Whether one is a James Beard nominee or a Michelin Star nominee my quest is for well prepared cuisine, inclusivity and consistent quality. Arrived at 5.15 PM to a small neighborhood building with a line. Getting to the door the wait staffer states seating would be available at 8 PM. Not really anxious to wait three and a half hours for a small spot with crowded spaces — I was willing to give it a try. After an additional fifteen minutes — finally seated. Ordered my first appetizer of the night — Seafood Bisque which was very salty — Entree of Steak DeBurgo— the cook got the temp right (medium), but the cut of meat was not the best quality — the side veggies were fresh and very tasty. I was really hoping the high ratings matched the food preparation and price as it related to creativity, presentation and tantalizing deliciousness — it did not deliver the go again response to my tastebuds to endure the long wait time, parking and above average prices. Of course this is just my opinion-particularly after eating in some high caliber casual dining spots, in the West Des Moines Area, the bar is pretty high.
Vegetarian options: A menu one can be creative
Dietary restrictions: Must be careful with the salty on some of the dishes
Parking: Limit parking in front of the building due to other businesses attached.
Kid-friendliness: There is a kid section.
Wheelchair accessibility: Need more spacing to be able to be ADA wheel chair maneuverable
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Complementary Red Velvet Cake, Beef Stroganoff, House Salad, New York New York, Seafood Bisque
J W
Couldn’t even get in the door to try the food. Told us to wait next door and they’d put our name on a list. It was a half remodeled area that had no room to even sit it was so full. 15 min later he came over and it was now a longer wait time. Never took our name but said he had it all memorized.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Paul Heart
Just read your menu and I am pretty sure being old school and from Chicago, the Prices are Outrageous reg. Spaghetti for 14.00 dollars and Sandwiches that Cost 14.95 ?....Many people like me don't throw away Money hyped up Food regardless if it's good or Not... U will not get my Money!!!
Bethany Bonnstetter
First I feel like I have to say there is no where to park and the wait is long even on a Wednesday night. Inside is dark and loud and cramped. My ham and bean soup was very good! Stuffed mushroom appetizer was ok but not worth the $10.50 price. My steak was ok-I’ve had way better. Waitress said I should ask for it well done since the cook usually undercooked the steak and it turned out more done than I would have liked it but the waitress never came over to ask… The asparagus had that woody flavor. Potatoes were good. My bf let me try his onion rings and meatball sandwich and both were very good! Cake tasted old… the staff is very nice but looked a little overwhelmed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Soup
Alex Wernimont
Everything is pretty good. Nothing to lose your mind about. Properly cooked foods. They need a bigger place for how much business is coming in.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Aoli California Pizza
Juanita Slaughter
We were there for my birthday, which is New Year's Eve. The place was hopping. Tables were turning as fast as they were empty. Our server was great and took great care of our party of 10. Our only real complaint was that it was darn chilly sitting right in front of the door. Every time someone came in or went out the door, we got a blast of cold air.
The place is small, but quaint. The waiting room, which is in a separate part of the building, has a speakeasy feel. The kids were occupied by the many games and decks of cards that were readily available.
We look forward to trying it again on a night that's not so busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Cliff Kessler
This has been in the Beaverdale neighborhood in different iterations since nineteen fifty four. It's current ownership has been there for fifteen years. I think it's a secret gem of Des Moines. Everyone is understaffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. Rememberthey're busy because they're good. This restaurant still has that old time feel it's a definite classic Italian neighborhood type vibe. Staff have always tried to make sure I am happy. It can be a busy place so depending on the time you may have to wait but they move.poeple through quickly without being intrusive. The owner has developed two waiting areas where you can have cocktails and talk to your friends while you're waiting.They're all in the same strip mall. They have excellent cocktails a nice wine list and a good beer list. I go every couple weeks with the right attitude of either going right at four thirty to wait and line to get in with the first group or to go later to get in with the second group around seven thirty. Car pooling is a good idea because parking can be limited so many people are coming. I've enjoyed appetizers like onion rings, mushrooms and Bruchetta main dishes like the lambchops, the scallops Different types of steaks including a steak de burgo, beef tenderloin, the fabulous portabella sauce they have lots of chicken dishes as well. Lots of fun Pasta too and they are i enjoy their lobster bisque! They also have great Italian sandwiches and pizzas for a family or group eating. The waiting is worth it and can be fun drinking relaxing and chatting,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Nikki Jorgensen
First time visiting Simon's for a celebration of sorts. Now I understand why it's so hard to get in there, SO small, only reservations for 6+. I felt rushed as people were waiting for openings. It is loud, hard to have conversations. Food was good, service was good, free cake was great! Not really in a rush to get back there. I think all the hype set my expectations pretty high. Not bad, not great.
Parking: If you are showing up without a reservation, be prepared for a really long wait.
Kid-friendliness: I would not recommend bringing children
Wheelchair accessibility: Probably, but super tight space
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Complementary Red Velvet Cake, Mushroom Crostini
bob russell
It's so nice that a crowd is constantly waiting for seats outside. This is a very popular place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Stroganoff
Roy Tuel
The perfect touch to an amazing weekend. Worth the wait.
Simon’s is by far the best restaurant in Des Moines. Food is fantastic, great drinks, and service is top notch. The complementary red velvet cake is a nice touch of appreciation Simon and his staff give you after dinner. The cake is awesome and the story is that his parents make the cakes everyday.
Ps. Good luck coming to this restaurant and not becoming Simon’s friend. He is the best host and always makes you feel welcome, and wanting to come back for more.
Cheers!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jarrett Jackson
What seemed charming, at first glance, was clearly just a series of questionable decisions and oversights.
went there for my birthday. It was also my first time there. Excellent food and service. The Lasagna was awesome. I will go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jim Farrell
Easily one of the best dining experiences in the Des Moines area. Everything is amazing. The New York New York is my favorite. Fills up fast but they have a great waiting area next door. If you haven’t been, go soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Deburgo, Complementary Red Velvet Cake, New York New York
Nora Stoos
I went to Simon’s last night with a big group for dinner club. I had never been before! I left fully knowing Simon’s is the best restaurant in all of Des Moines. Right in the door, Simon accommodated us as we had a bigger party than we had planned for. Without question, he moved tables and squeezed extra chairs for us to be able to fit our entire group. We finished our amazing meal full of the best hospitality with red velvet cake that was brought out for us to sample. As I watched Simon throughout the restaurant, he was carrying 4-5 glasses of wine at a time out to people who were waiting outside to come into the restaurant. Then, I saw him bussing tables, being the food expo, and finally ending the night being our personal photographer taking a picture of our whole group for us. He even tried helping with the lighting by dimming them, and then even came outside with us to take our picture in front of his restaurant. This was not only the best restaurant experience I’ve ever had, but it is one that I want to become a regular in. I will definitely be returning with my husband for routine date nights. Thanks again, Simon, for housing and accommodating us all.
Whether one is a James Beard nominee or a Michelin Star nominee my quest is for well prepared cuisine, inclusivity and consistent quality. Arrived at 5.15 PM to a small neighborhood building with a line. Getting to the door the wait staffer states seating would be available at 8 PM. Not really anxious to wait three and a half hours for a small spot with crowded spaces — I was willing to give it a try. After an additional fifteen minutes — finally seated. Ordered my first appetizer of the night — Seafood Bisque which was very salty — Entree of Steak DeBurgo— the cook got the temp right (medium), but the cut of meat was not the best quality — the side veggies were fresh and very tasty. I was really hoping the high ratings matched the food preparation and price as it related to creativity, presentation and tantalizing deliciousness — it did not deliver the go again response to my tastebuds to endure the long wait time, parking and above average prices. Of course this is just my opinion-particularly after eating in some high caliber casual dining spots, in the West Des Moines Area, the bar is pretty high.
Vegetarian options: A menu one can be creative
Dietary restrictions: Must be careful with the salty on some of the dishes
Parking: Limit parking in front of the building due to other businesses attached.
Kid-friendliness: There is a kid section.
Wheelchair accessibility: Need more spacing to be able to be ADA wheel chair maneuverable
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Complementary Red Velvet Cake, Beef Stroganoff, House Salad, New York New York, Seafood Bisque
Couldn’t even get in the door to try the food. Told us to wait next door and they’d put our name on a list. It was a half remodeled area that had no room to even sit it was so full. 15 min later he came over and it was now a longer wait time. Never took our name but said he had it all memorized.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Just read your menu and I am pretty sure being old school and from Chicago, the Prices are Outrageous reg. Spaghetti for 14.00 dollars and Sandwiches that Cost 14.95 ?....Many people like me don't throw away Money hyped up Food regardless if it's good or Not... U will not get my Money!!!
First I feel like I have to say there is no where to park and the wait is long even on a Wednesday night. Inside is dark and loud and cramped. My ham and bean soup was very good! Stuffed mushroom appetizer was ok but not worth the $10.50 price. My steak was ok-I’ve had way better. Waitress said I should ask for it well done since the cook usually undercooked the steak and it turned out more done than I would have liked it but the waitress never came over to ask… The asparagus had that woody flavor. Potatoes were good. My bf let me try his onion rings and meatball sandwich and both were very good! Cake tasted old… the staff is very nice but looked a little overwhelmed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Soup
Everything is pretty good. Nothing to lose your mind about. Properly cooked foods. They need a bigger place for how much business is coming in.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Aoli California Pizza
We were there for my birthday, which is New Year's Eve. The place was hopping. Tables were turning as fast as they were empty. Our server was great and took great care of our party of 10. Our only real complaint was that it was darn chilly sitting right in front of the door. Every time someone came in or went out the door, we got a blast of cold air.
The place is small, but quaint. The waiting room, which is in a separate part of the building, has a speakeasy feel. The kids were occupied by the many games and decks of cards that were readily available.
We look forward to trying it again on a night that's not so busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
This has been in the Beaverdale neighborhood in different iterations since nineteen fifty four. It's current ownership has been there for fifteen years. I think it's a secret gem of Des Moines.
Everyone is understaffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. Rememberthey're busy because they're good. This restaurant still has that old time feel it's a definite classic Italian neighborhood type vibe. Staff have always tried to make sure I am happy.
It can be a busy place so depending on the time you may have to wait but they move.poeple through quickly without being intrusive. The owner has developed two waiting areas where you can have cocktails and talk to your friends while you're waiting.They're all in the same strip mall. They have excellent cocktails a nice wine list and a good beer list. I go every couple weeks with the right attitude of either going right at four thirty to wait and line to get in with the first group or to go later to get in with the second group around seven thirty. Car pooling is a good idea because parking can be limited so many people are coming. I've enjoyed appetizers like onion rings, mushrooms and Bruchetta main dishes like the lambchops, the scallops Different types of steaks including a steak de burgo, beef tenderloin, the fabulous portabella sauce they have lots of chicken dishes as well. Lots of fun Pasta too and they are i enjoy their lobster bisque!
They also have great Italian sandwiches and pizzas for a family or group eating. The waiting is worth it and can be fun drinking relaxing and chatting,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
First time visiting Simon's for a celebration of sorts. Now I understand why it's so hard to get in there, SO small, only reservations for 6+. I felt rushed as people were waiting for openings. It is loud, hard to have conversations. Food was good, service was good, free cake was great! Not really in a rush to get back there. I think all the hype set my expectations pretty high. Not bad, not great.
Parking: If you are showing up without a reservation, be prepared for a really long wait.
Kid-friendliness: I would not recommend bringing children
Wheelchair accessibility: Probably, but super tight space
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Complementary Red Velvet Cake, Mushroom Crostini
It's so nice that a crowd is constantly waiting for seats outside. This is a very popular place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Stroganoff
The perfect touch to an amazing weekend. Worth the wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Simon’s is by far the best restaurant in Des Moines. Food is fantastic, great drinks, and service is top notch. The complementary red velvet cake is a nice touch of appreciation Simon and his staff give you after dinner. The cake is awesome and the story is that his parents make the cakes everyday.
Ps. Good luck coming to this restaurant and not becoming Simon’s friend. He is the best host and always makes you feel welcome, and wanting to come back for more.
Cheers!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What seemed charming, at first glance, was clearly just a series of questionable decisions and oversights.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Steak Deburgo, Stuffed Chicken, Seafood Bisque
went there for my birthday. It was also my first time there. Excellent food and service. The Lasagna was awesome. I will go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Easily one of the best dining experiences in the Des Moines area. Everything is amazing. The New York New York is my favorite. Fills up fast but they have a great waiting area next door. If you haven’t been, go soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Deburgo, Complementary Red Velvet Cake, New York New York
I went to Simon’s last night with a big group for dinner club. I had never been before! I left fully knowing Simon’s is the best restaurant in all of Des Moines. Right in the door, Simon accommodated us as we had a bigger party than we had planned for. Without question, he moved tables and squeezed extra chairs for us to be able to fit our entire group. We finished our amazing meal full of the best hospitality with red velvet cake that was brought out for us to sample. As I watched Simon throughout the restaurant, he was carrying 4-5 glasses of wine at a time out to people who were waiting outside to come into the restaurant. Then, I saw him bussing tables, being the food expo, and finally ending the night being our personal photographer taking a picture of our whole group for us. He even tried helping with the lighting by dimming them, and then even came outside with us to take our picture in front of his restaurant. This was not only the best restaurant experience I’ve ever had, but it is one that I want to become a regular in. I will definitely be returning with my husband for routine date nights. Thanks again, Simon, for housing and accommodating us all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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