We were heading out for a date night drive, figuring out dinner on the way. Central Iowa houses so many amazing smalltown options and we love hopping in the car and just going somewhere - no plan, no destination. With both of us being absolute control freaks, this is quite possibly the only hobby or activity, in our lives, of which we can have no plan and be OK with it. We decided to drive south, thinking maybe Winterset, IA. We made it as far as Van Meter from WDM/Booneville (so like 8 miles?) and decided to try out 5th Quarter Bar & Grill. It didn't disappoint - less than 10min down the road and we're just now finding this place. We will be back! Wings: plain with sides of Bourbon, Asian Chili, Garlic and Ranch. Even without sauce the wings were good, and we liked that they weren't heavily battered. Rueben was awesome - in-house sliced pastrami yielded thicker slices (not shaved like so many) and it was so good. Got an extra side of sauerkraut and yummmm! But the onion rings drove this one home - definitely made in-house and so good. And they have the good ranch. This is important! Grilled Tenderloin was good - could've used a little more seasoning but it's grilled pork so ‍ altogether in the sandwich it was still very good. Coated fries were piping hot, and yes - it came with more "good ranch". They no longer do Breakfast - sadly - wish we could've tried it but our fantastic server Tegan said it never took flight, so they stopped doing it. Attentive service. All food + 3 Mic Ultras was $67. We will be back! -- at 5th Quarter Bar & Grill. read more

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This is one of those places that doesn't look like much and is situated in the middle of nowhere. But those are usually some of the best joints. The four of us had fun here. The waiter was crazy...had a super fun personality. He picked up our vibe pretty fast and ran with it...kept us laughing the whole time. Very fun dude. None-in wings are awesome. Fried really well without being greasy at all. They were some of the biggest wings I've ever eaten. We got breaded wings as an app and then my wife got the naked wings as her dinner. Both were awesome. Easily a top two or three contender for best wings in the area in my opinion. Pizza was pretty good. Big. The pork tenderloin was thick and really good. Easy 5 stars. Great first experience. read more

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Never again. Food was straight out of a can, jar, or freezer. Chips were inedible and stale. Service was decent.

I became the first winner of "The Heater" challenge at 5th Quarter Bar & Grill in Van Meter, Iowa. The challenge consists of 2 fried tenderloins, 2 hamburger patties, grilled onions, jalapeños, mango habanero sauce, & pepper-jack cheese. There is also 1 pound of fries included. Van Meter is 20 miles west of Des Moines, along I-80. It is a town of about 1,500 people. There is a great story about how this food challenge got its name. Bob Feller (1918-2010) was born in Van Meter. He was a pitcher & played 17 seasons for the Cleveland Indians between 1936 and 1956. He had many accolades throughout his career, including 8x All-Star, World Series Champion, pitched 3 no-hitters, & had his number retired by the Cleveland Guardians. His nickname was the "Heater from Van Meter". Another thing I found fascinating, was that during his professional baseball career, he took a break to volunteer to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. Contestants have 30 minutes to finish. I finished in 26:05. For winning, I received the $40 meal for free, a tshirt, & a spot on the wall of fame. Huge thanks to owner Krystle for having such a fun challenge! Iowa is home to many great tenderloin sandwiches. If you want one of the best, head to the 5th Quarter! read more

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This is my second visit here and not disappointed. We don't make it out this way very often. The parking lot is easy and cozy right by the railroad tracks. We came right after opening on a Saturday morning. We were a table of 4. Since we were so early, we got a seat right away. My dad had been craving the tenderloin. He ordered the tenderloin with a side of onion rings. Mom ordered a salad that comes with a breadstick. I ordered the tenderloin with fries to spit with my hunny. On top of what we got we ordered the breakfast shot that was on the menu. Although it was not like what I have had elsewhere but it was good, and it came with bacon. The meals came out fast and were all really good. I really enjoyed the breaded fried tenderloin. I would definitely have it again. The last time we were here was a Sunday and they only do breakfast on Sundays. That weekend it was a special that you could get the tenderloin egg sandwich, which was fund and different. Today with the great service and fun atmosphere we enjoyed the tenderloin that we all had been craving. There is a nice full menu here and I would recommend stopping by and supporting local! read more

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A solid sports bar. Wish the service would be more even. They have great mocktails if there's anyone underage in your group.

I love all the greasy food on the menu and the blue cups are cute. The people working were SUPER nice and friendly. read more

5th Quarter Bar & Grill - Fried pickles - Sports Bars Near Me - Van Meter, Iowa

What a fun place to visit for foodies. I wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived but once we seen some of the food delivered to another table, we immediately knew that we needed to order something. I had a special (Sunday breakfast) that was the tenderloin sandwich with 2 eggs, cheese and bacon. Picture posted for it. It was as amazing as it looks. I struggled to get through it and wished after it was over I had some leftover for later because It was so good. I couldnt imagine a better breakfast sandwich and I really hope they make this a regular item on the menu as I am ready to go get another one! read more

5th Quarter Bar & Grill - a man sitting at a table - Sports Bars Near Me - Van Meter, Iowa

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After some great communication with the staff via Facebook, I was able to arrange a time to stop in and attempt to the Heater burger challenge at 5th Quarter in Van Meter, Ia. I was greeted upon arrival with my 2 boys and told we could sit wherever, only a couple other tables were occupied. I explained I was there for their challenge and no hesitation from our waitress Tegan. My boys shared the pulled pork nachos and both couldn't get enough of the pork, must mean it was really good as they normally will devour the chips first. My plate came and other patrons even told me good luck, small town charm. As for the sandwich, it was very good. If I HAD to find any fault, I would say the burger patties were a tad too done, but not too bad. The tenderloins were very juicy, and there were a ton of jalapeños, which was good for me. Had great service from Tegan through our meal, asked several times if we needed anything else and anything we did need was tended to immediately. I would highly recommend the tenderloin if you visit. I definitely hope to back again. read more

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Good service, outstanding tenderloins. Fun place to enjoy excellent food. Short drive from Waukee

Excellent service, I believe it was the owner. My pork and my sons burger were very good. House made cole slaw was quite good. A bit too much dressing for my taste but my wife liked it. Son thought it was too peppery but he doesn't do any spice. Seasoned waffle fries were great. My wife's chicken sandwich was too salty. read more

Try their amazing onion rings. My sons loved their pork tenderloin sandwiches. Their selection of cocktails was impressive. This place was absolutely packed when we were there--and I can see why. Just a great ambiance. Lots of tvs, friendly staff, quick service. read more

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We went to 5th Quarter for the first time last night. Really good food. It's a sports bar and grill, but in my mind it's a great casual restaurant. I had the Reuben. I think it's the best I've ever had. Pastrami with the right amount of cheese and sauerkraut with a yummy sauce. Go for it. The onion rings are old school breading which is perfection. For an appetizer we had the corn nuggets. (I can't remember their real name) but they are worth coming back for alone. Their dipping sauce is corn syrup. Don't judge that until you've tried it. Like frosting on cinnamon rolls. My husband's burger was delicious too. Everyone left the table full and happy. Definitely worth the drive to Van Meter. read more

I love 5th, and I must say it is my kids' favorite place to go, also! Great dining option with a massive variety, and fun late night for some drinks! Boneless wings are my go to, but everything I have tried is very good. Atmosphere is laid back and staff is friendly. The owners are great, and Krystle even stocked Sailor Jerry at my request - amazing service! This is the epitome of a neighborhood spot! Highly recommended if passing through on I-80! And, yes, the tenderloin is legit! Cheers. read more

Went there for lunch with a Turkish supplier and I must say the dishes were executed very well. I had a Philly steak sandwich and my guest had the burgers. Fries were hot and sandwich was delicious. We also ordered a side of chicken bits and they came out piping hot. Will be back again and well done. Keep it up read more

The food was phenomenal, The Big Dog burger was huge and cooked exactly how I asked. Wife's breaded chicken sandwich was excellent as well. Service was good too. The only down side were the extra charges. $1 for a small cup of ranch $1 for a small cup of mayo and then a $1.43 service charge added to the bill. Thought we found our favorite place to eat but the extra charges is a turn off. I know prices are high but dang.... read more

Love 5th quarter. Tenderloin lives up to the hype. It's a great local spot, summers are great when the patio is open.

5th Quarter is now rated TOP 5 in the state for their pork tenderloin and we know why! Three generations of our family came for lunch today (on their amazing outdoor patio) and everyone LOVED the tenderloin! It was hot, juicy, crispy, hand breaded and homemade! We had the fried tenderloins along with thick cut onion rings (YUM!) and killer bloody Mary's. They also had coloring and sand volleyball for the kids and our server Teagan was tops! 5 stars all the way! read more

We ordered the fried pickles and you can tell they are homemade. Delish! Some of the best quality I've had. Husband's cheeseburger was also fresh. It's a smaller place inside but has a decent sized outdoor patio. Great food and you won't regret stopping here. read more

Not sure if they were having an "off" night but ordered three pizzas for pickup for guests that were here out of town. They were some of the worst pizzas I've had in a long time. They were supposedly out of pepperoni and no substitutes were added. No extra meat on the meat pizza as requested, couldn't find any Canadian bacon at all, and the supreme was very skimpy on all toppings. Very disappointed. read more

Amazing service, atmosphere and food! Just right off I80 exit. Breakfast is a bonus!!

Our first visit. The service was wonderful. Nice patio and beautiful evening. I ordered the breaded tenderloin and it was one of the best I have ever eaten. Tender yet pork with a crispy breading. My wife ordered the chicken nacho's....they came on a pizza pan. Largest order of nacho's I have ever seen! They were wonderful...plenty of chicken and the overall taste was outstanding. She brought most of it home and ate on them for a couple of days. If you are ever near Van Meter....We highly recommend. read more

We have eaten here on multiple occasions now and the staff is always friendly and great to deal with. The food is really good and there is a nice patio and even an outdoor volleyball court. read more

Stopped in for the Van Meter Visitor Festival. Staff was very friendly. Decent selection of beers on hand, but the mixed drinks were really good. Food looked good, but I wasn't hungry (my friends loved it, though). Would definitely check out their menu if I make my way back. read more

Food is absolutely delish! Great atmosphere for everyone. Outdoor volleyball as well!'