I will never go back. First time: we made a reservation and got seated quickly. The hostess was very rude. The waitress took our order and brought us our drinks and appetizer-no bread and a bad attitude. We didn't see her again until food came. We asked for bread and she said she could only give us one, we didn't get to begin with. Steak was over cooked, chewy and dry. I asked for a new steak and that must have been an inconvenience. I finally got my steak after 30 more minutes and it was cooked properly. Entire experience was almost two hours. My mother's food was not fresh and tasted bad-she got the scallops and shrimp. Second time because we wanted to try it again. We made a reservation. When we arrived we weren't quoted a time and everyone that came in after us was. She was treating certain people rudely for no reason and when another couple slipped her money she was very polite and say them instantly like this was a five star restaurant in manhattan. After 15 or so minutes I asked what our wait was. The hostess then responded "we don't have wait times" and I asked when will we be sat. Her reply to me was very rude, "we will sit you when we sit you" and I said "what does that mean" to a reply I got "it means we will sit you when we sit you" then made a face and rolled her eyes. A moment later we got sat in a corner that I couldn't even pull my chair out at. The waiter came over and was friendly and we ordered. I ordered just a baked potato and my mother got a steak meal. He then let us know that we will be charged $15 for splitting a meal. I reassured him we aren't splitting. He assured me we will be charged and I can have the salad bar. I didn't want the salad bar. He then rolled his eyes and said something under his breath and went to the hostess to complain. At this point we left and one the way out he was telling the hostess how we were refusing to pay and when he saw us leave he yells "bye have a great night!" In a very condescending way. Obviously the hostess is involved with the owner as there is no way anyone else that rude all the time would still be there. She is toxic. She is showing her wait staff how rude they can be to customers and how she poorly treats customers with no repercussions. I feel sorry for her for how miserable of a person she is to have to take it out on customers. The food is too expensive and when you add in the horrible service and treatment-I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN. read more

Awesome staff and awesome food! The salad bar has such a wide variety! The portions are huge, so you definitely get your money's worth. It's bigger inside than it looks. read more

Went on Saturday night arrived at 4:30 and had 20 min wait.Waited in lounge.Had to go to bar to get drinks.No wait staff working that area.Waitress was prompt taking orders but a little rushed with clearing table while still eating.2 had prime rib and it was fine.2 of us had ribeye,really need to hire someone to properly cook steak.No sear and completely lacking in flavor or completely void of seasoning.Prices have gone up and not worth it with quality of meat served .40.00 dollars for salad bar and baked potato a little strong. read more

Great food! Onion rings were delicious! Thin & crispy! Prime rib cooked exactly as ordered. Garlic mashed potatoes were a bit different--order a baked instead. My seafood lasagna was tasty. Salad bar awesome, fresh, refilled frequently. Oreo fluff was yummy!! You are given a glove to wear with serving hand & told to wear a mask. Excellent service-he was polite & good at his job. Captain & coke small. Beer reasonably priced. Only thing that bothered me was no social distancing! Bar tables were very close together. Fortunately we've had our vaccines, but I'm sure the younger crowd wasn't yet. We hadn't been there in years & it was very busy!! read more

See all

Food-Service-Ambiance... all very good!! We have been there twice and have been amazed at how delicious the food is. Our last trip I have the panko crusted shrimp and it was amazing. Tasted fresh and the shrimp are a nice size. My husband had the seafood lasagna and was blown away. Then only thing I recommend is if you get the seafood lasagna don't take leftovers home as the scallops are strong and will stink up your refrigerator. lol. But we both highly recommend Chicago Speakeasy! read more

Based on decor alone this place gets 4 stars! Food and drinks are fantastic! The Salad bar reminds me of the restaurants in the 80s (why aren't these a thing anymore?!). The salad bar is DELICIOUS!! Then add in the bread and butter for presentation! Fantastic! I wanted to get the Filet but decided on the Sirloin and baked potato! :))) read more

Chicago Speakeasy - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

We enjoyed an affordable, delicious date night here! It's a bit dark and cozy, but not too dark so that you can't read the menu. Waitress was very nice and fun, and there is a great salad bar so you can help yourself if the wait on food is a bit long. It's not the fanciest place in the world, but that wasn't what we were looking for and it suited us well. For the food we got we were very happy with the price, and will be coming back! read more

We are in town for a soccer event and wanted to try something local and the Speakeasy popped up and it did not disappoint. The service was great. The bartenders and servers were on top of everything and really friendly. I had the prime rib and shrimp with a side of spaghetti? Who does this? The Chicago Speakeasy does and it tasted great. My son had a ribeye cooked perfectly medium and to top it all off cheesecake for dessert. Did I mention that all of our meals came with an old school all you can eat salad bar. read more

See all

Always consistent and have the sweetest staff around! this is THE steak spot to eat at! A staple in Des Moines! Recently visited Iowa after moving away and this place is as consistent as when I ate here as a child. Prohibition style decorated restaurant, awesome salad bar, delicious cocktails, oh and most importantly moist cuts of steaks! It can get busy on weekends! read more

Chicago Speakeasy - NY strip - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went here for my bf's birthday because he loves prime rib. They have a prime rib special on Mondays and thankfully, that's exactly when we went! I love their salad bar and hadn't been since before Covid so I wasn't sure if it was still there but it was. It was stocked with greens, veggies, dressings, legumes, and various cold salads. I meant to go back after our meal for the pudding/Oreo 'salad' but was too stuffed. Maybe next time. They also bring bread to the table and it was warm so the butter melted right in. I had to be careful not to eat too much of it (although I wanted to) because I wouldn't have space for the main event. The prime rib was tender and juicy, although it lacked salt. After a sprinkle, the flavors came through and I enjoyed it with the garlic mashed potatoes. Because I wanted to focus on the moment and my bf, I didn't take photos but luckily, there are plenty of photos of this particular meal on YELP and mine looked standard. I like how cozy and private the booths feel and although the restaurant is large, it feels quaint. The service was as expected with the server checking in once or twice, was friendly and our meals and drinks came out as expected in taste, presentation and timeliness. It's a solid bet for a stake night, and I would definitely go back. read more

We stopped in on a Wednesday night and it was bustling. Even then, we didn't have to wait to be seated which was nice! The server was great and informative after hearing it was our first time! It definitely has a speakeasy vibe and decor to match. We ordered steaks and it was great! Food was prepared well and yummy to boot! read more

See all

I've driven by the restaurant many many times and decided today was a great to have lunch. I am disappointed with myself for not coming here sooner. The nostalgia of this restaurant is amazing and the food is even better. Great salad bar and it was difficult to select one item off the menu because there were so many great options. My baked spaghetti was delicious and my dining partner had excellent jumbo shrimp. I will be returning the next time I am in town. read more

Wow! Traveling through and staying at a local hotel we found the Speakeaay was close by. And found this neighborhood place packed on a Friday night. The wait wasn't too bad and the Food was amazing. An all you can eat salad bar comes with the meal and is packed with so many options. I ordered the the barbecue rib plate and found the portion to be enormous. The meat was melt in your mouth tender and delicious. I ordered sauce on the side so they won't come backs too saucy. And only ate a quarter of the plate. This place is worth the drive if you're ever in Des Moines, Iowa. Would recommend it any day of the week. read more

This place, expect a wait. But they have a nice seating area and tou can order drinks. My wife and I both ordered, wife had ordered ribeye with mashed potatoes. I had ordered the 1/2 ribs with grilled chicken and steak fries. We got the salad bar which was very nice and many options, but do note that there are no labels on anything and they have multiple noodle salads, no idea what any of them were but they were pretty good. Also it's an endless salad bar which was a bonus. When the food arrived the steak was thick and looked good, but it was rather dry and there was no flavor by any means, unless you just like char and meat. This was sent back and exchanged for something else. Being the spaghetti and meat sauce. Better but very saucy, not much of a bad thing since you get free bread when seated. You also get a toasted garlic bread. As for my meal, the fries had no salt or pepper at all. The ribs yes very soft not very saucy meat not seasoned, chicken was very juicy and dont really have much of a complaint. Over all not very exciting, prices went up a lot since last year, which is why I updated the menu pictures. They comped the steak that we sent back. I cant say I reccomend this place. read more

See all

Came here last night for Valentine's Day with my husband. We had an unfortunate experience. I'm 5 months pregnant. So I ordered a well done steak. Took a bite and it was pink. My husband did not feel comfortable with me eating it as it was. So he politely told our waitress and she said herself "I'll see if they can throw it on the grill for a little longer" I handed her my plate. We waited and she came back and told us they took it off our bill and we thought "oh well how nice of them" then we waited and waited and I saw how people were getting their food and I overheard a waitress tell a nearby table the kitchen was closing soon. So then my husband goes and asks her about my steak and he said she looked confused and thought i did not want it anymore. Huhhhh!?? I thought she was going to try to put it on the grill longer. Even if that was the case why didn't she ask if I wanted anything else. I'm pregnant and very hungry I only took a bite of the steak. So we just left. Very upset and hungry. The steak was good (the bite I had) I just wanted it cooked a little longer. I don't know how she came to the conclusion that I didn't want anything anymore. In conclusion bad hospitality. read more

Ordered steak, medium. Came to us rare, sent back, still rare, sent back again, still rare. Never had a bad meal till now. The service was slow and we paid 70 bucks for one drink, steak and salad. Wasn't even offered discount for under cooked food. It was early evening around 5p.m. Will not be back. read more

Came here on a Tuesday evening and was met pleasantly with an amazingly relaxing ambiance. The restaurant is dark and plays a calming jazz over the speakers, but you can still hear everyone at your table without having to speak up. I will 100% be coming back just for the ambiance. Meals comes with a generous salad bar that I could have filled up alone. I ordered the prime rib and added mushrooms. It was very good. Others at my table ordered the cod (which I will be ordering next time for sure) and the seafood lasagna - super super creamy and rich. A little too much. The portions were large and the table also gets bread. Overall it is a great restaurant for a date or dinner with the family. Come hungry! read more

See all

Great salad bar and awesome food! You will be stuffed! Pretty busy, but great hospitality!

We stopped in on a Friday night.. no reso and we're told about a 20 min wait. We grabbed a seat in the bar area and noticed they had a few larger groups and plenty of empty tables so were likely managing the kitchen. We waiting maybe 10 minutes at most before our name was called. Drinks and food were fabulous and server was amazing, I wish I would've caught her name. We both indulged in the salad bar to start. It was nice and clean along with fully stocked. For the main course I chose the Salmon with servers choice between garlic mash potatoes or fettuccine Alfredo. She was so sweet and said she loves the fettuccine Alfredo but really didn't want to pick for me because that was an up charge. I said bring it on, I appreciate the thought but I want the delicious food tonight. And that it was!! Everything was perfection. My husband had the prime rib.. he loved it and said it was cooked perfectly! When you have the opportunity the Speakeasy is perfect for date night or any night for that matter! read more

Chicago Speakeasy - Atlantic Salmon with Fettuccine Alfredo was so delicious!! - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I was with a group of 13, 11 meals came out at the same time. My meal and one other meal came out when most of our companions were almost finished eating. No apologies about the delay or any explanation (our meals were not unique- mine was the same steak ordered by others at the table and the other meal was pasta) When I asked if we were going to be compensated for the dela, the waiter said he would check- a whopping 10% was deducted fora 37 dollar steak- this was a joke, and while the steak was adequate it wasn't the best I've ever had. read more

Went in recently with my mom and aunt. I would say this is pretty good, nice place. Salad bar was superb. The prime rib was good, but I asked for medium and got medium rare. I didn't want to send it back, and it was still good. Everything else was great. read more

If you like a good salad bar, then you will love it here. Not only is the menu full of delicious options, they have a salad bar full of homemade salads. Waldorf, rotini, fluff, all can be ordered to go. The steaks and pasta here are delicious. Great atmosphere and good space for large groups. read more

Chicago Speakeasy - Bbq beef special Friday's - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Local place with prohibition theme going on. I was craving steak and was on the east side of town. Husband and I decided to stop by. We have both been here before but it's been ages. Came here for lunch and was seated right away. We both ordered ribeye steaks with baked potatoes. Our meal included their circular salad bar which also included pasta and dessert type dishes. Service was quick and attentive. Friendly service and definitely will come back. read more

Amazing food! Great service! Awesome environment! Definitely have made a future regular for date night!

Staff is fun, food is very good, old-school salad bar, good variety on the menu and from the bar, very reasonable prices - what's not to like? Three of us stopped in for dinner and were seated promptly on a Monday without a reservation. They were plenty busy, but there were tables available. Our waiter made it quickly to the table and took our drink orders and they were soon at our table. I ordered a martini and it was expertly crafted, my wife ordered a glass of wine from their decent selection (which is very very reasonably priced), and our other dining companion ordered a gin and tonic, which was also very good. For dinner my wife got the salmon, which was a nice sized serving, with a small side of spaghetti (one of three options) and served with a dill sauce - all very tasty! I got the herb crusted Mahi, which was nicely prepared and a good cut of fish - exceeded my expectations for what is often served in the Midwest. Our other diner got the nightly special prime rib, and he's a bit of a connoisseur of this cut, and claims Speakeasy has the best he's had. It's served with a side as well, and was a bargain on the Monday Night Special. The much discussed salad bar is a throwback for those of us in the right vintage to remember when almost everyone had a salad bar. The round design causes a bit of overlapping and congestion, but it wasn't anything annoying for us. There is a bit of something for everyone - the Bleu Cheese dressing was very chunky and tasty - many are not, so I was impressed by that as well. We stayed to chat and our waiter left us alone, checking in occasionally and dropping off the check. I was waffling between 4 and 5 stars, but hadn't been here in 10 years or so and it exceeded all our expectations, so I'm going with 5 stars. Definitely worth a try for some 'supper club' like dining. read more

Chicago Speakeasy - Herb crusted Mahi Mahi - very good! - New American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

This restaurant used to be my favorite in Des Moines. Not any more. Average food and high prices. Service is slow. Waitstaff are not smiling or cheerful as in years past. Nice ambiance! read more

Went here on a Saturday evening. The place wasn't too busy we got a couple drinks at the bar. The bartender was awesome, but was out of a few different things to make the drinks on their bar menu. The restaurant is smaller, with low lighting. Small salad bar included with entrees. Ordered prime rib and a sirloin steak. The prime rib was cooked well, Steak ordered medium, but was definitely rare. Our server dropped off our meals and refilled drinks and then didn't see her again until she brought the check. I did get to listen to the staff next to the host stand discuss the texts that employees were sending to each other. So I guess the service was lacking, but entertaining show? read more

We Love Chicago speakeasy I have never been disappointed French dip is sooooooo good!!!! French fry's are so good too and the salad bar is chefs kiss!!! Never had anything bad there will always be a fan and a diner there read more

Good salad bar, service was fast, steaks where better than most I've had these days in the metro, overall I will be back again. Mashed potatoes where just average. read more

This place may have been good back in the day but there is absolutely no way that this place is worthy of four stars. The steak was a poorly marbled cut. The prime rib was anything but prime quality beef and was absolutely chewy and not tender. Unfortunately the server who is new and as sweet as she can be, had not been properly trained how to serve wine. And while I did not allow that to influence my star rating which is purely based on the quality of food. It is a sign that management is not paying attention to what's going on inside of their establishment. I had high expectations that I was going to receive a good quality steak and what I received was diner quality food. read more

Salad bar was great but had been hyped up too much. I'm definitely going back though. Gotta manage expectations but the experience was good. Server friendly. I great, quiet place to hang read more

This place seems like it has so much potential, but it perpetually seems to fall short, especially in food quality. While the salad bar is very well maintained and feature several tasty salads (such as the cottage cheese salad), the steaks seem to be of lackluster quality for a steakhouse at this price level. The menu totes the steaks as choice, but seem to be more of a 'prime' quality. My sirloin did not seem particularly tender. The mob atmosphere is interesting--it invokes a quiet environment and appears Chicago Speakeasy would be a nice place for an intimate date or a special night out. The service has always been pleasant and efficient. However, the quality of the steaks is curiously disappointing. read more

Always amazing !!! Best salad bar and it's always the same !! Eat here every time I'm in dmi

A true hidden treasure that "the locals have kept to themselves" (direct quote from one I talked to at the salad bar) From outside it's a outdated restaurant that's nothing to look at as the inside is filled with memories from years passed but don't let that fool you...this family based restaurant has been doing a outstanding job for over 41 years! With daily specials and an expansive menu there is something for everyone. I got the prime rib special and was very surprised at how big it was, cooked to a perfect med. rare, tender and it was absolutely delicious!! The salad bar is second to none...clean, fully stocked, fresh, and alot of different choices. Jessica our waitress was very sweet and very attentive making our experience even better! We definitely will be visiting regularly!! read more

This is a great place if you like waitresses who forget about you, can't get orders right and eating in the dark. Thought we'd try this out and the food is pretty good if they get the order right. After spending 100$+ my waitress was a joke. She walked up to our table all the time and not once notice we or asked if we wanted refills on empty glasses which is sad. Ordered appetizer of cheese nuggets which were over breaded. The table came with sourdough bread but it was beyond dry and extremely crunchy. We ordered the king crab legs and prime rib dish at market value and also ordered the filet mug in dish. Both dishes came with salad bar, and side. Side we got was baked potato and steak fries. Fries were ridiculously huge as shown in picture. Salad bar was a big circle table full of random appetizer foods. Apples, cheese, salads, condiments, pickles etc. Prime rib was very tough to cut and fatty. Crab legs came with butter side which waitress kept spilling all over. Crab was juicy, and well cooked but as crab goes very spiny. Luckily it came with seafood tongs. Filet was undercooked and sent back but finally right and edible. Potato was undercooked and had hard pieces. Since filet was sent back it was harder on outer pieces than middle. Waitress stated there was no dessert menu but after a quick undetailed description we passed on dessert. Not thrilled with waitress attitude or flightyness. If you pay 100$+ then you should have incredible service. Left a sad 9$ tip when service should have been better to earn closer to 20$+ tip. After lights were accidentally bumped and attitude from waitress I'm not able to go above 3 stars. Trying to celebrate and my night was not ended on a high note. Sorry. read more

We always enjoy having dinner here with friends and family. Always seems that we can bring leftovers home for an enjoyable meal x's 2

Hidden gem! Family and friends have been here many times, excellent service and food quality. read more

One of our favorites in the Des Moines Metro area - great food and great atmosphere! We love the salad bar!

Love their prime rib. Best in town and when we have people visiting us, we take them there. They always say, "This is the best Prime Rib.

I was just informed our hostess is part owner.She was a rude bitch and that's the best way to explain that to you.I will NEVER go back.Overpriced food and low quality.Salad bar is a joke as well. read more