21 Best American Restaurants in Ankeny

“The Asian server was super nice, all smiles, and accommodating! The food came in fast. Something that we seldom experience on the Southside.“

“We really liked it. My wife had the Turkey Panini and I had the Nashville Hot sandwich, it was really good. The fries were very tasty as well, not to mention the great Selection of IPA’s! Service was spot on too with our server(s) being there right when we needed them for another round of IPA’s. Looks like a new “go-to” spot for us!“

“Food was beyond amazing!!!“

“I am the type of person that loves positivity and giving great reviews. Give honor to where honor is due. And I give great reviews, call the managers and praise the service all the time. I have also had my share of terrible service and/or food and usually do not say a word. The experience I had this afternoon at Culvers in Ankeny was horrendous. The food that is. The drive through guy that took my order, payment and delivery was so kind and helpful. I ordered a cod dinner and was only able to eat some of the fish. The 2 sides I ordered were cheese curds and fries. Both were so cold, hard and dry. I was so disappointed. The roll that came with it was cold, hard and dry as well. The butter was good! I did eat most of the fish but it too was tough. WHAT has happened to Culvers? Don't they realize that they are not the only option for food? Sad to say but I will be going to those other options for my meals in the future. The concrete I ordered was sloppy (down side of cup) and melting but did taste good. I HATE leaving a poor review but come on Culvers. Do better. Be better. If it had been just 1 food this review would never have been written. Oh, side note. This was after the lunch rush and before dinner rush. It was close to 2. Got right into drive through with no waiting. Disappointed.“

“Probably my favorite place to go in Ankeny. Great food, and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. super affordable drinks and the staff has always been awesome.“

“Had mother's day brunch. Good selection of food on the buffet line. Good service to. Had 11 am reservation. Was seated right at 11am.“

“This place is the bee’s knees. Consistent fast fresh & friendly. Fair prices too. They’ll modify your order to make you something, even if it’s not on the menu. They used to have a burger I liked that wasn’t on the menu, but our server Levi knew what we were talking about and told the kitchen. The best service we’ve seen for a long while.“

“Trailside Tap is a must-visit in Ankeny! The back patio is amazing. The Berry Summer Salad and Three Pepper Burger were packed with flavor and just the right size. And do yourself a favor—order the Mulberry Mule. You won’t regret it!“

“Excellent service and food!“

“We were in for lunch yesterday, my grandson wasn't feeling well. Our waitress refused to wait on us. She must have gotten the manager, he was a real trooper, took our order and delivered our food. I thought it was unprofessional of her. But we were suppose to get salad, he even said he forgot the salad and never brought it. Never again!!!“

“My wife and I went there Saturday evening for dinner, drinks, and a football game. Our waitress was outstanding! Can't remember her name but she is a 4th grade teacher.
Drinks were wonderful and lots of draft beer to choose from. We ordered a pizza and it was very good. Good enough that we are coming back Friday night to try taco pizza.
Thanks Cabaret!
UPDATE: We went last night and again, had a great experience! We ordered a taco pizza and wow, it was a surprise! One of the best, if not the best, taco pizzas we've ever had! Very good. Shocking really. Thanks again Cabaret!“

“We chose to check out in a lane that had a first day cashier. The girl bagging the groceries was very helpful to him and us. He accidentally double charged us and the girl took it upon herself to get the approval from management to get it deducted and get us going to keep the line moving!!! Very impressed!! Thank you to the two working isle 5 today!! You are what Hy-Vee is supposed to be!!!“

“Kaden is always really nice and engaging whenever we order from the Hyvee Market Grille section! The last few times we’ve ordered from him he always has nice suggestions and makes good conversation. I hope he gets paid good because he deserves it!!“

“My friend and I wanted a drink and a late lunch. After stopping in Bench Warmers several times and not getting waited on because the waitresses tend to pay more attention to bar patrons, we decided to give Bench Warmers one more try! We were pleasantly greeted immediately by Lisa that took our drink order and gave us time to check out the menu and visit while we were enjoying our drinks. The service was fantastic and always with a smile. We will stop in again in the near future! I think one other waitress finally greeted us as we were walking out the door!“

“I am the type of person that loves positivity and giving great reviews. Give honor to where honor is due. And I give great reviews, call the managers and praise the service all the time. I have also had my share of terrible service and/or food and usually do not say a word. The experience I had this afternoon at Culvers in Ankeny was horrendous. The food that is. The drive through guy that took my order, payment and delivery was so kind and helpful. I ordered a cod dinner and was only able to eat some of the fish. The 2 sides I ordered were cheese curds and fries. Both were so cold, hard and dry. I was so disappointed. The roll that came with it was cold, hard and dry as well. The butter was good! I did eat most of the fish but it too was tough. WHAT has happened to Culvers? Don't they realize that they are not the only option for food? Sad to say but I will be going to those other options for my meals in the future. The concrete I ordered was sloppy (down side of cup) and melting but did taste good. I HATE leaving a poor review but come on Culvers. Do better. Be better. If it had been just 1 food this review would never have been written. Oh, side note. This was after the lunch rush and before dinner rush. It was close to 2. Got right into drive through with no waiting. Disappointed.“

“We had a work dinner & it was amazing! Food, drinks, staff - everything!!! 10/10!!“

“Micah was our host and had a great sense of humor, especially when it came to the repetitive music. And the lovely glitch in the middle, which has apparently been playing over and over and over and over for two years? Wanna talk about torturing your employees into an unsafe state of mental health. Food was great, though the stuffed French toast wasn’t stuffed, and Micah made the experience awesome.“

“My sandwich and okra were good. The chicken is small though!“

“Lots of variety. Flavorful and hearty.“

“Awesome food, awesome service“

“This establishment is 5 star because the food is great the waiting staff is efficient and they book some AWESOME TALENT! Visited again on 10/30/2026 its been to long, and again the Staff was awesome Emily the general manager went above and beyond and asked my 5 year old son how his dinner was. I'll be back here again!“