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Best American Restaurants in Waukee

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1162)
Price: Moderate
• American • Clive
Booked 113 times today
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Clive is a pinnacle of Wine Bar cuisine, offering a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. The establishment is renowned for its "Napa-style tasting rooms" and an impressive selection of award-winning wines perfectly paired with each dish. Guests rave about the quality, with one noting, "the wine menu was incredible," underscoring the extensive options available. Another guest celebrated the authenticity of their dining experience, sharing that "the wine tasting room could have had more help," emphasizing the popularity and draw of their wine offerings. Whether it's a casual visit or a special occasion, Cooper's Hawk stands out as a top destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable and authentic Wine Bar experience.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant
4.5
Awesome(831)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Des Moines
Booked 49 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House in West Des Moines is a beacon of American cuisine, celebrated for its masterfully prepared USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is seared to perfection and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate—a technique that has led to their recognition as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner and recipient of the 2024 Wine Spectator's award. Patrons like Johnny rave about "the ambiance, the service, the beauty and class of the restaurant," while others can't stop thinking about their meal days later. Whether it's the "steaks cooked perfectly" or the "excellent service," Ruth's Chris offers an unforgettable dining experience that exemplifies the best of American culinary excellence.
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1834)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Des Moines
Booked 48 times today
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in West Des Moines is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, offering a delectable range of wood-fired steaks and seafood that define culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the "exceptional Sea Bass" and "fabulous wood-fired steak," highlighting both the quality and the skill in preparation. The restaurant's atmosphere is frequently described as relaxing and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for any dining occasion. Guests consistently applaud the outstanding service, with one review noting, "the most incredible customer service." Whether it's the perfectly cooked steaks or the praised superfood salad with avocado dressing, Firebirds proves to be a top choice for an authentic American dining experience in West Des Moines.
A photo of Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(213)
Price: Expensive
• American • Urbandale
Booked 7 times today
Aura Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in the cozy corners of Urbandale and Clive, is a beacon for Wine Bar aficionados. Renowned for its vibrant selection, the wine menu at Aura is a curated experience that complements their mouth-watering tapas perfectly. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with glowing reviews highlighting the "exceptional quality" of both food and drink. One diner celebrated the "very good" wine menu, noting how well it paired with their meal choices. The ambiance of Aura, coupled with its top-notch service, ensures a memorable outing. Whether it's a casual evening or a special occasion, Aura’s Wine Bar scene is poised to impress with its sophisticated yet approachable offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a truly exceptional wine and dine experience.
A photo of Dave & Buster's - Des Moines restaurant
4.0
Excellent(112)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Des Moines
Booked 22 times today
Each Dave & Buster's has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we've got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we're stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.
A photo of Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(299)
Price: Moderate
• American • Urbandale
Booked 5 times today
Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar in Urbandale is a standout for Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service cuisine. Renowned for its "spectacular" signature cocktails and a menu that features prime proteins, each item is crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance combines casual fine dining with the unique thrill of indoor golf simulators, offering an exceptional experience that extends beyond just dining. Guests rave about the attentive service and the creative drinks menu, noting that the staff is "genuinely excited to share recommendations." Whether you're enjoying a Range Beast burger or a meticulously crafted cocktail, Range promises a distinctive and enjoyable experience that keeps diners returning. "Don't sleep on this place!" as one glowing review advises, highlighting the undeniably high-quality and engaging environment that Range offers.
A photo of Red Lobster - West Des Moines restaurant
4.1
Excellent(52)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Des Moines
Booked 9 times today
Red Lobster welcomes you by offering PRIORITY SEATING to reduce your wait time in the restaurant, so you can spend more time doing the things you love. Or, come enjoy a drink at our bar and a Tasting Plate while you wait. Red Lobster is the world's largest and most loved seafood restaurant company, offering high quality, freshly-prepared seafood, sourced in a way that is traceable, sustainable and responsible. We offer lunch and dinner daily, featuring classics like our Ultimate Feast®, Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, and feature limited time flavors and preparations during events like Lobsterfest®, Crabfest® and Endless Shrimp®. And, who can resist our famous warm and cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits®? To learn more visit www.redlobster.com
A photo of Bar Louie - Jordan Creek restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(1)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Des Moines
Booked 3 times today
At Bar Louie, we're passionate about delivering flavor packed experiences. Defined by our award-winning handcrafted martinis and cocktails, our lunch, dinner and happy hours elevate the top-shelf bar experience. In a vibrant atmosphere energized by our local community, we serve all guests looking to create unforgettable moments - making us the go-to-spot for all occasions, from a spontaneous happy hour hangout to a celebratory spot for milestone events.
A photo of Cooper's On 5th restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(131)
Price: Moderate
• American • West Des Moines
Booked 22 times today
Cooper's on 5th in West Des Moines stands out as a culinary gem, particularly renowned for its exceptional steak offerings. Patrons rave about the quality and preparation of the steak dishes, with one guest exclaiming it was “absolutely AMAZING.” The restaurant’s commitment to combining classic Americana with a modern twist shines through in their steak cuisine. Guests consistently highlight their satisfying experiences, noting the steak's tenderness and flavor as key factors. One delighted diner specifically praised the filet, stating their partner, a seasoned steak connoisseur, was "gushing over how tender and good it was." Cooper's on 5th not only promises a cozy, intimate dining atmosphere but also ensures each steak dish is crafted to perfection, making every visit memorable.
A photo of Destination Grille restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(369)
Price: Expensive
• American • Grimes
Booked 18 times today
Destination Grille in Grimes is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of American culinary diversity. This restaurant is celebrated for its "fantastic" food and "great vibe," with reviewers raving about dishes like the "amazing" scallops and lobster bisque that's "spot on." The ambiance is described as "fabulous" and "perfect," making every meal a memorable event. Guests particularly praise the service, highlighting servers like Kennedy for their knowledge and attentiveness. Whether it’s the gluten-free options or the highly recommended dishes, Destination Grille stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Toddvip
    Indiana •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    First time, great food, wine, and service. Great to get many tapas items and share. Relaxed atmosphere and will definitely go back!
    More info
    Aura Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Urbandale
    4.7
  • Dale
    Iowa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food and outstanding service, great evening all around
    More info
    Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• West Des Moines
    4.6
  • AdrianW
    Iowa •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    As always wonderful dinner. Our server was very helpful and very knowledgeable about pairing what wine with what me and suggesting different different things to try.
    More info
    Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IAPrice: Moderate• American• Clive
    4.8
  • David
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Ruth's Chris is the best place for steak on the planet. The first bite of USDA prime beef from a sizzling 500 degree F (260 degree C) plate sends your mouth into ecstasy and makes you forget any problems you may be having, even if only for a few moments. I highly recommend the bone-in cuts. The bone-in filet is my personal favorite. The strip is my favorite cut since it has more beef than a traditional filet, but the bone-in filet at Ruth's Chris is so delicious that I cannot pass it up. Do not be concerned about the price. It is worth every penny and much more. The bone-in strip and T-bone are excellent choices for those who desire more beef and/or more value. Couples who like their steak cooked to the same temperature should consider the porterhouse. My dining guest likes the petite filet, an excellent choice for those with smaller appetites. I prefer my steak "naked", but if you're a little more adventurous, try one of the toppings. Shrimp always pairs well with steak. Unless you aren't into fried food, the shoestring fries are a must. A beautiful departure from the traditional fries you find at fast food and fast casual locations. The asparagus is my vegetable of choice. The hollandaise is on the side, which is a relief for me, since I like my spears just the way they are. I've also had the creamed spinach, and it too is outstanding. Ruth's Chris is dear to my heart since it started in New Orleans, my native city. It will become dear to your heart once you try it, if you haven't already.
    More info
    Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• West Des Moines
    4.5
  • Whitney
    Iowa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Food was all fantastic and waitress did an excellent job with our large group. We will be back!
    More info
    Dave & Buster's - Des MoinesPrice: Moderate• American• West Des Moines
    4
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