Pizza Ranch — Restaurant in Urbandale

After two separate 1-star experiences at Pizza Ranch locations in Waukee and Winterset, I gave up on what had previously been one of my favorite resturant chains. Years later and I found myself walking in the door at the Urbandale location with limited expectations. I was happily surprised!

The male cashier (I regret not getting his name) who greeted me was phenomenal. The level of service, his contagious smile, and attention to detail were next level. It felt like I had walked into a Chick-fil-A and was greeted by the franchise owner.

In stark contrast to my other Pizza Ranch experiences, the food here was fantastic. Starting with a fully stocked and fresh salad bar; no missing ingredients, no frost burnt lettuce. The pizzas were also all high quality, rich in toppings, and masterfully prepared. (Too often pizza buffets skimp on ‘expensive’ toppings such as meat and cheese, but not here!)

Admittedly, the woman clearing dishes came by more often than I would have preferred, trying to take plates away while I’m still eating from them. Though, I could see she was well meaning and just trying to be helpful.

Another small negative was 2-3 week’s buildup of dust on the lamp shades above each table. While it was at eye level when I’m standing, this may have been missed by a sub 6’ cleaning staff.

Still, my overall experience was excellent from start to finish. Hey, even the ice cream machine was working! I’ve already returned a second time and plan on doing so again before heading...

I'm only giving this place one star. The reason behind that is we didn't get a full sampling of their menu. But we did get to eat tasted pretty good. On the flip side there was only a small selection of pizzas to choose from when we started. Most of those selections were dessert pizzas what you don't necessarily want to start I'm meal with. Particularly when you're diabetic. The only Pizza that was available when we started was a cheese pizza, not what you're looking for when you pay 11 or 12 bucks a head. There were other pizzas up there one with lots of stuff that looked ugly and old and one maybe I'll call it sausage pizza that look like it had been there since yesterday. The macaroni and cheese sat so long it had plasticized. And when they finally brought out a fresh batch of chicken it was nothing but backs and drumsticks. We were pretty much done with our meal when they finally brought out some fresh pizza. If this is typical of the service and a Pizza Ranch they are charging way too much. I would have paid six or seven dollars for this Buffet. And been alright with it. But this is not an 11 or $12 Buffet. Won't be going...

I am disappointed with Urbandale Pizza Ranch. We visited on Monday July 26th 1:45 ish. 1 senior, 1adult, 3 kids, 2young adults. Food and drinks was good, ice cream is fabulous! However, I fell. Walking past the pop dispenser, there were several wet spots (maybe ice cubes dropped?) I did not see, until I was on the floor! Thankfully my 85yr old mother didn’t fall. I fell so hard I couldn’t move for a moment. 2 young staffers, just stared at me. I was so embarrassed, and angry! Staffers didnt offer to help. My 12yr old grandson helped me get up. I told one young staffer to clean up the water spots, twice! A manager eventually came out of the back area, and a “wet floor” sign magically appeared! The manager started cleaning the steam table Where I was loading my plate. She said nothing, I had to tell her I fell!! The staff does NOT know how to handle this type of situation! A few kind words, helping me get up from the floor, an apology, would hv meant a lot. I limped around all that day, and day #2 still limping and bruised. On day #3, if I am still hurting, I will no choice other than contacting the corporate office to pay for...