Next level food and service. You don't need to hit the big city to have it.

This isn't my first time at Z's and it won't be my last. This is no mere or average small town bar or restaurant. Don't let the rustic decor deceive you. If you walk into Z's, you could judge the decor. You could make the mistake of thinking this is some average small town restaurant. You'd be wrong.

I'm a foodie. I travel often for work, I've eaten at many a steakhouse. And I know very much that looks can be deceiving. If sit down at my booth it's Z's and close my eyes. I'm at any one of some very amazing steakhouses and eateries that I've visited. Z's menu is next level. They have taken the time to not phone it in. There's attention to detail in every recipe. The carefully assembled flavors here are well crafted and rival experiences I've had in much more expensive places.

That said. Z's is true to it roots. This is a Midwestern restaurant that is experienced and proud of where it comes from. The Midwest is a melting pot and we borrow from cultures around us. Z's understands that. But they take the recipes and make them true Midwestern. You order a steak here. You'll know it's from Iowa. From the fixin's to the service, Z's is a place you want to experience again and again.

Shout out to the wait staff as well. I came at not a busy time. But having kind of multiple New York restaurants, I appreciate our Midwestern culture. My waitress Cyndi, took the time to answer all my questions. She was knowledgeable about the menu and was damn efficient. We're talking genuine Midwestern work ethic here. She serviced three tables while answering my questions and the pacing was perfect. All my questions where answered, Menu items explained, and I saw people's drinks at tables serviced around me and I never felt she missed a beat. I was never kept waiting. This is a place that values their customers and they show it.

Did I mention full bar? With their own take on many cocktails. Seriously, I wish I had found this place previously.

Pictured is my order. Z's Gunpowder rub strip with blue cheese and bacon. Sauteed brussel sprouts (loaded). And Iowa mule to tie it all over. The steak was a little more done than I expected for ordering at medium rare. But I cannot fault this at all. It was still amazing.

This is a place where you can hit for dinner and you're not going to regret it. I've walked away just as satisfied as I have been walking out of steakhouses like Peter Luger's in New York. But considerably richer.

Welcome to the Midwest. Big taste. Quality service. In an unassuming but tasteful and thought out package.