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AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino, Altoona, IA

AJ's Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows Casino

4.5
4.5
877 Reviews
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today

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

  • 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

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 877 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
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Iowa

    Steakhouse

  • Des Moines

    Romantic

  • Des Moines

    Good for special occasions

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Filters

  1. JohnH

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very easy and user friendly to make reservation. Love hotel, casino and AJ's Steakouse all under one roof.
  2. Chickelala

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered prime rib which was fantastic. Had calamari for an appetizer- wasn't quite as good but we have had other apps that were excellent. Service was outstanding. This is a great place to go for a nice dinner-ambiance was quite good.
  3. Ladylu

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    We had a terrible experience in May 2023, but was willing to try it again. This time was just as bad, if not worse. Our food was unacceptable. The salad had brown lettuce in it, the side of asparagus was 4 wilty pieces, the beef stroganoff was very salty and the service was less than average. We love to stay at Prairie Meadows for many reasons, but AJ's Steakhouse is not one of them. The Cafe of the Meadows is where we'll eat our dinner next time. The Paddock on the casino floor is another great place to grab a bite. AJ's is not worth the money!!!
  4. StephanieB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to celebrate our anniversary The staff was phenomenal and the food was absolutely delicious! We had an amazing evening!
  5. NancyW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The shrimp was outstanding. 6 nice size shrimp with salad and a side for $26.00. That and the prime rib makes this my favorite restaurant in Des Moines and surrounding area. I will go back soon.
  6. JuuJoo

    Des Moines

    13 reviews

    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    The service was very poor for this type of restaurant. We had to ask for water and too much time between courses. They forgot to serve our dessert. French Onion soup too salty. Beef Stroganoff too much wine flavor.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    244 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    244 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Waiter Adrien was great. He made our experience great. Food was good. Steak great, but veges not good. Reasonable prices Again, awesome service.
  8. TedE

    Coastal Georgia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Meal was great, our server was friendly, knowledgeable and very attentive, it wasn't very busy so we were very taken care of. My steak was great. Husband ordered fried chicken, wasn't that impressed by it, but it was a large portion and I thought it tasted fine. I told him "you order steak at a Steakhouse" Were celebrating our 23rd anniversary and it was a very nice evening.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Nice restaurant, took us to a nice and quiet area for our date due to it being valentine day
  10. TimothyT

    Omaha

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Food was ok, 2 of the 3 steaks were not done to our preference.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience
  12. kens

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, wonderful server. All around excellent meal.
  13. 1hawkz1

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and service was even better. I like a side of pasta with my steak instead of potato. They didn’t even hesitate to make the substitution.
  14. Iowafoodies

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I were pleasantly surprised. We were in a booth in the bar area. It was a bit more secluded/ private. The food was very good and their drinks were delicious. Very good experience even with a waitress that had 2 day's experience. She was excellent!
  15. JohnS

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place with great ambience. Everything was wonderful. My only minor complaint is that my Ribeye steak was just ok.
  16. JenE

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Great food & great service, but our waitress was wearing a lot of perfume. Never a good idea around food.
  17. DebD

    Omaha

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Nice meal with friends. Staffing was in training so understandable issues such as no steak knives, lack of refills, etc.
  18. WillR

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    When we arrived for our reservation, I asked for a four top table instead of a booth. They only had booths. The booth had no tablecloth. After our party of four was seated, the hostess did not bring enough flatware for the foursome. We had to wait for our meals. The server was okay. The bar order was sloooooooowwwwww. It took 10-miunutes to get an Iced Tea and the cocktails were more like 15-minutes. This would have been understandable if the place had been busy, but they only had half of the dining room seated. The second of drinks arrived near the end of the dinner, with the exception of my wife's wine - which came after the meal was cleared. All of the appetizers are fried in the same oil that is used to fry the shellfish in - and having a shellfish allergy - that ruled out any aps for me. The Caeser Salad dressing was crummy. I ordered the 8oz beef filet medium rare. It came out medium well. The side was a baked potato - which was the best part of the meal - with the exception that the butter and sour cream was the size of quarter each. The dinner was so disappointing that we didn't even think about ordering desert. When the reservation was made it was noted that we were celebrating a birthday. Nothing was done to acknowledge that my the restaurant staff. This was my second and last time ever dining at A.J.'s steakhouse.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    Dry steak: Chicken Fettuccine was flavorful, but the chicken was not tasty and seemed to be processed, nice presentation.
  20. SheilaL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    THE best steak! I ordered medium rare and it was delicious! My sister ordered the steak burger and she said it was the best burger she’s had!
  21. RaymondM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was amazing. Prime rib cooked to my perfection, but my mixed drink was way too sweet. Had two sips and told waiter about it, he just took it away but never took it off my bill.
  22. Homma

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The service was amazing. We didn't realize it was a special menu for NYE. I even called hours before to ask & was told they were serving the regular menu. The food was mediocre at best. Loved the serve
  23. MikeO

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    We both got the Prime Rib. Neither piece of meat was quality good beef…both were full of fat and grisly. Very disappointed as the rest of our visit was great. Our waiter, Adrian was awesome. My husband requested the prime rib be cooked medium…it was mooing still so Adrian took it back to the kitchen where it appeared to be microwaved. Mine was a little underdone but ok. Again, cut of beef was low quality, not what was expected for the fancy restaurant with the higher prices. Drinks, sides and dessert was excellent.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    The service was really good but the food was awful. We ordered chicken and steak and everything came out cold and the chicken was rock hard, not tender at all, was hard to cut even with a steak knife. For the price is was pretty disappointing.
  25. MikeM

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    NYE 2022-23, we had reservations for 6:30pm. Got there early and was seated. Food was very good, ambience was good, service from our server was really good. Bar service getting drinks to table was horrible, will chalk that up to how busy it was at the time and it being New Years Eve. 1st time guest, heard a lot of really good things and overall I would rate this a 7 1/2 out of 10. If the drinks would have been served at a reasonable pace then it would have been a 9 rating. Cheers and Happy New Years!!!!
  26. WadeC

    Des Moines

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Truth be told; we did Thanksgiving dinner, and were not impressed for the money. But because we live so close we gave it a second chance for New Years, same experience.
  27. KymJ

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    It was Christmas and we always normally have a great experience. Plenty of wait staff on the floor.. Felt our server had either worked a long shift or just didn’t care.. sat for 10 minutes before someone to come to our table.. took about that to get drinks. prime ribs werent cooked to preference. Asked for a coke twice, never got it. Deshawna(sp) asked if we needed horseradish sauce. Replied yes.. never got that.. thank goodness for runners or the salads and meals wouldn’t of came out before closing. Never seen our server on the floor so we sat for quite a while for ticket. If the server had been on the floor we could of addresses our issues. But she was no where to be found. I get it was Christmas and we were aware that we would be waiting. But our server was just MIA. If you are struggling for whatever reason . Tell your table that there is or you are having an issue.. and 9 times out of 10 . The customer will be understanding..
  28. Notyours

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    Very average to below average. Fondue appetizer was small and cold, they ran out of dessert. Service was slow, but it was Christmas Day and they tried.
  29. BevK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great service and the food was delicious! One of the best steaks I have had in a while!
  30. AllenS

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    We arrived for our reservation and sat at a nice table, the atmosphere was nice. The waiter arrived after a decent wait time and took our drink order and food order. Our Prime rib arrived (by someone other than our waiter), mine was baked potato and my husband had mashed potatoes, very good. But, we needed horseradish and additional butter for my baked potato, when we finally hunted down our waiter, he said he would bring us these items. Instead, he went to the next table and took an order, and then proceeded to 'chit-chat'...in the long run, it took 15 minutes to get the additional items... my suggestion...have the 'delivery person' ask "is there anything else you may need with your meal?" No, they just drop off the food and run away....stupid. I ordered a pecan pie and my husband had cheesecake, which looks great. But, my pecan pie looked like something that came out of a vending machine, very generic, with a dab of whipped cream slathered on top. UGGG, why bother with that kind of dessert, just ugly.
  31. DawnG

    Des Moines

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, great service, we had a lovely evening
  32. JustinB

    Des Moines

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Aydren was amazing and the food was delicious. AJ’s is our stop of choice for Christmas Eve dinner after church.
  33. KevinT

    Des Moines

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great place to dine. Food is Excellent and service is impeccable. So easy to make a reservation and never an issue upon arrival when making it through Open Table!
  34. Cgcampbell

    Des Moines

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Food was average Texas Roadhouse quality, waiter was really good. Only complaint I have is we went on Christmas Eve thinking their holiday menu was available as it had images of come join us for the 23, 24 and 25. The menu was only for the 25th. Very misleading, that was the only reason we went there. If I known that I would have gone to 801 chophouse or Flemmings. I will choose the ladder next time due to this misleading advertisement.
  35. PMFAN

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    Sadly I bragged up the place - we were sat by a loud table full of kids, went to celebrate a birthday and were barely acknowledged and as much as I hate to complain about servers - it’s really not Shannon’s best life. This is 2nd time we’ve had very poor experience. Makes me sad.
  36. KellyK

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The service, ambiance, and 3 course meal were quite good! You would pay considerably more for such things at competing restaurants. The only thing that I noticed, which is true of many restaurants, is that sometimes the portions are very generous, and at other times a little less generous. Which can spoil you when their substantial. This is a top notch place with attentive and caring staff!
  37. Sam50211

    Des Moines

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Order the 8oz Filet and was cooked just right. Creamy Parm dressing is outstanding and meals were reasonably priced. Our waitress was wonderful and got a free dessert for my birthday.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Central Texas

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall3food1service2ambience4
    Decided to dine for Thanksgiving Dinner AND BIRTHDAY…waited about 20+ min before the waiter acknowledged me…and he stopped me when I decided to go to the restroom. I was very clear…when I ordered…to make sure I wasn’t rushed and food wasn’t brought out until I finished the previous course. My bread and soup came out before my martini and the water was brought without the ordered lemon and straw; therefore, I had to wait before having a drink. I waited as my soup became cold…as I watched my martini sit at the bar becoming room temperature about 15+ minutes before I asked another waiter to please get it…rather, he brought the lemon and straw…saying my waiter would bring the martini. Took another 5+ min…soup still sitting untouched. Soup was extremely SALTY & unfortunately tried forcing it down…but it burned my mouth from the salt. I travel nonstop…and dine at fine restaurants and all kinds of cafés. Was the worst Squash Bisque I have ever experienced. Tasted like pure salt. Told the waiter, who replaced it with shrimp cocktail pre-fix menu option…was good but missing the lemon. His response to the soup…many customers commented and returned the soup for the salty taste…the MANAGER should be replaced for allowing it to continue to be served…it was that bad. My Turkey dinner entree arrived…WITHOUT the cranberry sauce. Another wait that created food less than hot. Also…the meal was advertised as vegetables served “family style” and it was not. And when my dessert was brought…was told they accidentally gave mine away, thus had to choose an alternative. Again…this was MY BIRTHDAY and THANKSGIVING …the waiter did nothing to make my dessert special or anything. I even had to ask for a bag to place it in being I decided to get it togo…how could I continue this experience???? Sheree’ Hilbun Former Miss TEXAS USA Top 8 Finalist, Hawaiian Tropic International Calendar Centerfold & Spokeswoman
  39. BeverlyG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    AJ's is a place we go to multiple times in a year. The food is good, the service is great. The regular menu is better than a selection from a limited menu - but then it was the Thanksgiving meal!
  40. WadeC

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    My wife and I enjoy going to AJ's about once a month. It keeps her from cooking, and I don't have to do the dishes. It's always a good way to start, or end our time at the Casino, or Horse Track!

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 877 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
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

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