Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Happy Joe's

    2.9 (31 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Happy Joe's Takeout or Delivery

    Happy Joe's Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Happy Joe's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pizza
    Austin H.

    We ordered work lunch take out from this location and we were really impressed. The nacho pizza was fantastic and really fresh. The only problem was that it took a little bit longer to get our order ready than it should have. Cheese sticks were fire.

    Stephanie B.

    Our 20 dollar pizza arrived looking extremely burnt. And I'm disappointed to say our last few experiences have also been disappointing. I used to love happy joes but since they closed all their Des Moines locations and opened up this carry out only Urbandale location it just isn't even close to the quality as before.

    Matador, the way it comes

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Spencer R.

    Spencer R.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Spencer R.

    Spencer R.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe R.
    0
    20
    0

    2 years ago

    Always love Happy Joes. Favorite is adding pineapple to Hapoy Joes Special. Delicious.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Spencer R.

    Spencer R.

    Ooooh, interesting choice!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Service was great. Pizza was overcooked. Crust was burnt. This is the second visit with poor quality

    Business owner information

    Photo of Spencer R.

    Spencer R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Spencer R.

    Spencer R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D B.
    1
    238
    166

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan M.
    0
    48
    1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim C.
    23
    12
    9

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Michael V.
    58
    263
    49

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Just too darn expensive! I can get a large for 5.99 at dominos. They want $14 for a small taco? Get with the times Happy Joe's.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Took over an hour to deliver one pizza. I get it's a Saturday night but at least apologize for the delay. Never again!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Happy Joe's

    Review Highlights - Happy Joe's

    Great pizza, quick service, friendly service.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Marino's Italian Restaurant

    Marino's Italian Restaurant

    3.8
    (66 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    I've driven by here on a near-daily basis on my commute. I've been to the taqueria next door…read moreseveral times--thought I would finally give Marino's a try. The lady who answered the phone was very polite. She quoted me a time of 30-35 minutes for the food. I thought that was quite awhile, but decided to proceed with the order anyhow. When I walked in, the restaurant was nearly empty. One room off to the side was dark; it looks like this was a party room in a former life. I saw a solo diner in the main dining room. It was eerily quiet in there. An older lady (whom I believe also answered the phone) was very polite and seemed like she appreciated the business. I wish I could speak more highly of the food. The portions were all very generous, but most all seemed to be lacking in flavor. The breadsticks appear to have been brushed on top with some kind of butter, but no garlic flavor was present and the bottoms had gone untouched. Just bland. The salads I saw online appeared to have had croutons on them but mine did not. The dressing itself had good flavor--likely homemade. The salad was a basic side salad otherwise. The cavatelli was off in several different ways. The pasta appeared to be actual cavatelli, but lacked the firmness I'm used to. The sauce all seemed to have been on one side of the dish. The sausage was Italian sausage. Will probably try again at some point--other reviews seem to indicate better experiences.

    This place doesn't pretend to be anything other than a very good local Italian restaurant…read more Our server was friendly and helpful and guided us to a simple margarita pizza with a sweet sauce that grows on you with each bite (crust was thin and delicious).

    Photos
    Salad Supreme
    Salad Supreme
    Mozzarella sticks
    Mozzarella sticks
    Breadsticks

    See all

    Breadsticks
    Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

    Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

    4.0
    (289 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Came out to the West Des Moines location on University for dinner and was glad we made reservations…read moreahead of time, as the front lobby gets packed quickly. To kick things off, they brought out the complimentary bread basket and signature dipping oil. The oil blend is always a great start to the meal and ours was freshly stocked. For an appetizer, we tried the Calamari Fritti. The presentation was beautiful--lightly golden and piled nicely--definitely a strong start visually and texture-wise. For the main event, I ordered the Fettuccini with Lobster. The execution on the kitchen's part was a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the pasta itself was cooked perfectly al dente, holding its structure exactly how you want a thick noodle to. On the other hand, the sauce fell a bit flat for me--it just felt a little mid-tier and lacked that rich, memorable flavor pop you look for in a luxury pasta dish. The atmosphere walks a nice line between a casual weeknight spot and a slightly more upscale evening out. It's got a warm, energetic vibe that works well for a date night or a family get-together without feeling overly stuffy or pretentious. I would go 4 1/2 star if I could but it leans more towards 5.

    Valentine's Day at Biaggi's turned out to be one of the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday dining…read moreexperiences I've had in a long time. I made our reservation in advance at 11:30 AM. Since Biaggi's was operating reservation-only for Valentine's Day, I didn't want to risk it. Smart move. When we arrived for our early lunch reservation, the place was almost completely empty - quiet, calm, and beautifully set up for what would clearly become a packed evening later. There was something really special about being there early. The white tablecloths were perfectly pressed, the fireplace was glowing, soft lighting filled the room, and the entire space felt intimate and relaxed. No noise. No crowd. Just that upscale Italian ambiance without the rush. We were seated immediately, and the service was attentive from the start. Water glasses filled. Warm bread delivered. Friendly but professional tone. There was zero stress in the air - which is rare for February 14th. Now let's talk about the Chicken Marsala. The presentation was elegant and clean. Golden-brown chicken cutlets layered in a rich Marsala wine sauce, surrounded by earthy mushrooms and caramelized onions. On the side were creamy mashed potatoes with a bright lemon wedge and fresh herbs sprinkled over top. Vibrant sautéed greens added color and balance to the plate. The chicken was tender and perfectly cooked - juicy inside with a light crust that held up beautifully in the sauce. The Marsala sauce itself was outstanding. Deep, slightly sweet, earthy, and glossy. Not too thick. Not too salty. Just balanced and layered with flavor. The mushrooms were plentiful and meaty, adding real substance rather than just garnish. The mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery, and they soaked up that sauce perfectly. A little squeeze of lemon brightened the whole dish and kept it from feeling heavy. The sautéed greens were fresh and lightly dressed - a perfect contrast to the richness of the Marsala. What impressed me most was the execution. Even though it was early and the restaurant was still quiet, the dish felt like it was prepared with full care and attention - not rushed, not pre-staged, not sitting under heat lamps. By the time we were finishing, you could tell they were preparing for the evening rush. Reservations were coming in, tables were being set with precision, and the staff clearly had a well-organized plan for the night. Choosing the early reservation at 11:30 AM turned out to be a hidden advantage. It felt like a private Valentine's lunch in a beautifully prepared restaurant before the evening energy took over. Biaggi's delivered not just good food, but a calm, elegant experience on a day when many places feel chaotic. The Chicken Marsala alone is worth returning for. We'll absolutely be back - maybe next time for dinner when the room is glowing with full Valentine's energy.

    Photos
    Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
    Lemon cake
    Lemon cake
    Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

    See all

    Christophers

    Christophers

    4.0
    (160 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    We went to celebrate our hubbies mutual birthdays. (Didn't tell waiter)…read more He was very attentive & very polite! He kept our drinks full & table clean. It was prom so we enjoyed watching the kids all dressed up as they came in to dine. We started with the Boursin bruschetta & it was great. Our salads came next & the house dressing was fresh & tasty! It's a creamy Italian. Ladies had chicken parm & it was fresh & flavorful. The smaller chicken sized portion was a bit dry. The regular portion was not. Hubby's Gorgonzola pasta with beef was very rich. The beef was overpowered by the cheese, but was tender. Friend's prime rib was a perfectly cooked medium piece. He had a side of asparagus. The restaurant is large & dimly lit. Parking was the hardest part--Saturday night & that's a good thing.

    Still really enjoy Christophers. We've been coming for years, although we're amateurs compared to…read moremany loyalists. At any rate, it's a bit out of our current neighborhood, but we get here every once in a while; this time with our niece and nephew for a delightful evening. We were quickly seated in a booth for our reservation, and our server checked in immediately and regularly. Once we all arrived, we got in our drink orders. We were there on a Thursday, which is one of the half-price wine nights. My wife and I shared a nice bottle at a steep discount from the regular price. We decided not to do any appetizers, knowing we'd be well sated by our entrees. I got the Fettucine Gorganzola - a decadent and gooey concoction, with a generous serving of beef tenderloin. My wife got the Chicken Veloute, which was a fantastic chicken and crab combo with delicious mashed potatoes and asparagus. The others in our party got pasta dishes, and everyone but me was able to finish their meals while we were there. I enjoyed my leftovers for lunch the next day! Service as nothing short of fantastic, and the meals, along with the salads and bread were all fantastic too. Anyway...even though we were well topped off, we decided to get dessert. The other couple got the Carrot Cake - a big delicious piece, and we got German Chocolate Cake (a special for the night). That's one of my favs, and I was not disappointed. Reasonable pricing, a Des Moines staple, and a cool vibe (sit at the bar for a while if you can).

    Photos
    Escargot Royale--my favorite dish on the menu. Chef's kiss! Highly recommend.
    Escargot Royale--my favorite dish on the menu. Chef's kiss! Highly recommend.
    Drink menu
    Drink menu
    Dinner menu

    See all

    Dinner menu
    Noah's Ark Ristorante

    Noah's Ark Ristorante

    3.6
    (192 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    This is an old school gem! Staff is personable and friendly…read more The food is always excellent. The fried chicken is some of the best!

    The first time I came, I was with a big group, and I ordered a pizza with buffalo milk included…read morethat tasted off. I asked the waitress before ordering, and she said no one had ever mentioned not liking it. Okay, fine, I'm picky, I know. I decided to try it again because the ingredient seemed to be the only issue, so my partner and I came last Friday night. We ordered a build-your-own pizza this time. That night's mistake was the sausage. It was so spicy that the pizza was inedible. We overheard the table next to us also had the exact same issue with the sausage being too spicy, to the point where they couldn't eat it. Unfortunately, we were just told, "Yeah, it's spicy," AFTER we mentioned it. I would have loved a warning beforehand or an indication that I wouldn't be able to eat my dinner given the level of spice. Anyways, we left with over half of the pizza (partner forced himself to eat a couple pieces). I do feel like this was a lack of communication that has unfortunately led us to decide we will not be back. The cherry on top was the waitress bringing the other table ice cream to make up for the spicy food- yet we were not. No offer of any resolution or really any apology- just "yeah, it's spicy." Have heard good things, but if you're picky at all, I do not recommend.

    Photos
    Noah's Ark Ristorante
    Tiramisu
    Tiramisu
    Feasting bread- bread soaked in olive oil and garlic

    See all

    Feasting bread- bread soaked in olive oil and garlic
    Aposto

    Aposto

    4.4
    (91 reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$$

    I didn't realize how long it had been since I'd reviewed Aposto, so I didn't snap any pics, but I…read morecan completely affirm my 5-star rating. We arrived a couple of hours before our event at Hoyt Sherman, which is right down the street, so that we could have a leisurely experience. We were seated at one of the tables by a front window, so we had a nice view of both the lovely inside and the front lawn. My wife avoids cow dairy, so the staff was great about making sure each dish she got was adjusted to her liking. She got the cardini salad for her starter, a wonderfully fresh assortment of veggies. She then opted for the cavatelli (sans cheese), and it was wonderful homemade pasta and a great blend of sausage and sauce. I got the gnocchi, which was just as delightful. Beautiful pillows of gnocchi with a tasty lightly spiced curry sauce. We topped off our meal by sharing the chocolate torte, and it was a wonderful finish to the meal. They have a pretty thorough wine list which is tilted toward Italian wines. Those aren't my fav, so I got a martini, which was fantastic! My wife got the prosecco, which was fairly dry, which was what she was aiming for. Service was attentive, friendly, and overall exceptional. This will not be your least expensive meal in the area, but I always feel like I get value out of my overall experience.

    This is my second time dining at Aposto, it was time for a review! I've been once in the Summer and…read morenow this time during winter- I mention this because their menu is ever seasonally changing. Which is a great thing! They do a small limited menu, everything is fresh and locally sourced which I loved. Set in an old Victorian home in historic Sherman Hills area of Des Moines this place is quiet, small on the inside with a homey romantic vibe. Tyler at the bar is amazing at what he does as a mixologist. My husband commented it was the best old fashioned he'd ever had! Our service was wonderful, paced very well. We felt we had enough time to chat, eat and take the ambiance in! A wonderful place for a date night, a celebration or a night out! Parking is limited to the street, no meters. But during busier times you might have to park farther away and walk a few blocks. Definitely a must do in Des Moines!

    Photos
    Aposto
    Best salad
    Best salad
    Aposto

    See all

    Happy Joe's - pizza - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...