When it comes to steak, Iowa sets the bar high. With some of the best beef in the country raised right here in the Hawkeye State, it’s no surprise that the Des Moines metro boasts a lineup of steakhouses that rival any big city. Whether you’re craving a perfectly seared rib-eye, a porterhouse cooked to perfection, or the iconic local favorite — steak de Burgo — you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your carnivorous cravings.
These restaurants don’t just cater to meat eaters. Most offer hearty sides, vegetarian-friendly plates and even gluten-free selections, so everyone can join the feast. From classic supper clubs to modern chophouses and even Brazilian-style churrasco, Des Moines delivers a steak experience for every palate. Ready to dig in? Here are 15 steakhouses that prove Iowa knows its beef.
Did we miss your favorite steakhouse? Drop us a line at sstapleton@gannett.com with details.
801 Chophouse
Perched on the second floor of the iconic 801 Grand building, this upscale spot is all about indulgence. USDA Prime beef and wagyu headline the menu, with showstoppers like the 22-ounce bone-in New York strip and the 24-ounce Delmonico. The 8-ounce filet is the crowd favorite. Pro tip: Pair your steak with a bold red from their stellar wine list.
Location: 801 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-288-6000 or 801chophouse.com/des-moines
AJ’s Steakhouse
Located inside Prairie Meadows, AJ’s serves Iowa beef with a side of excitement. Rib-eye, prime rib, and the beloved steak de Burgo dominate the menu. Elevate your cut with toppers like Parmesan crust or caramelized onions, and don’t skip the herbed butter or béarnaise sauce. Add a loaded baked potato for the ultimate comfort combo.
Location: Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona
Contact: 515-967-1000 or prairiemeadows.com/dining/ajs-steakhouse
The Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge
Family-owned since 1984, The Big Steer is Altoona’s prime rib paradise. Order the 12-ounce classic or go big with the 16-ounce cattleman’s cut. Bonus: Pair your steak with crispy fried shrimp for a surf-and-turf dream.
Location: 1715 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
Contact: 515-967-6933 or thebigsteerrestaurant.com
Brazil Terra Grill
Craving adventure? Brazil Terra Grill brings the Brazilian churrasco experience to life. Gauchos roam the dining room with skewers of sizzling sirloin, garlic steak, and bacon-wrapped cuts, carving them tableside. Plus, the gourmet salad bar is a feast in itself.
Location: 2800 University Ave., #405, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-650-4111 or brazilterragrill.com
Chicago Speakeasy
Step back into the Prohibition era at this Des Moines classic. Known for prime rib in hearty cuts, Chicago Speakeasy also nails the local favorite — steak de Burgo with butter, garlic and basil. And that salad bar? Fifty homemade dishes, including Oreo fluff and piña colada dessert.
Location: 1520 Euclid Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-243-3141 or chicagospeakeasyrestaurant.com
Filet Steakhouse
Affordable and delicious? Yes, please. Filet Steakhouse in Ankeny serves porterhouse, T-bone and bacon-wrapped filets, all butchered and aged in-house by owner Oscar Juarez. Add Boursin mashed potatoes or bacon mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
Location: 1802 N. Ankeny Blvd. Suite B & C, Ankeny
Contact: 515-289-9032 or filetsteakhouse.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
This West Des Moines favorite brings the wow factor with tomahawk rib-eyes, filet mignon and New York strips. Go luxe with crispy maitake mushrooms or Oscar-style crab on top. Sides like roasted asparagus and creamed spinach seal the deal. Gluten-free options and a kids’ menu make it family-friendly.
Location: Jordan Creek Town Center, 150 S. Jordan Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-457-2916 or flemingssteakhouse.com
Iowa Beef Steakhouse
Since 1982, this Highland Park classic has been serving Iowa beef in epic portions — think 12-ounce sirloin up to a 20-ounce teriyaki-glazed cut. The 20-ounce rib-eye is a fan favorite. Don’t sleep on the salad bar loaded with potato, pasta and broccoli salads.
Location: 1201 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-262-1138 or iowabeefsteakhouse.com
Jesse’s Embers
A Des Moines institution since 1963, Jesse’s Embers is all about cozy vibes and killer steaks. The bacon-wrapped filet mignon is the star, but the 16-ounce rib-eye is a close second. New owner Carter Arnett keeps the tradition alive with classic flavors and warm hospitality.
Location: 3301 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Contact: 515-255-6011 or theoriginaljessesembers.com
John & Nick’s Steak & Prime Rib
This Clive favorite serves prime rib in generous cuts, plus steaks aged for 21 days. Try the black peppercorn-crusted rib-eye or the steak de Burgo. Every meal comes with access to the 60-item salad bar — yes, 60.
Location: 15970 Hickman Road, Clive
Contact: 515-987-1151 or johnandnicks.com
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Johnny’s blends classic supper club vibes with steakhouse favorites. Go for the “Midwest’s best filet mignon,” a Parmesan-crusted New York strip or the bone-in rib-eye. Steak de Burgo is a must-try. Gluten-free options make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Locations: 6800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines; 515-287-0847
6075 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines; 515-333-5665
550 Bass Pro Drive N.W., Altoona; 515-957-9600
Contact: johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com
Prime & Providence
This modern West Des Moines steakhouse is a playground for meat lovers. Think Kobe striploins, Shimane rib-eye and Kagoshima Ichibo on the reserve menu, plus coal-fired classics like Delmonicos and New York strips. Don’t miss the Black Label burger topped with raclette and mushroom relish.
Location: 595 S. 60th St., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-644-6805 or primeandprovidence.com
Rube’s Steakhouse — Waukee
At Rube’s, you’re the chef. Grill your own Iowa-raised steak over an open-hearth grill for a hands-on experience. Cuts range from bacon-wrapped filet to cowboy rib-eye and porterhouse. Feeling brave? Conquer the three-pound Belly Buster Top Sirloin and earn a spot on the wall of fame.
Locations: 3309 Ute Ave., Waukee, 515-987-8237 or rubessteakhouse-waukee.com
118 E. Elm St., Montour, 641-492-6222 or rubessteakhouse-montour.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
This upscale chain brings the heat — literally. Steaks arrive sizzling on 500-degree plates, from tender filets to massive tomahawk rib-eyes. Perfect for date night or a celebratory splurge.
Location: 950 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 1100, West Des Moines
Contact: 515-416-6080 or ruthschris.com/west-des-moines
Trostel’s Greenbriar
Since 1987, Trostel’s has been a go-to for steak lovers. Try the gunpowder rib-eye, beef tenderloin Oscar or slow-roasted prime rib. Steak de Burgo makes the menu, too. Bonus: Half-priced wine bottles every Wednesday.
Location: 5810 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
Contact: 515-253-0124 or greenbriartrostels.com
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Best steakhouse in Des Moines? Top spots for premium cuts and sides
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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