Enjoy The Best Steaks In Iowa At These 15 Must-Try Joints
When it comes to steak, Iowa doesn’t mess around. From sizzling ribeyes to perfectly charred filets, this state knows how to treat its beef right.
Whether you’re craving a rustic supper club vibe or a modern twist on a classic cut, Iowa’s steak scene delivers big flavor with Midwestern pride.
These spots aren’t just meals, they’re experiences built around bold seasoning, tender bites, and that unmistakable feeling of steakhouse satisfaction done just right.
1. Archie’s Waeside – Le Mars
Family recipes dating back to 1949 make this James Beard Award winner a true Iowa legend. The dry-aging process here isn’t just a technique – it’s practically a religion.
Locals swear by the bone-in ribeye, aged for weeks to develop flavors you simply can’t find elsewhere. The unpretentious atmosphere only enhances the experience of enjoying truly exceptional beef.
2. Northwestern Steakhouse – Mason City
Greek-style preparation elevates every cut at this Mason City institution that’s been sizzling since 1920.
Steaks arrive bathed in olive oil and special seasonings, creating a unique flavor profile that’s impossible to forget.
The intimate, old-school dining room feels like stepping back in time. Regulars know to save room for their legendary Greek salad dressing. It’s nearly as famous as the steaks!
3. 801 Chophouse – Des Moines
Luxury meets carnivorous delight at this upscale Des Moines establishment. Every USDA Prime cut receives royal treatment from seasoning to searing, resulting in steaks that practically melt in your mouth.
White tablecloths and attentive service create the perfect backdrop for special occasions.
Their wine list deserves special mention. They have carefully curated selections perfectly complement the magnificent beef offerings.
4. Rube’s Steakhouse – Montour
Grill-it-yourself fun makes Rube’s an interactive protein paradise! Select your raw cut from their meat counter, then become the grill master at communal grilling stations.
The aromatic symphony of sizzling steaks fills the air as patrons compare techniques.
First-timers needn’t worry. Friendly staff offer helpful grilling tips, ensuring even novices leave with perfectly cooked meat and newfound skills.
5. AJ’s Steakhouse – Altoona
Casino excitement meets culinary excellence at Prairie Meadows’ crown jewel restaurant.
Their signature butter-topped filets arrive with spectacular presentation that’ll have neighboring tables eyeing your plate enviously.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping racetrack views while you dine. The chef’s secret seasoning blend has remained unchanged for decades. It’s a proof that perfection needs no improvement.
6. The Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge – Altoona
Roadside magnificence awaits at this Iowa institution where the signature 24-ounce porterhouse challenges even the heartiest appetites.
The moment you spot the giant steer statue outside, you know you’re in for something special.
Retro decor creates nostalgic charm throughout the dining room. Their onion rings deserve their legendary status – impossibly crisp, sweet, and the perfect companion to any steak.
7. Joseph’s Steakhouse – Iowa City
Sophisticated techniques elevate every cut at this Iowa City gem where steaks arrive with perfect crosshatch grill marks.
The chef’s background in fine French cuisine brings unexpected finesse to classic steakhouse fare. Seasonal farm-to-table sides showcase Iowa’s agricultural bounty.
A hidden gem among locals, Joseph’s strikes the perfect balance between upscale dining and comfortable atmosphere without pretension.
8. Jesse’s Embers – Des Moines
Time-honored tradition fills every corner of this Des Moines classic where steaks are still cooked over real charcoal. The unmistakable smoky aroma hits you the moment you walk through the door.
Generations of families have celebrated special occasions here since 1963.
The staff remembers regulars by name and steak preference, creating that increasingly rare feeling of dining somewhere that feels like coming home.
9. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse – Des Moines
Rat Pack vibes merge with mouthwatering meats at this Sinatra-inspired establishment.
The signature De Burgo steak, topped with garlic, basil, and butter, showcases the Italian influence that sets Johnny’s apart.
Blue lighting and classic crooners create supper club ambiance. Their tiramisu provides the perfect sweet finale after a savory steak experience, proving Johnny’s Italian roots run deep in both dinner and dessert.
10. Minervas Food & Cocktails – Sioux City
Culinary creativity shines at this Sioux City landmark where classic steaks receive modern twists.
Their signature bourbon-glazed ribeye combines traditional grilling with contemporary flavor profiles that surprise and delight. The historic building’s architectural details add character to every dining experience.
Their legendary salad bar deserves its own fan club, featuring over 50 items that threaten to upstage even the magnificent steaks.
11. The Prime Rib – Spencer
Small-town charm meets big-city flavor at Spencer’s premier steakhouse. Their namesake prime rib, slow-roasted for 12 hours, falls apart with just the gentlest pressure from your fork.
Hunting lodge decor creates cozy, rustic ambiance perfect for lingering over dinner. The house-made horseradish sauce has such a devoted following that they now sell it by the jar for fans to enjoy at home.
12. Iowa Beef Steakhouse – Des Moines
Nostalgic vibes permeate this Des Moines institution where little has changed since opening day in 1982.
The salad bar wagon – literally a wooden wagon filled with fresh fixings, charms first-timers and regulars alike. Corn-fed Iowa beef takes center stage on every plate.
Their signature sirloin comes from cattle raised within 50 miles of the restaurant, proving that sometimes the best ingredients are found in your own backyard.
13. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Sac City
Rancher-approved cuts satisfy hearty appetites at this authentic western Iowa gem. Steaks arrive with no frills – just perfectly seasoned, expertly cooked beef that speaks for itself.
The walls showcase local cattle brands and farming memorabilia. Fourth-generation cattle farmers frequently dine here. It is perhaps the highest endorsement a steakhouse can receive from those who truly know great beef.
14. Prime N’ Wine – Mason City
Wine country sophistication meets Midwestern heartiness at this Mason City favorite. Their signature wine-butter sauce elevates already exceptional steaks to new heights of flavor complexity.
The temperature-controlled wine room showcases hundreds of bottles.
Weekend crowds prove this spot’s popularity – reservations are practically mandatory, but the melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon makes any wait worthwhile.
15. Breitbach’s Country Dining – Balltown
History flavors every bite at Iowa’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, established in 1852!
Their signature country-style steak showcases traditional German-American influences that shaped Iowa’s culinary landscape. Panoramic Mississippi River valley views enhance the dining experience.
Rising from the ashes after two devastating fires, Breitbach’s remarkable resilience demonstrates the special place it holds in Iowa’s heart and stomach.