Well we decided to give Kelly's Little Nipper another chance. Several months ago we ordered two tenderloins because we had them before and really enjoyed them. They were overly cooked. The server offered to replace them but we chose not to have two others made. Today, 03/02/2025, my wife ordered loaded Hash Browns and a half order of Biscuits and gravy. It was very good. I thought I would try a tenderloin again. This time it was raw in the middle on one side and cooked on the other. The hostess/bartender was very kind as was the owner. We overheard the owner say to the cook "drop a new one". It came back very quickly that made me wonder. The tenderloin was over cooked again. I think the cook took the tenderloin off the bun and dropped it back in. The server was very kind and apologetic again. She asked if I wanted another one and I opted no to. I was disappointed that the owner never stopped to apologize. I don't think we will be back. If we do I will not order a tenderloin. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Ryan Nicholas
Place use to have great food, But quality went down and price went up on everything and the service is terrible.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
J B.
The Sunday cook isn’t as good and consistent as the other cook. Disappointed. Onion rings overcooked, sausage on breakfast sandwich was way overcooked- Rubber. and he just threw a piece of cold cheese on top without melting it. the B&G gravy was lukewarm. Come on dude, a little effort. Take some pride and at least try to uphold reputation of this usually good bar food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
RC Evans (Razor)
Decent crowd and pleasent staff. Perfect location for a fast in and out or sit and chill with a few friends.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Brenda Simonson-Szakacs
Great little out of the way place!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Heather Walker
Just ok. The live music did not help the vibe.
Neal Griffiths
Must go. Great food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffery beaty
Loved everything. Best tenderloin I've had,the onion rings are so darn good. I'll be back to try that grinder!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Homemade Breaded Tenderloin
Jay McNerney
A hidden gem! We were planting trees near the establishment, and the owner kindly came out offering us soda, fries, and cheese curds. The fries were perfectly seasoned, and the cheese curds were absolutely fantastic—I’d come back just for those! The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. It's a cozy little spot that’s worth checking out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Paulson
Unique hole in the wall restaurant. Will visit again if/when I return to Des Moines.
Love Jeff - what am amazing personable owner!! When we left the gentleman that was bartending and serving was so polite- and even asked who we were - AMAZING SERVICE. Had a local beer was very delicious loved it - But the FOOD... onion rings are a must here. Grinders night - I got hot & mild peppers with fries FREAKING SCRUMPTIOUS (seriously)This will be our weekly stop!! If I would of found before we moved to Winterset may have stayed in Des Moines. LOVE THE PEOPLE - GOOD FOOD WAS A BONUS!! Thank y'all!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samuel
Good food and service with a neighborhood bar feel. Great stop, glad we did.
Well we decided to give Kelly's Little Nipper another chance. Several months ago we ordered two tenderloins because we had them before and really enjoyed them. They were overly cooked. The server offered to replace them but we chose not to have two others made. Today, 03/02/2025, my wife ordered loaded Hash Browns and a half order of Biscuits and gravy. It was very good. I thought I would try a tenderloin again. This time it was raw in the middle on one side and cooked on the other. The hostess/bartender was very kind as was the owner. We overheard the owner say to the cook "drop a new one". It came back very quickly that made me wonder. The tenderloin was over cooked again. I think the cook took the tenderloin off the bun and dropped it back in. The server was very kind and apologetic again. She asked if I wanted another one and I opted no to. I was disappointed that the owner never stopped to apologize. I don't think we will be back. If we do I will not order a tenderloin. Very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Place use to have great food, But quality went down and price went up on everything and the service is terrible.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The Sunday cook isn’t as good and consistent as the other cook. Disappointed. Onion rings overcooked, sausage on breakfast sandwich was way overcooked- Rubber. and he just threw a piece of cold cheese on top without melting it. the B&G gravy was lukewarm. Come on dude, a little effort. Take some pride and at least try to uphold reputation of this usually good bar food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Decent crowd and pleasent staff. Perfect location for a fast in and out or sit and chill with a few friends.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great little out of the way place!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Just ok. The live music did not help the vibe.
Must go. Great food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved everything. Best tenderloin I've had,the onion rings are so darn good. I'll be back to try that grinder!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Homemade Breaded Tenderloin
A hidden gem!
We were planting trees near the establishment, and the owner kindly came out offering us soda, fries, and cheese curds. The fries were perfectly seasoned, and the cheese curds were absolutely fantastic—I’d come back just for those! The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. It's a cozy little spot that’s worth checking out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unique hole in the wall restaurant. Will visit again if/when I return to Des Moines.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Love Jeff - what am amazing personable owner!! When we left the gentleman that was bartending and serving was so polite- and even asked who we were - AMAZING SERVICE. Had a local beer was very delicious loved it - But the FOOD... onion rings are a must here. Grinders night - I got hot & mild peppers with fries FREAKING SCRUMPTIOUS (seriously)This will be our weekly stop!! If I would of found before we moved to Winterset may have stayed in Des Moines. LOVE THE PEOPLE - GOOD FOOD WAS A BONUS!! Thank y'all!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food and service with a neighborhood bar feel. Great stop, glad we did.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped, Nipper Snapper Burger
$5 burger night is great!
One of my favorite places to eat tenderloins. Great atmosphere, great food and always a fun time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome food for a great price! Loved the cozy small town atmosphere in a big city. Will definitely be back when in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Vodka Battered Onion Rings, Grazianos Italian Sausage Sandwich and Fries
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