreciate the food quality and presentation at Gannons Nashville for your next special occasion.

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    BBQ Shrimp Pasta
    Daily Fish Special on Blue Corn Grits
    Lobster Bisque
    Burrata
    Toast

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  • Merll’s Pub & Patio (Waukee, IA) Review

    Merll’s Pub & Patio (Waukee, IA) Review

    4.4* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $32

    03/14/2026 Merll’s Pub & Patio +1 (515) 505-7106

    While certainly not our first visit here, it is the first time that I’m finally getting it documented. Tonight we stopped with friends who are neighbors with the owner after Mass.

    We started off by sharing a Wisconsin “Charcuterie” appetizer (see picture) – which was great to share with 4 people. Each of the items served in the pretzel were great – and we really enjoyed each of the dipping sauces.

    For our meals, my wife ordered the Chicago Beef (see picture) and I opted for the Mediterranean Bowl (see picture). As we always do, we shared our plates. While both were very good, I was especially impressed with the Mediterranean Bowl – it was so cool, light and tasty!

    Merll’s is a relatively recent addition to the Waukee pub scene and worth a stop to sample some of their great food!

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Mediterranean Bowl
    Chicago Beef
    Wisconsin “Charcuterie”

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  • Gilroy’s Kitchen, Pub & Patio (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Gilroy’s Kitchen, Pub & Patio (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    4.2* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $19 (no drinks)

    03/08/2026 Gilroy’s Kitchen, Pub & Patio +1 (515) 809-1727

    Slept in after a late night so found ourselves going to a noon Mass downtown and looking for a brunch stop on the way home. We’ve driven by this place and talked about stopping for food before and my wife had been there with co-workers after work one day, but this was our first stop for food.

    A clean, modern storefront greets you (see picture) and with plenty of televisions and a nice patio, it looks to be a hopping place once the temperatures warm up a little. While our server was a little hard to find at times, we both found our food to be quite good.

    My wife ordered the Nacho Burrito Meal (see picture) and I opted for the Honey Citrus salad (see picture). As is our custom, we shared samples of each of our meals and both of us found both choices to be worthy of ordering again. I really liked the clean, crisp and fresh salad with a delicious tangy dressing and the Burrito was tasty inside and out (loved the creamy, cheesy sauce).

    If you are looking for a great stop for Sunday morning brunch (possibly after some shopping at Sam’s Club just across the interstate to the North), you won’t go wrong here!

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • The Stuffed Olive (Des Moines, IA) Review

    The Stuffed Olive (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*

    02/28/2026 The Stuffed Olive (515) 243-4456

    The place was packed tonight, so we were only able to secure a table with our friends for about an hour before we had to clear out for another reservation. We took advantage of a couple of martinis as well as the Bruschetta (see picture) – which was absolutely delicious!

    11/17/2023

    We have been wanting to get here to try their martinis for quite some time and although we missed Happy Hour to do it, we found out that their food is quite good also! We stopped here for dinner last night and while the portions were a little on the small side for some of the dishes (see pictures), the quality of both the food and martinis were excellent (see pictures). Turns out, not only do they make great martinis, the food is definitely worth a try also!

    We started with a Funky Martini (see picture) and Redwave Martini (see picture). While my wife really enjoyed the Funky Martini, I will probably not order the Redwave Martini again. While it was quite spicy (which I like), the unique combination of spices used for the rim was not one of my favorites.

    We followed the drinks up with a Zucchini Fritters appetizer (see picture) and both of us really enjoyed it – the fritters tasted great and the sauce that came with them was a great complement. For our dinners, I ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna – Kamikaze / blackened style (see picture) and my wife ordered the Chicken and Spinach Risotto (see picture).

    While my wife was a bit disappointed with the portion size on hers, we both really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna – the blackened pepper crust was very good and the Brussels Sprouts and other vegetables were flavorful and cooked to perfection. The white horseradish-tasting dipping sauce was also very good on the tuna…even though the flavor of the tuna was so good that it really didn’t need anything else.

    We topped off the meal with what else but a couple of sweeter martinis – I opted for the Espresso Martini (see picture) while my wife went with the Dirty Banana Martini (see picture). Both were excellent in their own categories, with the espresso being a strong coffee liqueur flavor and the Dirty Banana full of sweet chocolate and banana deliciousness.

    Maybe most important is the service that you receive while dining. My wife and I were both very impressed with our server, Alexis! Not only was she friendly and personable, she gave us space (time) when we needed it and had excellent opinions to offer when asked. It was clear that she knew the menu items (food and drink) quite well, was willing to share her knowledge and really enjoyed her work. When you go, please be sure to say ‘Hi’ to Alexis from The Food and Drink Guy. We will definitely be back…

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    Bruschetta
    Zucchini Fritters
    Seared Ahi Tuna (Kamikaze)
    Chicken & Spinach Risotto
    Funky Martini
    Redwave Martini
    Espresso Martini
    Dirty Banana Martini

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  • Ninja Sushi Ramen (Waukee, IA) Review

    Ninja Sushi Ramen (Waukee, IA) Review

    4.8* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $38

    02/21/2026 Ninja Sushi Ramen +1 (515) 987-6663

    Another great stop at Ninja Sushi Ramen…and again on our way home from Mass on Saturday night. This time we started with a Mango Margarita and Super Dirty Geisha – both highly recommended!

    For our dinner, we started with a Beef Negimaki (see picture) appetizer and really enjoyed it! The sauce was so good that I found myself literally trying to spoon up all of the extra before they took the plate back!

    For our dinner, my wife ordered the Cha Shu Ramen (see picture) and I ordered the Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll (see picture), as I wasn’t that hungry. As is our standard practice, we shared our orders and both enjoyed both of the selections – so would definitely recommend them for anyone visiting. Lastly, the Taro Milk Tea looked awfully good, so I tried it – and believe me, it tasted as good as it looks!

    11/01/2023

    Another great stop for dinner after Mass with friends. Stayed light tonight with the Spicy Tuna Roll, but splurged for a dessert and tried the Mango Japanese Mochi (see picture).

    08/05/2023

    Another great stop for dinner this evening – and this time we were fortunate enough to have the owner (Mandy) as our server. She was such a delightful person, a great server and full of great suggestions! With each delivery of food to a table, we marveled at the exquisite presentation of the food – a testament to Mandy’s experience in the industry.

    This time we started with a Sapporo (see picture) and a Hana White Peach Sake (see picture). Mandy suggested the White Peach flavor and boy was it delicious…none of the harsh alcohol flavor that I’ve associated with sake and more of a semi-sweet fruit juice feel that was similar to a white wine.

    For our dinner, my wife ordered the Chicken Katsu Cold Noodle (see picture) because she enjoys ramen and thought it looked interesting. At Mandy’s suggestion, I ordered the Spicy 2 in 1 Roll (see picture) and found it absolutely delicious. Even though it was shown as spicy and included jalapeno slices on each piece, I did not find it to be that spicy – but it was very flavorful!

    We topped off the meal with a delicious dessert (again at Mandy’s suggestion) of fried bread with powdered sugar and a decadent condensed milk-like dipping sauce (see picture). If you like fried bread, you will love these!

    12/11/2022

    Based on a recommendation from a friend, we stopped here for dinner after church on Saturday night and enjoyed the experience. The building is a modern decor – albeit with a strip mall feel (see pictures), the presentation of the food is great (see pictures) and they have a friendly and helpful wait staff. In addition to an extensive menu, they had a decent selection of cocktails, wines and beers (see pictures).

    We started with a glass of pinot grigio and a can of Sapporo. For an appetizer, we went with the Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese & avocado – see picture) and thought it was very good. You can’t go wrong when it includes cream cheese!

    For our main meal, my wife ordered the Chicken Ramen (see picture) and I wasn’t very hungry, so ordered the Spicy Yellowtail Roll (see picture). We both tried both dishes and liked them very much – would definitely recommend both of them. The only negative to our visit was that our table was near the front door and we got a nasty cold breeze every time the door was opened. I’d suggest asking for a table away from the front door.

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    Cha Shu Ramen
    Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll
    Beef Negimaki
    Spicy 2 in 1 Roll
    Chicken Katsu Cold Noodle
    Edamame
    Fried Bread (Thai Donuts?)
    Chicken Katsu Cold Noodle
    Mango Japanese Mochi
    Sapporo
    Hana White Peach Sake

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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  • The Club Car (Clive, IA) Review

    The Club Car (Clive, IA) Review

    4.4* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 4*

    Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

    Total check/person: $28

    02/06/2026 The Club Car Restaurant & Lounge +1 (515) 226-1729

    We were running out of time for Happy Hour availability on Friday night, so picked something closer to home and decided to give The Club Car a try since we enjoyed previous visits.

    For drinks, we started with a Pineapple Jalapeno Mule and a Coconut Mule while waiting for our food. For our Happy Hour food options, we chose the Boursin Mushrooms (see picture), Nachos with Beef (see picture) and BBQ Shrimp Kabob (see picture). While the Mushrooms and BBQ Shrimp Kabob were worthy of 5* ratings (both were fantastic and highly recommended), the Nachos were average at best – as the chips tasted like a cheap no-label variety and the beef had little taste.

    We finished our meal with a couple of sweeter martinis (see picture) at the bar. We have been impressed with the drinks and bartenders during each of our visits and tonight was no different – both martinis were delicious!

    4/23/2024 The Club Car (515) 226-1729

    Back again just a few months later and again enjoyed great food…with the service off just a bit – as we had to ask for a couple of things but then had a prompt response. This time my son ordered the Southwest Chicken Club (see picture), my wife ordered the Cajun Seafood (see picture) and I opted for the Salmon Sandwich (see picture). All of them were very good and I would highly recommend them – and this time we had the pleasure of topping it off with a piece of Lemon Leches Cake (see picture). Wow, was that cake delicious – rich, moist and light at the same time!

    1/5/2024

    We hadn’t been to The Club Car in almost 3 years, so decided to give it a try again last night. My wife and I both remembered it as a bit of a dark, ’70s style supper club – but either our memories are failing us or they have made some big improvements over the last few years (or both…). We found the place to be busy, well-lit, lively and welcoming – with great food and service.

    We had to wait a few minutes for a table, so started out at the bar, with my wife enjoying a Pineapple Jalapeno Mule and myself a Raspberry Jalapeno Margaria (see picture). Both of them were delicious, each with a nice burn from the included freshly-sliced jalapeno.

    Before we finished out drinks, our table was available in the bar area and we were blessed to be served by Melissa. She was a fantastic server – with recommendations in each area of the menu (two of which we chose and were delighted with) and a friendly, outgoing personality. Say ‘Hi’ to Melissa from The Food and Drink Guy if you are lucky enough to have her as your server when you go!

    For our dinner, my wife ordered the Ribeye (see picture) and I ordered the Georgia Pork Sandwich (see picture). Melissa recommended both of them and we loved them. The Ribeye was grilled to perfection, with what some might consider an excess of blackening…but was just the way my wife loves it! I would have probably not ordered the Pork Sandwich, but did so based on Melissa’s recommendation and was very glad that I did. For some reason, I expected pulled-pork, but it turned out to be a moist breaded piece of pork with some delicious mustard sauce and cole slaw. We highly recommend both dishes.

    Finally, for those who follow my posts, you know I struggle to leave a restaurant without trying their desserts. We were struggling to make a decision on which to order, so again asked Melissa for some insight, saying that we wanted something that wasn’t too heavy. Melissa recommended the Salted Caramel Martini (see picture) and while it wasn’t technically on the dessert menu it was perfect…sweet, salty and so delicious!

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    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Salted Caramel Martini
    Nachos with Beef
    Boursin Mushrooms
    BBQ Shrimp Kabob
    Lemon Leches Cake
    Southwest Chicken Club
    Cajun Seafood
    Salmon Sandwich
    Ribeye
    Georgia Pork Sandwich
    Raspberry Jalapeno Margarita
    Salted Caramel Martini

    Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

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