Restaurant Review: Jesse's Embers Steakhouse Near Des Moines, IA

With their unique atmospheres, friendly staff, and exclusive menus, locally-owned restaurants provide a welcome change from the traditional chains. Jesse's Embers, with three locations near Des Moines, Iowa, is a locally-owned restaurant that combines sophistication with reasonable prices and great entrees.

I love any restaurant with a diverse menu, and Jesse's Embers offers everything from salads, soups, and sandwiches, to New York strip steak and filet mignon. One of the most popular dishes at Jesse's Embers is the steak de burgo, a fresh cut of beef sautéed in butter, cream, and spices. I usually prefer a light meal, so the gourmet sandwiches and fries are a great choice. So far there's been nothing I've tasted that I haven't liked.

If you are frequently annoyed by rude or inattentive servers, you should be impressed with the staff at Jesse's Embers. They are very friendly, and some of the servers have been there a number of years. They are always willing to modify orders and are great at resolving any issues you may have. And because it is locally owned, you'll very often find the owner of the restaurant there in the evenings, checking to make sure that you're being well taken care of.

Although I haven't visited all the locations of Jesse's Embers restaurants, the Urbandale location (86^th St.) has a nice atmosphere. There is a large room for parties, and plenty of booths and tables. One of the more popular features for summertime is the outdoor patios, which offer umbrellas over every table to shield you from the sun. Jesse's Embers also has a bar with three TVs, and some countertop tables to watch them from. While you won't find white tablecloths or fancy chandeliers at Jesse's Embers, the tables are clean and thankfully, not overcrowded.

Personally, my only complaints about Jesse's Embers would be that the dessert menu offers mostly cheesecakes (which are good, but lack variety), and that during the busy dinner hour service can be a little slow. But it's usually worth the wait.

Menu prices for dinner range from about $8 to $32. If you're looking for a discount, you can also occasionally find Jesse's Embers Coupons in ValPak mailings, and also on the restaurant's website. Jesse's Embers is located at 3301 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA; 50^th and E.P. True Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA; and at 4810 86^th Street, Urbandale, IA.