Steak 'n Shake — Restaurant in West Des Moines

Went to this location for my first time ever trying Steak n Shake. I pulled into the drive through about 20 minutes before 9:00PM with around 7-8 cars in line ahead of me. After sitting in line for about five minutes a gentleman in uniform came out and told me the car in front of me was the last car they would be serving. I told him the posted time says they do not close until 9:00 so they should have plenty of time. He told me there was nothing he could do and asked me to leave. I asked him what the managers name was and he turned around and muttered something under his breath. I asked again what the managers name was and he turned around and yelled "He's inside, he can't help you". I told him I didn't want to talk to him, I just wanted to know his name. He screamed back at me "BRIAN" before yelling a profanity about another car pulling into the line behind me. I tried to message Steak n Shake privately about this experience but have not heard anything back in three days so I am posting this publicly so that people are aware to show up WELL ahead of the posted closing time because apparently the employees don't like to prepare food for customers if it gets too close to the end of their shift. I can understand that they can't just keep making food all night if cars were to show up after the posted closing, but in my opinion every car in line before closing should be served. If employees have to stay a few minutes after closing to prepare food for customers who showed up before the posted closing time then so be it. Being turned away so rudely well before closing just comes off as unprofessional and lazy. Unfortunately I cannot even comment on the food and I will not return or recommend anyone else eat at this location until I get a response from...

I was looking forward to Steak ‘n Shake from the moment I woke up this morning. After going to my fitness class and earning my meal, I drove across town and got in line. The time was 7:36. I slowly made my way from Mills Civic down the line toward Steak ‘n Shake. As I turn right, I notice a sign on the corner that says Steak ‘n Shake open until 9:00–drive through only. I think—that’s an hour and 15 minutes from now—line is long, but I should make it in time without a problem. I’m also on the phone with my grandma while I wait—just catching up—hearing about her latest artwork she’s working on. The time is now 8:43–I’ve been in line for an hour and 7 minutes. Still 17 minutes until closing. A guy from inside the restaurant comes out and puts cones down in front of the three cars ahead of me. Those three cars, along with about 12 other cars were all turned away. 17 minutes before closing. Contrary to one other review here, no vouchers were given. I waited an hour and 7 minutes only to be told to go home. I was four cars away from breaking that line, and there weren’t many cars behind me at that point either. My wife, who was in the passenger seat called the restaurant, and they said they wanted to actually close down at 9:00 so they weren’t going to stay open to serve the rest of the customers in line. Customers who waited for over an hour.

I love Steak ‘n Shake. I grew up with one nearby. This was the poorest service I’ve ever received at Steak ‘n Shake—and really at any fast food place in Des Moines. I’m terribly disappointed, and after that, I don’t know if...

Table cleaning with a spray cleaner began shortly after we sat down. This probably would irritate some but I had no problem as I'm sure the gal wanted to get a head start. However, when she finished all the other tables, she literally leaned against the table across from us with her hand on her hip and stood there glaring at us in disgust. It was then I just had to ask "are you wanting us to leave?" and she replied, "well yeah! (Kind of like dah) It's after 9 oclock" and continued her glare. So I understand having to wait for customers to leave and very conscious of that fact. However, it wasn't even 9:15 and we still had food in front of us, food THEY took extra time to prepare. All of us, except my husband as he wanted to finish, quickly grabbed our food and left the restaurant as she just acted like we were putting her out. But am I wrong in assuming if "dine in" service is until 9, and they offer "dine in" trays when we order, that we are allowed to "dine in"? That's either very poor training or the owner of this place is in the wrong business. It wasn't imperative our table be cleaned at that moment. She was still there mopping floors a half hr later which she could have started instead of cleaning that particular table. We are in that area a lot and won't be back. Maybe she had a really bad day and was taking it out on us. Unfortunately she has no idea how much she costs the owner and I'm sure doesn't care. Also whats the point in wiping down tables and then putting dirty chairs upside down on...