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    Iron Wok

    4.2 (106 reviews)
    ModerateChinese, Diners
    Closed Closed

    Order Iron Wok Takeout or Delivery

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    IRON WOK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Adrienne N.

    I would like to give this place 2 stars, however, that's just solely because of their food not service or interior. I wouldn't come back, but I'm not sure if I came on an off day considering the other reviews. I got a dinner for 2 takeout for dinner and was surprised by how bland everything tasted. The beef was too thick for beef and broccoli and the Szechuan chicken was sweet and had no spiciness whatsoever. The egg rolls barely had any veggie filling. The hot and sour soup only had the sour taste and the egg drop soup tasted like watered down chicken broth. The staff seemed very friendly when I went to pick it up and it was super clean inside. I just didn't like how expensive the meal was for the amount of food we received ($36) and its taste.

    a great fortune
    Veronica K.

    I've been searching for a Chinese restaurant that serves great Szechuan chicken since our old favorite place closed during Covid and I think I've found it. This has been on my list of places to try for a while so today my husband and I went there for dinner and we're so glad we did. We went with low expectations because so many other places have let us down in the past. So, we were pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. It's kind of confusing because when we first walked in there, it looks like your typical strip mall fast/casual restaurant where you order at the counter and then they bring you your food when it's ready. There's even a fountain pop machine next to the counter. It totally gives off kind of fast food vibes. But you're actually supposed to sit at a table and wait for them to take your order. The decor is simple but nothing fancy. I got the Szechuan chicken and my husband got the Hunan chicken. They both had wonderful flavor. The sauces were excellent and they came with a lot of vegetables, which I loved. He also got a cup of hot and sour soup, which was a tiny teacup size but very delicious. The prices were pretty high for a carryout Chinese place. It was $15.25 for each of our dishes and $3.50 for the tiny cup of soup. We thought that was pretty high for the type of place that it is and the fact that they served our food in plastic to go containers and our drinks in plastic cups. They did give us glass plates and silverware, but for the prices they're charging, I feel like they could have served the food on nicer looking glass dishes. The kid who served us was excellent. He was super friendly, nice and attentive. I wish more servers were like him. He checked on us several times and asked us if there was anything else we needed. He seemed to genuinely care about us as patrons and wanted to make sure we were happy. He even asked us if we needed more rice since we ate all ours and had leftovers of our entrées. We told him no because we didn't know if they would charge us extra for that. But we were delighted when he brought us extra rice in a to go box and it was on the house. We absolutely loved our dishes and we'll definitely be back again. It's so nice to finally find a good Chinese restaurant that serves tasty food with excellent service.

    Menu!
    MaryAnn S.

    The menu was creatively arranged allowing me to select a Cold Canned Original Thai Tea, a Small Cup of Egg Drop Soup with Small Mushrooms and Fresh Leaf Seasonings which made the broth very favorable-- topped with a had to try -- Pad Thai Chicken -- which was made to order taking a little longer than most entrees. Each dish was delivered with a smile and willing to please attitude. Even though it was in a crowded strip mall with limited parking -- when the customers entered - the peaceful environment-- each had a neighborhood smile as if to know the manager personally. Why not try this local family friendly small restaurant before they relocate to Arizona to help the son follow his dream college endeavors. I wish them well!

    Lunch Egg Roll
    Jessica R.

    I couldn't post this yesterday, as my mouth was on fire and I was seeing . VERY ANGRY COMBO lunch (beef, chicken, shrimp) lives up to its name, and it was so good. I'm totally going back for that again, came with an egg roll or crabmeat rangoon option. Happy Family. with zero spice (lame!), was delicious - says my friend that ordered it. I would've tried it but my taste buds were shot by then. Crabmeat rangoons were so so, but I'm a savory fan and these are sweet. I would've gotten the jalapeño crabmeat rangoons, but my friend, who shall remain nameless for her own safety from us spicy lovers, doesn't like jalapenos...I KNOW, RIGHT??? Maybe next time I'll still try them. And there will be a next time because I'm already thinking about what else I can order VERY ANGRY! Just writing this is making my mouth water. Great lunch spot close to JC Mall. Super sweet lady up front.

    Curry fish (curry on the side)
    Joey L.

    I never knew that a good Asian restaurant like this existed in West Des Moines until I had Iron Wok. I was always aware that this place was here but never thought to give it a try. But I am glad I did. It's located in a plaza just right off of Mills Civic Pkwy, not too far down from the mall. I heard they had great pad thai. Skeptical, I had to try for myself. I was not disappointed. The pad thai is amazing, the portion will leave you with enough for tomorrow's lunch as well. The angry catfish is really good too. The portion is hefty for catfish. I have yet to order a dish here I have not liked. Service is great too. Some of the nicest people that will service you. Very personable and friendly. Overall, this is a great West Des Moines Asian restaurant. Highly recommended.

    6. Pad Thai Beef and Chicken Dinner

    Great food and a huge amount of it during lunch. Tastes as good as it looks. Pad Thai

    Crab Rangoon!
    Clem M.

    I have been searching for a great Chinese Buffet Restaurant in Des Moines. Unfortunately this place only has a buffet during the week and does not appear to offer a lot of choices. Since it was Saturday, Chinese food still sounded really good and this place wasn't that busy when we arrived. I could see how service could be a problem with only three employees working, a waitress, a cook, and a delivery driver. I decided to try a couple appetizers: The egg rolls were excellent. Hot, fresh, crispy, and very tasty. The Crab Rangoons were fantastic. Crispy, hot, and fresh. Nice filling inside. Very good. I would definitely get both again. I also ordered the Basil Beef. Holy fire extinguisher! I didn't see a symbol on the menu that indicated that this dish was very hot, but I can assure you that it brings the heat. Tender beef pieces, fresh vegetables like mushrooms, green peppers, basil, and holy pepper flakes. Order a large glass of water. The beef fried rice was average, kinda mushy and lots of salt. Beef was tender and good. I also tried the sesame chicken. This was a home run. I like the very light breading on the chicken, crisp and fresh with plenty of sauce. Very good.

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Dropped in for a late dinner. Food was great. Friendly service. First time here but I'm sure I'll be back.

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    2 years ago

    Highly recommend! Best Mongolian beef I've had. Tender and juicy, really yummy! Service is fast too.

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food is amazing and the fried rice is made fresh to order. Definitely my favorite Chinese restaurant in the Central Iowa area.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Large portions, excellent service. Lunch specials are well worth the price. Had curry beef house special. Would recommend.

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    3 years ago

    Great food and great service. I will be going back everything was fresh and the soups were made homemade and great flavor.

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    4 years ago

    Excellent Chinese food. Friendly service. Highly recommended. My favorite Chinese restaurant.

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    3 years ago

    As some others have said, The food here is amazing. It taste and looks like everything has been made from scratch. Very impressed.

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    2 years ago

    Food is excellent! Service is quick and efficient. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

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    China Garden

    China Garden

    2.8
    (50 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $

    First time take out. Food tasted good. The portion size was small for a dinner meal so I found it…read morecostly. Tiny spring rolls! I prefer Hy-Vee Chi. Larger portion size and very tasty. About the same prices. Plus they are friendlier.

    [Quick, pre-review heads-up: their paper menu (as of 8/08/24) says that they are closed on…read moreTuesdays.] Tried out China Garden today and got the cashew chicken lunch special, which included two scoops of what I think was their fried rice alongside the actual entree. It was a little light on the cashews, but considering how expensive it is to go out to eat these days, a smattering of those pricey nuts is acceptable when the meal is kept under 8 bucks. Additionally, l also ordered the egg rolls for an appetizer, of which it says there are two per order, but I got three. Maybe because they weren't actually egg rolls, but spring rolls. And maybe it was because they weren't full-sized spring rolls, but rather mini versions of spring rolls. That was okay, because they were still light, crispy, and flaky and came with two generous cups of that sweet, orange dipping sauce (duck sauce? sweet and sour? I don't know precisely). Now, what follows next...I don't want it to come off as bashing, because that's not my intent. This place is great for what it does: cranks out cheap, delicious Chinese food, and I'll be back in the future, no doubt. However, if you're looking for ambiance, exotic or otherwise, keep shopping. Other than the almost-bare walls, it's got 6 small tables in the dining space, with room for double that, although there doesn't seem to be a need since there were only two diners when I came in at 12:45. However, they DO have the big aquarium that seems to come standard with a lot of Chinese food places, stocked with plenty of lively fish. And it doesn't even need it, really; I came for cheap, good, and fast, and they delivered on all points. One final thing is that they sell drinks by the individual can. Not really a point against; a lot of places do that. But lemme tell you about what sets them ABOVE other places. It's a couple small things, but it shows they're thinking ahead; thinking about their customers' experience. I got my food to go, and when my order came out (barely 5 minutes later) everything was neatly packed up in a plastic bag. When I finally got to my eating location, opened up that bag and discovered a cutlery set, napkin, soy sauce packet, and fortune cookie all contained within it's own bag. I wanted to go back and kiss that nice lady on the mouth for her efficiency. It's beautiful; I don't have to hunt under anything or go back to get something they forgot--everything you need (unless you're a sodium-aholic and need that second packet of soy sauce) is right there. McDonald's sure as *&%$ isn't doing that for you, as I can attest to from earlier this week. You'd be lucky if they fold your bag closed so your fries stay hot! But China Garden's guest satisfaction isn't done there, my friend. Placed thoughtfully under my styrofoam container was a piece of corrugate--lightweight, yet STURDY--that made sure my entree's container wasn't bent or crushed as I carried it in that plastic bag! It's a small thing, yes, but the considerate FORETHOUGHT in this small addition is greatly appreciated, and I'm sure there are others out there who have had leaks and spills from similar take-out experiences.

    Photos
    China Garden
    Cashew chicken lunch special
    Cashew chicken lunch special
    As of 8/08/24

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    As of 8/08/24
    Canton Chinese Cuisine

    Canton Chinese Cuisine

    3.7
    (57 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    So, when I used to live in the NoVA/DC area, all of the best Asian restaurants had the workers who…read morealways looked and sounded annoyed that you were there The food was always legit and worth the attitude haha We encountered that service today at Canton Chinese off of Ashworth Dr in West Des Moines. The food was actually pretty good. The restaurant could use some new chairs and booths, but the service was short and to the point. Definitely a hole-in-the-wall establishment. Food: Korean menu Tangsooyook (Korean Sweet and Sour Pork) 4/5- the dish didn't come out looking that appetizing because it was drenched in sauce but it was actually good and tasted as it should taste. They also have a chicken version of this. Mapo Tofu 3.5/5 - this was Korean-style. It was pretty tasty as well and had a hint of gochujang in it. Chinese menu Lunch Shrimp Lo Mein 3/5- this was okay. I probably wouldn't get it again as it was mostly veggies and hardly any noodles. Flavor wasn't bad at all. Lunch General's Chicken 4/5- this was delicious and chicken was crispy. This tasted more like the generals chicken from the Panda restaurant that used to be at Kaleidoscope. All-in-all, we would definitely try the other dishes, especially from the Korean menu.

    The receipt with the substitution of specks of chicken which lacked flavor was not as satisfying as…read morethe original recipe of fried rice & chicken with chunks or shredded chicken. The wait time is too long with service not as customer forward as in the past. Customers rely on consistency for a good return on their money and taste fulfillment being primary at a time when small food businesses are losing customers due to cost and food quality. The inside is well worn with decor especially the floor needing a deep cleaning which makes one spend less time in the environment. As times change businesses must maintain good quality control to retain repeat customers.

    Photos
    Dining Area
    Dining Area
    Tangsooyook (Korean Sweet and Sour)
    Tangsooyook (Korean Sweet and Sour)
    Korean menu options

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    Korean menu options
    Wasabi Urbandale

    Wasabi Urbandale

    4.3
    (11 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    It was really weird going in here as I was a big fan of the original Irina's that used to occupy…read morethis space... And a big fan of Wasabi Chi...which Wasabi Urbandale effectively replaced. Staff was friendly as is usual with most of the Wasabi locations. I feel like a recognized a couple people from Wasabi Chi. We were greeted right away as we walked in. I went with a friend and my daughter, We ordered a few rolls, drinks, and dumplings. Everything was good as far as the food and the service, but I felt out of place as I found myself reminiscing about the businesses Wasabi Urbandale has taken the place of... The many meals I'd had at the horseshoe bar in Irina's...which is now gone. The special moments shared with friends at Wasabi Chi in my past. I got the feeling of being in any other Wasabi here. It's almost a cookie cutter of Ankeny, Johnston, Waukee... Not that there is anything wrong with that. Wasabi offers consistently good food and service at all it's locations. I just found myself missing an emotional connection that I wanted to feel this time.

    I give 5-sushi rolls to Wasabi-Chi (you like what I did there?!) I order from this restaurant at…read moreleast once a week, and it is consistently delicious every time. I also dine-in occasionally and I love their cocktails and neon lights... especially during happy hour! Although the restaurant is never busy, this is not an indicator of the quality of food or drinks served. I think it's just in a bad location. More people should try this hidden gem of a place. The sushi is top-grade and it's a perfect place for a date night! (... with the most beautiful sunsets.)

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Brussel Sprout
    Brussel Sprout
    Pork Dumplings

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    Pork Dumplings
    Asian Cuisine

    Asian Cuisine

    4.3
    (67 reviews)
    8.9 mi
    $

    Service was excellent. Wife and I decided to try it out today. We usually hit hi vee for their…read moreasian grille... not today though,today felt different. Wife ordered the general tso entrée amd I had the sesame chicken entrée. Portion sizes were great. Presentation was inviting and on point we couldn't wait to dig in. Flavor was amazing both.. entrée s...Crispy where it needs to be and tender on. The inside. Every bite was an experience.. as far as ambiance.. its a simple set up. Black tables black chairs.. reo speed wagon "taking it on the run" on the house stereo. Very welcoming..we had the place to ourselves. Great experience.

    The option to dine in has returned here at Asian Cuisine! It's actually been back a while now…read more.. I was just very happy to see it when it happened! The plexiglass wall that closed off the open kitchen during Covid has been removed. I've been here a couple of times since dine in reopened, but had still done take out anyway as my girlfriend lived not far away there in Grimes. She recently moved... We missed the food...and seeing Lily and Ken! So we decided to drive over and grab a table. When we walked in we were greeted right away. It had been a minute since we'd last been in. I was happy to see Lily working at the counter and Ken busy in the kitchen along with the rest of their staff! Seating is all low top tables and chairs. Mostly tables for four and two. Now instead of table service (like it was pre-Covid) it's more order and pay at the counter. Take a seat. The food is brought to you on disposable plates with plastic silverware. Drinks are cans or bottles. There are no napkins or condiments at the tables. Condiments like soy sauce and spicy mustard are served in packets. Sweet and sour still comes in a cup. Bus your own table into the trash receptacle when you are done. The food was as good as it ever was! We ordered an order of the crab rangoon. These seemed a little lighter on the filling than I remember them being in the past... They were served hot and fresh out of the fryer! I got the Yu Shang shrimp. Probably my favorite entree here and my go to. It was fantastic as always! I struggled eating it a little with my plastic fork... The tines kept bending on the firmer components of the dish. Heather ordered chicken fried rice and added shrimp (extra spicy). Another awesome dish! And I benefited from some leftovers she brought home... Lol I'll say that overall the food here is still top notch... Lily and Ken are two of my favorite owners in the metro! Couldn't ask for two better hosts... Take out business is still booming! While we dined in the stream of people picking up their orders, or coming in to place take out orders, was constant. But... The overall dine in experience has changed... We adapt to survive and we lost a lot of businesses during Covid... Some businesses that had been open for decades... Asian Cuisine adapted to a take out only model and made it through. Can I blame them for continuing to evolve while bringing the dine in option back? No I can't. In fact I want them to do WHATEVER it takes to keep their doors open...! I can even bring my own silverware... Lol I'm really not that picky and can grab something to eat anywhere. I see closure notices come through my feed almost weekly. Some are kind of a bummer, but they really don't impact me much even when it's a place I go to often. No real personal connection... It's different for me here. I'd probably cry like a little kid who just had one of their childhood beliefs shattered... I'm also not going to lie and say I don't miss things the way they were... I think as a rule a lot of us could say the same about many things today.

    Photos
    Open kitchen.  Dine in seating.  Post Covid.
    Open kitchen. Dine in seating. Post Covid.
    Mongolian beef
    Mongolian beef
    Exterior signage.

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    Exterior signage.

    Iron Wok - chinese - Updated June 2026

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