Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

If you are in the area, definitely try a meal at this establishment. We ate dinner. We ordered the appetizer sampler which was plenty to share for 3 people. My son ordered the brisket dinner, my husband and I ordered the cattlemen's choice steak. All the food was delicious. Bowls of coleslaw and cottage cheese and a bread basket containing yeast dinner rolls and apple bread for the table were shared. The main dishes had a choice of mashed potatoes or wild rice with cranberries. All portions of the meal were ample enough to share if desired. There was also a bowl of seasonal vegetables to share. We had to take home two boxes of leftovers. We took some bread pudding home for dessert. We also purchased giant cookies for our grand kids. The service was great! She was friendly, welcoming,and attentive. The restaurant had a very homey atmosphere. The lobby was like a general store with an emphasis on Items featuring Iowan themes. I would like to come back and try many more items on the menu!

Can I give this restaurant 10 stars? I most certainly would if I could!! First of all, you go through a cute gift shop to get to the restaurant, which has so many country themed gifts, jams, and baked goods. I could have stayed there for several minutes! Then, you have a lovely restaurant with an amazing menu of so many delicious foods to order. My friend and I chose a pork sampler plate. I've got to say...don't eat anything that day before you come to the restaurant! Or...be prepared for leftovers!! We started with fresh, delicious bread and fresh butter plus a piece of sweet bread for each of us (can't remember, but I think it was rhubarb). Then, we got our main meal, which is pictured. A delicious piece of crusted pork that was so tender and juicy you barely needed to use a knife to cut it, a flavorful and tender pork loin with stuffing in the center, 2 absolutely fantastic and perfectly seasoned bacon wrapped pork medallions. Oh, and a potato. We choose mashed potatoes with pork gravy. 😘 And let's not forget the sides! 🥰 We chose cottage cheese, fresh vegetables, and cole slaw. Everything is literally farm fresh and so incredibly tasty. And the portions are so ample, you have enough food for at least another meal. Our server was so nice and very prompt. Our food was served very quickly and our server checked on us often to make sure we had drink refills, extra napkins, and whatever else we needed. My compliments on the delicious meal to the chefs and our wonderful server. My only complaint is that we don't live in the Des Moines area, otherwise I'd be back every few weeks! However, when I do get back to the area, I will definitely stop by again!! This is an amazing restaurant that is near an amazing attraction of the Living History Farms and absolutely a must visit!! Thank you for the delightful experience!! 😁

We ate dinner at the Iowa Machine Shed. It is a lot like Cracker Barrel, but many more choices on menu. The servings were huge and the food was good. The all-you-can -eat fried chicken was very good. The turkey and dressing was very tender. The person who ordered the liver and onions said it was very good too. The grilled salmon with whiskey glaze was tender and flaky. The chicken cobb salad was gigantic! The servers wore overalls. The entrance has shopping just like Cracker Barrel. The display counter with cookies were gigantic as well.

We stopped by breakfast and enjoyed the brunch buffet. Food was very fresh and delicious, the cinnamon rolls were to die for!!! I would highly recommend checking this place out

We were driving through Iowa and we decided to stop here for breakfast. And oh my am I happy we did! The atmosphere, the food and the service were beyond my expectations. Our server, Heather was the sweetest. Our kids love the experience and they got some Mickey shaped pancakes! Also for what’s worth their restrooms were very clean.

The quality of food made this a disappointment. It’s been close to 20 years since my last visit here when it was exceptional. The restaurant is charming with great coffee and friendly service and fun serveware. However the food was actually quite awful…pancakes were tough, overcooked and flavorless. Eggs were not scrambled but a thin layer of egg folded onto itself with lots of grease. Sausage was not to my liking and a bit old. Cut down on the portions and focus on the quality of the food.

The cinnamon roll was so good, but be aware it is HUGE. I got 2 eggs, bacon and hash browns. My only complaint was the hash browns basically were not cooked they didn't have any color to them. I forgot to ask for extra crisp hash browns that is my fault. Overall it was good and i enjoyed the little shopping area. This place reminds me of cracker barrel.

Cute homey place with outstanding service and food....man, the FOOD! SO GOOD! The bring out cottage cheese, coleslaw, rolls, and banana bread as "starters." Then pick what you want off a wholesome list of down home country favorites from Chops, to steaks, fried chicken and chicken fried. Meatloaf, pot pie, rib and more...oh, and some Prentice salads as well. The serving sizes are ENOUGH and more. The little store has massive cookies, and I am sure the pies and other deserts are to die for. Great place. Wish I lived local, though my waist line is surely glad I dont.

Biggest pork chops I've ever experienced. If you come here you better be hungry because they give you a ton of food at an excellent value. Service was fast and friendly Inside is super clean including the bathrooms.

Very family friendly restaurant with reasonable prices. We stopped by as this place was close and we wanted to try it for lunch. Entrees come with a hearty side of fixins and the food is good. Service was also fast. There is a small shop in the front of the store if you want some decor or gifts. Also huge size desserts near checkout.

I went on Monday lunch with my parents. I had the breaded chicken sandwich, the mustard sauce ws delicious. I'm not a mustard fan. the sweet potato fries were also excellent. mom enjoyed the pot pie ans S had the mac and cheese with chicken. a lot of chicken. I tried the mac and cheese and it was good. our server was Erin and she did a great job. food came out quick and hot.

I like the farmhouse feel of this place. We had the breakfast buffet which had a great selection. Service was fast and nice. My kids enjoyed the tractor ride and the pond outside as well as the store. A nice place to come for breakfast!

Food has gone way down. Rolls and coleslaw taste like they are store bought. Didn't even see appetizers on menu. Just wasn't the same as it used to be. For me it wasn't worth stopping for. Sadly used to be one of my favorite places to go

First off - this was my first time there - was staying in the hotel next door for a work trip and had no idea what to expect. I ordered quite a bit for one person, but it was well worth it. Everything was pretty and tasty. 3 months later and find out I lost my receipt for my expenses so I call to find out if there is anything that can be done. Jennifer - the AMAZING manager helps and saves the day!!!! What a perfect blend of amazing food AND amazing customer service!!! Thank you so much Jennifer - keep up the great job!!!

Always good and fast service. I love the family style set up of the meals. Plenty of food.

Great Food Good Service My favorite is the Brisket Mac&Cheese I love the bread and butter plus cottage cheese

Big place , lots of choices. Portions are generous . At lunch and dinner they bring Cottage Cheese , Cole Slaw and breadbasket before entrees . They offer refills if wanted Country Style atmosphere

Ordered the catfish dinner--had to return for better cooking--raw middle. The waitress was very friendly and aimed to get it right. The atmosphere was hopping with good down home country music.

Very similar to a "Cracker Barrel" restaurant, however, this place is very Iowa centric. Cute shop similar to cracker barrel with gift and tourist items all Iowa based. Staff were friendly. I had the grilled chicken caesar salad....very good, I know kinda boring compared to what was available. But it was a fun place and I would recommend.

Food was excellent and the service was outstanding! We enjoyed looking at all the merchandise and ended purchasing some of the applesauce bread and a couple of the huge cookies. We look forward to going back. I wish we had on in our area (Cedar Rapids)!

Wow, the food portions are huge! The burger and fries was very yummy. They also have chickens on the property that you can visit. The store when you first enter is packed with items for sale. I found clean restrooms which is always a plus.

My party and I had a good experience here. We took a free tractor ride and even got to get onto the tractor and take a picture in the drivers seat. The food was good! We got a tri-tip and all American cut pork and a Mac and cheese. Loved the food so it was a yes from us. Also the complimentary bread and coleslaw was good!

Truly one of the best casual restaurants Ive been to in ages. Had several meals here on a recent visit to Iowa. Everything I had here was delicious! The stuffed pork chop was amazing! Tried several breakfasts that were also outstanding. Service was always friendly and quick, even when busy. Parking was always plentiful. If I lived here Id be eating here everyday.

Service was so great, everyone was so nice! Food was great. We had the spinach artichoke dip --best dip I've had, highly recommend! I had their Ruben and we ordered their Mac and cheese as well to share. Both were great. The place was very clean and environment was very inviting. Overall had a great experience.

My mom and I drove up from Kansas City in August and had lunch with some relatives here - fantastic!! She and I are lovers of hot sandwiches atop mashed potatoes so were really excited about this - Mom, the roast beef, and me, the turkey. Just about the best we've ever had. We really wanted a slice of the sour cream raisin pie but they didn't have it that day. Our plan is to drive up again next summer and bring a whole pie back with us :) The food is worth the trip!

Food was amazing. Staff is wonderful and good lawd the cinnamon rolls are large. The Buffett had fresh food and never ran out. Would highly recommended.

My husband had the state sandwich of Iowa, the pork tenderloin, and he is still dreaming of it 2 weeks later! I had a salad with brisket. And I loved mine sooooo much! Neither of us could eat dinner when we stopped at the end of the day (driving) in North Platte Nebraska! Seriously, we were still full and satisfied! We will definitely stop again when driving from Chicago to Colorado or vise versa!!! Check it out! It's worth a stop in the unfair speeding practice state of Iowa........yeah, I've got issues with them.

Amazing cinnamon rolls The waffles are so cute The service was very collective and helpful :)

You get greeted by people in checkered shirts and overalls and all the tables are for a huge party. They do a buffet brunch on the weekends and though it isn't the cheapest, you get a ton of food! My husband is a big eater and loved it, it wasn't really my thing.

The first time here, this place was absolutely amazing . The server was the best ever, his name was Joe. Highly recommend stopping in here to try it out.

I always enjoy my visits to The Machine Shed, probably cause I am a country girl at heart. The service is excellent and their food delicious. The ambiance is casual and homey. This was the First time ever I had the Chicken Pot Pie with a flaky biscuit crust it was so good, I'm kind of kicking myself I had never ordered it till last week. My spouse had a BLT and their famous baked potato soup which we love! He let me sample the Bacon it was smoky & sweet; DELICIOUS! Cooked crisp not flimsy. Sorry no picture, I was Hungry

I'm rounding up for service, and the occasional good meal. Food can be average to good, with lunch/dinner being a better option in my experience. We are part of a group that meets monthly for breakfast. The servers are wonderful in every way. The food can be a bit hit or miss. I usually get the Light Chore Day - 2 eggs, and 2 sides. While I've tried a few options, I like the Sheddar Hash Brown Casserole and the Pancakes. The Casserole is consistently good and the pancakes are pretty good - nothing remarkable, but consistently good. The eggs are a real hit or miss for me, as they appear to be cooked on a cooktop in a very thin layer, then folded over to speed up cooking. That makes them kind of flavorless and not fluffy like you might expect. My wife usually gets the breakfast wrap. It's a whole wheat wrap, which is good, and you can select your fillings from a large list of options. It comes with a good fruit cup. We've had dinner a few times and it tends to be a good ol' homestyle meal. Prices are reasonable, there is a full bar (at dinner :-)), and service is consistently good. They've been around for a long time, so they're doing enough right to keep it going!

I came here while staying at a nearby hotel. I noticed that it was busy, so I waited until it slowed down around 7pm on a Sunday. I ordered a Bloody Mary and a chicken fried steak. The Bloody Mary was just ok, but the chicken fried steak was pretty good. It was a little tough, but very tasty. I ordered a piece of carrot cake but they were out of it. I then ordered the banana cream pie, but it wasn't available, so I tried to order the cinnamon rolls and they weren't available. Very disappointing. It's a Very fun, but pretty loud location with a very touristy vibe. I loved the little shop as you enter. Overall, very fun place to visit with some tasty food, just get there early enough to order dessert.

First time I tried this place I had their famous potato soup. I didn't care for it. I like a good thick potato soup but theirs was too thick it wasn't like eating a soup at all. However the last time I ate here I had the French o ion and it was one of the best French onion soups I've ever had. The fried tobacco onions on top really set it apart from the average French onion soup at other places. I had a half sandwich with my soup and it was good too I would order again but for sure ha I g the French onion soup again.

I love their food and the HUGE cinnamon rolls. The biggest problem is that I always overdue it here because everything is so very good. This is one of my very favorite breakfast locations. We actually plan our cross country trips to stay near one of their locations. The food is great and the staff is always so nice and outgoing.

Cracker Barrel like - farm themed and great food! We will definitely be back if we are in the area.

Ate here this evening because I was craving some home style food. Opted for the roast beef with mashed potatoes. I also tried the bread pudding for dessert. The food was fantastic! The only reason I downvoted from five to four stars was the waiter. He wasn't attentive enough and I ended up waiting about 15 minutes to get his attention so I could get the bill. The noise level can be quite high at times, but the food is worth it! Highly recommended...

I am giving this restaurant three stars for one reason. The portions are ridiculously large. Yep, the food was good. Indeed, my sauteed shrimp was excellent, but I could never eat that much food, not even when I was fifteen. We ate supper there and breakfast the next morning. I got the cinnamon roll, which was enough for four people. It's no wonder diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. The government wants to get involved in everything, and if the Machine Shed continues serving these portions, there will eventually be federal intervention. There's no way a normal human being can eat these servings. I appreciate their support of local farmers. Our server, Ashley, took excellent care of us.

This is a an amazing down home style restaurant from the past. We had a large group and we're seated immediately. The staff wear a cute overalls type uniform. The cinnamon rolls were large and tasty. The biscuits and gravy were very tasty. The staff was friendly and helpful.

I will eat here if pressed but it is not a choice I would make. Ten years ago, I would give it a higher rating but it has declined in quality over time. My sweetie and I have tried breakfast and dinner over the last couple of years. Each time it was disappointing. The food taste like it came frozen in a truck and was simply warmed up in the kitchen. I can do that at home. Nothing seems fresh. I hope you have better luck than we did.

This is a follow-up to my review of 12/8/2013. Most of that review is now inaccurate. Today Rob & I ate lunch at The Machine Shed, and it was a great experience. We were seated at once and were served coffee while still reading the menu. I ordered the country-fried steak as I had done eight years ago. What a change! The serving was about twice the size of the earlier portion (I should have taken a picture), and the breading/steak ratio was definitely in favor of that tender half-inch-thick steak. The green beans were crisp/tender and the kohl slaw and applesauce were delicious. ("Kohl" is German for "cabbage." That's how cole slaw got its name.) Our server, Heather, was friendly and attentive, and the coffee was strong and hot. Who could ask for anything more? In short, please ignore my 2013 review and chow down at The Iowa Machine Shed!

Gave this place on a recommendation. We was greater politely, atmosphere was nice and food was good, price was good and severs seemed over worked. Overall mot sure I would return.

We just ate here tonight & the food was good & service was excellent despite being very busy. Portions were large & even the most hungry among us had leftovers to take home. As a native Iowan, I'm a little sensitive about the stereotypical uniforms the waitresses had to wear (bib overalls & checkered shirts, nothing revealing) but more suited for harvest. They all looked cute but this is right off a major interstate & gives a bit of a "hick" impression. They do have a little store in front that carries very cute & unique gifts & cards. Definitely a good stop for meat lovers.

First time at the Machine Shed in years this past Saturday ... 1) Joe was our Waiter and took care of us from start to finish. 5 stars for Joe. 2) Our meals came with coleslaw and cottage cheese, as well as dinner rolls, so we had something to "snack" on prior to the main course. Dinner rolls are HUGE, and we ended up taking them home. More on that later. 3) The Chicken Pot Pie (pic) stayed hot in the dish provided. BIG plus. Also, no shortage of chicken in the pie. 4) 2-piece Chicken dinner with veggies and mashed potatoes. I knew what was coming next, so I saved a chicken thigh and 1/2 my veggies to take home. The dinner itself was great, and the potatoes weren't those imitation whipped potatoes. They were real. 5) 5 stars for the main courses. 6) What can I say? We travel lots, and if you follow us, you know this. These were two of the best pieces of pie we have ever had. Period. And, you can even buy an entire pie to take home! 7) 5 stars for desserts 8) 5 stars for cleanliness. Even the restrooms were tidy, and that's saying something, since this was a VERY busy Saturday, with I'm sure many travelers stopping in. GREAT job Machine Shed.

Yummy, in my tummy! I have eaten here many, many times and have never been disappointed! This evening I had their stuffed pork chop with all their farm hand type side choices, that are so exceptionally prepared you will leave full and more than likely with a doggy bag for later! Our waitress was delightful and she was very conscientious and quick! I will be back as I can't give these guys enough stars!!

Good food, friendly staff! Cozy tables and booths too. Took my team out to lunch here one day and it turned out to be the perfect venue for that kind of thing. Highly recommended.

We came here on a whim for breakfast. It's a nicer looking place with a full gift shop in the front and rustic farm décor. We tried the breakfast buffet: Pros: kids under 4 eat for free, cinnamon rolls Cons: most of the hot dishes we tried were too cold, the smoked salmon was under seasoned, and a few more "healthy" options would have been nice to see (limited to fruit, yogurt, and salmon).

While visiting Des Moines to attend a memorial service, a large group of us were looking for a breakfast spot that could accommodate a party of 13. The Machine Shed was the perfect place! We were seated immediately upon arrival. Breakfast offerings included an unbelievable buffet serving both breakfast and lunch items. Service was outstanding, water glasses filled in a timely manner, soiled plates removed promptly as well. Cannot recommend any place better than this!!

Howdy, I'm out here in Hawkeye Country for some work training and gosh darn it's colder than a witches back side.. The Iowa Machine Shed is right next to my Hotel so of course I had to make my presence known. Walked in to be greeted by some charming ladies that guided me to my wooden table. Ordered my food witch consisted of a 14 Oz Ribeye steak a sweet potato, some smashed taters and a cold bloody Mary with a slice of bacon thicker than my Texas Mustache.. The steak though ! It was a work of art with 90° grill marks and perfectly cooked to my preferance. It melted in my mouth like butter.. I'll definitely come back here and definitely recommend this place.. The also offer catering so I may use them for my 3rd wedding.. Till next time partner

The vibe is very "Cracker Barrel"esque. The staff was very friendly. The food was tasty, but I wouldn't say it was anything to write home about.

Love the he home style food here. I tried the shed burger with fries tonight , which has BBQ brisket on the burger. The meat was bigger than the bun by far! Delicious!! I'm taking a slice of the apple pie home- hope it makes it home!!

Great food and good choices. Family style service. You get bread, a vegetable, and we got cottage cheese then our choice of meal. Always had good service. Shop around at their gifts too.

The atmosphere is homey, service was attentive and great with the kids. The owner was introducing himself and checking in on customers, you could tell he was proud of his business. The kids also loved the tractor ride after we were finished eating.

Visiting Des Moines we decided on the Machine Shed for a family dinner one night. The farming themed restaurant is nicely decorated with a small shopping area at the entrance and ample of seating. If you've been to a Cracker Barrel, you might see the resemblance. The service here was quick and the servers on-point with everything. The complementary bucket of breads and pumpkin bread was nice, especially the pumpkin bread, but definitely not helpful if you plan to finish your meal. The Heartland Combo was a nice way to sample the pork offerings. A generous portion size served with your choice of potatoes. The green beans sprinkled on the dish added nice color to the plate, but that's about it, could be better seasoned. Machine Shed is a nice local option for a family meal, and especially for bigger groups.

Never been disappointed with a meal from here. I've been there three times, twice for dinner and once for the weekend brunch. All three times the food was amazing as was our waitress. For some down good Midwest traditional food, this place is wonderful! Make sure to get some of the cinnamon rolls and apple dumplings.

We ate at this restaurant twice once for lunch which was very good and the second time for breakfast which was GREAT! For lunch we had the fried chicken salad and a Ruben and fries oh and the potato skins as an appetizer. All was very good. For breakfast between the two meals we had a pancake, hash brown casserole, eggs, an omelet, biscuits and gravy and plain hash browns. All we're delicious! Would totally go back.

I look forward to the times when I can dine here. Also located in Davenport. I even forgot to take a photo of the cherry pie with premium vanilla ice cream I enjoyed! Service was excellent! I dined on the wonderful roasted pork loin today(a favorite). I also am a fan of the roasted cauliflower as an appetizer. Farmers of Iowa(and everywhere)-I salute you!