Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar — Restaurant in West Des Moines

My bothers and sister selected this steakhouse based on reviews. We wanted a nice place to celebrate our Dad's 80th birthday. The restaurant staff, atmosphere and food did not disappoint. We had a party of 10, so to our surprise had a private room. This was awesome, allowed us to interact with everyone, take pictures and enjoy our time together. Our server Justin and his counterpart was excellent! They both answered questions on the menu, provided tips with menu and drink options - Justin's suggestion for Don't Be Salty cocktail; the flavor and smoothness matched the description perfectly. So the appetizers was new experiences for some at the table, selected the Chilled Shellfish Tower, Ahi Tuna Poke Stack, Sweet Chili Calamari and Onion Rings. The birthday VIP enjoyed all the things😊. He said it was all good. And then the entrées were really good. The Prime Tomahawk was the main selections - each guest had from medium rare to well done, 4 orders two included the Colossal Diablo Shrimp. And then there was 2 Cowgirl Bone-In Ribeye, chef signature series Jumbo Scallops with Wild Mushroom Risotto, 36-Hour Braised Short Rib with roasted garlic mashes potatoes, port wine demi-glace, Main Filet with Steamed Lobster Tail, and a chef created grilled cheese with fries. Overall, the food came as order and was absolutely delicious. Two items needed a slight adjustment, and Justin handled both with exceptional care and patience. The filet, requested medium well, came out with a thicker pink center than expected, and the grilled cheese, though not a menu item was made using brioche bun, which ended up more toasted than my niece preferred. Both dishes were promptly remade and returned perfectly. This is family style with main entrée and sharable sides. We selected Crispy Brussel Sprouts & Bacon, Roasted Asparagus, Chipotle Cheddar Mac & Cheese. My meal came with the roasted garlic potatoes, so only tried the Mac & Cheese which was savory and good cheesy blend. I loved it! The other sides everyone enjoyed there was not a bite left. The surprise birthday party was amazing, good food, service...

First, let me state we were there for a seminar, so dinner was free. I normally review the positives but this experience was awful. We were in a private room, so did not get normal experience. Our first server, Barbara was wonderful. We had 4 selections for entrees and two desserts. I chose the petite filet (“it’s a steakhouse” I heard a server say. Well, okay let’s do it.)and butterscotch, what was described as a pudding trifle, with salted caramel and Chantilly cream. When we arrived, places were set with a good looking Cesar salad and a bruschetta tray with homemade mozzarella, and a bread basket. The salad was beautifully plated and just right. The sourdough bread was fresh and flavorful. Actually the highlights of the meal. The bruschetta was tasteless. We then sat through the presentation for nearly an hour, then dinner was served. Servers brought out family style dishes of mashed potatoes and creamed corn with a pepper jam. Mains then arrived. From different servers. My filet, ordered medium, was vey unevenly cooked: rare on one side, well done on the other. It also lacked seasonings. In fact EVERYTHING was very bland. I felt like I was eating at a retirement home. I would have asked for salt but servers disappeared as soon as dishes were dropped. Corn was TOUGH. You serve that to Iowans? Mashed potatoes even looked pasty. And there was absolutely no flavor. I left some of everything on my plate. When the server asked if I wanted a box, I must have looked funny, because he asked if I didn’t enjoy it. So I told him all of the above. He did not react and just removed the plate. Dessert came. I should have had the cheesecake. All at our table enjoyed it. The butterscotch dessert I got was almost completely liquid. Not pudding like as described. I ate half. Now I don’t know what Fleming strategy is in regards to these seminar dinners. I assume they hope you come back for more. We won’t. You get what you pay...

This is a tricky one - It definitely has a chain feel to it which detracts from the romance of a night out. The bar is in the front of the house so you see people in casual clothes watching sports straight off. Once seated it felt more secluded and intimate, although it is a very busy restaraunt - wait staff were on top of their game so it had kind of a fun buzz. Waiters would walk by smiling and take a finished plate even if it wasn’t their table. The manager checked on us and seemed genuinely interested. Our waitress could not have been more friendly or inviting. Her service was the hilight to me! We did the Valentines Special and for $70 it wasn’t too overpriced - caviar with Prosecco, a healthy sized salad with beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and pistachios, filet with fig sauce on a bed of mushrooms and two monster shrimp, and then an enjoyable bread pudding for dessert. I will say the wine prices are absurd. We paid $64 for a bottle of wine that can be had for $17.99. They took our picture and printed it onto a card which was unexpected and made the night feel more special. It was a fun and memorable evening. Surpassed my expectations for sure but the wine prices may keep me from having it on the repeat visit list.

Other tidbits - both steaks were ordered medium and came out perfectly, free bread with champagne and Brie butter that was outstanding, we didn’t finish the bottle of wine which they happily corked to go. They have a coat check.

I have certainly had better (and much worse) steaks. This would qualify as above average for most in my opinion (ambience is a little below average for the price point) 801 Chophouse and Aposto are a cut above but this seems to fill a need in the Jordan Creek area...