Jesse's Embers
A beloved, decades-old family-friendly surf 'n' turf restaurant serving classic comfort food grilled to perfection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Jesse's Embers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved, decades-old family-friendly surf 'n' turf restaurant serving classic comfort food grilled to perfection.
"Experience a classic supper club atmosphere with perfectly cooked steaks and a nostalgic, cozy neighborhood feel."
Must-Try Steaks
The bacon-wrapped filet mignon and 16-ounce rib-eye are highly recommended for a delightful experience.
Embrace the Vibe
Enjoy the lively, packed atmosphere for a special experience; the owner often stops by to chat.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
(515) 255-6011
Address
3301 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
Website
theoriginaljessesembers.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Classic Supper Club Ambiance
Experience a cozy, nostalgic 1960s supper club with comfy booths and an open grill. A true neighborhood gem.
Perfectly Grilled Steaks
Savor hearty portions of perfectly cooked steaks, from filet mignon to rib-eye, grilled over an open flame.
Signature Cajun Shrimp
Drenched in a magical sauce that reviewers rave about, these Cajun shrimp appetizers are a must-try.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-Try Steaks
The bacon-wrapped filet mignon and 16-ounce rib-eye are highly recommended for a delightful experience.
Embrace the Vibe
Enjoy the lively, packed atmosphere for a special experience; the owner often stops by to chat.
Service Dog Friendly
The restaurant is accommodating for guests bringing their service dogs.
Nostalgic Comfort
The food, like the pasta salad dressing, evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of 'granny's cooking'.
Tips
from all over the internet
Must-Try Steaks
The bacon-wrapped filet mignon and 16-ounce rib-eye are highly recommended for a delightful experience.
Embrace the Vibe
Enjoy the lively, packed atmosphere for a special experience; the owner often stops by to chat.
Service Dog Friendly
The restaurant is accommodating for guests bringing their service dogs.
Nostalgic Comfort
The food, like the pasta salad dressing, evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of 'granny's cooking'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jesse's Embers is praised for its classic supper club atmosphere and perfectly grilled steaks, with many diners enjoying the nostalgic feel and friendly service. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food quality and preparation, with occasional issues like cold broccoli or steaks cooked incorrectly. Despite some drawbacks, many consider it a beloved neighborhood institution.
"Have never been to this place. Me and my husband have talked about it for years. We had the best time tonight. The food was so good. The service was absolutely wonderful and the atmosphere was nostalgic and festive. We will be back for sure! Steak cooked perfectly. Yum."
Chelsea Rewerts
"Very happy with our decision to book dinner here! We were seated at a cozy booth, and the place was packed — the lively atmosphere really made the experience special. The owner even stopped by our table for a great chat, which made us feel especially welcome. The staff were all friendly, attentive, and the food was absolutely perfect. We’ll definitely be back if we find ourselves in Iowa again!"
Dion S
"It was cozy. I like being somewhat close to other patrons and seeing what they're enjoying. It was packed when we went there for a weekday lunch. We were seated immediately but I will say that it took quite some time for the food to come out. It was 45 minutes without an appetizer. But, they were absolutely slammed! I think the servers handled it really well by checking in on everyone and giving updates on food. The burger was so-so but my London Broil was absolutely worth the wait! I would go back for that alone! The pasta salad doesn't seem like anything fancy but the dressing reminds me of something my granny made. The whole visit tasted like nostalgia. It was great!"
Melinda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include the bacon-wrapped filet mignon, the 16-ounce rib-eye, and the Cajun shrimp appetizer, all known for their quality and flavor.
Yes, the restaurant is described as a decades-old, family-friendly supper club with a cozy neighborhood atmosphere and captain's chairs.
The lively atmosphere and friendly staff can make for a special experience, though some reviews suggest managing expectations regarding food consistency.
Consider visiting during less crowded times for more personalized attention. Some recommend specific steak cuts like the filet or rib-eye.
Yes, the restaurant has been noted for being accommodating to guests bringing their service dogs.
Diners often enjoy the nostalgic ambiance and good service, though some reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Where Chefs Go: Des Moines, Iowa
For scenier dinner options, Nahabedian recommends Lucca, “a small, popular space in the East Village.” For a restaurant that’s “new on the scene,” Nahabedian recommends St. Kilda Café & Bakery, owned by a “great Aussie/NYC expat who married an Iowan woman.” For spots that are “very popular with locals,” there’s Alba or Tursi’s Latin King, which is “an old school Italian spot near the Fairgrounds” that opened in 1947.
Must-Try Restaurants In Des Moines, Iowa
Open since the 1960s, ask a Des Moines resident what the city’s favorite restaurant is and, chances are, they’ll say Jesse’s Embers. The menu is traditional, serving mostly steak and seafood, but classic. All the dishes have been perfected with time and experience, and this place would give any up-scale restaurant a run for its money in terms of quality and flavor.
22 Must-Try Restaurants in Des Moines, IA
Jesse's Embers is a decades-old, family-friendly surf 'n' turf restaurant that exudes the charm of a quintessential mid-century steakhouse with captain’s chairs, comfy and intimate dining booths, an open kitchen and a snug bar. Specializing in meats cooked on the open grill such as delicious steaks like the bacon-wrapped filet mignon and the prime 12-ounce sirloin, along with Italian specialties like fresh seafood platters, fresh vegetables, and bread that is baked fresh daily. A tiny bar offers a range of drinks in frosted beer mugs, and professional wait staff provides exceptional hospitality and service.
Top Ten Des Moines steakhouses
Jesse’s Embers– located on Ingersoll Avenue, Jesse’s is a smaller steakhouse but their food is old school at it’s finest. They go out of their way to use the finest ingredients and you can really taste the freshness in all of their dishes. The staff is very friendly and you can tell they don’t have a lot of turnaround since they all have an easy rapport with each other and are very knowledgeable of the menu.
10 Des Moines Restaurants That You Don't Know About But Should
If you’re looking for a classic supper club experience in Des Moines, look no further than Jesse’s Embers. This classic eatery has been a staple of the city for more than 55 years and offers hearty portions of steak, pasta, and even a signature Emberburger for lunch and dinner in a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere. Related post: 18 Midwest Supper Clubs I Want To Visit (Jesse’s Embers is on the list!)
Where to find the best steakhouses in the Des Moines metro
That bacon-wrapped filet mignon is the most popular dish at Jesse’s Embers, but try the 16-ounce rib-eye at this stalwart on Ingersoll Avenue that’s been open since 1963. Carter Arnett bought the restaurant in April after Marty Scarpino and Deena Edelstein decided to retire. They took over ownership in 2007 after Scarpino worked at the steakhouse as a bartender for 30 years.
40+ Must-Try Restaurants In Des Moines
If you’re looking for a classic supper club experience in Des Moines, look no further than Jesse’s Embers. This classic eatery has been a staple of the city for more than 55 years and offers hearty portions of steak, pasta, and even a signature Emberburger for lunch and dinner in a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere. Jesse’s Embers, 3301 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
9 Must-Try Restaurants in Des Moines – Oh My! Omaha
Old-school steakhouses are a Des Moines staple, and Jesse’s Embers is a long-standing favorite. With perfectly grilled steaks, burgers dripping with cheese and onion rings worth filling up on, Jesse’s menu is the definition of Midwest comfort food.
50 Best Restaurants in Des Moines: Our guide of where to eat, drink, brunch
Since 1963, this steakhouse on Ingersoll Avenue has been serving steaks cooked over an open flame. You'll find plenty of seafood, sandwiches, pasta and ribs to round out the menu. Be sure to try an order of the hand-sliced thin onion rings.
20 Best Restaurants In Des Moines, Iowa
Dining at Jesse's Embers is truly an authentic Des Moines experience. Open since the 1960s, Jesse's Embers has remained one of the most beloved and best restaurants in Des Moines. The traditional menu serves mainly steak and seafood.
Top Restaurants in Greater Des Moines by Region
Des Moines (Polk County) A longtime local favorite with old-school charm and sizzling wood-fired steaks. It’s got that supper club feel — in the best way.Learn more about Jesse's Embers
35 Best Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa in 2023
3301 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312Phone: 515-255-6011 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Timothy Clay Alston (@timothyclayalston)
Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Des Moines by Diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (137 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 3301 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines, Iowa - Categories: seafood, steakhouses- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit