The thing you care about most in a restaurant, the food, was disappointing on 3 counts. Portions were small, prices were expensive given said portions, and it wasn't tasty. The only thing bolstering the ranking is the cookies at the end, but skip the ice cream. Service was just ok. The biggest standout was it taking forever to get the check when clearly finished. Vibe is reasonable and decor is fine but I wasn't wowed. Music including AC/DC and similar was cool. Wouldn't go again or really recommend. Might work to pop in for a drink and cookies but that's as positive as I can do. read more

Decided to try Clyde's Fine Dining before a show. We arrived just before 5 and they had one table available without a reservation. Happy Hour from 4 to 6. I had the Old Fashioned with brown sugar, orange bitters, angostura bitters, and bourbon. It's pretty sweet and smooth Old Fashioned. Very nice start and enjoyable. Decided on the CFD Burger, a double smash with American Cheese, Shaved Onion, Pickles, and Clyde's Burger Sauce. I really like the shaved onion and it gave the beef a really nice flavor. First bites were very good, but the bun became too much and the sauce in the middle too heavy. Became hard to finish. I had to ditch some bun and would get the sauce on the side. Not terrible, just not my jam. I would get the sauce on the side or try ketchup/ mustard instead. The bun is just really thick and heavy. Just not a good ratio. The fries were just ok for me and not exciting. This restaurant also has the 3% fee if you use a credit card. I checked the receipt and gave a hundred dollars and asked for change. I included a picture of the receipt. I got thirty in cash back, 5 singles, a 5, and 2 tens. I am ok with not giving the change of coins, but rounding it up and keeping the 3% fee made me feel like integrity has went down hill. Yes it's less than 5 dollars and I know the haters will say what's the big deal. Well it's a neat way to make extra cash at the customers expense. They don't remove the fee and they keep a few dollars. That's not an accident and it feels like theft. I had left $12 for the tip, but after a review I left 10% due to dishonest customer service. What's the point of paying cash on these if you still get charged? Some have said it's leftover from the Covid Days. How many restaurants are doing a 3% fee? Yes, I know it's supposed to cover the CC fee, but it is obviously not if you are paying cash. This just feels really crooked and wrong. Yes it is a very small amount, just over $4, but if you do that how many times, how many days, over a year it definitely adds up. Not sure I would go back. No I didn't talk to a manager or anyone. I had a show to catch and wasn't going to ruin a night over a fee and be late. Just be aware of the fees when paying cash. Really feel the 3% fee just makes restaurants look bad and provides more problems than it solves. Why not add a 6% fee for lights and gas next? read more

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We have dined at Clyde's Fine Diner twice and both times have been very decent! We came here just before dinner service at 5pm and got to try their happy hour drinks and appetizers. The happy hour drinks were OK, well priced but you get what you pay for in terms of quality. Of all the appys, I would say that our group enjoyed the Brussels Sprouts and Wings the most. I would forgo the fries, bar snack, and cheese board next time. My hubby got the hangar steak and I got the lamb, both were very tasty and well cooked. Our friends got their burgers which they enjoyed as well. We ordered from the regular drink menu and got their Old Fashioned with the Double Oak Woodford Reserve which was very smooth! And I also got their Lambrusco to go with dinner and it was dry, crisp and subtly sweet which I really enjoyed! Our server was very friendly and the vibe at Clyde's is always on point. The restaurant itself is beautiful and modern with lots of natural light from the tall windows. We enjoy coming here whenever we are in the DSM. Check them out :) read more

Excellent experience at Clyde's. Visiting from out of state and the vibe looked great so wanted to check it out. Great food options, music was on point and vibe was modern and nice. The shrimp burger I thought would be a patty but it was more like a poboy. It was still delicious. The caesar bruss sprouts were a must. Very good and packed with flavor. The mushroom risotto presentation was funny and the texture of the corn was on point. All food came out promptly and sitting at the bar, service was quick. Highly recommend! read more

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Very nice restaurant near Embassy Suites hotel. I was able to get a seat right away for a Tuesday night dinner. I was hungry so I ordered right away and got the empanadas as a starter and the whitefish for dinner. The empeñadas are not what I expected and most of the filling was laid on the side as a sauce versus inside but still tasted good. The whitefish was well made with a somewhat crispy skin and moist thin slice of whitefish. Small portion of veggies rounded out the dish nicely. Prices were ok. Service was very friendly and good read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Empanadas - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Highlighting a chef who understands that great dining doesn't stop at the entrée. When Brussels sprouts and creamed spinach knock your socks off, you know you're in the right place. The elevated diner experience you didn't know you needed. read more

The stars are for the food and service on our first visit. But someone should turn the temperature up and the sounds system down. It was chilly and loud. read more

The ambiance here is beautiful. It's the perfect location for a classy dinner night out in East village. Service has always been pretty friendly. I've gotten their fries here, a lot. I would say this is one of my favorite location just for fries. And they give you way more than enough. Even if it's just as a side. I got a salad, fries, and a Diet Coke one night (iykyk) and I'm pretty sure my fries were the same size as my salad. That's not for everyone but I, again, love their fries here. The kale salad from here had some crispy chickpeas that were pretty tasty! Added a good crunch. And they have the dressing already tossed in the salad which I appreciate! read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Kale Salad - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Amazing place and location Great staff Great food Great drink Great price. Must visit if you are in east grand read more

Fries were insanely good. Didn't know it was possible to make fries like that. Also every Tuesday there's a deal for a shot, beer, and burger. Closest I've ever been to heaven. Also tying this a little buzzed, ha the drinks are good & strong. read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I expected very little from this restaurant when I looked at their limited menu. Once I stated eating, I quickly changed my mind. The salad was great with the perfect amount of dressing. I loved my sauerbraten pork loin sandwich too. Wait staff was great. We got in about 40 minutes before closing and we were ready to go without rush 40 minutes later. Building and restaurant are very new. They look great. Chairs and table were clean although not exceptionally fancy but who cares? Clean, well maintained, tons of light, vibrant read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Pork Loin Sandwich and side House Salad - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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An upscale diner in Des Moines' East Village serves typical diner food with a fine dining twist in an upscale environment with attentive waiters. The building itself is beautiful - everything is spotless and clean. Service is efficient and quick, and the staff knows the menu well. Food is good. I had the tartare (a special that day) and the sausage. The tartare was good, but not very meaty (too much garnish). The sausage was perfect. I was full with this meal, but I tried the seasonal watermelon sorbet - also very good. The price is fair, and it's a great stop. read more

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Clyde's had been on my list of restaurants to try and I was glad to finally see what the hype was about. It didn't disappoint! Ambience: It's such a charming restaurant with a cozy diner vibe, offering indoor and outdoor seating! I loved the high ceilings which created a spacious and welcoming vibe! Food: I tried the side house salad with homemade ranch dressing. I wouldn't recommend the dressing--it tasted chalky, which was disappointing since the mixed greens were perfectly fresh. However, the homemade fries and dill wings were amazing! Both were cooked to a perfect crisp, just the way I like them. The dill flavor on the wings was subtle, though I would suggest asking for them without the dressing at the bottom of the bowl next time. Service: Our server was exceptional, very attentive and accommodating. She even comped my salad after hearing that I didn't enjoy the dressing and offered great menu suggestions, which led me to try the wings. Price: The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food. Parking: There's metered street parking available, as well as a nearby parking garage. Looking forward to going back to try more of the menu! read more

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Wonderful experience! Clyde's is a very clean, ascetically pleasing restaurant with a great staff. My bartender, Wes, was friendly and easy to talk to and made awesome recommendations. Their "Low, High and in Between" cocktail was a brilliant fusion of a black manhattan and an old fashioned. Sweet enough for old fashioned drinkers, with unique aspects of a manhattan. Truly a delightful cocktail. Both the carrot and brussel sprout appetizers were phenomenal. Probably the best brussel sprouts I've had and the carrots had a tasty, complex flavor profile that really knocked it out of the park. The pork and pepper entree was good, very different than any pork dish I've had in awhile. I'm not sure I would get it again, but I think that would be based on preference and all the other entrees looked incredible. I'm eager to stop in again and try something different! Highly recommend. read more

I love the atmosphere of Clyde's. Diner inspired but modern interior is light and bright with floor to ceiling windows. The food and drinks are exceptional. Service is top notch. I had the steak frites, which was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Friends preferred the oysters on the half shell, which was a Wednesday night special and they were fresh and delicious. I would love to go here more often, but the menu is excessively overpriced. Be aware there is a credit card charge as well. read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Steak Frites - hanger steak with creamed spinach, pickled mushrooms, house fries, and blue butter. - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Really cool upscale diner experience in East Village Des Moines - Clyde's We ordered a couple of CFD's Clyde's Fine Diner Burger. 2 perfect smashed patties with cheese , special sauce , onions and pickles. Wow. A top 5 burger ever!! The edges were crispy just like they should be. Also, we had the cheeseboard with just a couple pieces of cheese, Jam, some honey, perfectly toasted bread and almonds. Nice The small salad and fries were a nice compliment. Great lunch. read more

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This review is for 3.5 stars. This place has been on my list of places to try for a while so my husband and I ate dinner here tonight. We both thought the food was good but priced higher than it should be for what we got. I got the CFD Burger and my husband got the Mojo Pork Sandwich and while we thought they were both fine, we felt a little underwhelmed for how much they cost. My burger was $14 and the pork sandwich was $16 and neither one came with fries or a side. The side fries were $4, which I got. I checked their website before we went there and the website price for the fries was $3, not $4. I really hate when restaurants change the price of things on the menu but don't update the menu on their website. My burger was good but not amazing. Their sauce in It reminded me of a Big Mac. I feel like I have gotten just as good hamburgers from Smashburger or Zombie Burger for much less money. My husband said he was expecting more flavor with his sandwich. It tasted good but didn't wow him. I guess we just expected more because the chef is a James Beard Award nominee. We thought the flavors would be much better than food you can find elsewhere. I also feel that burgers and sandwiches should always come with a side. Neither the burger nor the sandwich was very big. There's no way either one alone would fill you up. I don't know anyone who would order a burger without getting fries or some other side. However, I will say that the fries were very good. They were light and crispy and didn't taste like they were frozen from a bag. They were just slightly warm, though, and not piping hot. They were still tasty though. All the employees we dealt with were friendly and nice. Our server, though, disappeared after we got our food. She never checked on us to ask how things were. I didn't get very much ketchup for my fries and I was looking all over the room for her to ask for more ketchup. When I finally found her, I was halfway done with my food. The place looks amazing and definitely looks like an upscale modern diner. The decor and furnishings are beautiful. Everything looks well thought out. I don't think we will be back again any time soon, though. The food didn't impress us enough to try it again for what they're charging. read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Mojo pork sandwich - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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My fav lunch place in Des Moine. They have the best, fresh crispy Brussels sprouts I have ever tasted. Love their light cocktails. Great friendly, fast and delicious service. read more

Clyde's is always a yes for me. The service is superb and I love the creative and seasonal menu options. The last visit was dinner before a show at the Civic Center and our waitress made sure we were not rushed for our show. The Shrimpwhich is my go to dish! read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Pork belly toast - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Total awesomeness - from the exciting menu to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, to the food taste and quality, to the ambiance. Great spot, great experience! I dined here with a workmate on a Thursday evening. We weren't sure how busy they would be, so made a reservation for 6 pm. Unfortunately, work kept us busy and we were not going to make that, so I called and was told it was no problem to shift to a later slot. We arrived around 7:15 pm and were accommodated without issue. The seasonal menu changes all the time, and according to our local friends who recommended Clyde's, often there is an interesting preparation that challenges even the most seasoned foodie, and results in the diner needing to look up a term, an ingredient or a technique. On the night we dined, we had dishes that were more accessible, though both were still finely crafted with a mix of high-quality ingredients and complex flavors. My friend had a fish dish that was served over a smoked-tomato rice - the portion was not huge, but altogether was satisfying, AND left room for dessert. She said it was delicious and among the best fish dishes she ever ate. For me, I had the pork loin chop, over a white bean puree, with braised kale and picked cauliflower, and a green sauce on top. The meat was perfectly cooked, juice and flavorful, and the combo of beans, greens and pickled flavors all complimented each other and the meat. A really great plate. We both felt like there was room for dessert, so ordered the night's special custard, which was based on a local favorite 'scotcheroo' - a peanut-butter and chocolate rice crispy treat, completely pureed into a flavor, mixed into the custard. Unlike that description, which sounds like it might be chunky, the custard was super smooth and oozed all the flavors. We amped ours up a notch with the addition of house-made chocolate sauce. Overall, we really loved the experience at Clyde's, and next time I am in town, I look forward to eating more of my meals there. I am pretty sure there's not a 'bad' choice on the menu and am excited for more opportunities to experience the magic of Clyde's kitchen. Well done Clyde's! read more

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This was easily the best meal I had on my visit to Des Moines. Everything was prepared, seasoned and presented wonderfully. The highlight for me was definitely the Caesar Brussels sprouts. They were a complete flavor bomb in the best way possible. The grain bowl was also delicious as was the Korean hot chicken sandwich. The cocktails were well balanced and had simple, but beautiful garnishes on them although, they were a little pricey. I live in the San Francisco area and these were expensive even by Bay Area standards. The staff were all extemely friendly and I loved that the music was played via vinyl. I'd love to come back and try more! read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Clyde's Fine Diner is gorgeous! The server was really nice and attentive. The decor is really attractive. The huge windows are great for people watching. The cocktails were my favorite part. I would recommend trying one; I'm very sensitive to a poorly mixed drink, and they do not burn these. I wasn't a huge fan of the food. The wings were super crispy and the dry rub was great, but the sauce was thick and bland. I got the steak frites and the frites were all maybe an inch long with little flavor. There was a massive scoop of blue cheese on my steak and unfortunately that's all I tasted. The other diner with me had a CFD burger which they said was fine. All in all, very cute place for a drink at the bar, I think I might get the wings again with sauce on the side. I broadly wouldn't do full dining just because for the cost to perceived value ratio, I don't think I would want to risk it on a potentially disappointing dish. read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Shake it Off - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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A solid East Village eatery! We popped into Clyde's Fine Diner on a Friday evening prior to a show at Wooly's. We weren't starved by any means so we shared the CFD Burger. Goodness. It was perfection in a bun! They also did NOT skimp on the fries. I've never met a potato I didn't like, but dang these were piping hot and delightful. Pricing seemed on point for the area and also the portion. A few rad things Clyde has goin on: -Happy Hour (Tues-Sat, 4-6PM) -- $6 drafts, $5 cans/bottles, $8 house wine, $8 classic cocktails, $9 'new' cocktails. -Tuesdays: get a burger, shot of whiskey and PBR for $15 -Wednesdays are for $3 oysters and half priced bottles of wine. -Waitstaff was pleasant and prompt. I also loved that another waiter (not ours) came to our table to hype the special that night. -The U shaped bar with iconic chairs just ooze character and style. -A plethora of gluten free and vegetarian options. -A bangin kids menu that has all the essentails as well as speghetti! (Butter OR red sauce.) Overall Clyde's is a modern diner that is worth a stop in-- it has something for everyone. read more

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Walk into an open-feel space, lots of windows, get greeted promptly and warmly. Menu takes some studying, as the dishes seem a bit different than the usual- as they themselves say: "re-imagined diner classics"(only better). Do not panic- you will be fine. Service is good, food is better than average; as I said, served promptly and competently. A fun place for dinner. read more

I mean, the salt cured egg yolk ice cream with soy date caramel gave me insane whiplash. I'm now in a severe depression that I can't have this everyday. I'm lost. read more

The atmosphere is unpretentious and comfortable. The decor is interesting but not overpowering. We had the brussels sprouts appetizer. It did not disappoint. A mouthwatering collection of textures and tastes that left us wanting more. My girlfriend took the rexommendation of our waitress and ordered the rigatoni. She's quite a foody and had nothing but great things to say. Again, a nice mixture of comfort food with an edge. I had the sausage dish. The salsa was to die for and the addition of the pickled jalapenos added just the right amount of spice. Overall an excellent dining experience. read more

Dill Pickle Wings, they are ok. Hours are weird. Service needs improvement, they were either out of something we wanted or simply did not have it. We left after the wings and went to Centro. Might go back and try the CFD burger and the fish sticks. read more

This is such a cool place. Slightly upscale feel with a very relaxing and diner type atmosphere. HAVE THE BRUSEL SPROUTS! They are amazing. The addition of sunflower seeds adds a crunch as well as a very complimentary flavor. My wife had the steak frites and I had the wild boar Ragu. Both dishes were outstanding. My wife's steak was tender and not overly seasoned and my Ragu was incredibly good. I am a sucker for anything served on or with Grits. It's the southerner in me. As good as this place is I have one suggestion. With the diner atmosphere. They really should offer pie. It just makes sense. read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Very clean and open vibe. Liking it. - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We recently moved back to Des Moines from Eastern Iowa and stumbled upon Clyde's Fine Diner. What a great find! The staff was very attentive, even the staff that was not our server. The food was amazing, especially the Brussels sprouts. Finally, Chris, the owner came out and personally asked how things were! Love this place! read more

This place is phenomenal! There's plenty of natural lighting and they did a good job making sure the sound isn't too loud. We got the charcuterie and dill chicken wings for an appetizer. Both were AMAZING! I definitely would go back just to get the wings. For the mains we ordered the burger and a grain bowl. Again, both were super good and the fries that came with the burger were out of this world. We were drinking extra dirty martinis and beer. I'm pretty sure they hand stuff their blue cheese olives so definitely get those! Can't wait to go back! read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Charcuterie and dill chicken wings - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Dinner was super tasty! We both got the burger and fries. Came in early and had happy hour cocktails. Espresso martini was yummy. Husband said the old fashioned was not the best he's had in Iowa. Cosmo was yummy and so was the daiquiri! Service was great. Staff was friendly. This place was trendy! We would be back! read more

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We were in the mood for an upscale burger and Clyde's delivered. The vibe is fun, the drinks are good, the service is friendly, and the food is very good. The Brussel sprouts and fries are both worth snacking on and of course they are known for their burger. We will be back! read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - CFD Burger - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Parking: street parking with meters in east village. Atmosphere: fun upscale diner vibe super cute and clean. Can be a great work lunch spot or date night place. Tables: diner bar, low top tables, and half booth/table combo. Service: amazing! Shoutout Charlotte who was the best!! Service can make or break a place and she definitely made it. All of the staff was attentive and helpful. Food & drinks: Delicious! Everything was warm and flavorful. My one complaint would be the brownie in the dessert should have been warm otherwise everything was so good. read more

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Mixed bag. Great beets appetizer. Pork belly was undercooked and fatty. Kale salad was 99 percent kale with a small chicken tenderloin for the $6 upcharge. read more

Clyde's never disappoints. We had the best meal. I am coming back next time I am back home. Highly recommend

Do not miss this little gem of a restaurant. While visiting Des Moines, I had a distinct pleasure of stumbling across Clydes. The menu is limited, but each dish seemed packed with ingenuity and tons of flavor. The pork dish was amazing. The atmosphere is minimal but the music more than made up for the limited decorations . In fact, there's only one picture hanging on the wall in the entire restaurant, and that was of Clyde himself. I will certainly be returning! read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We had Boquerones, Loatian Scotch Egg and Steak Frites. Very happy with all. The sauces! ... very restrained in quantity (turned out to be perfect amount) but spot on pairing and interesting. The waiter at the bar was very patient and helpful, though everything sounded appealing and the menu well orchestrated so "everything goes well with everything." Cool urban space (beautiful wood structure & ceiling) appointed to feel comfortable in spite of its height. read more

Clyde's Fine Diner - sitting at bar, "behind the bar" looking toward the kitchen - Diners Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Stopped by Clyde's on our cross-country road trip and had a great experience! Ordered the mussels, which you definitely need more bread to soak up all that delicious garlic broth that it comes in. Had to get the CFD Burger, of course. It was delicious, maybe slightly over-salted, but great flavor and juicy. Also got the scallops which were excellent. Super pleased with this cute and delicious restaurant! read more

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I've been here a couple times now and overall I'm happy with my visits! I really love the aesthetics of this place. They have a great cocktail menu. Their food menu isn't huge, but there's something for everyone. I do wish there were a couple more options for appetizers. We stopped here before a show at the Civic Center. My only complaint was the time it took for our drinks and charcuterie plate to arrive. The service was great, and I'd still go back. Good for dates, family celebrations, and chill hangs with friends! read more

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"Awesome, East Village Must try" Where have I been and why hadn't I tried this place sooner!?!? What a great spot. Amazing cocktails, hip dining spot with some delicious food options. We started with some happy hour cocktails and wine. (Worth it). For an appetizer we had mussels. *Pro Tip* ask for more bread or a side order of fries as you will need it so you can dip in the remaining reduction sauce. We also had to try the "White Anchovy Rilletes" which was like a cream cheese anchovy spread on delicious home made bread. For dinner we wanted to try a couple things so we ordered the hot bird and CB&J (added bacon). Our server was awesome and offered to split both dishes for us! The hot bird was fried chicken smothered with a sichuan spicy sauce. The hush puppies on the side were some of the best I have had! Now onto the CB&J ... Cashew Butter and smoked apple Jam. This was something I would've never ordered, but decided to try it and GLAD I DID! Home made wheat bread with melted raclette cheese (almost like a pbj/grilled cheese. Yummmmmm! So delicious! The bacon added flavor and a hint of salt to the sweetness of the jam. Wow! For desert we had their oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and their soft serve. Special flavor was whisky. This was completely flavorful and paired well with our cookies. All in all we loved this place. The menu was amazingly full of things we definitely want to come back and try. I give this place a 5 in all categories. Amazing cocktails, amazing service and amazing food! WE WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEKEND! read more

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