Best Southwest American Restaurants in Waukee

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA restaurant

1. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

4.7

Exceptional(1173)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Clive

Booked 76 times today

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Clive is a pinnacle of Wine Bar cuisine, offering a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. The establishment is renowned for its "Napa-style tasting rooms" and an impressive selection of award-winning wines perfectly paired with each dish. Guests rave about the quality, with one noting, "the wine menu was incredible," underscoring the extensive options available. Another guest celebrated the authenticity of their dining experience, sharing that "the wine tasting room could have had more help," emphasizing the popularity and draw of their wine offerings. Whether it's a casual visit or a special occasion, Cooper's Hawk stands out as a top destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable and authentic Wine Bar experience.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines restaurant

2. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(832)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Des Moines

Booked 41 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House in West Des Moines is a beacon of American cuisine, celebrated for its masterfully prepared USDA Prime steaks. Each steak is seared to perfection and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate—a technique that has led to their recognition as the 2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Winner and recipient of the 2024 Wine Spectator's award. Patrons like Johnny rave about "the ambiance, the service, the beauty and class of the restaurant," while others can't stop thinking about their meal days later. Whether it's the "steaks cooked perfectly" or the "excellent service," Ruth's Chris offers an unforgettable dining experience that exemplifies the best of American culinary excellence.

A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines restaurant

3. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

4.5

Awesome(1836)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Des Moines

Booked 16 times today

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in West Des Moines is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, offering a delectable range of wood-fired steaks and seafood that define culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the "exceptional Sea Bass" and "fabulous wood-fired steak," highlighting both the quality and the skill in preparation. The restaurant's atmosphere is frequently described as relaxing and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for any dining occasion. Guests consistently applaud the outstanding service, with one review noting, "the most incredible customer service." Whether it's the perfectly cooked steaks or the praised superfood salad with avocado dressing, Firebirds proves to be a top choice for an authentic American dining experience in West Des Moines.

A photo of Aura Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

4. Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(214)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Urbandale

Booked 8 times today

Aura Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in the cozy corners of Urbandale and Clive, is a beacon for Wine Bar aficionados. Renowned for its vibrant selection, the wine menu at Aura is a curated experience that complements their mouth-watering tapas perfectly. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with glowing reviews highlighting the "exceptional quality" of both food and drink. One diner celebrated the "very good" wine menu, noting how well it paired with their meal choices. The ambiance of Aura, coupled with its top-notch service, ensures a memorable outing. Whether it's a casual evening or a special occasion, Aura’s Wine Bar scene is poised to impress with its sophisticated yet approachable offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a truly exceptional wine and dine experience.

A photo of Dave & Buster's - Des Moines restaurant

5. Dave & Buster's - Des Moines

4.0

Excellent(112)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Des Moines

Booked 14 times today

Each Dave & Buster's has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we've got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we're stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

A photo of Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar restaurant

6. Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar

4.6

Exceptional(299)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Urbandale

Booked 1 time today

Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar in Urbandale is a standout for Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service cuisine. Renowned for its "spectacular" signature cocktails and a menu that features prime proteins, each item is crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance combines casual fine dining with the unique thrill of indoor golf simulators, offering an exceptional experience that extends beyond just dining. Guests rave about the attentive service and the creative drinks menu, noting that the staff is "genuinely excited to share recommendations." Whether you're enjoying a Range Beast burger or a meticulously crafted cocktail, Range promises a distinctive and enjoyable experience that keeps diners returning. "Don't sleep on this place!" as one glowing review advises, highlighting the undeniably high-quality and engaging environment that Range offers.

A photo of Bar Louie - Jordan Creek restaurant

7. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

5.0

Exceptional(1)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Des Moines

Booked 4 times today

At Bar Louie, we're passionate about delivering flavor packed experiences. Defined by our award-winning handcrafted martinis and cocktails, our lunch, dinner and happy hours elevate the top-shelf bar experience. In a vibrant atmosphere energized by our local community, we serve all guests looking to create unforgettable moments - making us the go-to-spot for all occasions, from a spontaneous happy hour hangout to a celebratory spot for milestone events.

A photo of Red Lobster - West Des Moines restaurant

8. Red Lobster - West Des Moines

4.1

Excellent(52)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Des Moines

Booked 2 times today

Red Lobster welcomes you by offering PRIORITY SEATING to reduce your wait time in the restaurant, so you can spend more time doing the things you love. Or, come enjoy a drink at our bar and a Tasting Plate while you wait. Red Lobster is the world's largest and most loved seafood restaurant company, offering high quality, freshly-prepared seafood, sourced in a way that is traceable, sustainable and responsible. We offer lunch and dinner daily, featuring classics like our Ultimate Feast®, Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, and feature limited time flavors and preparations during events like Lobsterfest®, Crabfest® and Endless Shrimp®. And, who can resist our famous warm and cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits®? To learn more visit www.redlobster.com

9. Cooper's On 5th

4.9

Exceptional(132)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Des Moines

Booked 17 times today

Cooper's on 5th in West Des Moines stands out as a culinary gem, particularly renowned for its exceptional steak offerings. Patrons rave about the quality and preparation of the steak dishes, with one guest exclaiming it was “absolutely AMAZING.” The restaurant’s commitment to combining classic Americana with a modern twist shines through in their steak cuisine. Guests consistently highlight their satisfying experiences, noting the steak's tenderness and flavor as key factors. One delighted diner specifically praised the filet, stating their partner, a seasoned steak connoisseur, was "gushing over how tender and good it was." Cooper's on 5th not only promises a cozy, intimate dining atmosphere but also ensures each steak dish is crafted to perfection, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Destination Grille restaurant

10. Destination Grille

4.7

Exceptional(371)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Grimes

Booked 6 times today

Destination Grille in Grimes is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of American culinary diversity. This restaurant is celebrated for its "fantastic" food and "great vibe," with reviewers raving about dishes like the "amazing" scallops and lobster bisque that's "spot on." The ambiance is described as "fabulous" and "perfect," making every meal a memorable event. Guests particularly praise the service, highlighting servers like Kennedy for their knowledge and attentiveness. Whether it’s the gluten-free options or the highly recommended dishes, Destination Grille stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Clive, IA

2. Ruth's Chris Steak House - West Des Moines

3. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - West Des Moines

4. Aura Restaurant & Lounge

5. Dave & Buster's - Des Moines

6. Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar

7. Bar Louie - Jordan Creek

8. Red Lobster - West Des Moines

9. Cooper's On 5th

10. Destination Grille

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