Chicago Speakeasy has been a Des Moines tradition for over 30 years, and we've enjoyed the food there several times over the years. Located at 1520 Euclid Avenue, the Speakeasy may allude to an era of crime and gangsters, but it's a comfy and cozy place for lunch or dinner.

The vibe at the Chicago Speakeasy is traditional steakhouse, lots of wood paneling and brick, with a small bar for a pre-dinner beverage.

The rest of the bar area is spacious, which is nice if you visit on a Friday or Saturday night, as we did, and have to wait a bit for a table.

We were seated in a nice booth, and had a look at the menu. Chicago Speakeasy is known for their prime rib and steaks, but they also serve a variety of pasta, chicken, seafood, chops and sandwiches. Definitely something for everyone.

And don't forget their famous salad bar! It's one of the things I like best about the Speakeasy - over 50 homemade items are available and everything is fresh and delicious.

Grant always loads up on the pickled herring, something you don't always find on a salad bar. But the choices are many - don't miss the Oreo Fluff!

I also love the piping hot little loaf of bread they bring to the table, such a nice touch. Here's my haul from the salad bar - I can't pass up either the potato salad OR the macaroni salad, so I get both!

For his entree, Grant had the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes. They have several sizes of prime rib available and he says it really is one of the best in the metro. His was cooked to perfection, too, a lovely medium rare.

I decided on the 8 oz. Top Sirloin - I could literally eat steak everyday (well, actually I've never tried that, but it would be fun) and even though I knew we were planning on steak at home the next night, this sirloin was excellent and I'm glad I didn't opt for a different dinner. Crispy steak fries were the perfect side to the juicy and flavorful sirloin.

We enjoyed a bottle of Dancing Bull Zinfandel with dinner, too.

Service at Chicago Speakeasy is friendly and efficient. We were there during peak Friday night rush, and our server was pleasant and we never wanted for a thing. They've definitely got some great people taking care of customers.

If you're looking for a cozy and casual place to dine in Des Moines, give Chicago Speakeasy a try. The older regulars fit right in with couples and familes, and the food and service is spot on.

Chicago Speakeasy

1520 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50313

515.243.3141

Hours

Lunch:
Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm

Dinner:
Monday - Thursday 4pm - 9pm Friday - Saturday 4pm - 10pm

Closed Sundays

Menus and more information at www.chicagospeakeasyrestaurant.com