It was alright. We were traveling through the area and I found they had a Maid-Rite near our hotel. As an Iowan, I've enjoyed Maid-Rites from a young age. I seek them out when I'm back in the Midwest. We found the Ankeny store easily. It's next to Walmart. The front of the store looks modern. Inside was white and red and was decorated nicely. We got here around 7pm. They close at 8pm. Cleanup hadn't started. Most of the table and booths had not been wiped off. We ended up finding a clean booth to use. We ordered: - Cheese-Rite sandwiches x 2 - French fries - Mac n Cheese - Soft drink The Cheese-Rites were "okay". Not as good as those I've had many times at other locations. Things I noticed about it as different were: 1. The loose meet was darker than I've seen before 2. The loose meat wasn't juicy at all. By that, I mean it was squeezed pretty dry They weren't horrible - they just weren't as good as I've come to enjoy elsewhere. I'd certainly eat them here again though. The fries were hot and crispy. Nice job. The Mac and Cheese looked great but was not served very warm at all. We elected to not send it back. Taste was okay. In summary - the food was okay, the restaurant was a bit dirty, the teens working there did an okay job of taking, making and serving our food. We eat here again. read more

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We were on a road trip and heard we had to stop for a Maid-Rite in Iowa. We both ordered meals with their homemade onion rings. The Maid-Rite reminded me of a sloppy Joe without the red sauce. we added ketchup, mustard, and cheese. The sandwich was simple and tasty. The onion rings were fresh and delicious. The staff was friendly and helpful, and there's a large dining area if you want to eat inside, plus the option to take your food to go. read more

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Very nice location with a service counter and drive through. Food came out quick and accurate. Interior decor is fun to enjoy. This location also has a punch card reward program to earn a free item. read more

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We had some last-minute changes in our Des Moines trip so we decided to give this a try and also because it's an Iowa-thing to check off. We tried the maid-rite sandwich, pork tenderloin sandwich, Graziano grinder combo with soda and fries, and deluxe grilled cheese. The maid-rite sandwich was a very sad-looking sandwich and the flavors were not redeeming. Even after adding the condiments, it did not change much. There is nothing deluxe about the grilled cheese. The grinder and the fries were mediocre. The best item is surprisingly the pork tenderloin. It was a huge slab of pork that was crispy and tender. read more

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Very good food and very polite service ! Nice to find a drive thru that serves a real tenderloin sandwich ! Delicious Indeed !

Food always good! Service is super friendly and accommodating!!! The oldtime boths just take me back . Love read more

Was alright actually it was Kinda spendy for what it was. Onion rings were spot on. Tenderloin was hot but thin. Jr at the front counter couldn't get the order right. Took him 5-6 try's. I can say I tried it. I'm good for another 10 years. read more

It's been 4 years since my last visit. Last time I was there things got a little combative here on Yelp. I have been wanting to go back and try again, and I did today. I had a Mega Rite, which was quite tasty. And I had Cheese Balls, and the order was a very nice size. A place can change. Normally, because it's a chain restaurant, I'd give 3 stars. You have to be really exceptional for a chain to get more than that from me, I think only one has. But since this was so much better than the last time, I have to give it another star. It was a major improvement. read more

Passing through Iowa and never had a Made-Rite burger, so stopped here. Got the classic mustard, pickle and onion version. It was surprisingly good and about as messy as expected. Companions got the pork loin burger and liked that, too. Fries were very good as well. If you want to try an Iowa original dish, try it! read more

Clean and friendly Maid-Rite shop! Food was great, very fast service, Sam at the counter was friendly, kind and welcoming!! Recommend!

Have had previous positive experience. Ordered maid-rite to go on Sunday with no onion. When it was brought out to me the employee verified my name and "no onion". It had onions - didn't realize it till I was almost home. read more

First time in a maid rite in Iowa Good food and service!! Love maid rites!! Great food!! read more

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Great food and service. Just like I remembered! Had a classic Maid rite with crinkle cut fries.

Hospitality from the counter guy (manager?) was amazing. He's a gem! Thanks for a great experience! read more

Maid-Rite - The counter guy (manager?) was EXTREMELY helpful. I'd highly recommend this place for his hospitality alone! - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

I have always wanted to try a loose meat sandwich if I made it to the state of Iowa. I found out that Maid-Rite is a popular restaurant for the loose meat sandwich. They have restaurants in Illinois and Iowa. The sandwich and the deep fried cheese curds were delicious. I will definitely make another trip when I am back in Illinois or Iowa. read more

Maid-Rite - Original burger with cheese and Cheese curds - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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We recently were in town and decided to stop by and try this Maid-Rite. We grabbed a little bit of everything: Maid-rite, tenderloin, cheese-rite and a ice cream malt, all to-go. What made our visit was the service. The gentleman working the front counter was so kind, friendly. Definitely, notable about this location! Our food was fast. The tenderloin was quite good. The only thing to note was my cheese seemed a little dry around the edges on my maid-rite and didn't really melt. Also, the meat tastes a little different depending on which location you go to. Would try this place again read more

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The service was fantastic. Really enjoyed the maid-rite. I thought the onion rings were really good (large rings). My wife prefers the smaller string onion rings but thought they were good. read more

This is the best kept secret in Ankeny Iowa. I highly suggest that you look past the location and visit this place. It's right next to Walmart and the food is amazing. The customer service it's just as excellent. I suggest the mega cheese rite and fries! Both of them are cooked perfectly and it's an excellent place to take your family. Very family oriented not to mention a great ambience! read more

Maid-Rite - Mega Rite with Cheese and Fries! The only way to go! - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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Good people, great attitude! Food was good. Definitely plan to return as this has been our regular go-to for some time now.

Great pork tenderloin and cheese fries. Clean restaurant and restrooms. Chili cheese fries are worth it too!

I hadn't been here in ages so I went with my sister. My food was delivered hot and fresh as expected. Prices here have always seemed high to me but that's whatever really. The staff member we interacted with was very friendly and knowledgable. The restaurant was clean as well. read more

Maid-Rite - Retro cups - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

I drove 200 miles from Minneapolis today and was given wings with the thought of two maid-rites with ketchup, mustard and pickles. I nearly panicked when folks standing g by the door said it was closed...but the drive-through was open! Plus,an order of the best onion rings I've had in years. Life is good. Eat 'em! read more

I've been looking for this place for over four years and I finally spotted a food sign on the interstate listing the place. The lady inside told me multiple locations had closed due to labor shortages and restaurants being locked down for over a year. The food is terrific and I will make a point of stopping any time I pass through this area. If you have never tried what our family called the "loose meat" sandwich get it instead of a hamburger and enjoy how good they are. read more

Every time I eat here the food is ready and good. I have yet to have any bad experiences when I have been there. I feel that a nice loose meat sandwich with cheese is Alyssa something to have every now and then. read more

I have had terrible service here consistently. It's the only maid rite so I guess you have to put up with it. But today I stood at the counter at 1030 and was ignored . But I heard all about the girls migraine. Finally drove through the drive through got instant service. But there's a guy that walked in still being ignored. Guess I'll only use drive thru. Terrible service every time . They don't deserve a 1 star. Thank for your snide comment and belittling my experience at your restaurant. Didn't think I needed a bell that I did not see. One girl walked by the kitchen opening 3 times. Maybe her migraine affected her sight. I was the only one there including drive thru. 4 people in the kitchen but no one saw me. However your drive thru did work. Because of your attitude I now understand your business model and will never be back. read more

Stop by and had lunch on Friday 11/3/2023 with a friend we each had our sandwich. I ate most of mine and she ate very little. We were both very displeased and the meat did not smell or taste right. We are both sick this morning with stomach issues and diarrhea, and it was the only thing we ate on this day. We have eaten at other maid Rite in the past and never had this problem. The staff was pleasant and returned my friend's money when she asked for a refund because she was not pleased with her sandwich. We will not be returning. read more

Not the Maid-Rite of my youth. Frankly, it's a little too nice. Located in a modern strip center in Ankeny, this Maid-Rite has a fun retro feel inside and friendly workers behind the counter. There's an especially nice seating area in the middle of the restaurant that can accommodate large groups. My Southwestern wife is confused by the whole Maid-Rite concept. Why do you put ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion on a sloppy joe? Well, it's not really that sloppy. It's just seasoned beef. Kind of a loose meat sandwich like pulled pork? No, it's ground beef. So it's a hamburger? No. Why don't you just try it. Hold the onions. And perhaps try the sweet potato fries. Not surprisingly, the wife loved her Maid-Rite. And her sweet potato fries. I suspect we'll have to visit again before we return to Arizona. read more

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I know that there are folks who love Maid-Rite, but I have never been very impressed with their food. As a fast-casual chain, they have a variety of burgers and sandwiches. Their signature dish is the Maid-Rite sandwich: a steamed loose meat sandwich served on a hamburger bun with ketchup, mustard and pickles. If you're not that hungry, they do have a junior size. I've had friends rave about how good these are, but frankly - to me they taste like sloppy joe sandwiches without the sauce. Nothing special here. Another sandwich I've tried is the pork tenderloin, which features a gigantic slice of pork, battered, deep fried and served on an undersized bun. Seriously, the bun is way too small for the size of the pork. The problem is that the pork itself is so thin that all you taste is the breading. Ugh. They do have very friendly service and the dining room is usually kept nice and clean. But next I'm in Iowa, I'll probably pass on another visit to Maid-Rite. read more

Maid-Rite - Pork tenderloin is massive... - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Fast fresh food! Tastes ALMOST as good as my grandmas - definitely makes me think of home!

The only time I ate here before today was when I craved sweet potato fries and got it at their drive thru. Today I decided to eat inside for lunch. Walking in I did not expect what I saw, the decor is designed to make the restaurant look like a retro diner. You order from the extensive, but simple menu at the counter and take a seat waiting for them to bring your food out. I got their pork tenderloin and onion rings. While my fiance got the graziano grinders and sweet potato fries. This place puts the tender in tenderloin, it was extremely flavorful and fulfilling. The grinder was no different, perfectly made and packed a pinch of meaty flavor with every bite. The sides were tasty, but nothing too exciting. I would recommend this eatery and I cannot wait to try their other menu items , including their malts. read more

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Mother T also treated me to lunch at the Maid Rite in Ankeny. I don't get them very often and always enjoy these "loose meat" sandwiches regardless of the name they are sold under. The Ankeny store is updated and modern with the same look and feel as the Muscatine and Amana places. It appears the company is working to make them look consistent. They may be improving the consistency of the food as well. Our Maid-Rites were made right. I have to give this the same score as the Muscatine store, since the food was identical. We each had Maid-Rites with everything except onion. Mom forgot that "everything" in a Maid-Rite joint means mustard, onion and pickle. She had wanted catsup. I reminded her that catsup was forbidden on a Maid-Rite. They had just the right moisture level, not greasy and not dry. The meat was salted just right and the mustard was applied in perfect quantity. The woman who took our order was a little strange. Mom ordered and I said I would have the same thing. That was apparently confusing as the woman made me repeat what I wanted in detail. Just an add-on from February 2015 - I stopped in again, on my way through. The Maid-rite was fine, if not a little dry. They seem to be getting drier as time goes by, but it was OK. I also ordered chili forgetting that it is not good. In fact, I would be hard pressed to know when I have had worse chili. This is hideous thick tomato soup with disgusting red kidney beans and lots of them. This Iowa style chili at it's worst, I know, I grew up here. It is something to be avoided at all costs. Regardless of how good the sandwich is, they must be punished for this chili. Also, again with the strange staff. This time the guy at the register who took my order could not remember one detail of my order long enough to key any of it in to the computer. No tables were cleared and cleaned and when mine was cleaned he left a layer of cold dirty water on the surface. I used most of the napkins in the spring loaded dispenser to dry the table off so I could use it. read more

Been a long time since I enjoyed some Maid Rites!! Just got back and I have to say, they are definitely just as good as I remembered. A bit pricey, for what we got, but we will be back. read more

First time ever eating at a Maid Rite. Decent diner style resturaunt when you don't want fast food. Like. The retro vibe when you first walk in. Was greeted right away which was great! Burger was pretty good! Bacon was crispy! Sweet potato fries were good just a little under seasoned, but nothing a little salt didn't fix. Burger was slightly over cooked but still juicy. One complaint. Dirty tables with dirty baskets. But it was taken care of after food was brought to us. Prices are a little steep as well. Overall decent!! Friendly staff!! Love the retro vibe! read more

Maid-Rite - Bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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My history with Made Rite began in Muscatine where the sandwich originated. I always enjoyed them. I have also had them in Rolla Missouri where they we also good. My experience in Ankney was not good. The meat was extremely dry and had the texture of sawdust. I won't be eating here again. The price was also way above reasonable. Two regular Made Rites, two orders of cheese balls and two fountain drinks were nearly $30.00. Thanks, but no thanks. read more

Over priced. Even for maid rite. And the service is slower then heck. And have a hard time getting orders right.

What a terrible experience we had. We were looking forward to having the traditional Maid-Rite sandwich but boy we wished we went somewhere else. This particular visit we brought the entire family and spent well over $70. This included four kids. When one of the kids received their hotdog, it was burnt to a crisp. We were fine with it at first and politely asked if we could just get another hotdog, or even just one that we could take home and microwave ourselves. Who I assume was the chef at the time was completely rude....to the point where his SHOUTING was heard all the way by us, as we stood in front of the counter. Completely unprofessional and rude to the boy taking orders who was just trying to make it right for us. After $70+ spent, and they cannot take care of the customer? Or fix the measly $7 hotdog? Not a good experience at all and we will never be returning to Maid-Rite. read more

Maid-Rite - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Every time I go something is wrong and I am never going back. They can't get the orders right!!

while driving in Iowa I stopped at Maid Rite. so good that I am willing to drive over a hour to get one in Minnesota

We ordered through GrubHub and I want to say this is not a review about them. The driver was awesome. However we received our order and they think this is $25 worth of food? We ordered onion rings, cheese balls, two shakes, and one, yes ONE maid rite sandwich, and it was $25? Literally 6 onion rings were there (photo provided) they also forgot the ranch for the cheese balls. When my partner called them the person over the phone was rude and trying to make excuses because our total was $39, but that also included our coupon, and tip for the driver so she only texted to say our actual total was $25 and wasn't sure "how much GrubHub charges" kind of unprofessional to text someone, also reading responses on here and GrubHub from whoever at Maid Rite you can clearly tell they lack in customer service. The Maid Rite was good, that is where they get their one star. As a social media influencer, and someone who knows how important customer service is, I am definitely spreading the word at how awful the customer service is here, and how insane the prices are read more

Maid-Rite - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

My first Maid-Rite experience. Okay, perhaps this won't be the most informed of reviews, but it may give some direction for other prospective first-timers out there. I like the retro feel of this location. Don't let the location in a strip mall fool you. It's very fun. Friendly staff. Lots of seating options. Plus a drive-thru. For a fast food restaurant, Maid-Rite's menu has a lot of appeal as well. I loved the basic Maid-Rite and the sweet potato fries. I would recommend both. The menu is actually more extensive than I expected and I look forward to exploring it further. read more