City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (515) 288-6000

Address: 801 Grand Ave.

Description: White tablecloths, high booths, dark wood paneling, and drawings of prize steers on the walls: Hidden behind the steel and glass facade of Des Moines’s tallest building is an old-school carnivore’s paradise. The menu may seem a little intimidating to first-timers, particularly the 40-ounce Delmonico (for two), but just go with the classics: Big, broiled cuts of meat, like the New York strip or rib eye, are always good choices, as are the lamb chops, which come with a homemade mint sauce. The filet mignon is tasty and a little more manageable than the bigger cuts. You could also try the osso bucco or chicken breast. Stick with the basics with the sides as well, like the hash browns with cheddar or the 1-pound baked potato. The lobster corn chowder is a good start to the meal, as are a jumbo shrimp cocktail or oysters Rockefeller. The dessert list is as lengthy and impressive as the dinner menu, with choices like strawberry crème brûlée, Grand Marnier soufflé, and a banana split with Absolut vanilla ice cream. There’s an extensive wine list, including many fine by-the-glass options. The brass-rail bar offers a large selection of martinis and single-malt scotches, as well as happy-hour specials like $1 oysters on the half shell and filet mignon “sliders,” or small burgers, with horseradish cream. No lunch. Reservations are a good idea.