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

My daughter & I are here for an AAU tournament and wanted a steakhouse that is casual... Jesse's Ember was the place. A quaint retro steakhouse with a vibe . Our server McKaeyla was attentive and offered their specials of the evening. My daughter enjoyed her ribs with a salad and rice pilaf. I enjoyed the sirloin cooked perfectly ( medium) with a baked potato and salad. Their house creamy garlic salad dressing is delish and the onion rings are a chef's kiss. Thank you for the great dinner experience in Iowa.

Quaint setting,, excellent service and pretty good food. Overall fun experience and I'll visit again!

I have been a fan for decades! Our server, Michaela, was fabulous. However, my NY strip was chewy and inedible. Of course, they honorably took it off my bill. But, I cannot risk going back again and risk the same thing happening again. It makes me sad. IF they had offered me a gift certificate for my bad experience, I would have gone back again. But, they did not do that...

We stopped here for dinner when we were in the area based on a friend's recommendation. First impression from the outside (see picture) and confirmed once inside was of a 70s-era steakhouse (dark, no windows & dark decor). That is not a knock / negative comment, just an observation. Once inside, it was quite crowded but we were quickly welcomed by Joe the bartender who asked our names and then repeated them several times before we left. I started off by ordering a Brandy Alexander ice cream drink (see picture) and loved it. We enjoyed the table bread, which included plenty of available butter (see picture). My wife overheard some other patrons talking about how good the onion rings were. Since the large is only $1 more than the small we ordered a large (see picture) and both thought they were good. The best part of the meal was the salad with the house creamy garlic dressing (see picture) - both the dressing and the croutons were delicious. For our main course we went with the London Broil (see picture) - which unfortunately was the weakest part of the meal. The slice laying on top was medium rare as ordered (see picture), but the other slices bordered on medium-well to well done. As you might expect, those other pieces were dry, tough and lacking flavor. When the owner stopped by our table (before we got our main course), he did mention that there was a substitute chef that night - so this dish might be better on another night. Food: 4 Atmosphere: 3 Value: 3 Service: 5 If you found this review helpful, please click to show your support.

1st and foremost: the skill of the chef at the flame grill is unsurpassed. The way Jesse's Embers' steak is cooked by the chef, in addition to the high quality of the beef, is superior. Medium rare is exactly medium rare. Jesse's is 1 of a dwindling number of local classic non chain unpretentious dining institutions in the USA. Dine there not just when you happen to be in Des Moines, rather it's worth a trip on its own. My order recently was: Cajun shrimp, salad with creamy garlic dressing, baked potato, filet.

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

San Francisco to NYC, this is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Anywhere. Period. You Des Moines folks don't know how good you got it with Jesse's in the house. A salad. A steak. Whatever. Marty takes care of it. Sit at the bar and Joe's a friend for life. Well done. YES - It's the size of a 3-car garage. And there's no windows - plus you enter through the kitchen. The cool joint factor is clearly off the chart and if you don't agree, then don't take up bar space.

This place never disappoints. The staff makes you feel at home. I have been coming here for many many years. They always remember me. I have never had a meal I didn't like. Their house salad dressing and the homemade croutons are my favorite.

Very disappointed that this was closed this past week I was there to eat this past Saturday night and since I am not from Des Moines I had no idea they was closed for employee week. I will say I think it's great. They do that for their employees but I think they should've posted it on their website because I was on their website and there was nothing on their website that I saw claiming they were going to be closed. I have never ate there, and I was so disappointed because I've always wanted to eat there , I live in Cedar Rapids

Can you say epic steaks? Cooked to perfection, just the way you order. Jesse's has been here for decades; that's proof enough that the food is incredible!

Perfect medium rare ribeye. They must have a hot grill because the outside was crispy charred and oh man it was so perfect. I don't know how you beat this place if you want a steak. We started with onion rings which were very good. And then the salad which was excellent. House creamy parm dressing and buttery croutons. Even with a bottle of wine, our anniversary dinner was still affordable compared to anything else in the city. I highly highly recommend this place. Top notch service to boot. And open kitchen where you can see the master at work. This is a Des Moines treasure.

The best! Great food, great staff and owner. See Joe at the bar! Cannot recommend it enough. Cozy and warm.

Food is delicious! A favorite local spot. Yes the tables are close together but that just makes it extra intimate and cozy. One of the best steaks ever. Even our kid loves the burger. A classic supper club vibe.

We have lived in Des Moines 19 years and never gone to Jesse's. We went tonight. The food was pretty good and the service very good. My wife asked for a "not bloody steak"but that's what she got. When she asked to have it cooked a bit more, the server took it back and the cook made a disgusted look. We didn't know we were at Big Tomato. If you want to spend $90+ for two and get criticized for asking to have a steak cooked the way you want then this is your place.

Awesome food and service. Only place I've been that has fried lobster tails. All time fav!

I last reviewed this restaurant in 2019 before the pandemic and hadn't been back since. It had to close during the COVID-19 shutdown, and I'm so glad it is back and as good as ever. I stopped in when I was passing through Des Moines, and I'm so glad I did. This place has a wonderful old-time supper club feel. I sat at the bar, and the bartender, Joe, immediately introduced himself and got my name, and I was a regular within about 5 minutes. Later he introduced me to a couple of real regulars, who were seated next to me, and we had a very nice conversation. It's that kind of place. But a convivial atmosphere only goes so far. And luckily, it has great food as well. I got the burger, which is just superb here. None better. This place is a real jewel, and I can't recommend it enough.

This place is authentic and cool! It's not cool as in trendy. It's cool as in nice, casual, comfortable, and laid back. I came here with my coworkers last week while in town. They were all skeptical but wanted steak. I heard that Jesse's Embers was good from a local so I successfully pleaded my case. The portions here are huge. The food is well prepared. The service is good. The drinks are GOOD and STRONG! Everyone was pleased with our meal here! Although my Jesse's Embers special (a huge sirloin) was a little overcooked (I asked for medium well and got something a little more on the well side), it was still very good. I'll go with medium rare next time. We also got the Cajun shrimp appetizer and it was delicious! The sauce went wonderfully with the fresh bread. I had one of the ice cream cocktails on the menu and it was more potent than I expected but I LOVED it! The only complaint at the table came from one of my coworkers who didn't like the side pasta salad that he selected. Aside from that, we all left that night talking about how much we enjoyed this restaurant. I'll definitely be back!

They always make you feel like family when you are there. Great steaks! Start with the onion rings. Very popular.

We found this place while driving down Ingersoll. The place looked like a dive from the outside. Once we got inside the place was clean and they had shields up for covid on the booths. The joint was small but they did a nice job of table arrangements. The staff was friendly and prompt. We had the rib, French dip, and Ember Burger and they were all amazing. We had onions rings for an app. They were old school deliciousness!!! Definitely recommending this joint and will return if I'm in the area.

usually one of my favorites but last night my fried pike was way overcooked and so dry, I couldn't eat it. Should have sent it back. Our waitress was great though. The owner never stopped by our table and it wasn't busy. Disappointing

Marty is beyond the best owner, greeter, ever!!!! I cannot wait to come back to Des Moines and eat at Marty's Embers!!! I love this incredible man, restaurant owner/manager! He is the very best!!!! The food is amazing!!! Everything!!!!

This is a great "old school" local steakhouse. Food was terrific and the service was excellent. Small menu but everything is outstanding. Salad with house dressing and croutons is not to be missed. Not cheap, but good value.

have been going to Jesse's Ember's for 40+ years. Tonight, showed up at 7:30 PM ordered traditional ribs, which were moist and very tasty at the late hour. We eat out a lot in Des Moines, and these are definitely the best ribs in Des Moines.

I would give them 5 stars if they would just bring back the beer-battered lobster. Don't use price as an excuse when you see Ruth's place bursting at the seams!

Always great! Service always personal and attentive. Nice to be back in Des Moines.

As a frequent traveler, I'm always looking for that hidden gem of a restaurant. And this definitely is one. I was recommend to the restaurant by someone sitting by me on the plane. when I drove up to the restaurant, I wasn't super excited, but after walking in, and meeting the owner, who walks around and greets everyone, I was pleasantly surprised. Then I had my dinner delivered, the ribeye, medium, rare, cooked to perfection. The food is amazing. The atmosphere is quite quaint and the service is exceptional. A definite must visit if you're in the area.

Out of town and they made me feel great! Joe is a great bartender steaks are outstanding and the locals welcome you. My new favorite in Des Moines!

One of the last 'joints' in Des Moines/state...small cozy place...so small you see your foods being grilled and salads prepared and set up on ledge for your waitress to pick up within (seemingly) hands reach. It only adds to the richness/goodness of every item JE offers. Steaks are wonderful/tasty. The London broil is a personal fave. A daily special and always an Italian pasta (again homemade by owner) special as well. The dressing is some of the best in town...you have to go just to feel what that classic 'joint' means and feels like!

No windows, dark dining room, old school charm, and good food is what you're going to find here. Since 1963 Jesse Embers is a Des Moines tradition. Weekday crowds will roll in at 5 pm and pack up this steak seafood joint quickly. The service is a steakhouse good. Everything will revolve around serving up your perfect steak. You walk in seeing what counts, the drink and the grill. Steaks are served at the temps you asked for without a fault. Like things should be, the menu price includes the fixings. I love this! A center cut New York Strip will come in around a very reasonable $33. A tasty rib eye is just a tad more. The filet comes in two sizes and is paired with bacon or surf if you wish. The only fault my picky self found was that there was little to no seasoning on the steaks. I had to resort to condiments for a tasty pairing. Salad dressings are mostly house-made and have a wonderful touch to it. Best of all, the service is absolutely inviting. This is quickly becoming a favorite stop on my list in Des Moines.

What a Wonderful anniversary dinner spot. The service and food are good from beginning to end. We were warmly welcomed and immediately seated in the quaint dining space. There are no strangers at Jesse's. By the time you leave you will feel as if you are one of their favorite regulars. The entire staff is making sure that you have the best dining experience. Your water glass or whatever you're drinking is consistently taken care of. The salads are fresh and yummy. The dressings are a great addition. We enjoyed watching the chef working his masterpieces on the grill. We were even more pleased when received our steaks cooked to perfection. The baked potato was good and the cottage fries were a yummy change. They told us no dessert but they did have ice cream drinks! We enjoyed Ice Cream Brandy Alexanders to top off this wonderful meal. This is a GREAT STEAK stop in Des Moines. You will not be disappointed.

Great bar restaurant. I have been going there for forty five years and little has changed. Menu, wuality - only the prices.

My husband ordered the shrimp and filet mignon, and I ordered the Embers burger. Cooked exactly how we wanted it. Both dishes were juicy and full of flavor. Super nice staff. Really glad we came on our road trip east.

Was driving through and stopped by for dinner. Food and service was really good. Got the shrimp scampi. Friendly staff.

I very rarely feel the need to write about a place immediately after dining, but Jesse's Embers was just so perfect in all the right ways that I can't sleep until I do. I'm in from out of town for a work event and needed a good meal after long days of waking miles and miles. Jesse's was recommended to me by a local, so when I got off early tonight I had to come by for a hearty meal. As soon as I entered, a stranger in what feels like a very local spot, I was welcomed so warmly and made to feel at home right away. It was just what I needed especially since I came to 'celebrate' the anniversary of my fathers passing. Joe, DeeDee, Marty and everyone sitting at the bar was just phenomenal. And that was before I even tasted the food. I got the Cajun shrimp, cooked perfectly and in this amazing butter Cajun sauce that was balanced so well and paired perfectly with the soft warm bread that came with it. Then I devoured the salad and even the croutons were bomb! And of course the steak, usually I get a ribeye, but I got the fillet (cause it was my dad's) favorite. Bacon wrapped, so tender and cooked perfectly! It was exactly the kind of place my dad would have loved. Thank you again to all the kind staff and patrons for making me feel so welcomed and for the amazing meal. If I find myself in Des Moines again, I will be back!

As always another memorable dinner, filet of beef tenderloin with fried shrimp was cooked to perfection. The rib dinner juicy, tender, tasty and falling from the bones. It's such a small dining room, but service is very efficient and pleasant. Arrive before 6 PM on Saturday to avoid waiting. Been coming here for years, never disappointed.

I have had Jesse's bookmarked for a while now and couldn't seam to find a good time to visit. That changed on Tuesday night when my wife didn't have to work and it was our Anniversary. The place was busy, but not packed. The hostess was a little hostel, especially when I requested a quiet table in the corner. We started with a bottle of Malbec which was perfect. The place seams like a hole in the wall, not a dive, just a worn look. Next up was the Onion Rings which I thought were perfect. Light breading and good seasoning. I decided on the Ember's Special which is a 12 ounce sirloin with baked potato and salad. The steak was fabulous, juicy and full of flavor. Excellent lean steak. The potato was just a normal potato. The salad was very good. An awesome dinner! The grill is open so you can see what is happening if you want. The waitress was average. I will definitely be back!

This is a local establishment in the Des Moines proper. It is a great steakhouse with the wood paneling and way back when it was a club that you had to have a membership to attend. The servers all have been there forever and the steaks are not over seasoned because they are trying mask bad meat. The have the very best house salad dressing that is a must and the even have old fashion after-dinner ice cream drinks (pink squirrels, grasshoppers). They are the whole package... If you want a local favorite that is sure to impress this is the place.

The food & service were outstanding and has consistency over the past 45 years that I've gone there. The ice specialty drinks were amazing.

Best grill in town. I've been going there for so many years. London broil, filet, anything is great. Small, noisy and I love the Maynard Reese paintings. I hate to tell people as this place is a good secret.

The owner is very welcoming. Staff is wonderful. Bar is outstanding. Thank you for all you do. Always bring family, friends and business associates.

Timeless Des Moines haunt. Fun staff and bartender. A good place to enjoy Des Moines

Steak was so rare my bf, who loooooves steak could not finish it. He asked for medium rare but the thing was almost mooing at him. None of the fat melted so the ribeye was tough and a hacksaw should have been on the table to help him get through it. I am not a huge steak person so I tried the Friday special of walleye and a side. It was ok, not much flavor and I about choked on bones. Maybe I shouldn't get fish at a steakhouse, my bad. Pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff. Definitely feels like a neighborhood place.

A true place to feel part of the family. A local restaurant that has its regulars but is very welcoming to new customers as well. A wonderful experience

Great food, quite, soft lighting. Good date night spot. Excellent steak and very nice martinis

One of my favorite restaurants in Des Moines. This is old school and wonderful. Favorite croutons in the world! There are buttery, soft and crunchy all at the same time. I love the grilled tenderloin. My niece had the Caesar salad and it was great. Love their ranch dressing. I have add Theo steak Oscar and pasta dishes it I always go back to the tenderloin.

Great neighborhood restaurant ( we live in Beaverdale) As long as you go early I'd give this a 5 star! (It's very small and gets packed pretty early) This is a small, old-fashioned steakhouse- dark, a few booths. Service is spot-on. Food was excellent! I had the small filet and it was fork-tender. Great flavor. Hubby had the Emberburger and loved it. The Only thing negative I would say-and this is just personal preference- is that the house salad dressing- creamy garlic- is Way too sweet. Reminded me of coleslaw dressing. Otherwise this is a great little spot for a steak dinner.

Cramped but fantastic food! The service was wonderful from start to finish. A definite Wisconsin Supper Club feel.

I have been going there for years. If you want a great great steak this is a fantastic restaurant for it. The ambience is awesome and the owner Marty is always there to greet you. I highly recommend it even if you don't want steak anything you get will be outstanding

True perfection is what you will get when you order a steak here.... absolutely delicious! Cooked to a perfect medium rare for me, could cut it with my fork tender, and excellent flavor! My whole experience from the quaint interior, friendly owner/host, our wonderful waitress, and our delicious dinners was outstanding and we'll definitely be visiting again soon!!