The Big Steer has long been a staple in Altoona's eatery options. I've been eating here since I was a kid in the '70s. The quality of food is excellent! The prices since Covid have been a bit high, IMHO, but still acceptable. I do miss their take out dinner specials from the Covid era. They were an excellent value. If you enjoy a cocktail on occasion, they have one of the best bartenders in the Des Moines area! read more

Over-priced low quality steak. Service was excellent, with a friendly attentive waitress, despite the restaurant being packed. Environment was noisy, with only a few inches between tables. Bacon-wrapped scallops were grilled to perfection, but could have used some seasoning. My wife said her French onion soup was too salty. The hashbrowns were a joke -- unseasoned mashed potatoes in a mold that was browned on top. No hashbrown texture at all. My wife's sirloin steak was quite good. However, my $56 dry-aged 12-oz ribeye was a disappointment. I expected a melt-in-your-mouth experience. What I got was a somewhat dry piece of meat with very little marbling, but with a chunk of fat in the middle. Both steaks were poorly seasoned. Steaks should be prepared with a ample amount of salt and pepper. Adding it after the fact isn't the same. read more

The prime rib and steak are seasoned appropriately and cooked as ordered. Cole was informative and provided excellent suggestions. I ordered the prime rib and my wife ordered the mixed grill (small fillet, scallops and a crab cake). We were very happy with our meals and will definitely return to the Big Steer the next time we are passing through the Des Moines area. read more

Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge - 12 oz Prime Rib (medium rare) with baked potato - Steakhouses Near Me - Altoona, Iowa

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This restaurant was right near my hotel and had good reviews. The outside doesn't look like much but when you step inside, it's actually pretty big with lots of seating. Nice southern western vibe and decor with light country music playing in the background. Very popular restaurant as it was almost packed. Although I literally was the only non white person in the restaurant but it didn't feel awkward. Everyone including my waiter Ethan was super nice. It's just something I noticed . I quickly ordered the 8 oz steak duberg medium rare with side of clam chowder and wild rice. The steak was well made and tasted really good. The clam chowder and wild rice was also very good. It was a very hearty tasty meal. Prices were decent. read more

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We hadn't been here in 20 years. I wanted to love it like our friends do... You don't get seated until everyone is there with call ahead seating. We had a booth for the 3 of us. The waitress was attentive & on top of everything. We started with a couple of beers and they don't have anything on tap, but have a pretty complete bar and a big beer list. We ordered the June special of bacon wrapped scallops with a mango chutney and it was delicious! Our son had an 18 ounce ribeye which he ordered medium rare and came too rare for his taste. He ate the edges of it and said he would take it home and fix it for lunch tomorrow. He had mashed potatoes and gravy and they were just OK. His salad looked crispy with a lot of ranch dressing on it. Hubby ordered steak deBurgo medium rare and it came medium. He did enjoy it along with his baked potato. I ordered the small steak deBurgo medium well and it came well done. It was tasty. My salad had their creamy Parmesan dressing on it and it was like they had a big dish stirred up & filled bowls. Too much dressing and soggy lettuce. It didn't look anything like my son's salad . The bread served at the table was good. It came with butter. Because we were celebrating a birthday, we ordered the lemon cake. It's a big piece with enough to share and reasonably priced. It was good. We prefer a stronger lemon taste, but for a restaurant it was fine. The tables are still pretty close together, which is what I remember from 20 years ago. The interior has been updated. I wanted it to be better, but it was just OK read more

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My husband brought me in for my birthday and of course it was his very first time coming. We shared the bacon wrapped scallops which were absolutely delicious. We ended up sharing our meal which was the filet with stuffed shrimp and the sides of 6 cheese mac and cheese, and cheesy corn. Our filet was cooked a perfect medium, the mac was amazing as always and that corn was phenomenal. Drinks were chose simple. I had the caramel apple mootini, which was delightful and my husband had his ice cold brewsky. Honestly it's been years since I've been here and the food was amazing, our waitress Emily was phenomenal and absolutely personable. One of the best experiences ever! Sorry I didn't snap any photos of the food, but the hubs was overly excited when it arrived. read more

Great food and even better service! The place is packed for a reason! Best crème brûlée I've ever had. Neat little bar at the entrance while you wait seating! A must visit when in the Des Moines area read more

I have been to some very high end steakhouses all around the country, and this little local spot definitely makes my top 5 and totally rivals said steakhouses. Not too sure why the bad reviews, but things happen I guess. The Establishment itself isn't too big, but it's perfect for this town. I got in early around 5:00 p.m. and sat at the bar, (of course hahaha) and for the duration of my visit, the place was constantly packed, overflow of hungry little festerlings waiting in the bar area until a table opened up. The hostesses were super nice and accommodating. I went and sat at the bar, and Noot was my bartender. Very eager to serve, very attentive my entire visit, absolutely on the ball. I was also told by another local patron that she was bartender of the year in Des Moines. Literally one of the best bartenders I've had at all the places I've been to all over this nation. Made sure my drink was full, and also would set out glasses in anticipation of my next beverage request. The other bartender, I can't remember his name, he had a mohawk I think it might have been James or pete? This guy is a phenom with whiskey knowledge and from what I gathered, he's also a collector, so he definitely will have the perfect recommendation for you. Towards the end of my visit, a server came out from the back. I can't remember his name either because I was pretty much two sheets to the wind, but he came by and told me the whole process on how they make their prime rib, and even gave me a little history lesson on the owners that opened the place back in 1984. He was also server of the year for Des Moines. A majority of their ingredients are locally sourced, and I could be wrong but, I think even including the beef. And the bar area they have a big screen TV, they're playing the Iowa Oregon game. I don't know why people say that the place is dated, it's really not. It's actually really nice. So let's get to the food. Before I forget, you can buy a box of hamburger patties, I think 25 patties for 50 bucks, that is made of all the trimmings of the different types of steak. I wish I had room in my freezer, I would have bought one. I ordered bacon wrapped scallops for an appetizer, reference my picture. As one of my sides, I ordered the French onion soup. Reference my picture. For dessert, they slid me a boozy grasshopper which was super good. I also had the cream brulee, which was pretty good. So the coup de gras, prime rib with two huge fried prawns, creamy jalapeno saw some place of horseradish, and a loaded baked potato. Everything was absolutely PERFECT. The prime rib was out of this world, and that says a lot coming for me. So tender and moist, the fat was even good. I'm glad I decided to come here over TRH up the road, because in my experiences, TRH is ONLY GOOD, IN TEXAS. I will definitely be stopping here for supper again next time I'm in the area. I want to try the 60-day aged Ribeye. What a great find! Thank you to everyone that made my experience memorable and pleasurable. You guys really do go out of your way! ***DISCLAIMER*** This pure, uncut, honest review is federally protected under Federal Law by way of Bill #EO14149. Removal or alteration of this review by Yelp and/or their affiliates without Expressed consent by it's author is strictly prohibited by FEDERAL law. VIolators will be prosecuted, and litigation imminent. read more

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Filet melts in your mouth like no other! And where else can you get creamy corn? Yum!!

Great food, and wonderful service. The prime rib was amazing. I've been there twice; would order it again. My husband got the filet the second time we were there, and said it was good too. read more

Delicious. Every time... Big Steer is an old school Iowa steak house (established in 1984) that has a retro vibe but does not feel out of date. Big Steer does steak right - I've never had a bad cut or felt like my meal was not cooked to my specifications on the first try. You could argue that this is the "price of admission" for a steak house, but experience has taught me otherwise. But even if that were so, Big Steer stands out with their exceptional appetizers and sides. Of particular note for us, their house-made creamy garlic parmesan dressing, AND their lightly breaded mushrooms (using Italian flour) are ridiculously delicious. We've been there more than a couple of times where everyone in our party had to have their own order. Light and flavorful - but by no means overpowering - I cannot recommend this appetizer more. Things to know: * Big Steer also serves protein other than steak. Their fried chicken is also very good (from experience) and their reputation for pork and sea food is also solid. * This is a popular place. Consider calling ahead to get on the wait list, or plan to enjoy a Pink Squirrel, or other cocktail, in their bar while you wait for a table. If you've room left for it, they have an excellent red velvet cake. read more

What a great hidden gem. It is unassuming on the outside however once you walk in the front door you are warmly greeted in an old school feel restaurant that is very laid back but classy in its own way. We each had steaks, shrimp and chicken and all came with a few sides that were large portions. I have a garlic allergy and they were excellent in making sure my meal was cooked to perfection. The service was outstanding. Don't be surprised to see a line waiting to get in for good reason. read more

Had an amazing experience and have suggestions for ALL - firstly, you need to set a reservation if you wish to go on a weekend night. Actually, I recommend reservations/adding yourself to the line no matter the week day. This ensures the least amount of wait time. Secondly, carpool, especially if you're a larger party and don't want to hassle with parking. At first seeing the building I was convinced this was a ma and pa shop that was just getting high reviews and would be disappointed once seated. I couldn't have been more wrong. The food was incredible, the amount of time I had to take to select what sounded the best was embarrassing to myself. The portions are glorious and I added a ceasar salad that was the size of a large plate - which I wasn't expecting but happy to have! The server helped me with wine pairings, and was so incredibly sweet. We will be back again & loved the seasonal options as well. This allows for always changing menu items and specials!! Yum!! read more

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Amazing! We were coming home from Colorado to Minnesota and decided to get a steak dinner to end our trip. Best 12 mile detour ever! The meal was fabulous. Not just parts of it, all of it. Ted our server, top notch . Best steak we have ever had. Very family friendly . read more

Excellent service and great food. Usually a wait but well worth it! Staff very friendly!

We ate for our Anniversary I had the New York strip and my wife had the prime rib. The prime rib may be the best in Des Moines area. The strip was good and on par with other steak houses in the area. The sides were fine nothing amazing but you are eating there for the steaks. read more

A "service" dog was at the next table so we moved to other side. Didn't need dog hair flying in our food. Then the dog pooped or peed on the floor so there you go. We will reconsider going there in the future. The house manager said it's the law to let them in. Wouldn't it be nice if these dogs and owners do a drive through or stay home. It looked like a regular mutt. Good grief read more

This place doesn't look like much from the outside however it's amazing! Very well organized. The staff is top notch! Kristin G we love you! The food is wonderful. From the onion rings to the Expresso Martini for dessert and everything in between, it was delicious! If you haven't been here yet, call and make a reservation first. Walking in will require a wait. That's a telling sign that you about to have a wonderful experience! read more

Oh my goodness what a great place! Food was so awesome. Dallas fillet steak was to die for it melted in your mouth. The porterhouse however was a bit tough but the flavor was there. And their yeast rolls are so good! Definitely recommend! read more

Upon arriving parking lot looked full however there was plenty of seating and were seated right away with a group of 5. Our group had 4 different steaks and the salmon with all different sides. Everything was cooked perfectly and to expectations ! Price was reasonable for quality of the food and high quality of service ! Various staff was fast to keep empty plates cleaned off table as soon or after we stacked them on the end of table. And were asked if we needed refills at proper times. Decor had a diner feel but with what I would expect a good hometown steakhouse to look like. Would highly recommend ! read more

The food here was GREAT, but the best part of being there was our server, Ted. Ted was very nice and sweet, along with being very on top of it while still managing all of his busy tables. Ted is AWESOME. The vibes of the restaurant were very cozy as well, and it was a very comfy spot. read more

Start to finish, they missed steps for me during dinner. They didn't have ingredients for a drink I wanted that was listed on their menu. The bread was nothing special and was tasteless. The scalloped potatoes had ham in them and typically do not. When I brought it up to my waitress because I don't eat ham, she said "oh no" and then walked away. It was a disappointing meal. read more

What is not to like? Came for the INDYCAR race and did not disappoint. Started out with a bottle of wine for our group. Great selection. Had the small house salad with creamy garlic dressing. Perfect!! Had the NY strip and it was awesome! Tender and delectable!!! The server could not have been better. These gals are working hard as a tire changer in INDYCAR. Hey, was that Michael Andretti sitting next to us wolfing down a steak? Bartenders are super nice. Gals name was Naam or something. Super nice and friendly. Met one of the cooks too. They love their job and it shows. We will be back next year. Ours boys even won this year. Saw my old buddy Cabo the Gulfstream pilot there. He was showing off his skills at the bar. Magic tricks and made 4 old fashioneds disappear as well as an order of onion rings, Tomahawk steak and the amazing Heath Cake. That thing was as big as a tire on a 747!! If you want great food, inexpensive and superior service with a hometown feel, you came to the right place. read more

Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge - Buffalo Trace " small pour"!!!!! - Steakhouses Near Me - Altoona, Iowa

Last time I was here I said I would return for the Prime Rib. Glad I did, thickly sliced medium rare moist and tender beef! Had the jalapeño dipping sauce, it wasn't as tangy as I had hoped for. Some folk get fancy but I like me some French fried potatoes and not sure what they do here but they are always very crispy and flavorful. Side salad mixed greens and the house ranch, bread and butter and the party was on! Waited almost two hours on a Saturday night so plan accordingly but the hostess was very cordial and called my phone when my table was ready, server was very friendly and timely. The Western motif inside and out makes it a very rich experience with all the western art and decor. Definitely another Iowa gem that only opens from 4-9pm daily. Worth the wait! read more

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Food and service is always spot on! 10/10. Best prime rib ever! Husband loves the porterhouse steak and the drinks are outstanding!

Mom swears by this place so thought about time for me to try it! Bf and I wanted to try something different but knew we definitely wanted steak! We chose this place to celebrate our 1 yr anniversary! You can call ahead whether it be a party of 2 or more, love this!! The service was quick, and efficient and the portions were decent too. The lighting is perfect, good seating arrangements, and love the easily wipeable tablecloth. We hadn't really ate all day so we brought our appetite. First we started off with the appetizer platter- stuffed mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, best damn onion rings ever!! I started off with a small salad- you know how I like my salads to be crisp, cold and fresh? Well, let me tell you- this salad did not disappoint- so crisp and the perfect amount of salad dressing to eat it all! I originally ordered the Italian Steak but am a sucker for Prime rib! Bf and I switched dinners and we were highly satisfied and will definitely be back! Bf said the Italian steak was cooked to perfection and perfect without any added sauces, he also enjoyed the Mac and cheese! Now the prime rib was omg mouthwatering delicious!!! The perfect tenderness, the beauty of the marbling, and just amazing flavor!! O yea can't forget the Heath dessert cake- I do mean - it was like a mini cake for the both of us! Bf is not that big into sweets but he dived right in the second we got it even though we had it to go, lol. I would say a good portion of it was gone before we even made it out the door! read more

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I went to the Big Steer for the first time and was genuinely impressed. Excellent service, Great food and drinks were cold!! read more

Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge - Fillet baked potato - Steakhouses Near Me - Altoona, Iowa

Wow! This is now one of my favorite steak houses. Super busy on a weeknight but they still got us seated in under 5 minutes. The servers were exceptional. They explained all of the specials and even created a custom dish that had samples from both dishes my girlfriend narrowed her choices to. We ordered fried pickles for an appetizer. Delicious dipped in ranch dressing. The bread included in all dinners was a warm and soft loaf. For entrees we had 6oz sirloin with a side of spaghettini and the mixed plate with scallops, steak, crab cakes, and ribs. Everything was perfect. We shared the caramel cookie sundae and it was heavenly! Excellent food and service! I will definitely be back! read more

Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge - Steakhouses Near Me - Altoona, Iowa

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Ate here after work this week and was left wanting, more. I'll start with the ambience. The atmosphere is fine. Typical booths and tables with plenty of light. If anything, a little louder than I was expecting. This may come as a surprise, but I had a simple chicken meal instead of beef. I know, maybe I should post a review after eating what they are known for, but you get what you get. The food was just mediocre. I was underwhelmed, and it was more expensive than it should have been. Anyway, the service was great and I'm looking forward to going back for beef! read more

Sooo...been going to the Big Steer for 25+ years And everything has been great from reception to service and fantastic food. With that being said, the last 3 times my wife and I have went has left a bad taste in my mouth...in regards to the reception and service. Tonight was the icing on the cake. without going in to detail about the first 2 times because who has time to listen to all that, we decided to give it another try but in the bar area this time. We arrived and walked in at 6:20pm and patiently waited sitting at the bar. After 2 others walked in after us and our drink order had been taken, the others were served before us. Also we had asked for a menu to order food. Never seen a menu and the others had already had a menu and ordered. we had now been there almost 30 minutes and I feel ignored and not appreciated to be there. I told my wife we will cash out And go somewhere else. The bartender apologized but hat deliberately ignored us even when we were right in front of her face. She offered to pay for the drinks and acknowledged to her manager that it was her fault but I'm not letting her nor the establishment get off that easily. I pay for what I ask for as nothing in life is for free, however, my existence to others is not and will never eat at the Big Steer again and word of mouth can Be devastating as it causes a chain reaction. Good luc in being around another 30 years. read more

paid 40 dollars for a top sirloin that was shoe leather tough. Marginal salad, skimpy potatoes. Crammed in a little room with 20 plus other people. Terrible experience. no parking. read more

Another 5 star experience. Ample wine list. Started with a scallop appetizer (special this month) which even our pickiest eater loved. Fresh salads from house to Caesar to their signature wedge. I love the balsamic drizzle on the blue cheese. Wide variety of entrees to please everyone from 'best burger ever' to seafood pasta to perfectly cooked steaks. What made it all the best was our server Cole! Thanks for a memorable night out with the family. It's $$$ but it's also an experience well worth it. read more

Wow, this is what I think of when I think of a Steakhouse. The old decorations could use some updating but it didn't change our experience. We showed our waitress a picture from Yelp and asked what it was. She said it was the 40oz Tomahawk that isn't even on their menu and she had to go ask if they had any left. She returned and said there were 4 left and we couldn't resist. They were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The waitress even offered to take a picture with us holding them up. They came with a side salad, bread, and a side, which I chose mashed potatoes. The price of $44 seemed very reasonable for all of this. The house dressing was tasty, bread was fresh, and the mashed potatoes were covered in gravy and tasted as expected. Overall, this place hit the spot and gave us a great memory. read more

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We have been coming to the Big Steer for years and have always loved it, until Saturday night when we were there. Their food is delicious but their service was less than desirable. It was very apparent that unless you were a regular or "a somebody" you weren't going to get any attention from the wait staff. We were very disappointed in how poorly we were treated. read more

Great steakhouse Best option in Altoona IMO. Johnny's Italian steakhouse if you prefer more classy than country western. Entree quality is top notch at both. 3. Fireside (Fun bar too) 4. Claxsons which is more of a southern bbq joint. 5. Brick & Ivy has a rooftop bar for summer fun. read more

In town for kid sports. Totally under rated this place...and I was wrong. Great local steak house with good food and service. Will come again if in town. read more

We love this place. No frills, come as you are, eat great food at a great price. We especially love their Beef tips Deburgo, and their twice baked potatoes. I recently had a special that was a filet and lobster tail and it was to die for. I know, seafood in the midwest? Yes, it can happen. They have a great selection of wine, beer, craft beer and a fun variety if cocktails. If you haven't stuffed yourself OR consider taking dessert to go. Their heath bar cake is HUGE and delicious. We always have great service when we come. Never a complaint when dining here. read more

Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge - Beef tips DeBurgo. - Steakhouses Near Me - Altoona, Iowa

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I sat up at the bar and received top notch service. The food was amazing and the Mac and cheese was a desert to me. I will be coming back! read more

Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge - Prime Rib, Mac and cheese, and asparagus - Steakhouses Near Me - Altoona, Iowa

Over priced !!!! Tables are so close you can't help but to be overwhelmed by everyone else's conversations - we had the "pleasure" of listening to a group talking about deer hunting in all its gorey detail, we left without finishing our meal. read more

Dated, expensive, slow. Food is good but not worth the other downsides. We do like their takeaway burgers though!