
801 Chophouse
An upscale steakhouse renowned for USDA prime-grade beef, fresh seafood, and impeccable service in a sophisticated, clubby setting.

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801 Chophouse

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale steakhouse renowned for USDA prime-grade beef, fresh seafood, and impeccable service in a sophisticated, clubby setting.
"An homage to American steakhouses of old, blending classic elements with a contemporary dining experience."
Book Ahead for Occasions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for anniversaries or busy weekend nights.
Don't Miss Seafood Twists
Explore seafood like Oysters Rockefeller or Lobster Mac & Cheese for a unique steakhouse treat.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
(515) 288-6000
Address
801 Grand Ave STE 200, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Website
801chophouse.com/des-moines/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

USDA Prime-Grade Steaks
Savor perfectly cooked, prime USDA-grade beef in various cuts, a hallmark of this classic steakhouse.

Sophisticated Ambiance
Step into an elegant, clubby setting with old-fashioned charm, perfect for memorable special occasions.

Exceptional Seafood Options
Beyond steaks, indulge in fresh seafood like oysters, lobster, and colossal shrimp cocktails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Occasions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for anniversaries or busy weekend nights.
Don't Miss Seafood Twists
Explore seafood like Oysters Rockefeller or Lobster Mac & Cheese for a unique steakhouse treat.
Consider Weekday Visits
Opt for a weekday dining experience for a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere.
Ask for Recommendations
The attentive wait staff excels at guiding you through the menu and making stellar recommendations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Occasions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for anniversaries or busy weekend nights.
Don't Miss Seafood Twists
Explore seafood like Oysters Rockefeller or Lobster Mac & Cheese for a unique steakhouse treat.
Consider Weekday Visits
Opt for a weekday dining experience for a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere.
Ask for Recommendations
The attentive wait staff excels at guiding you through the menu and making stellar recommendations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
801 Chophouse is highly praised for its exceptional food, particularly the prime steaks and fresh seafood, served in an elegant, classic steakhouse ambiance. Diners consistently laud the attentive and professional service, making special occasions truly memorable. While generally a top-tier experience, some find the wine list to be on the pricier side.
"Absolutely, amazing staff. We were there for our anniversary and didn't tell them, and they made it special anyways. Our waitress was honestly the best waitress I've had in a really long time. She made us laugh. And she made us feel like we were her best friend. The food was to die for. We had tons of leftovers, and they were still amazing the next day!"
BryAnna Thomasferry
"The 801 Chophouse doesn't disappoint. We had an excellent dining experience from the bar to the meal. The food is all top notch. The service was First Class. I would definitely dine there again."
Thomas Karabatsos
"801 Chophouse is an homage to the American steakhouses of old. Located in downtown Des Moines, 801 effortlessly blends classic steakhouse elements with a very contemporary dining experience.
A dining room adorned with oak accents and white table cloths, if there was any confusion about what type of establishment you were in, the large golden bull at the middle of the dining room removes any doubt that beef is the star attraction.
In terms of the menu, you will see many of the expected land and sea fare. Though much of the menu will feel familiar, the wait staff incredibly attentive and does an excellent job making recommendations and guiding you throughout the dining experience.
During my visit with family we tried the prime rib, salmon and jumbo shrimp with sides of Mac and cheese and corn. While everything was well prepared, the shrimp was a personal standout.
If you are looking for a special night out in Des Moines, 801 is an solid selection."
Jonathan Priester
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
While not strictly enforced, smart casual attire is recommended to match the upscale ambiance.
Yes, 801 Chophouse has private and semi-private dining rooms available for events of up to 48 guests.
Customers rave about the prime steaks, bone marrow appetizer, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and lobster mac & cheese.
Absolutely! The personalized service and sophisticated ambiance make it ideal for anniversaries and celebrations.
Yes, 801 Chophouse offers a selection of high-quality seafood, including oysters, lobster, and shrimp.
801 Chophouse is considered upscale, with steaks and seafood being premium offerings.
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The Best Restaurants In Des Moines, Iowa
Restaurant, Steakhouse, $$ Established in 1993 in Des Moines, 801 Chophouse is an exquisite steakhouse that has grown to include several locations throughout the Midwest. Situated downtown in the historic 801 Grand building, this restaurant exudes sophistication with its upscale interior, which evokes the feeling of an establishment from the 1920s. Using USDA prime-grade beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce means the menu changes often, but it also ensures some of the finest cuisine to be found in Des Moines.
Where Chefs Go: Des Moines, Iowa
If your crowd eats beef, she highly recommends two steakhouses: The Original Jesse’s Embers, “where everyone knows your name,” and the “upscale steakhouse” 801 Chophouse, a “favorite of national press celebrities during caucus time.
22 Must-Try Restaurants in Des Moines, IA
Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, 801 Chophouse is an elegant and refined dining destination with award-winning cuisine, a world-class wine list, impeccable hospitality and service, and an intimate and romantic ambiance. The late 1920’s New York City-style restaurant serves a menu of classic steakhouse fare such as prime USDA steaks with innovative sides, fresh seafood, and salads, with signature dishes such as oysters on the half shell, live Maine lobsters and king crab legs, as well as a range of delicious steaks. The cuisine is accompanied by a selection of global wines, exclusive small-batch bourbons, and scotches, and imported spirits and exclusive events and functions of up to 48 guests are catered for in several private and semi-private dining rooms.
The best restaurants in the Des Moines metro in 2024
A grand steakhouse stakes a claim in downtown Des Moines as a fine example of a restaurant for celebrating a big deal — an anniversary or a birthday, or just getting through a week. All the steakhouse favorites make the menu at 801 Chophouse — the bone marrow, the shrimp cocktail, the pancetta-wrapped scallops to start. Order an 801 Wedge with blue cheese dressing plus crumbled Maytag blue cheese and bacon for a true steakhouse experience, and follow it with USDA Prime dry-aged cuts of rib-eyes, porterhouses, filets or strips.
The Bridges of Iowa City.
The original Mississippi & Missouri (M&M) Railroad Bridge crossing the Iowa River was a single-track deck truss – built circa 1860 – and is pictured in this 1868 bird’s eye map of Iowa City (bridge on the right). When the railroad came to town (1856), Iowa City was the “end of the line” for those wanting railroad access to the West. Not until four years later (1860) when M&M built this bridge could a train venture further west than the Iowa River.
Top Places to Eat Seafood & Sushi in Downtown Des Moines
You know and love 801 Chophouse for offering some of the juiciest steaks in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region. They also have some of the best options for seafood in Downtown Des Moines. Whether you’re kicking things off with Oysters Rockefeller, centering your meal around a Maine Lobster Tail or adding a side of Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, the seafood options are plentiful and mouthwatering.
Iowa — Food and Restaurants
In Des Moines you can treat yourself to a four-star Midwest meal at Trostel’s Greenbriar (5810 Merle Hay Road, Johnston) or a steak at the 801 Chophouse, (801 Grande Ave, Des Moines) one of the city’s top eateries. There is also a solid Latino population in Iowa, so don’t be afraid to duck into a local Mexican restaurant like Panchero’s (32 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City) for a spicy treat.
50 Best Restaurants in Des Moines: Our guide of where to eat, drink, brunch
This steakhouse in the tallest building in the city is a place to see and be seen as well as to dine on prime steaks and side dishes. Perfect for special occasions, USDA Prime-grade beef is served here in a variety of cuts and a choice of preparations like cognac butter with portobello mushroom ragout or a bone marrow butter bath. Location: 801 Grand Ave., #200, Des Moines
34 Best & Fun Things to Do in Des Moines (IA)
801 Chophouse is an elegant restaurant that is situated right at the heart of downtown Des Moines and is one of the places you should include as your top things to do in Des Moines. Its wine list is world-class and the cuisine they make is an award-winning one. What better place to take your lover for a date than this intimate and romantic eatery?
Best Restaurants in Greater Des Moines
If you like your steaks rare, your martinis dry, and your dinner check expensed, 801 Chophouse is the place for you. Des Moines’ premiere steakhouse has everything you’d want in a good steakhouse; Rat Pack vibes, spacious booths, a seasoned waitstaff, and multiple potato options for your sides. Crème brûlée mandatory, not optional.
20 Best Restaurants In Des Moines, Iowa
801 Chophouse is named for its location, the historic 801 Grand building in downtown Des Moines. Its prime location is just one of the many reasons 801 Chophouse is one of the best restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa. The restaurant serves only prime USDA steaks paired with “innovative side dishes” and an award-winning wine selection.
Best of Des Moines
After a brief hiatus, 801 Chophouse returns to its spot as the Best Local Fine Dining establishment. And if you’re craving a quality cut of meat, you’re in luck: CITYVIEW readers also voted 801 Chophouse for Best Local Steakhouse. 801 Grand Ave., Suite 200, Des Moines, 515-288-6000; www.801chophouse.com.
Restaurants in Des Moines: Romantic Spots for Valentine’s Day
Enjoy beautiful views of downtown Des Moines and excellent customer service at 801 Chophouse. Using prime USDA steaks, they pair the entrees with innovative side dishes. 801 Chophouse has small-batch bourbons and scotches and fresh crustaceans and fish, meaning there’s something for everyone.
7 Best Steakhouses in Iowa
Set in the heart of downtown Des Moines, 801 Chophouse is the city’s premier steakhouse for a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. White table cloths, stunning views and world-class service are just a few things that pull the atmosphere together. Then, of course, there’s the food.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Des Moines, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (297 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse- Price: $$$$- Address: 801 Grand Ave Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50309-8000- Read more on Tripadvisor
Des Moines Restaurants | Top 35 in 2025
Enjoy incredible views of the downtown area at 801 Chophouse. This venue is perfect for a date night or special occasion and serves high-quality steaks paired with succulent sides and a large selection of international wines.
40 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, IA for 2025 (Top Eats!)
801 Grand Ave STE 200Des Moines, IA 50309(515) 288-6000 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The 801 Chophouse is a high-end, family-owned steakhouse that opened in 1993 at the 801 Grand Building.
35 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa in 2023
801 Grand Ave STE 200, Des Moines, IA 50309Phone: 515-288-6000 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by @willorderforyou
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