AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

Name: AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino
Address: One Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA, United States, 50009
Telephone: (515) 957-3535
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

960 Reviews

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Top Tags:

AJ’s Steakhouse proudly serves renowned Iowa steaks and chops, seafood and poultry in a classy, yet comfortably casual, atmosphere. Located inside Iowa's premier gaming and entertainment venue, AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows invites you to enjoy some of the best American cuisine you'll find anywhere in central Iowa. We promise that our outstanding menu and attentive service will leave you truly satisfied.

We’re proud to feature USDA Prime steaks on our menu. With exquisite marbling and remarkable flavor, it’s the highest quality beef money can buy. Join us soon for an unforgettable dining experience you won’t find anywhere else. Check out our full menu online. Then stop in and indulge yourself with all that our award-winning chefs can prepare for you.

Book your next big event at the AJ’s Steakhouse Party Room. A comfortable room, elegant table setting, customized menu with world-class wines, and dedicated staff providing gracious service.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

8:30 PM

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Steakhouse, American, Steak
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(515) 957-3535
Website
https://www.prairiemeadows.com/dining/ajs-steakhouse
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Carl Eskridge
Private party facilities
We allow private events. Please call us at 515.957.3535 for reservations or details.
Private party contact
Zach Hitchcock: (515) 957-3535

Location
One Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
Neighborhood
Des Moines
Cross street
Adventureland Dr. - Inside Prairie Meadows Casino
Parking details
Abundant and convenient free parking is always available.
Entertainment
Prairie Meadows, located just minutes from downtown Des Moines in Altoona, Iowa, features more than 1,100 slot machines, your favorite table games, poker room, live racing, outstanding dining options, and free live entertainment. Prairie Meadows is fun you can bet on!
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

38 Iowa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

AJ's Wedge GF$12.00
iceberg lettuce, Maytag blue cheese, applewood bacon, candied walnuts, choice of dressing
Caesar Salad*$11.00
romaine lettuce, AJ's Caesar dressing, fresh parmesan, croutons, parmesan crisp
French Onion Soup$10.00
caramelized onions, rich broth, croutons, smoked provolone & Swiss cheeses
Lobster Bisque GF$15.00
a hint of brandy

Steaks & Chops

Entrees include house side salad, choice of baked potato, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or steak fries. Substitute potato for onion rings, cheesy potatoes, or make baked potato loaded for $4. Substitute salad for AJ’s wedge side salad, Caesar side salad, French Onion soup for $5

Filet Mignon*GF$40.00
8-ounce, AJ's demi-glace
Filet De Burgo*GF$42.00
8-ounce filet mignon, white wine garlic cream sauce
Sirloin*GF $35.00
12-ounce USDA Prime
Slow-roasted Prime Rib au Jus* **
Available Friday – Sunday
- 12-Ounce$38.00
- 16-Ounce$42.00
- 22-Ounce$55.00
Surf & Turf*GF $62.00
8-ounce Filet Mignon & Petite Lobster Tail
Center Cut Boneless Iowa Pork Chop*$30.00
housemade apple chutney
Center Cut Ribeye*GF$50.00
14-ounce USDA Prime, aged 28 days

Toppers & Sauces

Caramelized Onions GF$4.00
Sautéed Mushrooms GF$4.00
Parmesan Crust$4.00
Sauce Béarnaise GF$4.00
De Burgo Sauce GF$4.00
Herbed Compound Butter GF$4.00

Pasta

Pasta entrees include a house side salad and toasted focaccia. Substitute an AJ’s wedge side salad, Caesar side salad or French Onion soup for $5.

Chicken Fettuccine$24.00
grilled chicken, house-crafted garlic cream sauce, Parmesan cheese, sautéed stick vegetables
Shrimp Fettuccine$32.00
AJ's Signature Baked Rigatoni$22.00
creamy marinara, Graziano sausage, mozzarella cheese

Chef's Features

Entrees include house side salad and choice of baked potato, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or steak fries. Substitute potato for onion rings, cheesy potatoes, or make baked potato loaded for $4. Substitute salad for AJ’s wedge side salad, Caesar side salad or French Onion soup for $5.

AJ's Fried Chicken$26.00
cooked in our special pressurized fryer, steak fries, garden slaw
Seared Salmon*$31.00
mango salsa
Panko Fried Shrimp$28.00
six jumbo shrimp, AJ's cocktail sauce
Grilled Chicken Breast$26.00
bourbon-glazed

AJ's Hand Helds

AJ's Steak Burger*$18.00
half- pound steakhouse burger, cheddar cheese, bacon, steak fries
Prime Rib Sandwich*$18.00
shaved prime rib, caramelized onions, baguette, provolone, creamy horseradish, steak fries

Sides

Loaded Baked Potato GF$9.00
Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes$8.00
Cheesy Potatoes $8.00
Steak Fries$6.00
Onion Rings $9.00
Roasted Brussels Sprouts GF$9.00
honey cinnamon butter, cranberries, candied walnuts
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus GF$9.00

Seafood Sides

Petite Lobster Tail GF$22.00
Five Shrimp Scampi* GF$15.00

What 960 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Iowa
Good for special occasions
Iowa
Steakhouse
Des Moines
Good for business meals
Des Moines
Romantic
Des Moines
Good for special occasions

960 Reviews

T
Tport1
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food4service1ambience3
Server didn’t give bread, didn’t refill water until after meal was done, and didn’t give steak knives knowing that we ordered steak.
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M
Megan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and excellent staff. One of our favorite places to get a good steak.
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DH
DougH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Wife's steak was good. My prime rib was tuff.rest of experience was good
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TS
TammyS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
We were there to celebrate a birthday. The chef special was great! It was a great night!
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TO
TomO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice quiet place, very good food and drinks at very affordable prices
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JH
JenaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic and the service outstanding! A most go place to eat!
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RM
RhondaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and atmosphere was perfect. We appreciated the chef coming out to talk to my guest about her shellfish allergy. He took great care to keep her food separated from the seafood in the kitchen and all was good!! Thank you!!
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T
Tanya
Fargo
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great server. Food good. The Citrus Crème Brulée was delish
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JF
JimF
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Over all very good. Felt like they were rushing. When we go out somewhere nice, we are not in a hurry. Had appetizers, salad and entree on the table all at same time. Beware, when they say petite filet and lobster, they mean it.
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TB
TylerB
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience3
Our Steaks were way under done. The Brussel Sprouts were terrible, Potatoes were very gritty, I felt like my drink was under poured as well. Not a great experience for us. The server was nice
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LS
LeonS
New Mexico
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great steak place with good choices. Prime Rib is excellent! They have good dessert choices as well. Seth at the bar is always excellent and a great bartender waiter! Hours are nice with early open of 4pm… The staffing level was a bit short handed for the crowd on a holiday weekend, particularly in support of Seth as he was having to work extra hard… Overall a really nice atmosphere and food is always good.
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MW
MarcW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, food was fresh and delicious,loved the dessert.
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SH
StaceyH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food with excellent service. Will be back for sure!!
Is this helpful?
MG
MarkG
Des Moines
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
The new bread basket is not good. Bread is dry and has no flavor. One of our favorites about dining here was the cinnamon raisin bread. Bring back the old bread basket.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Omaha
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience4
Ordered the filet and lobster special. The filet’s size was so small that would have been 2 bites. Also both entries were cold. Ask for manager and he acted like that’s just the way it is , even though my spouses filet was 4 times bigger. Eventually brought her another win, but wasn’t apologetic at all! Won’t be back anytime soon! Our waiter was pretty slow, waited very long time for glass of wine. My wife had to walk up to him to tell him the drink was sitting on the bar.
Is this helpful?
KA
KeithA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great service and good food. We were happy with our choice.
Is this helpful?
AA
AmberA
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience1
Prime rib was over cooked and dried out. Rib-eye was also over cooked. Sides were average. Even though it was slower, we were placed in the lower level in the party room. There was a group of 20-25 people, it was very noisy. Definitely not the intimate date night we were hoping for!
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RH
RobertH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our wait staff Olivia was amazing. Very attentive. Filet was so tender I was able to cut it with my fork. We travel from Texas during summer and AJ’s has become our anniversary dinner place.
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CL
ChristineL
Kansas City
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Steakhouse was amazing. We were seated in a nice quiet area away from noise. Service and food was outstanding.
Is this helpful?
TS
TomS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our anniversary dinner out and everything could not have been better. We would recommend AJ’s to anyone looking to have a quiet special dinner out. The atmosphere was wonderful.
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JC
JohnC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience2
Steaks were not cooked properly after sending back multiple times. Grossest grey prime rib that has ever been seen. Manager came over to our table without us requesting him and did absolutely nothing to make our experience better.
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S
Samantha
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great and our server was incredible! Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
JE
JenE
Des Moines
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Seth is the most amazing bartender and overall hospitality professional...wish the world had more people like him!
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YE
YvonneE
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience1
My husband made this reservation. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation time. I used the ladies room across from the restaurant. I walked into the restaurant not to see my husband so I sat there looking around. The manager stood at the desk looking at me then around the restaurant. Never asked me if he could help me. I waited approximately four minutes. Finally my husband came out to find me sitting there. I asked why would they seat you without me? He said he did not want to be seated but the Lady said she would come back and get me.....she never did and I thought it was very rude to sit him without his party. That was the first disappointment. The second one was I ordered the Grilled Chicken with Bourbon Glaze. I had to ask the waiter for a steak knife the chicken was so tough and dry that I should have sent it back. But for the type of establishment this is I should not have to. So for our only second time visiting I think we will go elsewhere to spend our money.
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DS
DawnS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Panko shrimp excellent Best wedge salad anywhere Excellent cheesecake Nicest servers around Love the soups...French onion
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T
Tanya
Fargo
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
Had reservations. Was told that a table of , I believe it was 11 had just "walked in" about 20 mins prior, as in no reservations. Thats fine, no biggie. Until our party of 6 "had" to be sat at a table that clearly wasn't made for 6. When questioned about such a small table, we was told , as he looked over at the large party, that it is what he had available at this time. Then after ordering and finishing our salads, we sat for an additional 50mins for our entrees. Yes 50 mins. And every one of our Chef Specials entrees, were served to us with "out of the cooler" cold broccoli. So they gather it all up, on one plate, and took it back to be replaced. We was not impressed by having him walk around the table collecting food off all of our plates then bringing it back out, heated, and just setting it down like we were being served "family style" . Also the filet , I think was sirloin, was tasteless. Over all, This place doesn't live up to the prices of what it "wants" to be. Won't be in a huge hurry to return.
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CC
CindiC
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The special was perfect. Steak and chicken was the perfect combination. The price of $25 was a great surprise.
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JA
JeffA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This will be our go to steak house. Perfectly prepared. Beverages were superb.
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LS
LeslieS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience5
Restaurant is very nice. 3 of our party ordered steak and they said the steak was not good, plexpensive cost for steak that flavor was not good.
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SA
StephanyA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love everything about AJ’s. We always go there for special occasions.
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KG
KristinG
Omaha
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were pleasantly surprised! The Thursday night Surf & Turf special was an excellent value. Caden, our server, was wonderful. We'll definitely be back!!!
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RS
RobertS
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food very polite and prompt service! I would highly recommend AJ steakhouse! Very good high end restaurant
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JW
JoshW
Omaha
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great. The smoked peach was among the best cocktails I’ve ever had. The food was great and our server, Titus was a courteous and prompt professional. 10/10
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GC
GloriaC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
I ordered my steak medium. It was very pink-bloody and made me sick!
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KE
KathyE
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time at AJs and we loved it. Food and service were excellent and nice dinner specials on Wednesday and Thursday nights. We will go again.
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TS
TraceyS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The service was outstanding and the food excellent.
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DB
DarbyB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I had the filet an loaded baked potato, also shared dessert. Everything was excellent. My baked potato wasn’t hot, just warm, and that would be my only critique. I didn’t say anything to our waitress. Our waitress was Kennedy and she was great!
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JS
JeffS
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
AH's was excellent overall. I definitely I'll recommend this resturant. The service was awesome and the resturant ambiance was cmvery nice. We split everything so we could try more dishes. We had the Ceasars salad, Shrimp Scampi side, a bowl of Lobster bisque and a filet mignon with garlic mashed and blueberry lemon cheesecake and the chocolate lava cake foe dessert. Everything was excellent!!
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LS
LeeS
St. Louis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menu and service. We arrived around 3:30 and we invited to sit in the lobby until our 4:00 reservation was ready. The restaurant is very well arranged and comfortable. Our server was Reed who did an outstanding job in every way. My Prime Rib was excellent as was the house salad, baked potato and bread that were served to us. We will be sure to return for another special meal.
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JH
JohnH
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner. Excellent filet mignon and shrimp cocktail. Always enjoy eating at A J's Steakhouse when I visit Iowa.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (515) 957-3535.

AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino is rated 4.5 stars by 960 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

8:30 PM

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

One Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009

Additional information

Cross street
Adventureland Dr. - Inside Prairie Meadows Casino
Neighborhood
Des Moines
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Steakhouse, American, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Abundant and convenient free parking is always available.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Carl Eskridge
Entertainment
Prairie Meadows, located just minutes from downtown Des Moines in Altoona, Iowa, features more than 1,100 slot machines, your favorite table games, poker room, live racing, outstanding dining options, and free live entertainment. Prairie Meadows is fun you can bet on!
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.prairiemeadows.com/dining/ajs-steakhouse
Phone number
(515) 957-3535
Private party facilities
We allow private events. Please call us at 515.957.3535 for reservations or details.
Private party contact
Zach Hitchcock: (515) 957-3535

Featured in

38 Iowa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

38 Iowa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Prime Rib Sandwich

Lobster Bisque GF

AJ's Chocolate Fantasy Cake

Appetizers

AJ's Onion Rings$9.00

Baked Italian Stuffed Mushrooms$12.00

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail GF$15.00

Hand-Breaded Fried Mozzarella$12.00

Flash Fried Calamari$12.00

Soups & Salads

AJ's Wedge GF$12.00

Caesar Salad*$11.00

French Onion Soup$10.00

Lobster Bisque GF$15.00

Steaks & Chops

Filet Mignon*GF$40.00

Filet De Burgo*GF$42.00

Sirloin*GF $35.00

Slow-roasted Prime Rib au Jus* **

Surf & Turf*GF $62.00

Center Cut Boneless Iowa Pork Chop*$30.00

Center Cut Ribeye*GF$50.00

Toppers & Sauces

Caramelized Onions GF$4.00

Sautéed Mushrooms GF$4.00

Parmesan Crust$4.00

Sauce Béarnaise GF$4.00

De Burgo Sauce GF$4.00

Herbed Compound Butter GF$4.00

Pasta

Chicken Fettuccine$24.00

Shrimp Fettuccine$32.00

AJ's Signature Baked Rigatoni$22.00

Chef's Features

AJ's Fried Chicken$26.00

Seared Salmon*$31.00

Panko Fried Shrimp$28.00

Grilled Chicken Breast$26.00

AJ's Hand Helds

AJ's Steak Burger*$18.00

Prime Rib Sandwich*$18.00

Sides

Loaded Baked Potato GF$9.00

Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes$8.00

Cheesy Potatoes $8.00

Steak Fries$6.00

Onion Rings $9.00

Roasted Brussels Sprouts GF$9.00

Balsamic Roasted Asparagus GF$9.00

Seafood Sides

Petite Lobster Tail GF$22.00

Five Shrimp Scampi* GF$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino restaurant rated?

Is AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

38 Iowa Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day