Jesse's Embers

1st and foremost: the skill of the chef at the flame grill is unsurpassed. The way Jesse's Embers' steak is cooked by the chef, in addition to the high quality of the beef, is superior. Medium rare is exactly medium rare. Jesse's is 1 of a dwindling number of local classic non chain unpretentious dining institutions in the USA. Dine there not just when you happen to be in Des Moines, rather it's worth a trip on its own. My order recently was: Cajun shrimp, salad with creamy garlic dressing, baked potato, filet.

I have been a fan for decades! Our server, Michaela, was fabulous. However, my NY strip was chewy and inedible. Of course, they honorably took it off my bill. But, I cannot risk going back again and risk the same thing happening again. It makes me sad. IF they had offered me a gift certificate for my bad experience, I would have gone back again. But, they did not do that...

STILL MY FAVORITE SHRIMP IN DSM! And probably my favorite steak place, there are several good ones but Jesses is a classic. Cajun shrimp appetizer: what in the magic potion do they put in this sauce? I just want to pour it over everything! Ribeye: perfectly medium rare, side of au jus, large baked potato (though I didn't eat it) came with. Love their house dressing so much. Grateful they were so kind about letting us bring in our service dog in-training. He did great, wasn't distracted by the delicious smells either. I, on the other hand, was completely distracted by all of the food smells

San Francisco to NYC, this is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Anywhere. Period. You Des Moines folks don't know how good you got it with Jesse's in the house. A salad. A steak. Whatever. Marty takes care of it. Sit at the bar and Joe's a friend for life. Well done. YES - It's the size of a 3-car garage. And there's no windows - plus you enter through the kitchen. The cool joint factor is clearly off the chart and if you don't agree, then don't take up bar space.

We stopped here for dinner when we were in the area based on a friend's recommendation. First impression from the outside (see picture) and confirmed once inside was of a 70s-era steakhouse (dark, no windows & dark decor). That is not a knock / negative comment, just an observation.Once inside, it was quite crowded but we were quickly welcomed by Joe the bartender who asked our names and then repeated them several times before we left. I started off by ordering a Brandy Alexander ice cream drink (see picture) and loved it.We enjoyed the table bread, which included plenty of available butter (see picture). My wife overheard some other patrons talking about how good the onion rings were. Since the large is only $1 more than the small we ordered a large (see picture) and both thought they were good. The best part of the meal was the salad with the house creamy garlic dressing (see picture) - both the dressing and the croutons were delicious.For our main course we went with the London Broil (see picture) - which unfortunately was the weakest part of the meal. The slice laying on top was medium rare as ordered (see picture), but the other slices bordered on medium-well to well done. As you might expect, those other pieces were dry, tough and lacking flavor. When the owner stopped by our table (before we got our main course), he did mention that there was a substitute chef that night - so this dish might be better on another night.Food: 4Atmosphere: 3Value: 3Service: 5If you found this review helpful, please click to show your support.

Very disappointed that this was closed this past week I was there to eat this past Saturday night and since I am not from Des Moines I had no idea they was closed for employee week. I will say I think it's great. They do that for their employees but I think they should've posted it on their website because I was on their website and there was nothing on their website that I saw claiming they were going to be closed. I have never ate there, and I was so disappointed because I've always wanted to eat there , I live in Cedar Rapids

Can you say epic steaks? Cooked to perfection, just the way you order. Jesse's has been here for decades; that's proof enough that the food is incredible!

This place never disappoints. The staff makes you feel at home. I have been coming here for many many years. They always remember me. I have never had a meal I didn't like. Their house salad dressing and the homemade croutons are my favorite.

The best! Great food, great staff and owner. See Joe at the bar! Cannot recommend it enough. Cozy and warm.

Quaint setting,, excellent service and pretty good food. Overall fun experience and I'll visit again!