Burgers are what they do best here! We've been here a few times and each time the food was fantastic. One time I ordered buffalo pasta and would stick to the burgers next time as I think this is their bread and butter! Service was friendly , but can be slow at times as there's usually only two servers for the entire floor. This is the type of restaurant where you wait longer between ordering and getting your food. Be prepared to wait but it's worth it. Sad this place is closing because it really is a great spot! read more

What you see is what you get, the space is small but well lit and clean. There is a bartender and a server, so I hope you're not in a hurry. Saturday beer special is $5 draft pints, and that sounds awesome if only the beer was cold. I was in a group of 8, watching a football game, and a couple of us actually ordered a glass of ice to add to our beer. Sounds awful, because it was. The menu is small. The bruschetta was soggy in the middle and had a tangy taste. Cheese curds are mid. We also ordered Brussels sprouts and they looked good...but hard as little cabbages to bite into. Burgers are overpriced. read more

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The service was very good. The Steak Melt was fantastic! We ordered it on our waitress's recommendation. The tenderloin wasn't anything special but not bad. The square cheese curds were strange. Too much batter? We wouldn't order them again and we didn't finish them. The onion rings looked & tasted pre-bagged. The Steak Melt was so good we would return for it alone! read more

JJ’s Tavern + Grill - Cheese curds - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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Was OK. Had lunch there. Limited menu but food was good. Only one person working the restaurant/bar area but it wasn't too crowded so service was good. Fairly quick service. Didn't have iced tea available which was disappointing. read more

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! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

JJ’s Tavern + Grill - American Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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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. read more

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JJs Tavern & Grill is hidden gem. Having opened about six months ago JJ's slings the best burgers in town. Well, actually, in the state. (It was just recognized to serve up 2024's Top Burger in Iowa! With over 500 restaurants nominated and thousands of ballots cast.) We popped in on a Saturday around 3pm. Some wind blown softballers starved for food and really hankering to get out of the sun/wind for an hour or so between games. I was blown away by how well they accommodated us. Mind you there were about 30 of us and this establishment isn't large by any means. Plus it was a super off time for dinner, so I wouldn't have been shocked had they been short staffed. Our waitress did fabulous. The food came out quickly. I had the JJ's Smash Burger and some onion rings. Delicious. Pricing seems on point. Parking is a non issue. There's tons of TVs to catch a game with friends. The menu boasts burgers, pasta, salad, mac n cheese, sandwiches and more. The patio looks heavenly. Come get a burger at JJs! read more

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! read more

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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! read more

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Awful place. Went today at 1pm (family of 4). No liquor could be served. One waitress who was less than hospitable. All the tables had dirty dishes on them. We ordered our food and after 30 minutes we walked out. I've never done that in my 51 years!! Drove in from waukee for the best burger of 2024. Not!!! What a huge disappointment. Awful experience today!!!! read more

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

First time here. Inside is so inviting and beautiful. Very nice bar, which we sat at. We had drinks and buffalo wings to start. Delicious crispy goodness. We ordered the dinner salad and split it. It's a big salad but if split it was 2 side salads. Also delusions with parm dressing. We both ordered steak deburgo with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. Everything was amazing, I will definitely be back. Service was acceptional !!!! read more

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All was excellent- I can't recall a better burger: and have my vote for Best Burger 2024, based on the Brock Purdy burger. We also had the Smash burger, kid cheeseburger, kid chicken strips, White cheese curds: all 5's Place is bit small and some customers didn't know to leave when they were finished, holding up tables for others. Service was excellent. read more

Had lunch there on the patio... owner came out and spoke to all on patio personally... great food, great service! Burgers are indeed fantastic! read more

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

I have been a fan of JJs Tavern since it opened last fall but a recent change has turned me off. I have eaten there more than a dozen times, mostly dinner and Happy Hour. Today I go to Happy Hour and am told there is no longer Happy Hour. DISAPPOINTING! Nothing on Facebook or their website of this change. Some food items on Happy Hour menu not available. So I left before eating. And any future visits will be few and far between. read more

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

Outstanding burger. I had the jalapeño cheddar and I can't recommend enough. Bartender missed me walking in and sitting at his bar (maybe 5 mins) but made up for it with a killer personality! It's a small hole in the wall place that deserves to be full all day! I can't recommend it enough. Next time I'm in Ankeny, this will be my first stop! read more

This place is amazing. The Brussel Sprouts. The dessert flight. The atmosphere was amazing. The drinks are delightful. I can't wait for patio weather! read more

On 5/10/24 We went because of the good ratings and accolades we read. Neither of us were super hungry when we went for a very early dinner. We arrived about 4 PM and we're seated right away. I had a JJs burger with onion rings, and my wife had a plate of Brussels Sprouts from the appetizer area of the menu. By the time we left at about 5PM there was a long line for indoor and outdoor seating. Oh, I should mention that the noise level got really loud. Now for the bad news By about 6PM I was feeling unwell. By 7PM I had a bad case of vomiting and diarrhea. Sooo... did the food make me sick? I don't know for sure, but the situation is suspicious. My hamburger tasted pretty good but was somewhat overcooked, to my liking. Will we go again? Probably not. Oh well, we tried. read more

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

I wish I could leave zero stars..... I've lived in Ankeny for over 20 years, long before JJ's ever opened its doors. I've lost count of how many times I've ordered takeout from JJ's, even before it won the Best Burger Award. But until recently, I'd never dined in. On Sunday evening, my husband and I decided to change that and enjoy a sit-down dinner at JJ's. We were excited, knowing the food is always fantastic. Unfortunately, our experience took a disappointing turn. When we arrived, the restaurant was busy but not as crowded as it has been lately. We were greeted by Elly, who took our order with exceptional politeness and attentiveness. Elly was fantastic. The issue, however, stemmed from the owner and his wife. As soon as we sat down, the owner approached the table next to us, sharing the restaurant's backstory and being very friendly. He continued to do this with every other patron, including those who arrived after us. Yet, despite walking past our table numerous times, neither he nor his wife acknowledged us once. Keep in mind we were in the restaurant for about an hour. It became painfully clear that we were being ignored because we didn't share the same skin color as the other customers. This blatant disregard made us feel extremely unwelcome and embarrassed and uncomfortable, especially considering the owner himself is a minority. Our bill came to over $130, and it hurt to spend our hard-earned money at a place where we were clearly not wanted. To any minorities considering JJ's, I advise staying far away unless you want to feel unwelcome and ashamed. I will never give this place another dime. To the owner: Treat all your patrons with the same respect and acknowledgment, especially since you are a minority yourself. If you can't do that, perhaps you shouldn't run a business that serves the public. Don't get complacent; I've seen many businesses rise and fall. Michael, I appreciate your response, but I won't be reaching out to your business directly. Tonight's experience at your establishment was unlike anything I've encountered in all my years here. I stand firmly by my review. Your reply does not make any sense and demonstrates insensitivity to this issue." read more

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

This place seems lovely . I initially reviewed the wrong place, and didn't notice that until as it posted . Because it would not allow me to delete that , I am changing the review . :) read more

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

Used to be good, but something has definitely changed in the last few months. Very under staffed now, and the owner doesn't seem to want to help the servers, he just walks around and talks about himself. I've never seen an owner not help when the business is busy. The food is ok, but again, it seemed much better a few months ago. I always get the bruschetta, which had been my go to appetizer every time. I couldn't even eat it this time because of how sour it was. The burger I ordered was ok, but I don't understand why it states in the menu that it comes with an LTOP, but you won't get an LTOP unless you ask for it. The servers and bartenders are all amazing, but they are way understaffed and obviously can't provide the service they are capable of when they have more than 10 tables at a time. Not sure if it's understaffed because of a high turnaround rate, or if the owner is being cheap. Both are red flags. read more

Get the cheese curds. I don't know what kind of magical cheese they use, and then fried perfectly! Chipotle aioli was sooo good! Mulberry mule was very tasty! read more

Food was very good, we got the curd burger and bacon bleu cheese burgers. The staff was great, helped each other a lot, bussing tables, chatting with guests, giving food recommendations. Sweet potato fries were great too! Clean dining area and restrooms also. read more

Amazing burgers! The Brussels sprouts are the best I've ever had. We were there last week and the food is just as great as the service! Jay was our waiter and was very friendly and attentive. Definitely two thumbs up! read more

Great spot. We had run to Ankeny for shopping and needed lunch. Stopped here and the burgers were fantastic. New build-out, great bar setup, and the owner stopped and gave us a 30-second rundown of the opening and the name. Nice touch. Most of all, we thought the food was terrific. Best smash burger I've ever had. read more

We had a great experience. The owners came over and spent awhile talking to our table. One of the table's fries came out cold,and they instantly addressed the issue when we notified them. We will definitely be back. read more

Went there yesterday for first time. My son is in a w/c and they bent over backwards to accommodate him. The owners, general manager and wait staff were all very friendly and made you feel very comfortable Food was Awesome. Definitely recommend this place. read more

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

I have been to JJ's twice now and both experiences have been wonderful. Yummy food, great atmosphere, the staff is awesome. Tonight the owner of the restaurant Rick came over and introduced himself, shared the story of the restaurant, and checked in on us several times throughout our meal. We love this place and would definitely go again!! read more

Won't be back. Waited 15min at our table for service. When the waitress took a drink order for the table seated after us, it was irritating. When she came back and took their food order and still hadn't stopped to acknowledge us, we decided to leave. would've been more understanding if it was busy, but it wasn't even full. Even if they were short-staffed for the shift, you can still make eye contact and acknowledge a waiting table! read more

Hello all I know Ankeny loves local but if you happened to dine here this weekend please know the servers are under tremendous stress as everyday someone is being wrongfully terminated. Please give grace as the servers are trying their best to remain calm and provide the best service right now without losing their job or wondering if they will receive a paycheck. The service is changing based on the owner and everyday it's a guessing game as to if anyone else will be let go. read more

Tried it out after seeing a lot of good reviews. Got the cheese curds which were good...$12 good debatable. I got the steak deburgo for $32, pretty disappointing. Two very tiny pieces, we're talking eight bites of steak resting on top of a small mound of mashed potatoes, couple pieces of asparagus. Wife's burger looked good. So portions pretty small for the price, probably not rushing back anytime soon unfortunately. read more