City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Restaurants

Address: 309 Court Ave.

Description: An all-American brewpub serving all-American food: Big steaks and chops are featured here, including a 16-ounce prime rib, a delectable grilled rib eye with truffle creamed corn and roasted red potatoes, and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions with a black-currant wine sauce and white cheddar mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side. There are plenty of tasty lighter options, too, including pesto chicken pasta, a vegetarian burrito with falafel, black beans and Spanish rice served alongside mixed greens, fresh salsa, sour cream and southwest ranch dressing. Now, about the beer: It’s good. Brewed on-site are such beers as a Belgian white, a nutty brown ale, a deep, dark stout, and an Indian Pale Ale known as Honest Lawyer. There’s also a homemade root beer brewed with Iowa honey and a ginger beer with just the right amount of zip. Desserts are simple and satisfying, like a chocolate cheesecake and a bread pudding with caramel and whipped cream. The surroundings are dark wood and deep booths in a building that served as a saddlery in the 1880s. Take a look at the giant tanks used to brew the beer while you’re there. Open 7 days a week.