District 36 Wine Bar & Grille

I and Pam had a really good day today, eating lunch at the District 36 restaurant in Ankeny. My Ankeny High School Graduating Class of 1968 meets at a different restaurant for lunch each month, this month we met at the District 36.
I ordered the Salmon BLT, and yes, it was every bit as good as it looks, clear off the charts in deliciousness. I was shocked at the size of the salmon in my sandwich, and yes it totally stuffed me. I have never eaten ratatouille so I ordered it for my side, it too was quite good and an excellent compliment to the sandwich.
Pam had the French Dip with a side of Coleslaw, she was more than pleased with both.
Our server was very friendly and helpful, checking in on us numerous times and our orders came to the table quickly.
This is a superb restaurant, with an excellent kitchen and wait staff.
Pam and I will for sure be visiting again and again, and likely again, we're both looking very forward to trying their other entrees.
I'm pleased to announce District 36 wins my coveted cleaned plate award.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Steak was over cooked but had great flavor. I ordered it to be prepared rare...came out medium to well done. Martini served with ice. Music a little loud but music selection was amazing.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

OMG the food is out of this world! Service was fantastic and my server made great recommendations. Had the seafood bisque and Brazilian Bass with asparagus. Plus the house wine was great! Sat on the patio and had a great view of Venus as it was rising at sunset.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Bisque

We hired District 36 to cater our wedding reception. Sean and his team were awesome to work with and made the process so smooth. The food was amazing and we got so many compliments from our guests. Couldn’t recommend District 36 & Sean enough!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a wonderful evening. Can't wait to go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The atmosphere was very nice and great for our fancy night of honor. It was rather expensive and my steak was half fat but otherwise everything else was wonderful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Key Lime Pie, Salad, Baked Potato

This place is hit or miss for me, friendly staff but the food quality varies. I prefer Wasabi or McGee's if you're in the district.

2024 Update: Gave them another chance, and my fiancée and I were disappointed again. We just can't justify this quality at this price when there are so many better options out there.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Seafood Bisque

This place was great a couple years ago I went recently a couple months ago and there were fruit flies flying all over and around our food constantly. The service was great though.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 5

Food was excellent!! Every meal was very hot when it was served. I saw a post from a few weeks ago about some gnats that were flying around. They are still there. Air could be set a bit cooler. Meals were Fire Shrimp Pasta, Smoked Chicken And Jalapeno, Burger, Blackened Salmon, and kids Mac n Cheese.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pretty much whatever you expect for a nice chill in a restaurant. The appetizer, food and beverages were great.
Cozy booths with welcoming waiters.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our experience here this weekend was quite shocking to say the least (and not in a good way). Let me start off first by saying our server Alexis was amazing but that was the only positive thing. My husband ordered a prime rib medium rare or medium (he isn't too picky) and it came out very obviously well done. There was no red, pink, or blood in it. We asked our server if they possibly had a cut that was less done, she apologized and said she would check. 20 minutes later they bring out another piece that looked exactly the same as the first. There was no red, pink, or blood in it and we eat/cook prime rib and steak all the time so we are very familiar with the cuts and temps of beef. Our server came back and agreed with us that it was definitely well done then apologized profusely. We asked again if they had anything less done, she stated she would check and took the 2nd prime rib back. THEN the manager comes out with the second piece we sent back and said "This piece is almost less then rare temped at 115° and I don't want to have to throw away a third piece so what do you want me to do?" We stated there was no chance that it is even close to rare, medium rare, or even medium because it is very obviously well done. He then continued to argue and wouldn't back down, determined to be right so my husband just asked if he could get a ribeye steak cooked medium instead. The manager stormed off and a server came out 10 minutes later with a ribeye that was COMPLETELY RAW on the inside. My husband and I were shocked so we took care of payment and left, my husband not eating anything but his fries.

Nice variety of foods, and it tasted wonderful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Bisque

This is our spot for date night! Highly recommend the potstickers. In fact I would ask for a few, you won't regret it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food & Service were very good. The fruit flys not so good. Made it difficult to enjoy our dinner as we were constantly waving our hands to keep those annoying things away. They were even in the bathroom.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fire Shrimp, Salad

30$ for a salad but no natty daddy? Mid company.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1