14 Best Burger Restaurants in Ankeny

“I’m glad I waited to post a review because I would have originally gave this place 1 or 2 stars based off of one very irritating circumstance that happened when dining last night. But, I then started thinking about all the really good things in comparison and didn’t think that would be truly deserving.

Nonetheless- it’s extremely disappointing to spend $11 on an appetizer— and not have any time to actually eat it or enjoy it. What was most bothersome is that I even asked the gal taking our order if it would come ahead of the main meals — and she assured me it would. Well she wasn’t wrong, but it was literally 2 minutes after getting the appetizer, here came the main course. Uggh! Really?

At that point you’re forced to decide which one you’re gona let get cold, not enjoy, and waste money on.

This was really my only criticism. But it was soooo very frustrating that it almost earned them a 1-star review. Everything else was great. Burgers were on point, sides were delicious, service was great.

Get the timing of food delivery down (especially when asked) and things would have been purely great.“

“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.“

“Travelling through Iowa and wanted to have dinner at someplace other than fast food. 36th Street Tavern was the place to go- food was excellent, atmosphere great, service topnotch! Check it out ..If we lived near we'd frequent this place often!“

“Went through the drive thru yesterday for lunch for my toddler. The line was crazy for drivers side so we went through passenger side and I let him pass the money out his own window and get his food. He loved it and the guy working the window was amazing with him! He had the biggest smile!“

“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!“

“The steak and eggs were ok. I was not asked if I wanted pancakes or a single piece of toast. It was without flavor and to me it was a fast fry steak. My wife's order was screwed up when she asked for onion rings instead of fries. The server was on top of our visit when we inquired about the order.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Awesome food, awesome service“

“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!!!“

“We had a variety of choices for an evening meal, and we chose The Other Place Ankeny. What a great pick! They had the right balance of everything we like in a restaurant.
The Food: we went with the Sampler for our appetizer. It didn't disappoint. The onion rings and fried mushrooms were delightfully delicious. The two chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks were prepared perfectly. House-made marinara, ranch, and honey mustard dressing served on the side were especially great.
While their menu is straightforward. We liked the SICILIAN pizza. It's a brushed garlic-basil oil, Italian sausage, spinach, mushrooms, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, and mozzarella. Since they have been making pizzas for over fifty years they know something about what makes a great pizza. It had the right balance of toppings, sauce, and dough. This isn't some cookie-cutter pizza either. It has definitive flavors and tastes. Our drinks were there while we perused the menu. Seeing some of the cuisine coming out of the kitchen wet our appetite for our next visit.
The Service: Here's where they did well, with just a few faux-paus. Our server was on point with drinks and the kitchen delivered our food fast and hot. At the end of the meal, we asked for a box for the rest of our food. She had just a few tables and forgot about our request. She came back after checking on her other tables and asked if we wanted a box. Then she went to service her other tables before coming back. We then had to wait to pay our bill (which is done by her POS device). You don't know what's on the bill until your receipt is printed.
The Atmosphere: this is the way a sports bar and grill is done well. While there were multiple TVs, with a lot of action, (the NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, and Cubbies- who have been on a tear) were all muted. This made for being able to enjoy our meal and the overall vibe of the place. The eclectic choices of decor and signage made it interesting to take note of the whole place. The seating options were especially nice. With short and long booths, table and bar stool tops, and a bar adequately spaced made it that much easier to have a fantastic time.
The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.
We loved our meal and bookmarked it for another visit.
Update: we went back, and boy did they impress. Everything was perfect.“

“I don't usually leave reviews but truly I must after the incredible experience we just had here. My kids are your typical picky eaters and getting them to eat is usually quite a task. Instead of the usual, both my kids devoured thier burgers, and were even asking if they could get another burger. They are currently talking about how they can't wait to go back. The atmosphere was fun and the staff was just as fun while still being professional. The food...the food was absolutely scrumptious. We will be back soon and greatly appreciate how one stop has made our entire day brighter.“

“This location is very convenient. Just off I-80, you can't beat its location. It's biggest downfall is that there doesn't seem to be very many adults working there between 11an and 1pm. As with many businesses, with high employee turnover rates, there just seems to be not many give-a-dangs given by most of the staff, with one or two members truly caring about their jobs and their customers. That being said, the ones who care, do what they can to keep things alive. The food is hit or miss on heat. I even had 1 Frisco handed to me on regular bread that wasn't even toasted. I gave this Hardee's a 4 out of five for their hard workers that are trying their best to keep the business alive and not complaining to every guest who pulls up to the window. The fries are always good, the sandwiches are good, just not always hot or built correctly, and drinks are always cold and fizzy. A for effort to those who do their job. The rest who work there need to consider mowing lawns.“

“The guy working tonight with the glasses and blue shirt was quick to greet me and assist me with getting my mobile order. Fastest and best service I’ve ever had at this location. Usually it takes a decent amount of time for me to get my food and be greeted but the food is always great here and you can tell they’re trying their best! I worked fast food for awhile so I understand how it goes and tonight you guys nailed it for sure!“