Jesse's Embers

Very happy with our decision to book dinner here! We were seated at a cozy booth, and the place was packed — the lively atmosphere really made the experience special. The owner even stopped by our table for a great chat, which made us feel especially welcome. The staff were all friendly, attentive, and the food was absolutely perfect. We’ll definitely be back if we find ourselves in Iowa again!

Have never been to this place. Me and my husband have talked about it for years. We had the best time tonight. The food was so good. The service was absolutely wonderful and the atmosphere was nostalgic and festive. We will be back for sure! Steak cooked perfectly. Yum.

First time here, pleasantly surprised at just how much both the staff and owner Marty care about their customer’s satisfaction. We were asked multiple times how we were doing and if everything was good. Our waitress Irene was excellent. Food was good, atmosphere very close-nit. We will return!

Our first time at Jesse Embers was AMAZING! Got right in to a table on at Saturday which was great! The cajun chicken with the warm bread-delicious! Steak was so tender and juicy, chicken parm as their pasta special-so tasty. Blackened salmon (no picture)-incredible. We will be back sooner than later!

STILL MY FAVORITE SHRIMP IN DSM! And probably my favorite steak place, there are several good ones but Jesses is a classic. Cajun shrimp appetizer: what in the magic potion do they put in this sauce? I just want to pour it over everything! Ribeye: perfectly medium rare, side of au jus, large baked potato (though I didn’t eat it) came with. Love their house dressing so much. Grateful they were so kind about letting us bring in our service dog in-training. He did great, wasn’t distracted by the delicious smells either. I, on the other hand, was completely distracted by all of the food smells 🤍

I've been coming to Jesse's Embers for decades. We were there again, Friday night. (A couple of months ago, now.) I was sorry to hear of the passing of your long time Grillmaster. I enjoyed many a delicious meal, prepared by this talented man. I used to exchange a few words of thanks, each time we went past the grill on our way out. A smile,and a "salute with the cooking fork", was his usual response. RIP I attributed the change in the fare to be due to the change in ownership. The story on WHO filled in the sad reason for the real changes at Jesse's. My Mother in Law introduced us to Jesse's, decades ago, as a "special treat". And we returned many times to enjoy delicious meals. My condolences to all, at his passing. I do hope that you can find new talent that can, once again, take fire, meat, simple seasoning and a masterful eye to render the "magic on a plate" that we were all privileged to know. Try, please, to recognize and to recreate the simple dining pleasure that Jesse's was able to do, night after night, that brought a smile to the lips, and a twinkle to the eye, of many a Des Moines diner. Thanks for recognizing what it was that drew us back, time after time. Thanks for the "charge" to the next generation of the importance of "simple, done right".

This was one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Neither the wine list nor the menu is particularly long, but everything is selected and prepared with care, skill, and thought.

French Dip was the best I've ever had. It was exactly what I was looking for. Meat had so much flavor. Fries were awesome. Side salad was fresh with tasty dressing. Place has a great vibe. Staff seems like they really care about the restaurant. 10/10