We got here early to meet friends and grab a good seat for the live band. Sadly, the band ended up…read moresequestered in a closet-sized space on the main level since the wind made the rooftop off-limits. Bummer! The Service: We were eventually seated at a booth (the one with no working TVs), and while we were quickly greeted by Jennifer--who was our waitress for the night--we ended up waiting most of the evening for her to come back. We did get waters and drinks while waiting for our friends to arrive. Once they showed up, it took a little while to get the rest of our order in, but it all worked out in the end. They were very busy that night--between the Indiana Fever game, graduations, and a band crowd. Jennifer was hustling, along with her husband and one other waitress, trying to cover the whole place. So, while I can't (and won't) complain about the effort, they clearly needed more help to reach that 5-star level. Same goes for the bar--it was overwhelmed and absolutely needed more than one bartender to handle that crowd. Just a note for management: the team was working hard, but they were outnumbered. The Food: The kitchen was on the ball. Our appetizer of Brussels sprouts was delicious--great flavors, perfectly cooked--and they hit the table just moments before our entrees did. I had the jalapeño burger with the ridiculously long name (you'll know it when you see it), and added the $4 onion rings. The burger was fantastic--well made, full of flavor. The onion rings, while not quite worth the $4 upcharge as a side, were the crispiest onion rings I've ever had. Really good. Kim's wrap, on the other hand, was underwhelming--$14 for a tortilla shell mostly filled with lettuce and not much flavor. Our friends seemed happy with their meals and later ordered a bread pudding to share. We all had a sample, and while it was decent, it was definitely missing a sauce or something to make it pop. The Value: Our bill--1 appetizer, 2 meals, and 4 drinks--came to over $100 plus tip. (Now that I'm writing this, I kind of wish I'd looked at the receipt more closely.) Still, that seems to be the going rate for this kind of night out in the greater Des Moines area these days. Pro Tip: Try coming during happy hour to stretch your dollars a bit further.

Boyfriend and I both ordered burgers and they were both good. Mine could have used more sauce, but…read morethe place was busy I never got the chance to ask for more before I was finished eating. We tried both the signature fries and the double batter fries. The double batter fries were my favorite, but both options are good. Service was good, but sometimes a little slow. We sat at the bar and they only had one bartender on a Friday night. It didn't bother us much since we were just hanging out watching football, but could be bothersome if you are in a in a rush. Good place to watch sports and have a burger and some beer.

went for oystas during happy hr but they 86'd them. boo. but got the spin artichoke dip, crispy…read morerice with tuna, & deviled eggs. soooo good!!! old fashions, espresso martini, & a beer called liquid hugs. it was still a great experience, as always..and our waitress was amazing!!

We were in Ankeny this past weekend celebrating my daughter's graduation from Iowa State and…read moredecided to try Tribute Eatery & Bar and I'm so glad we did! Our group ordered a mix of pasta dishes and steak frites, and everything was excellent. The steak was cooked perfectly, the pasta was fresh and flavorful, and the prickly pear spicy margarita was absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere is really cool too, stylish without feeling overdone, and the location is great. We also had wonderful service, especially considering we came in around 8 PM on a Sunday evening with a group. Definitely recommend if you're in the Ankeny area. We'd absolutely come back!

Good local spot Cold drinks friendly service…read more Chicken on nachos was only knock on the place

Taco Tuesday is ok, not good. Service sub par at best,…read more STOP assuming everyone that walks in the door is a lifer and knows that just because the locals know it's Taco Tuesday that it means no point in the menu, except it doesn't. I had no idea if there was meat choices (there isn't) or toppings or sides (there are sides like fries) I'm glad I asked for the menu, as I almost thought about the nachos. Which I would have not known about if I hadn't seen a menu. We did not appreciate the rudeness when she asked if we were ready to order and I replied how would we know we haven't seen a menu. Just for her to roll her eyes and come back and toss them on the table. That attitude made me not want to spend my money there and my tip absolutely reflected her poor behavior. She could have earned 20 from me alone out of our group, instead of what was left over from the change. I work in the service industry and I appreciate both good food and service and it also would have been nice if our checks were correct but I have learned to pick and chose my battles but that also helped contribute to her not super tip. To the taco loved the shell it's like fry bread and one taco is the entire basket you have been warned. Sadly it wasn't really warm my fries were not even close to warm and definitely floppy. Really the stinker of the show was the server, so don't expect much.

Great atmosphere, drinks, and service. We will be back next Junior Olympics and will bring the…read moreentire coaching staff.

The restaurant was not busy when we arrived and we were greeted as soon as we walked in being told…read morewelcome in and pic a seat that works for us. We found our seat and were immediately greeted by a new server Rylie she was super sweet and gave us time to go over the menu. She did let us know she was new which was good because if we had questions that she didn't know she was willing to find out. Our drinks came quickly and were cold. Our food was good and fresh. The waitress came back multiple times to check on us. I have read some rather mean reviews on this restaurant and I do have to say people should understand how long these servers and cooks have to work. Some of them are pulling 12 hour shifts. Be patient, it seems they are trying to fix some of the previous issues. Again I will reiterate our service was great. The ambiance was like a pub with clean tables and the restrooms were clean as well. We will be back.

Three stars due to a great server. We liked the pretzel bites. My husband and I had the Truffle…read moreSteak Melt. This had no flavor. There was a tiny smearing of truffle cheese spread, the meat had no flavor, my sandwich maybe had two small sliced mushrooms and the onion jam had nothing to it. With drinks our bill was over $100 and that was a hard pill to swallow. We don't mind spending money dining out but we want to leave with a good taste in our mouth.

Stayed overnight in Ankeny for ISU commencement. Found this restaurant online and family agreed to…read moretry it. We were impressed by the architecture of the building inside and outside! We were immediately impressed with the menu. Maybe the best tomato basil soup I've ever tasted, daughters agreed. Pulled pork tacos were delicious and fresh. The double smash burger and sweet potato fries were delicious! Cannot say enough positive comments about our experience and the menu choices and the five menu selections we made. I only wish this establishment was in our TC nhood!!

One of my favorite spots in Ankeny to eat. Food is always good and prices are reasonable.read more

Our server Lilly was very gracious, prompt service throughout…read more Had the two breakfasts in the photos, meals were hot and delicious. Diner is casual, older style decor, from the Coke Cola vending machine, table condiments, black / white tile floor, to the soda fountain and counter. Absolutely wonderful experience, reasonable prices, would certainly recommend this diner.

Great wings we did traditional hot and Jack Daniel's with sauce on the side excellent service loved…read morethe game selections on the TVs it's a must try!

Our server was the sweetest guy! We went during happy hour for my friends bday and they made it so…read morespecial! The happy hour specials were great. Not upscale, but nice people, great prices, and good food!

Where to begin, I'll just do a list: 1) I had the double…read moreBall Breakfast burger and it was incredible. Juicy, cooked perfect, sauce was awesome and came out super quick. Almost every Bar-food type place I go to leaves me disappointed when I get burgers and this place was really good and reasonably priced. Wife got the steak melt and absolutely loved it as well. Both came out fast and fresh. Fries were very good as well. 2) Service was great, it almost looked understaffed because of how few people were running around but it definitely did not feel that way at all. Our server seemed to read our minds coming by exactly when we were ready to order or whatever else. Also friendly and personable without being overbearing at all. 3) Price was good, before tip around $50 for two people. 2 entrees, beer and soda, and a piece of cheesecake to top it off. I would usually almost think thats a little pricey for american food, but this was so delicious it was worth every penny. Somehow hadn't found this place despite being only 5 min from us but we will absolutely be making this a regular dinner spot when we feel too lazy to cook! Minor complaint, the table behind the "Seat yourself" stand def needs a fix cus that thing was wobbly as heck. Might've been an annoyance if I hadn't been so busy devouring my food to notice.

First time at Birdies. Waitress nice but asked if the boneless wings were good. She said she…read moredidn't know. I asked about the smash burgers. She gave the same answer. She hasn't tried anything on the menu. Not her fault, this is a glaring training issue. You can't put people on the floor that don't have an idea of the menu. She was super nice. Probably won't return.

Superb initial visit, and wondered why I had not been here since moving to Ankeny this summer. An…read moreoutstanding combination of food quality, good overall vibe, solid pricing, great menu, and options. We ate inside the restaurant, which is a fun venue with cool decorations and theme. Loved the booth setting. Sound was fine. They also have a drive-thru option. My burger was excellent, cooked flawlessly, and the accompanying fries were perfect. A really good overall experience, kind customer service accompanied everything.

I went here first back when they were a food truck and this was my first time at their brick and…read moremortar spot. It's an easy, tasty, fast casual spot in a great location and the food is always unique and tasty. I had the bang bang mac and cheese which was spicy and delicious with popcorn chicken and a bang bang drizzle on top. We also shared the pb&j fries which we were curious about and they way over delivered, I did not know that was going to be so good. The servers were great and quick as we were in a bit of a rush so the speed was much appreciated.

Bartenders are some of the best in town. The food is awesome, vibes are immaculate. Have been here…read moremultiple times and it keeps me coming back!

I think the owners forgot that they are advertising this as an upscale location. Saturday night and…read moreinstead of the "comforting blue glow" and "top notch cocktail bar" prominently mentioned throughout the website, it was just another sports bar. A cage fight on one of the tv's was on full volume pumping through the bars sound system, the sophisticated cocktail menu was just some soggy paper menus. Bartender seemed annoyed we even showed up which was interesting given the nearly empty place. Ankeny desperately needs a cocktail lounge but this isn't it.