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    JJ’s Tavern + Grill

    4.1 (54 reviews)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    the menu
    Tony H.

    My wife and I decided to try this new place out that we keep hearing good things about so we stopped in for lunch. It used to be Tavern 180 (we never got to try) The inside is a really nice, clean, fun atmosphere. We split the crab cakes appetizer and the bacon & bleu smash burger. The crab cakes were pretty good- crisp on the top, soft in the middle with remoulade underneath. The burger was great and full of flavor. Medium well with pickled red onion, onion&bacon jam, and bleu cheese! We got the sweet potato fries-delicious with really good ranch. I would recommend this place. I will tube back for the giant cheese curds and pasta alla vodka!

    Blue and Bacon Burger
    Liesl S.

    We tried JJ's in Ankeny for the first time last night for date night, and it did not disappoint! While they currently don't serve alcohol (there's a sign at the door, though we're not sure why), it worked perfectly for us since it's Dry January. The food more than made up for it--everything was great! The cheese curds were crispy and gooey, the Brussels sprouts were heavy on the bacon (in the best way), and the burgers were creative and yummy. The friendly service made it a great spot for a casual night out. We'll definitely be back!

    Constance M.

    We popped in with my youngest daughter's softball team in between games. The restaurant was able to take our large group and the service was quick. I had a side salad and my husband and myself shared the brussels sprouts and smokey chipotle wings. My daughter had chicken tenders and fries. Everything was great and the owner came over and chatted with us about the place.

    Dee W.

    For our entire table, this was a burger. It wasn't the best burger I have ever had but it was good. Onions rings didn't seem homemade. Ranch was good. Service was fine.

    JJ's smash burger
    Hannah V.

    We came here to try Iowa's best burger! Waited about 30 mins to get seated, lots of people hanging out and it was nice outside, so no worries. Once seated, it took about 45 mins to get our appetizer and food. We sat on the patio which had lots of tables, I never went inside, so can't speak on that. We had the cheese curds, which I thought had great texture and flavor. I got the curd burger which was so good! Our party also had the Brock Curdy burger, JJ's smash burger, and BBQ pork mac and cheese. I think we all enjoyed our meals. The owner and his wife did a nice job introducing themselves and talking with customers. Good family restaurant.

    Jalapeno cheddar burger
    Kristina O.

    It's small and busy at the usual times! We went and got seated immediately on a Sunday at lunch. No joke- best burger I'd had in a whiiiile. I did the jalapeno cheddar burger. Hubs did the smash burger. They were. Delicious. We literally went back within the week and then picked up food the following week. It was a great burger! Owners seem nice and like to come introduce themselves to everyone. The patio is tiny but they've done a great job with a small footprint. We'll be back!

    JJ burger with a side of cottage cheese
    Alyssa B.

    I really really wish I could love this place but it just wasn't for us. I will take into account that we went on a busy night. We went on a Thursday night so it was already almost full when we got there. When we got there, we got asked to be seated outside since there is no seating inside, I said yes. I think the waiters need to work on their communication with staff because they kept bringing food to the wrong tables outside and we got someone else's order the first time as well. You can tell one of the waiters was getting frustrated because he didn't know which table had which food. I will say the cheese curds were really good and the burgers were nice as well. Our waiter was really nice though, he even told us that he apologized for the service being so bad that night and would encourage us to try them again. So I will take him up on that offer and try again!

    Cosmopolitan

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    Michael R.

    Phyllis: Thanks For Your Review

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    2 years ago

    They have decent burgers but holy crap they are expensive!!! Not worth it. Stay home, save your money

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great burgers and super friendly service! One of our favorite spots (and we don't even drink)

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    2 years ago

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    Michael R.

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    2 years ago

    JJ's Tavern is very much OPEN. Please go visit them. This was a mistake to mark it temporarily closed! Their food is amazing.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Delicious food. Attentive and friendly service. Calm atmosphere and not raucous for a tavern. Recommend.

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    2 years ago

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    Michael R.

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    2 years ago

    Good burgers they are so so so so goood the flavors and the good staff that is truly a good restraint

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Everything from the service to the food was awesome. The pasta was so good as well as the smash burger.

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    2 years ago

    My wife and I wanted to try someplace new and we were not disappointed!! We tried the burgers which were outstanding!! Highly recommend!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - JJ’s Tavern + Grill

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    Another successful visit to BW!…read more This was the final stop for my birthday outing! This is a close to home stop, and the food, drinks and service is always solid! Not to mention Heather is always a friendly face and we really appreciate her! We were joined by my 2 sons and my son's wife. The place is staying clean and organized unset the new ownership and I really appreciate the bright and clean feeling the new ownership has installed. The bathrooms are also being maintained and clean, which is a nice touch! My daughter-in-law ordered a jumbo pretzel $12 - and it was fresh, warm and enough to feed 5 people on its own! My son and I both ordered the wings $14 each, and they are very good here! My other son ordered a French Dip $14 - and he said it was excellent and would not share! This was all paired with plenty of libation from the well stocked and clean bar, with many great local breweries on tap as well as specials on the domestics. Our total bill came up to around $120 for everyone - I did not do the math - I just paid the bill, however I don't think my birthday drink was free! ??? This has always been a fun spot and since the refresh this is still a solid choice for a sports bar in Ankeny! Come check it out! Tell Heather Kirk and Kim say Hi!

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    JJ’s Tavern + Grill - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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