Datebook Diner: Appetizers, sips best at W.D.M. Johnny’s

Hojo - November 22, 2009 at 6:33 PM

Sorry Poat, but have to agree that the food at Johnny's is mediocre at best (the Fleur location is much better than the WDM). There may be a few hidden gems on the menu, but the bread, salads, steaks (especially the prime rib) all underwhelmed. For the price, this is likely what I would consider one of the worst values in Des Moines. CAB beef is good, but certainly not better than prime, an offering at several Des Moines steakhouses at a price only slightly higher than what you pay at Johnny's for the CAB. Johnny's does, however, make a decent cocktail.

MegF - November 20, 2009 at 3:52 PM

I have visited Johnny's a few times and my main problem with them is their inconsistency. The angry commenter is correct about their quality of beef and their South Side (where many of my favorite restaurants in town reside) Italain roots. However, if a restaurant cannot consistenly serve good quality chicken (i experienced the same grip as a few of the other users below)and service, I do not think it can be given a stellar review, nor thought of as one of the best restaurants in town.

nevesis - November 20, 2009 at 10:36 AM

I've had some pretty good steaks there. But I've had some really lousy experiences there too -- so I suspect it's not the quality of beef in question, but the consistency. POAT - since most people would guess you work for/manage/own Johnny's, can I give you some advice? There's a server that works Sunday afternoons. Taller guy. His service was some of the worst I'd ever had. On the other hand, I was up there for drinks a few weeks ago and the bartender was great. Likewise, we had potato soup that was great and shrimp that was awful. I've had excellent steaks while my girlfriend suffered through extremely dry chicken parmesan. Show some consistency and stop blaming your problems on others and arguing with critics. That is *exactly* what Maverick Grill did when their review was posted and look what happened to them!

batthustler - November 20, 2009 at 7:56 AM

I have to agree with POATMORANVILLE. I have been to both Johnny's locations more that a few times. I have always had excellent food and service at both locations. The parmesan crusted NY strip is one of the best steaks in town. I tell everyone that asks where to find a good steak in town to go into Johnny's and I have always received great reviews about Johnny's in return.

POATMORANVILLE - November 19, 2009 at 10:39 PM

Unbelivable another predictable review for a "Has been wannabe foodie". Moranville when are you going to retire? Johnny's steaks are the best in town!!! Who else in town serves C.A.B. beef? Only the top 10% of all beef is graded like this and you can only find it at Johnny's. Do they serve this band of beef at those fancy little restaurants that you always review and never have anything negative to say about? Some would assume that your on there payroll????? Johnny's is a gem for DSM. They provide me with nothing but service with class, a wine list that is top notch and a martini that I have not found anywhere yet to beat. But you can't see that cause you are so blinded by your pre-concived notions that if there is more than one location this can not be achevied!!!

POATMORANVILLE - November 19, 2009 at 10:32 PM

It's amazing, If your name is not associated with a single store location in this town and have some Hometown Chef (names to be left unsaid) then W.E. Moranville will not cast you any type of praise. Johnny's originated in DSM on the Southside where the Italian influence is strong and vibriant. But yet would she/he know that or even draw any sort of Hometown orgin from that? NO!! She/He can not and will not ever say anything positive about any restaurant that has more than one location. Johnny's is a staple in DSM, for the best steak in town there is no comparision. Is Moranville was such a great reviewer they would have noticed the C.A.B. logo on the menu for the steaks. This stands for Certified Angus Beef, only the top 10% of all beef is graded with this distinction and they serve it at Johnny's. None of DSM fancy single store locations(that Moranville rants and raves about all the time) can even touch this with what they "call beef" and serve to there guests.

nevesis - November 19, 2009 at 7:23 PM

(I've always liked their de burgo and drunken steak though....)

nevesis - November 19, 2009 at 7:21 PM

We visited Johnny's a few Sundays ago after a long night of celebrating a Hawkeye victory. We probably looked a little weary. With that said, our server completely ignored us. And I was extremely disappointed in the shrimp cocktail - the shrimp were large, and not spoiled, but they were most definitely straight from the freezer. They lacked flavor and had a hard to describe chewy texture that was really unsettling. Among the things we did order, their potato soup was a perfect match for the cold, damp weather.