Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

I decided to try Machine Shed in Des Moines after seeing so many great reviews online, but my experience was really disappointing.

When we first walked in, the hostess, Heather, who had short black shoulder-length hair, didn’t greet us at all. No “hi,” no “welcome,” nothing. She just grabbed two menus, walked us to a table, set them down, and left without saying a word. It felt cold and uninviting, especially for my first time there when I had no idea what to expect.

We were a little confused, as online it says breakfast is served until 2, however we were only given dinner menus. After sitting for a while, I noticed Heather talking to another couple who came in after us. She was smiling, chatting, and introducing them to the restaurant. After her conversation with them, she started walking past our table back to the host station. As she was standing in front of our table, I waved at her, trying to get her attention. She looked down directly at me and then promptly walked away.

A different waitress (not ours) who saw the whole thing came over to our table to apologize and offered us her assistance instead. She kindly explained that the restaurant was doing a buffet-style breakfast or brunch, which we had no idea about because Heather only gave us dinner menus and didn’t say a thing. If that waitress hadn’t stepped in, we probably would’ve just kept waiting, totally confused.

That one kind gesture from her really stood out, but honestly, by then my mood was already off. The waitress who ended up serving us was also very nice, and the rest of the staff seemed friendly. But Heather’s attitude had already set the tone.

As a non-white customer, it was hard not to feel uncomfortable seeing how differently Heather treated the other couple compared to us. Maybe it wasn’t intentional, but it was very noticeable.

The food itself was just okay. Nothing terrible, but nothing that stood out either. I’ve had plenty of meals that were just average but still felt enjoyable because the service made me feel welcome. Good service can make simple food taste better, but when the first interaction is cold and dismissive, it’s hard to enjoy anything after that.

Machine Shed has a great reputation, which is why I came in the first place, but this experience with Heather really left a bad impression. A warm greeting and a short explanation would’ve changed everything.

The rest of the staff did their best, but Heather’s behavior at the front ruined what could’ve been a nice first visit. For a place that’s supposed to feel welcoming, it just didn’t. I probably won’t be coming back.

Service: 1

This place has AWESOME comfort food! It is delicious and there is plenty, as the portions are large. Plan on taking extra home to enjoy again. I highly recommend eating here. I try to go every time I'm in town. The chicken and pork were both delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Servers were helpful and offered suggestions when I was unsure of what to order. The food was good and I had the breakfast buffet

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Fun experience with friends!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always enjoyed eating here. Food is good and portions are large. Our server was excellent. Enjoyed looking at everything they have in their shop.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Comfort food, large portions, great service and atmosphere. This is a regular stop for us, look at the size of that slice of cake!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Heartland Combo, Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Great place for Iowa comfort food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rustic farm theme

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Down home cooking at it's best! Huge cookies, brownies & cinnamon rolls. Lovely pies. Farm theme. Gift shop. Nice restrooms. Friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Delicious food and excellent service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is my new favorite place in Des Moines! The food and atmosphere were beyond amazing. The price was also incredibly reasonable. Service had a minor hiccup not, overall, AMAZEBALLS!

Had the country fried chicken btw... Yummy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Our waitress Krissy was awesome. She had a great personality and smile that went beyond. We had the brunch buffet. There was a variety of lunch and breakfast items to choose from. The food actually tasted good and was hot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Plenty of good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Home cooked meals are excellent- very friendly service. I am in town for business and have been here twice and both times very good fresh food and all service is outstanding

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food. Only complaint was that they give too much food !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5