Maid-Rite

If it weren’t for the Maid-Rite, there would be hardly anything left of the food court at Valley West Mall. The mall is clearly in its death throes, but the Maid-Rite brought us in on our way through DSM. The quintessential Iowa fast food that we cannot get in Colorado. :)

The Brisket and hot cheese sandwich was very tasty and hot. Coleslaw was creamy and tasty as well.

1st time I've had it and loved it!!!

Perhaps not the best choice of location for a first visit to Maid Rite… The cashier was great. Took our order quickly, helpfully and personable. That’s where the positives end. One of two sandwiches came out cold, and the other had a bun that had a soft bottom, and a hard stale top. I just let it go and took off the top bun. Partner wanted a new, hot sandwich to which the cook begrudgingly came out and snatched it from him only to microwave the same sandwich to return to him. Definitely a mixed experience.

I wish I had gotten the guys' names working that day. They were very nice. Even everyone else I saw him work with in the line he was nice to. It's refreshing to see younger people care about their job and what they are doing there. I could hear them joking around in the back, but it wasn't in a rude way. The food of course was really good as well, but I felt like the service was what rounded it off really well.

Food was great. The couple of guys working behind the counter were very polite and chipper. Seemed like they really enjoy what they're doing or at least making their best effort. Even took their time to peak through the window and thank the cleaning lady which isn't something you normally see from a couple of young guys.

Ate a Maidrite like I remembered. Very delicious. Help was fine, but didn't even wear a smile. No signs indicated it was in this strip mall. Had to ask a few people where it was at.

The Maid-Rites of yesterday are fading fast. I've been to this one every time we go past West Des Moines for many years. It's a joy. My in-laws were with us and had no idea it existed. Get your family or friends and get over there. You, and your entire party, will be glad you did

When you research 'famous foods' in Iowa, you will definitely find that the loose meat sandwich is a staple and that Maid-Rite was the creator! When I was passing by Des Moines, I was a bit surprised to find that there weren't many Maid-Rite Diners and that is a local fast food chain. Deep down inside, I was hoping for a true diner style to remind me of good ole America. If you are looking for Diner, I believe there is a Maid-Rite Diner in Davenport, IA. This particular restaurant was located inside a food court of a very dead mall. The only major store there was JC Penny and Claire's, it was pretty sad to see. As I approached the food court, it was very quiet and dim. However, once you walk up to the counter at Maid-Rite, it was a very different ambiance. It was bright, a friendly cashier ready to take your order, and a small line. This brightened up my mood because I knew I would be in for a good treat since everyone else there was to eat at Maid-Rite. I ordered their Original Maid-Rite sandwich and added the combo. It was super affordable compared to what I would typically spend a common fast food chain like McDonalds. I waited just about 5 mins and my food was ready to pick up. The grease from the meat and bun was seeping through the wrapper. The fries was piping hot! Personally, the sandwich reminded me of a dry sloppy joe (but I believe I am not supposed to say that because it would stir some angry locals, sorry)! It is hard to eat the sandwhich without having the loose meat falling all over, so I used a spoon to scope them up. I was super excited to try something local, but it wasn't one of my favorite dishes. I'm glad I tried, but I don't think I'd order another loose meat sandwhich. Overall, it is a great place to try if you're looking for some local experience. The staff was super nice! The restaurant itself was located in a sad looking mall. The food was unique.

It has excellent customer service and there tendies dogs are to die for reminding me of state fair treats with reasonable wait times

To all of you people who walked by this place on a Sunday afternoon in lieu of DQ, you're stupid. DQ has been around awhile, but it can't decide what it wants to be. I lived in one section of the country in which it only sold ice cream. In Texas, they give every menu item a cowboy-themed name. And then there's the whole Orange Julius thing. Really? But this review is about Maid-Rite, which hasn't rested on its laurels or ventured into chain partnerships/acquisitions in the entirety of its existence. This place is Americana, plain and simple. Loose grind melt-in-your-mouth meat. Soft buns. The piercing tang of a sour pickle slice. Pure nirvana. This location is run by a dude who reminds me of The Big Lebowski. He's just straightforward and polite, and conversational. Cool. And he runs a tight ship. I traveled almost 1,000 miles with this place on my list of must-tries. I made these at home (in Texas) for years, based on the recipe of an old (former) family member from this area. Maid-Rite delivered. Everything was hot and fresh. Aside from the fact that this place serves Pepsi products, it's damn near perfect. For those of you who are more comfy with the DQs and BKs of the world, to hell with you. Give this place a try. If you're from Iowa, you have that obligation to your heritage. You'll leave here full and happy.

Been going here once a week all summer. The last good place in the food court. Always served hot and taste great! We really enjoy the great customer service we get from Connor in the evenings. Glad to hear that the owner has taken over the maid rite in merle hay mall. I'll definitely stop there the next time I'm at Merle Hay mall. Top shelf service and food!

We were very much looking forward to trying a Maid-Rite sandwich considering this is the sandwhich that started The Lunchbox on Roseanne. It was amazing. I love how it is not a greasy burger. The service at this location was friendly. It was a great first experience. I really wish that we lived closer to one. Definitely a one of a kind place!

A true Iowa original! Make the trip to the mall for these delicious loose meat burgers. They are a bit messy, but oh so good! We make it a priority to eat here every time we fly into Iowa. Thank you Brian and crew for great service and a hot and tasty meal.

I hope this is the one in the Valley West Mall. I have a friend who told me that I was "dead to him" if I didn't hit a Maid-Rite while in Iowa. Ok, I punched them into my GPS, and each one I went to either didn't exist or turned into something else. So, I decided to hit the food court at the mall, and VIOLA, there is a Maid-Rite. I know this is an IOWA thing, and I wasn't really impressed with the loose meat sandwiches. But they did kind of remind me of a taco chain that's only in my state, and that chain serves Taco BURGERS, and if the Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich had some 1000 Island dressing on it like the Taco BURGER, it would be top notch! Ok for a once in awhile thing, but I wasn't impressed. Plenty of room to park the RV if you can get into the main entry way to the mall. I came here in a rental car.

It wasn't until I moved out of the midwest that I realized Maid-Rite was an Iowa thing. The sandwiches are really basic loose meat sandwiches with just enough spices in them to make them different from a plain hamburger. Add some ketchup, mustard, and onion and you have an awesome sandwich. There are maid-rites all over Iowa but I haven't actually been to any of them except for this one in Valley West Mall for a long time. I have a recipe for making Maid-Rites that comes pretty close but just isn't quite the same thing. When I asked one of the employees about how they were made I found out there is a secret blend of spices made just for the company.

Super good food! Always very fresh and hot! Everyone who works there is very friendly and helpful! Great local family owned place! 100% reccomend it!

The only way I knew about Maid-Rites, was because the principal at the high school I work at is from Iowa. Other than that, I had no idea what to expect. He used to make them for us, and he used to laugh, because we'd put baked beans on them and stuff like that. Anyway, I was happy with my mega maid-rite. I can't put my finger on it, but it's such a simple thing, but it's so good. To me, it's basically a sloppy joe, with out the sauce. At any rate, it tasted great and filled me up. Def worth a try.

Grew up on Maid-Rites and when in town on business - Its a must do! This place is the real deal! Simply - Good as it gets for a Maid-Rite burger !

I visited 2-23-15 for dinner around 615 p.m. the girl on duty was very efficient and pleasant even though she had to run the grill and fryers AND front end taking care of the customers. Poor girl needs to have a raise.

Just got back from Valley West Mall , Maid Rite had waited untill 10:00 a.m. . Got there at about 10;:07 but was told they wouldn't be ready for about 15 or 20 minutes . If the online information stated 10:30 I would have been there at that time . But have been awake since 9:30 p.m. and its time for me to crash .

This is the first time to Maid Rite. There were four in our group and each ordered different items; 1. Signature Salad 2. Original basket with cheese 3. Original with chili basket 4. Chili and a fry. All were satisfied with their meals and felt worthy of four stars. Meat and fries were tasty and original beef was put on the salad:) definitely worth a trip back. One person in our party ate a second original with chili on top!

I like this Maid-Rite the people are nice. The one problem I have is not with the maid right but with the location Valley west mall. I do not like how the people there look at you with their noses in the air. The food is good try it.