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    AJ's Steakhouse

    3.6 (57 reviews)
    PriceySteakhouses
    Closed • 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    AJ's Steakhouse Photos

    AJ'S STEAKHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Classy
    Casual

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    Top Sirloin
    Todd B.

    3.5* (out of 5) Food: 3* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4* Service: 3* 03/09/2024 My wife and I had both heard good things about this place, so had been wanting to give it a try and check out the Casino. We had the opportunity when friends were in town and an 80's group was playing in the Casino, so we decided to start the evening with dinner at AJ's Steakhouse then attend the concert. While we had to walk around an escalator that was out of service, the entrance area of AJ's and the initial impression was quite positive (see pictures). The place was clean, modern and lively - giving off a classy aura. Once we were seated at our table, we were a little disappointed with the wobbly table and the delay in receiving our drinks - but the drinks were solid. My wife had the Grande Margarita (see picture) and I went with the Smoked Old Fashion (see picture) - both of which were very good and the prices were reasonable. The food and service though is where AJ's fell well short of my expectations for a place like this with so much promise. After waiting some time for our meals, our server stopped out to tell us that our meals would be delayed due to a large group ahead of us. This seemed a bit surprising, as we didn't see any large groups in the restaurant, but what could we do? At one point after waiting over 30 minutes, I suggested to our server that "the manager will probably comp us a drink or dessert given the wait"...which received nothing more than a dismissive "maybe" and didn't seem to be taken seriously. Once our food was finally delivered, we were again left disappointed. My wife ordered the Top Sirloin (see picture) and I ordered the Salmon (see picture). While she ordered medium rare, the initial cut into the Top Sirloin was medium well and dry. A manager did come around to ask how things were, so we were open about it being overdone (other cuts later were closer to rare, so it was very inconsistent relative to other steaks at other steakhouses). She offered to exchange it, but given how long we had waited for our meal and the concert starting soon, we declined the offer. Again, given this situation and the fact that it was shared with the manager, we assumed a minimum of a complimentary dessert or a coupon to return another day...but received nothing. As for the Salmon (see picture) it was cooked well - very soft and juicy...but almost zero flavor. A convenient stop at the casino with a classy first impression, but the food and service leave me unable to recommend AJ's Steakhouse. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Medium rare at Aj's!!!!!!!!! Absolutely terrible.

    I would NEVER come back. Took 45min to get a drink!!! We rented the party room. 19 of us! So we understand!!! But 45min!!! And the. Food is 2 hours. We asked for our check when the food was served. We had to ask the manager twice for the check after this. It took 50 minutes for the check and then the manager came, did not apologize said it was our fault for doing separate checks. No one told us we were not suppose to do this. I would never recommend this place to anyone!!! The management is terrible! No accountability whatsoever. On top of this all the steak we got was overdone!!! We asked for medium rare, it was all well done. They clearly put all the steak on one pan and said who cares they get what they get. Will NEVER get another penny from me.

    Lobster & Seafood Roll
    Trixie T.

    Made reservations for 2 for Mother's Day at AJ's Steakhouse. We arrived 5 minutes early, seated right away. It was beautiful. The server refilled before we were even empty. Stuffed mushrooms were devine, smothered in mozzarella. Dinner rolls, I love rye and there was one in the basket. Lucky me. Side salads were fantastic, not just iceberg. The real green leaves. I had the Lobster & seafood Roll with roasted potatoes. Everything was absolutely perfect, I could not have asked for better ambience, service or food. From start to finish, I was impressed. When the sever dropped off the check, she left 2 little boxes with an extra treat in them. After I reached my car, I opened the little box to find 2 chocolate covered strawberries. Such a nice touch! Highly recommend AJ's!

    Prime Rib Special
    J M.

    Absolutely love this place. I have only been here a handful of times but the food and service are always on point. Love their Prime Rib special but also try their lobster bisque. It is fantastic! Love the ambiance, this place is delightful.

    Raw steak.
    Dave W.

    Wow. What a horrible experience for a steakhouse. I get it that there are mistakes in the kitchen, but twice? The first was ordered medium rare. It came almost well done. The second, upon receipt seemed to be ok on the first cut but after a bite or two, it was raw. The seasoning on the 1st was non-existent. The 2nd one was heavy salt. As well, my wife ordered a wedge. She got a full head of lettuce cut in quarters and a pile of old bacon on top of it. She asked for medallions of beef and they came out looking like they were days old. On the service, she seemed annoyed when we arrived and then offered mediocre service at best. When I sent the steak back, she never apologized. The manager brought the new one back and the mashed potatoes were microwaved and scalding hot from the inside. For the price,, this place should just close vs waiting on a slow death by poor service and product. It's a shame. I won't get the time nor money back, however, I know never to go back. I hope they change their ways for the sake of the casino.

    Filet de Burgo* **
    Tim B.

    Went to the bar Friday around 7, it was mostly full but the restaurant seating was mostly empty. Ordered an old fashioned and filet de burgo. We asked for bread a few times but it took about 20 minutes to arrive. Then we got bread brought again, which seems to really confuse the table runner. Found out later they can smoke the old fashioned but I didn't know. Next time. Steak was cooked to my liking but the pile of raw carrots was not needed as filler. Try asparagus instead to round out the meal, I mean it's already $45 so make it worth it. Had a small Ceaser with it and the dressing was great. Also came in a mini Parmesan crust bowl.

    I forgot to take a picture of the salad, but this was the prime rib, vegetable baked potato oh, and it came with a basket of bread.
    Sandy K.

    i'm amazed that this restaurant wasn't busier. We went on a Wednesday night and well there were tables occupied. There were plenty of tables available. Let's just start with the cocktails. We had a old fashion, and then our second order at the suggestion of the waitress we had a smoky old fashion $12 that's not bad in a restaurant that you would consider to be high end if you asked me. That smoky old fashion was probably one of the best I've had in a very long. The special of the evening was prime rib, and we were all tempted to order it. The price of the rib included a salad, which was delicious, and with the prime rib, came a baked potato, and a perfect Lee El Dente vegetable. We splurged and shared the crème brûlée for dessert. It was very reasonably priced if you ask me after eating in quite a few restaurants in the area, this one was reasonably priced. I would highly recommend eating here.

    Mozzarella sticks
    Ana D.

    Food was in general underwhelming. Didn't think it was any different than a chain restaurant. Bread was okay. The mozzarella sticks were a little bland. Filet mignon was okay. I asked for medium and it came pretty much well done. Nothing special. Not tempted to come back even if I happen to be in the area. Service was superb.

    Lobster, garlic potatoes and asparagus ...
    Mary N.

    Love love love this steakhouse. Every time we visit, the experience is absolutely terrific. Great food, service and location.

    Sounds good?
    Susan K.

    I looked forward to a great meal on Christmas Day. I got anything but! The lobster bisque was served cold, before I could even eat half they dropped my filet mignon on the table. And then they tried to take my soup on another pass through and I wasn't done. I ordered my filet medium and it was brought out raw. The outside was grey but the rest was red/blue. They server said she couldn't tell "she couldn't put her finger in it" (WTH) and she didn't have a thermometer. What good would a thermometer be? It had already set on the table while I was eating my soup. I was showing her with my knife how spongy and raw the steak was. She offered to take it back, which I have never done in my life but I agreed. I also paid extra for crab and Bernese sauce which the first time it wasn't served. They brought back out the same steak, a different cold potato with a teaspoon of crab and Bernese sauce but no onion this time. They must of scraped it off and threw it away. This time the steak came out crusty black burnt and still bright red in the middle. I thought maybe I was being a little difficult so I had my adult daughter try it. She spit it out in the napkin. The server had no care if I was made happy for the amount I was paying. How can a steakhouse ruin a steak so badly! "But how is the baked potato?" Was her response. So cold that the butter wouldn't melt. I asked for the desert to go, I was nauseated from what I had already tried. She dropped off the check and never came back. I had urgent business to take care of across the hallway so I went up to the front desk to pay so I could leave. They said they couldn't help me and had to get me server. I had my credit card in my hand and she came flying up there "where is your card?" What I stopped at the front desk with the bill and credit card in my hand so I could dine and dash??? Maybe care for your tables, we waited for a while for her to come back before we went to the front. I know why their prices are so high too, we were sat by the kitchen even though there was only 3 tables being used. They were constantly dropping dishes and them shattering. And I also got to listen a conversation right behind me of a server arguing with her supervisor that she wasn't going to take that table that was just seated in her section. So tacky. So finally we got things settled and I tipped way to high for the crappy service. Remember they served me steak that was inedible twice. I only had a small bite the rest went to the garbage, I wouldn't even take it home to my dogs. There was no care on how I enjoyed my meal I couldn't eat. Bill settled and I went across the hallway to the restroom with urgent matters trying not to throw up. I am not exaggerating. I was physically ill with cold sweats. I had my daughter go to the gift shop to buy me a bottle of water. I was sick the rest of the night and our reservation was at 2:30. You could never get me to go back there. The smell of cigarette smoke added so much to the meal too. $160 for inedible food. My daughter had the salmon and it was cool but edible. Her egg nog cheese cake was was plain cheese cake with butterscotch poured on it.

    Cowboy Ribeye (Pre Menu Change)

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    Iowa Beef Steak House - Pork chop with bbq beans

    Iowa Beef Steak House

    3.7(145 reviews)
    6.2 mi
    •$$

    Came out of town and decided to get a steak this place was great. The staff was extremely friendly…read moreand the food was good. Some of the items had a little too onion flavor but the steak and Texas toast was the best! They have a sadad bar that you can get with your meals. It wasn't bad. There is a whole bar session if you're just looking to drink. The restaurant has a old timey solan feel to it. All very family friendly and if you sit in the right spot you can see them chopping and cooking the meats. My kid loved seeing that.

    Lately when going to steakhouses I have been ordering the pork chops and this was no exception this…read moretime. My pork chop came and was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. It was a nice sized chop. Also, when you order an entree, you get to go to the salad bar. The salad bar had lots of options and was a great start while waiting for my pork chop. Others in my party ordered the teriyaki steak and they each enjoyed theirs. It was a pretty large cut of steak for 10 ounces. I had a side with my chop and it was the bbq beans. These were excellent. I give this place 5 stars. It is an older steakhouse with an aged ambiance but their prices are decent and the service was great despite being quite busy. It looked like there were only 2 waitresses working this evening but they were working really hard and did a great job. We really enjoyed this place and our food.

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    Jethro n' Jake's Smokehouse Steaks - Smoked Chicken Nachos

    Jethro n' Jake's Smokehouse Steaks

    3.7(291 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    •$$

    Very lively BBQ spot!! They have a decent sized parking lot, which is good because this place is…read morealways busy. It can get pretty full and loud, probably because they're great for large groups and families. The atmosphere is very fun. I like that they have meat challenges and their news articles all over the walls. They also have a big bar and plenty of TVs to watch games. The BBQ was pretty good! I got the Two BBQ Dinner 2 Meat: Pulled pork, pulled chicken, Campfire baked beans, and jalapeño cream corn. The BBQs sauces on the table really helped it. The classic is rich and sweet, and the hot had a bit of kick to it. The meat was tender. The baked beans were pretty good- I liked that it was a variety of beans. The jalapeño creamed corn wasn't spicy in the least but it was still my favorite. It was creamy and warm!! Service was nice and it didn't take too long, even with how crowded it was.

    We stumbled upon this BBQ spot right across from the Adventureland campgrounds, and honestly it was…read morethe perfect find after a long day. The vibe is exactly what you want from a casual BBQ joint laid back, a little loud, TVs on, and that classic neighborhood bar feel. Super easy, no pressure, just good food and a place to hang out. We ordered a mix of things to try and everything came out hot and packed with flavor. The wings were crispy and saucy (definitely a highlight), and the waffle fries were seasoned perfectly and so good dipped in their ranch. The BBQ plate was super solid too tender, smoky meat with classic sides like green beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread that felt comforting and homemade. Also have to mention the chips and queso moment, simple but hit the spot. Service was friendly and quick, which made it even better after a long day of traveling and being outside. Overall, if you're staying at Adventureland or passing through, this is such an easy, satisfying stop. Nothing fancy, just good, hearty BBQ and a fun atmosphere. Would definitely come back.

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    AJ's Steakhouse - steak - Updated September 2026

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