36th Street Tavern — Restaurant in Ankeny

I can't tell you how many times I have driven past this place. I was always kind of confused. Is it a coffee shop? Is it a bar? It is indeed both. We stopped here on a Sunday night to have a couple of beers and watch some March Madness. We were looking for something new, and thought why not? I was pleasantly surprised to meet one of the owners who treated us better than any other restaurant has treated us before. I grew up with a mother in the service industry and have personally worked in it myself. The first question was not "what will you have" or "what can I get started for you?" It was "how are you guys doing" or "what kind of music do you guys like?" I am almost hesitant to tell everyone about this place because I'd like to keep it to myself. Their number one priority is the people walking in and creating a relationship with them. They serve great food and drinks (like seriously, the truffle fries and boneless wings are out of this world) but that is not what will keep me returning. It is that feeling of a dive bar, but not feeling like you are in a dive bar if that makes sense? They are willing to serve you better than you have ever been served before.

You may ask; How are they connected to a gym? Why are they located where they are at? Well, that's because it's the perfect spot. It's not where everyone else is going to be. It's where you're supposed to be. This is a place to catch a game (whether it is Iowa, Iowa State, or Nebraska (sorry but, go big red)). It doesn't matter the time of year, they are always ready to serve. This is the "dive bar" you have been looking for. You just didn't know it because you drove by to get gas at KwikStar every day. Their food is absolutely sensational (From the boneless wings to the truffle fries to the duck wonton). I have never felt so driven to share my experience with the public before, I believe in what they are trying to become. They deserve the whole support of Ankeny. As one of the owners said; "start your day with us and end your day with us!" This place should become a staple of Ankeny, and I hope my review can convince you to try this place out. It's the best dive bar/coffee shop/shake shop you will ever go to. I expect this place to be PACKED Friday and Saturday. If you have ever driven by, and thought "what is this?" please stop. Grab a beer, grab a coffee, or grab some food. You WILL be returning soon. Selfishly I hope they stick around, so I can keep going. It is a no-brainer to stop whenever. This is the best unknown bar in Ankeny. Like I said before, they deserve everyone's support. So if you're thinking about stopping by, just do it. I promise it'll...

The Bedda Chedda with truffle fries was FANTASTIC. Food came out fairly quickly and was hot. Our server was attentive and easily answered all of our questions.

So now after three visits, I can no longer recommend this place.

Our second visit still had decent service, but the burgers were terrible. Who puts sweet pickles on a burger.

On our third visit, we were promptly greeted and drinks and apps were ordered. The apps arrived after about 5-6 minutes but our drinks, after asking, took almost 10 more minutes to come out. They brought them With my burger with the wrong fries. My wife’s fish and chips were not with it. I waited another 10 minutes for my ketchup and my wife’s food. The ketchup was finally brought after we flagged our server down and asked for it. I finally decided I should start my burger so it wasn’t cold cold. I finished my burger and about 10 minutes later the fish and chips arrived. It was undercooked and extremely greasy, inedible, but they finally brought my truffle fries.

At this point we asked for our check and they took the fish and chips off.

I can’t give them anymore business and that is a shame considering how good the food and service was when they first opened and how close it is...

Wanted to give this place a try after the new name. Loved the live music and it has a good environment. Server was great. She was the only one serving all the tables. Food took about an hour and it was mediocre at best They did warn us about the wait time, so that isn't the issue. The food is expensive and not worth it. The menu description leads you to believe you'll have a tasty experience. I ordered the Caprice salad and my partner ordered the Italian beef ($14). My salad was $12. It was flavorless. No basil and just completely underwhelming. My partners sandwich hardly had any beef in it. Our other friends ordered burgers and they came out cold. We did mention to our server that the food wasn't great. She was so apologetic and we made sure she knew it had nothing to do with her. She talked to the manger.. and the manager made her continue to be the middle person and never came to talk to us. I'm honestly shocked she wouldn't take care of her staff or us, but whatever. Anyway.. drinks are expensive but good. Food is meh. Liked the live music. Disappointed in...