These Iowa Steak Joints Are Serving The Best Cuts In The State

Some places talk a big game about beef, but the real confidence shows up in quiet dining rooms where the steaks hit the table thick, perfectly seasoned, and ready to silence the conversation for a minute.

Tucked between cornfields and unassuming main streets, this corner of the Midwest hides steakhouses that could make plenty of big-city menus nervously adjust their neckties.

Ribeyes, prime ribs, and filets show up with the kind of straightforward respect that says the kitchen is not here to play games with good meat.

My favorite part is how the best spots turn up in every kind of place, from blink-and-you-miss-it towns to lively city corners where Friday night lines form like a local tradition.

What links them all is a serious commitment to quality beef, served without fuss, with sides generous enough to make your belt consider early retirement.

Here are 12 of the best Iowa steak joints to track down, each one worth arriving hungry and leaving very proud of your choices.

1. 801 Chophouse, Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines holds plenty of dining options, but 801 Chophouse stands apart with its polished approach to serious beef.

I remember walking through the doors and feeling the energy shift, with low lighting, white linens, and a buzz that suggested celebrations and business deals happening at every other table.

The menu leans heavily on prime cuts, from filet mignon to bone-in ribeye, each one aged and cooked with precision that makes ordering medium rare feel like a safe bet.

Sides arrive thoughtfully prepared, from creamed spinach to loaded potatoes, turning each meal into a multi-course event that stretches comfortably across the evening.

You will find 801 Chophouse at 801 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, right in the heart of downtown where parking garages and nearby hotels make access easy.

I appreciated how the staff balanced attentiveness with space, checking in without hovering or rushing decisions.

For a steak dinner in Des Moines that feels polished yet welcoming, this spot delivers every time.

2. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, West Des Moines

Some steakhouses blend traditions beautifully, and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse in West Des Moines manages to honor both Italian flavors and Midwestern beef.

The dining room feels warm and inviting, with dark wood accents and a menu that moves easily between pasta, seafood, and serious cuts of steak.

I ordered the New York strip during my first visit and watched it arrive with a garlic butter crown that added richness without overwhelming the beef itself.

Other cuts follow the same pattern, cooked confidently and paired with Italian-inspired sides that keep the meal interesting from start to finish.

You will find Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse at 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, nestled in a busy commercial area near the highway corridor.

I liked how the menu gave me permission to wander between traditions, ordering steak alongside a Caesar salad and finishing with tiramisu.

When friends want steak with a slight Italian twist in the Des Moines metro, this is the name I suggest.

3. Waterfront Seafood Market, West Des Moines

West Des Moines might seem like an unexpected place to find great steak alongside seafood, but Waterfront Seafood Market proves that combination works beautifully.

The space feels casual yet thoughtful, with a menu that splits its attention between fresh fish and well-marbled beef without shortchanging either side.

I remember ordering the ribeye on a whim and being surprised by how well it held its own against the restaurant’s seafood reputation, arriving juicy and nicely charred.

The kitchen treats steak with the same care it gives to grilled salmon and shrimp, which means every plate gets attention and proper seasoning.

You will find Waterfront Seafood Market at 2900 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, in a busy strip center that serves shoppers, office workers, and longtime locals.

I appreciated the flexibility of being able to mix surf and turf without committing to a formal steakhouse atmosphere.

For a relaxed West Des Moines steak dinner that also offers seafood options, this spot fits the bill perfectly.

4. Lucca, Des Moines

Des Moines hides culinary surprises in its riverfront-adjacent East Village, and Lucca ranks among the best when steak cravings hit hard.

The restaurant blends Italian influences with steakhouse confidence, creating a menu where beef takes center stage without losing sight of pasta and seasonal ingredients.

Filet mignon and ribeye arrive cooked to order, with rich sauces and thoughtful plating that make dinner feel special without turning overly formal or stiff.

I remember the way my server described each cut with genuine enthusiasm, answering my questions about preparation and pairing with patience and knowledge.

You will find Lucca at 420 East Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, in the East Village neighborhood just a short walk from the downtown core.

I liked how the dining room balanced elegance with comfort, making it easy to enjoy a serious steak dinner while still feeling relaxed.

When someone asks for a refined steak experience in Des Moines, Lucca consistently earns a spot on my short list.

5. Machine Shed Restaurant, Davenport

Some restaurants embrace their farm roots with pride, and Machine Shed in Davenport wears its agricultural heritage like a badge of honor.

The dining room leans into barn-inspired decor, with a menu built around hearty Midwestern portions that include seriously sized steaks and pork chops.

Ribeyes and sirloins arrive generous and well-cooked, supported by mashed potatoes, vegetables, and fresh-baked bread that could easily count as its own course.

I remember bringing my family here during a road trip and watching everyone fall silent when their plates landed, overwhelmed by the sheer size and quality of the portions.

You will find Machine Shed Restaurant at 7250 Northwest Boulevard, Davenport, Iowa 52806, near Interstate 80 where travelers and locals mix easily at busy tables.

I liked how the restaurant celebrated Iowa agriculture without turning into a theme park, keeping the focus squarely on good food and generous service.

When I want steak that honors Iowa farming traditions, Machine Shed always feels like the right choice.

6. Trostel’s Greenbriar, Johnston

Johnston sits just outside Des Moines, and Trostel’s Greenbriar has become a reliable destination when I want steak without the downtown hustle.

The restaurant feels comfortably classic, with leather booths, dim lighting, and a menu that sticks to steakhouse fundamentals rather than chasing culinary trends.

Bone-in ribeye and filet mignon lead the offerings, each arriving with the kind of sear and seasoning that suggests the kitchen knows exactly what it is doing.

Sides lean toward tradition, with loaded baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and Caesar salads that round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from the beef.

You will find Trostel’s Greenbriar at 5810 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, Iowa 50131, along a busy commercial corridor where parking is plentiful and access is easy.

I appreciated how the staff handled the room with quiet efficiency, keeping water glasses filled and checking in without interrupting conversations.

For a suburban Des Moines steak dinner that feels dependable and satisfying, Trostel’s fits the bill perfectly.

7. Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids has plenty of chain options, but Biaggi’s manages to stand out by blending Italian tradition with a respectable commitment to quality steak.

The menu splits its focus between pasta, seafood, and beef, with tenderloins and other cuts prepared with Italian seasonings that add interest without overwhelming the meat.

I ordered the grilled tenderloin during a business dinner and found it tender and flavorful, accompanied by roasted garlic and herbs that complemented the beef beautifully.

The dining room feels polished yet approachable, with a layout that works equally well for family gatherings and quieter meals with just a few people.

You will find Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano at 320 Collins Road Northeast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, in a retail area near the interstate where parking is easy to find.

I appreciated how the staff balanced efficiency with friendliness, keeping the meal moving without making me feel rushed through the courses.

For a Cedar Rapids steak dinner with an Italian accent, Biaggi’s delivers a satisfying experience.

8. Centro, Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines holds several dining gems, and Centro brings a lively Italian energy to the steakhouse conversation with its focus on fresh ingredients.

The menu emphasizes handmade pasta and wood-fired dishes, but the steak offerings hold their own, prepared with Italian flair and seasonal accompaniments.

Hanger steak and other cuts arrive beautifully grilled, often paired with vegetables and herbs that reflect the restaurant’s commitment to bright, bold flavors.

I remember the way my plate looked when it landed, colorful and inviting, with the beef cooked precisely to my requested temperature.

You will find Centro at 1003 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, right in the downtown core where theater crowds and business diners mix before and after shows.

I liked how the restaurant balanced energy with comfort, creating a space that felt lively without becoming too loud or chaotic.

When I want a Des Moines steak dinner that feels Italian-inspired and full of life, Centro is my answer.

9. Jethro’s BBQ n’ Pork Chop Grill, Multiple Locations

Jethro’s has built a loyal following across Iowa, and while the name suggests pork and barbecue, the steaks here deserve serious attention too.

The menu sprawls in every direction, offering everything from smoked ribs to burgers, but the ribeyes and sirloins hold their ground with size and flavor.

I remember ordering a ribeye at the Ankeny location and being surprised by how well it competed with the restaurant’s more famous barbecue offerings.

The atmosphere stays loud and energetic, with large portions and a casual vibe that welcomes everyone from families to groups celebrating game days.

You will find Jethro’s locations across the Des Moines metro and beyond, including spots in Ankeny, West Des Moines, Altoona, and several other Iowa towns.

I liked how the restaurant never took itself too seriously, focusing instead on big flavors and even bigger plates that left everyone satisfied.

When I want a fun, casual Iowa steak dinner with plenty of personality, Jethro’s always makes the list.

10. Tumea and Sons, Des Moines

Des Moines has a handful of restaurants that feel like they have been around forever, and Tumea and Sons carries that legacy with pride and great steak.

The menu blends Italian classics with steakhouse staples, creating a space where you can order pasta and a perfectly cooked strip steak without feeling conflicted.

I visited with a group and watched everyone order something different, from veal to ribeye, and every plate that arrived looked and tasted like it had been prepared with care.

The dining room feels warm and familiar, with a mix of longtime regulars and curious newcomers filling the tables most evenings.

You will find Tumea and Sons at 1501 Southeast 1st Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315, on the city’s historic south side in a neighborhood where history and community still matter.

I appreciated how the staff moved through the room with practiced ease, balancing attentiveness with the kind of familiarity that comes from years of service.

For a Des Moines steak dinner that honors tradition and flavor, Tumea and Sons remains a strong choice.

11. Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, West Des Moines

West Des Moines holds a second Biaggi’s location, and this spot continues the tradition of blending Italian flavors with quality beef in a welcoming setting.

The menu mirrors the Cedar Rapids location, offering pasta, seafood, and well-prepared steaks that arrive with Italian seasonings and thoughtful accompaniments.

Filet mignon with balsamic glaze became my order of choice during a recent visit, arriving tender and beautifully balanced between savory and slightly sweet notes.

The dining room feels comfortable and polished, with a layout that works well for both quick weeknight dinners and longer celebrations with larger groups.

You will find Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano at 5990 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, in the busy commercial corridor near shopping centers and hotels.

I liked how the restaurant made it easy to mix and match courses, ordering steak alongside appetizers and pasta without feeling pressured to stick to one style.

For a West Des Moines steak dinner with Italian charm, this Biaggi’s location delivers consistently.

12. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, West Des Moines

West Des Moines continues to grow its dining options, and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has carved out a space where steak lovers feel right at home.

The restaurant balances upscale touches with a relaxed atmosphere, offering a menu that centers on wood-fired steaks and rotisserie meats cooked with visible care.

Bone-in ribeye stands out among the offerings, arriving with a robust char and juicy center that rewards every cut of the knife.

I remember how the open kitchen let me watch the cooking process, adding a layer of transparency and theater to the meal that kept me engaged throughout dinner.

You will find Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at 440 South 68th Street, Suite 101, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266, in the busy Jordan Creek area where restaurants and shopping converge.

I appreciated how the staff handled questions about preparation and sourcing with confidence, clearly familiar with every item on the menu.

For a West Des Moines steak dinner that feels polished yet approachable, Firebirds makes a strong impression.