The Portermill provides an attractive layout and is overall a nice atmosphere. The service was good and the waitress had good feedback for all of our questions about the menu. We ordered the Reuben Burger and a Caesar salad with chicken. The burger comes with fries that are lightly salted that come appropriately cooked but I feel could use a bit more flavor as I felt they needed ketchup due to them not standing on their own. The burger I requested some pink and sadly it came out on the well done side of things making for a fairly dry burger. It has to be eaten quickly though as the sour kraut juices make the bread quite soggy in no time at all which may be offputting to some. I'd of liked a bit more dressing on it personally to help moisten it up a notch and bring through more of the natural Reuben flavors. If I were to do it again I'd just skip the patty and request a standard Reuben sandwich. The Caesar salad looked a bit meh, however the croutons were great. The chicken was a bit boring and flavorless but the Caesar dressing I'd say is a 5/10 but note that I am picky about my dressing wanting that original anchovy based thick Caesar dressing. Overall I'd certainly give it another try if I were coming through. read more

Inside dsm airport, stopped in for breakfast before a flight. After what seemed like a while for an omelet, the wrong meal was sent out. The staff was very Apologetic and went back to the kitchen to fix it. I was supposed to get a veggie omelet that has sautéed spinach, cAramelized onion, tomato and a tomato jam. What I got was raw spinach, raw onions, tomato and no tomato jam. (Essentially a hot salad inside a blanket of eggs) With hash browns on the side that had only been cooked on one side. Too early to complain and didn't want to wait another unreasonable amount for them to fix it for the second time given that I had to catch my flight. Haven't had such a mediocre experience here in a while so maybe I caught them on an off day but I'll hesitate to come here from now on. read more

Portermill - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Terrible service and overpriced... took way too long for a salad to be done, really? If I ever come back to the airport, I will rather just eat a granola bar or something. read more

This is a fries what I get.. the sandwich i order is ok. And I order also soup. The super have weird taste. expensive for nothing. But the service is nice. read more

Portermill - This is a fries what I get.. expensive for nothing. But the service is nice. - Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Was ignored for 15 minutes before walking to the bartender to ask to place a to-go order (at that point). She took it and I sat down again. When I got paged for my flight I asked about the order and she said she didn't put it in since I sat back down. Terrible service at a place where speed is often important. read more

This is the restaurant that I have breakfast at at the Des Moines airport it always allows for great food eggs bacon toast but it's not just regular it's very good thick cut bacon nice big homemade type bread and eggs cooked to order very good service good coffee and all done quickly and in plenty of time to make my flight good job keep up the good work you'll enjoy it read more

I've been traveling back and forth from Iowa and Texas since August 2018. When it's time to go home (TX). I look forward to getting to the airport early and spending an hour or two here. Juan and Matt are the absolute BEST! They notice me as soon as I cross the threshold and greet me. They know what I drink and start to get it before I even sit down. They are TOPS! I feel so welcomed. Shout out to Meta and Gerardo who are also very sweet to me. Thanks so much for making the first leg of my trip home a good one. I always look forward to seeing y'all. read more

Honestly such a horrible experience at this place. First, we sit down and wait 15 minutes until a waitress finally helps us--only after we waved them down. Then, we wait 30 min+ for our food. The fries were like cardboard but even those tasted better than the Pollo sandwich I had. I think the chicken or onions were just bad. The sandwich was unbearable. We also got the Iowan sandwich which was mediocre at best. The waitress didn't even tell us her name. read more

I stopped here Friday and Saturday as I was traveling through Des Moines. I love getting to sample local craft beer and this was the place to do it. Kudos to an airport bar that serves local fare, supporting local businesses. The Firetrucker Brown ale was excellent. I also had the fried pickles with chipotle ranch. The pickles were a bit greasy, but the chipotle ranch was good. I'm from Texas and I eat a lot of products containing either chipotle or ranch seasoning. This stuff was good. read more

I usually don't expect much from airport restaurants, and Portermill delivered. Slow service, overpriced (even by airport standards) bland food. $4 upcharge to add a side salad to a burger. Not many alternatives in DSM. Best bet is to hope your flight is on time and you can get out of there before you have to eat. read more

May be ok for men, but woman traveling alone was ignored by all servers while attending nearby tables. Then two men came in about 4-5 minutes after I was seated. They sat along the same wall at a similar table a couple seats away from me. When the server walked up to help them without having even acknowledged me, I walked out. I traveled for business at least several times per year for over forty years and expect to be treated as a valued customer even when dressed comfortably for a long day of travel -- and I do tip accordingly. Maybe just a bad day, but shame on you! read more

Everytime I come here they make me wait. Even if its empty. They know we're in a rush for flights why would they take so long. In the past I've had to leave my food. And I usually get there 40-45 minutes before my boarding time. So annoying read more

Ya know what? For a restaurant in the airport, this is a fine establishment. Quick and courteous service, a solid menu of breakfast and lunch items, and a fully stocked bar. To top it off, they don't gouge the customers with airport pricing! This is phenomenal, given that they don't have any competition in the terminal - unless you're counting thay salad/deli place next to it. read more

Not real excited about this place. Waiting quite a while for food. They ran out of hashbrowns. We didn't get refills on drinks for a long time (5-8) minutes. Got our refills and an apology about breakfast taking so long. It was a good thing we got here early enough not to miss our flights! Think twice about this next time! Can't tell you about the food we haven't got it yet!!! Ok so we finally got our food. She was able to get us hash browns after all! She gave us a big discount because of the problems! We felt a little better about this place! read more

Came in at 5:18 pm. Wasn't too busy but most all the tables and counters, especially the counters were not wiped down. Had food, grease, etc so it was hard to pick an area of the countertop. Since its flu and cold season, very important to wipe down and disinfect counters. read more

This place makes you wait and I'm starting to think they aren't helping me cause I'm Asian...especially since everyone else is getting service but me...I'm also the only Asian person here. I waited more than 15 minutes and even talked to a girl for help. She said she's on lunch and won't help. Seriously rude, I didn't even get to finish what I was saying and she cut me off. She however proceeded to help everyone else. I can't wait to go home. Terrible. Do not go here unless you want disrespectful treatment and to wait forever. This happened at the bar and at the tables. read more

Ran out of oatmeal?!? Slow service. No refills offered. It took an hour to get an omelet. They weren't busy and had plenty of waitstaff. Server not friendly. Very small menu. read more

Meh. Portermill is A-OK simply due to the fact that there is essentially no competition if you're waiting to catch a flight out of DSM. The food's not bad, but neither is it particularly good. In fact, I wish I could recommend a solid dish, but I've tried several and they've always left something to be desired. I suppose the nice thing is they have a full bar, though, so you can get your drink on before hopping on your flying sardine can. read more

Kristin was a fantastic server and made a layover in DSM all that much better. The chorizo breakfast sandwich was very well done and always appreciate the number of quality Iowa beers on tap! read more

Update I issued another star for the fact that mamagement reached out to me and are working on their shortcomings. I will definately give them another chance. We all deserve 2nd & sometimes 3rd opportunities‍ The bkfst potato hash were undercooked, there veggie omlet contained raw onion & 2 strands of spinach, the OJ had seperated in my glass while I waited. Mcdonalds does a better job at bkfast for half the price read more

Terrible service. Sat for 15 minutes before we spoke to our server. Had to ask 3 people before we were even asked for our order. Took another 30 minutes after our order and had leave as our flight was approaching. There aren't many options at the DSM airport and as a frequent flyer I am highly disappointed I also called Aero - their parent company while I was waiting for my order and they hung up on me as I was on hold. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. read more

Unfortunately this is the only real restaurant in the Des Moines airport. The food is not good, specifically any meat choice is cooked dry and of the 2 lettuce options romaine and ice berg both leave a lot to the imagination when you find rotting leaves on your plate. In today's time with the restaurant quality you find in airports across the country this is unacceptable for the prices they charge. While the food is sub par the service that Allie provides is well above average if not superior. Despite being slammed busy and serving food that is below the quality she should be serving, she has nothing but a smile, good nature, and responds with a positive attitude to any request or someone trying to get her attention. Allie, you could work anywhere and deserve to work somewhere that is on par with your quality. read more

So impressed with the kitchen they made me a plant based Sami (no oil) and it was delicious ! Truly the only good thing about being stuck at the airport lol! read more

Really bad service, so server didn't get a tip and there is better burgers at Whataburguer and cheaper. So this is the last resort if nothing else. read more

Just had lunch at the Portermill and Alexandra "Allie' waited on us. She is hands-down the most efficient server we've had in a very long time. She was very attentive to our needs and was simply a Rockstar. Wow! The Portermill is lucky to have Allie. read more

Great drinks, great food! I've been there to grab drinks to jumpstart a vacation and I've been there to wrap up emails on a business trip. Every time is surrounded by great food and great drinks! read more

Worst experience I have ever had in a restaurant, or with another human being. Wish I could give negative stars. The service was not just bad the woman was mean and aggressive. You're better off getting a bag of chips before the flight read more

WOW! Usually eating at the airport is less than appealing so nothing less when traveling to Des Moines, IA. However, Portermill FAR exceeded any/all expectations. The Cherry Mule was the best drink I've ever had! Food recommendations and taste were outstanding. Matt's service was excellent. Now looking forward to my next trip to Des Moines and will plan a long layover to enjoy the good drinks and food! :) read more

Oh my God. The Portermill was a gem in the Iowa transit system. Great food (Iowan porky goodness) and the drinks were poured by the best mixologist this side of the Mississippi. Matt F. remembers our drinks each time we come in and really appreciated his help. Love this place read more

Matt is the man! Always have to stop by here on my way out of Des Moines - hospitality through the roof and a great selection of beer and food. Highly recommend the Iowan if you want some glorious Iowa pork. read more

Do not get the chips and guacamole...it tastes like they are poured out of a bag of preservatives- not fresh at all. Someone near me ordered a burger and it looked great. I would be cautious of the chips/dip though...I feel like puking now read more

I come through DSM quite a bit and every time I'm in the DSM airport I love to stop by the portermill! The staff is friendly and the food is exceptional. The wide beer selection offers you many options to choose from. I had a really great experience with a couple of the staff members Kristin and Margot. You could tell they new their job thoroughly and were well trained in customer experience. If you have a layover in DSM or a delay, I highly recommend checking it out! read more

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME! I fly from Des Moines often. I had heard amazing things last time I was leaving town, so I thought that I would check it out myself. Being in Food and Beverage Management I always like to try places I hear good reviews about to see what they are doing that I can do different for my own location! When I got there I was welcomed by Megan, a server that I would love to hire for my restaurant as she was fast, friendly and professional!! I noticed that the manager, Nikki, was contiunally present, talking with guests and employees. She was clearly in control of a very well maintained environment and her staff really seemed excited about working and giving supurb customer service!! When Nikki stopped to check on my expirience, I told her she was lucky to have such a great staff!! And from the conversation I had with Nikki, the staff is lucky to have such a competent leader!! I was just as impressed with the Beet Salad as I was the customer service expirience!!! This place is hands down one of the best places in Des Moines for both food and customer service from the wait staff to the management!! read more

We were waiting for our airline departure and decided to get a quick bite. The burgers were dry. The corn chowder was the worst me and my family have tasted. Just stick to the drinks you will be fine. read more

Matt and Juan are the absolute best. The service was impeccable. Very courteous and friendly. I couldn't recommend this place more. Food was a 3.5 to 4 star but the service by far was 5 star! read more

I'm so sad this place does not have a location outside of the airport! Best burger and sandwich in town! My bf got a portermill burger and I got the Portabella mushroom Cuban and they were AMAZING! Fresh ingredients and unique combinations! We were in heaven! A+ read more

After hearing of our flight delay, we grabbed a bite and a brew. Had a wonderful burger with fried onions. The burger was full of flavor. The local brew was a cold blonde ale. Delicious! The service was quick, friendly and attentive. Can't wait to grab another great burger and a Confluence Farmer John brew on my next trip out of Des Moines. read more

Best restaurant I've ever been to in an airport! We were delayed 6+ hours only to be cancelled after midnight, and their bar stayed open the entire time, checking our flight and chatting to keep us occupied and keep the passengers happy. We honestly had the best time while being delayed - who'd have thought! Thank you both Juan and Chelsea!! read more

On June 14th my Father was supposed to leave the Des Moines Airport to travel to see my sister in San Francisco. My Father is elderly and has problems with being a newly diagnosed diabetic. He was supposed to be given a wheelchair upon checking in with the airline but he did not. He went into the restaurant and was feeling strange. The bartender somehow figured out he was not well and acted quickly. At that time my Father dialed me on his cell phone and was acting loopy so he handed the phone off to the bartender, Michelle. I am all the way in Georgia and felt helpless. I found out my Father had missed his flight also. Michelle ordered him the correct types of food and even contacted his air line. I am so thankful to Michelle and her manager Nikki for their quick thinking. They went far above what is required and acted as concerned HUMAN BEINGS to help someone while they said they were "just doing their job". read more

Great service, told them I only had an allotted amount of time and they got me a drink and shot very quickly before my flight. Friendly staff, quick, good drinks, and a good atmosphere. read more