Ankeny Diner

A hidden gem. We visit the Des Moines area often and, although I have heard about this restaurant before, we have never had the opportunity to stop. We stopped... read more A hidden gem. We visit the Des Moines area often and, although I have heard about this restaurant before, we have never had the opportunity to stop. We stopped last night and are glad we did. The atmosphere was pretty cool and cozy. The prices were veryreasonable and the food was very good. It was also neat to see how much they make from scratch. The spaghetti sauce was madefrom scratch. This place is not gourmet by any means, but it is good, solid food that should please the whole family at a veryaffordable price. We will be back.

For my first meal, I ordered the grilled tenderloin accompanied by a potato cake—both were fantastic and representative of Midwest cuisine. There were three of... read more For my first meal, I ordered the grilled tenderloin accompanied by a potato cake—both were fantastic and representative of Midwest cuisine. There were three of us, and we opted for lighter fare. On my second visit, I brought along four picky eaters, which turned out to be a fun experience! I chose the country fried steak with eggs, and I was truly impressed by the waitstaff's flexibility. They happily swapped my hash browns for a potato cake without any fuss. The rest of my family indulged in breakfast items, available all day. The sausage gravy was undeniably the best I've ever tasted. I highly recommend it. Typically, I've found that restaurant scrambled eggs can go cold quickly and lack flavor, but the Ankeny Restaurant managed to serve eggs that were delicious from the first bite to the last, and they maintained their warmth; I commend the cook for that. Our waitress was incredibly patient, especially with three energetic kids, and everything was executed perfectly on the first try. Even with various changes and substitutions, the bill was accurate. I look forward to dining here each time I visit Des Moines in the future. Thank you for two wonderful meals and impeccable service!

The menu is a little overwhelming, making it somewhat challenging to decide what to order. However, I heard great things about the house-made onion rings, and t... read more The menu is a little overwhelming, making it somewhat challenging to decide what to order. However, I heard great things about the house-made onion rings, and they did not disappoint. They were slightly greasy but packed with delicious flavor. I chose the Western Melt, which consists of ham, cheese, bacon, and BBQ sauce, and it was perfectly made. This is definitely not your typical deli ham sandwich. If I find myself back in the area and have the opportunity to dine in, I will definitely return! By the way, the house salad is what you'd expect — just bagged lettuce with a few extras.

This was my first time at Ankeny Diner. I've heard a lot of good things about this place and now I agree. Very good food and awesome service! read more This was my first time at Ankeny Diner. I've heard a lot of good things about this place and now I agree. Very good food and awesome service!

The service was excellent, but the hashbrowns were inconsistent. Perhaps I should have asked for them to be well done? They were still a bit hard in the middle.... read more The service was excellent, but the hashbrowns were inconsistent. Perhaps I should have asked for them to be well done? They were still a bit hard in the middle. As for the country fried steak, it could have benefitted from an extra couple of minutes in the fryer. Other than that, I have no complaints.