New York and Chicago can keep their pizza debates. We’ll be over here, napkin tucked and fork in hand, digging into Des Moines’ hometown classic: Steak de Burgo. 

And because we don’t do anything halfway, we’ve rounded up the Des Best – both the top spots for Steak de Burgo and the juiciest, most mouthwatering steaks in Greater Des Moines, as voted on by locals who know their way around a filet. 

For the uninitiated, Steak de Burgo is a filet cooked to order and smothered in either a garlic butter sauce or a creamy herb-forward blend – both passionately defended by diehard de Burgo fans. Born in the kitchens of Des Moines' Italian American restaurants in the 1940s, it’s a dish with history, heart, and a whole lot of garlic. 

So whether you like your steak bathed in butter or sizzling solo, we’ve got you covered. 

*All of our Des Best lists are crowdsourced and voted by locals.*

Latin King
When it comes to Steak de Burgo, many locals say Latin King wears the crown – and we’re not here to argue. Their version is a showstopper: perfectly cooked tenderloin, ladled with garlic butter, crowned with a giant mushroom cap, and served sizzling on a hotplate for maximum drama (and flavor). We even featured it in one of our videos – because some legends deserve the spotlight.
Style: Butter

Rusty Duck
Who says you can’t have it both ways? Head west to Dexter and discover the Rusty Duck – a small-town gem serving up big-time flavor. Their de Burgo comes in hefty one pound portions and lets you choose your adventure: a rich garlic cream sauce or a buttery wine sauce with garlic and basil. They also use an Iowa ribeye instead of the traditional filet. Underrated, unpretentious, and undeniably delicious. (Pro tip: The burgers are no slouch either.)
Style: Cream or butter  

Simon’s
Simon’s is every local’s go-to for a cozy date night – and their de Burgo more than lives up to the hype. Choose between a 6 or 8-ounce USDA Choice beef tenderloin sautéed with garlic, fresh oregano, basil, butter, and spices. Prefer poultry over beef? The Chicken de Burgo is just as swoon-worthy. Either way, don’t skip the complimentary slice of red velvet cake – it’s the real happily-ever.
Style: Butter

Chicago Speakeasy
Known for their legendary prime rib and old-school salad bar, Chicago Speakeasy is also quietly serving up one of the metro’s most underrated de Burgos. Two tender 5-ounce medallions are drenched in a rich butter sauce and paired with your choice of baked potato or spaghetti – comfort food at its finest. Add in the all-you-can-eat salad bar, and suddenly you’re wondering why you don’t eat here more often.
Style: Butter     

Baratta’s
Craving Steak de Burgo with a side of South Side charm? Baratta’s has you covered. A beloved neighborhood staple since 1993, this family-run spot dishes out Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, and chicken parm – plus a butter-sautéed Steak de Burgo seasoned with their own special blend. Cozy, classic, and downright comforting, it’s everything you want in a local gem.
Style: Butter

Christopher’s
Des Moines has a rich (and delicious) history of Italian American cuisine. Christopher’s, which has been a Des Moines tradition for more than 50 years, is one of the stalwarts of the scene, and their de burgo is the star of the show. Served with a cream sauce and Italian seasonings, with a heaping side of Beaverdale charm. An order of their famous meatballs in sauce to start completes the experience.
Style: Cream

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Want your de Burgo with a side of Sinatra? Head to Johnny’s, where the Steak de Burgo is the headliner, and the vibe is straight out of “Ocean’s 11.” Served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a generous pour from their curated wine list, slide into a sleek booth and channel your inner Rat Pack – fed, fancy, and feeling like a million bucks.
Style: Cream

Tumea & Sons
Part of Des Moines’ proud Italian dining tradition, Tumea & Sons has been dishing out favorites like pasta diablo and manicotti for over two decades. Their take on Steak de Burgo features two 5-ounce beef medallions smothered in a creamy garlic herb sauce. Pair it with penne rigate or spaghetti for the ultimate Iowa-meets-Italy experience. Chef’s kiss.
Style: Cream 

801 Chophouse
This downtown Des Moines institution is where prime cuts and power lunches collide. Known for its old-school elegance and USDA Prime beef, 801 Chophouse is the kind of place where the martinis are cold, the steaks are hot, and the service is white-glove. The Steak de Burgo is only available on their Sunday Supper three course, prix fixe menu, served with a salad, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and your choice of Crème brûlée or fresh fruit sorbet.
Style: Cream

Irina’s
Steak de Burgo with a side of Siberian swagger? At Irina’s, you can choose De Burgo as your sauce – because of course a place known for vodka flights and velvet booths lets you customize like a boss. We recommend pairing it with the center-cut filet for peak indulgence. Rich, garlicky, and just creamy enough, it’s Iowa meets Eastern Europe in the most delicious way. Na zdorovie!
Style: Cream 

AJ’s Steakhouse
Feeling lucky? Head to AJ’s Steakhouse inside Prairie Meadows in Altoona, where high stakes meet high-quality steaks. Their USDA Prime de Burgo comes in two bold options: an 8-ounce filet or a go-big 14-ounce ribeye, both smothered in a rich white wine garlic cream sauce. Win or lose at the slots, your dinner is a sure thing.
Style: Cream  

The Big Steer
Located in Altoona and famous for portion sizes that could feed a small family, The Big Steer serves up hand-cut aged steaks in a setting that’s as unpretentious as it is beloved. Regulars rave about the Steak de Burgo served three ways – a 6-ounce filet, two 4-ounce filets, or the 8-ounce filet tips served over wild rice, all topped with garlic butter, wine, and seasonings. All charbroiled to perfection and served with a smile (and a baked potato the size of your head).
Style: Butter

RAISING THE STEAKS 

While Steak de Burgo will always be Des Moines’ signature dish, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a classic steak – minus the butter bath. And lucky for us, Greater Des Moines is stacked with steakhouses that know their way around a filet. Whether it’s dry-aged, flame-grilled, or served sizzling on a cast iron skillet, these places prove that even without the de Burgo, the steaks have never been higher. 

Prime & Providence
A newer face in the steak game, Prime & Providence in West Des Moines blends modern luxury with classic Midwestern hospitality. The dry-aged steaks here are showstoppers, especially the 16-ounce ribeye and the surf-and-turf combinations. Bonus points for the craft cocktails and swoon-worthy interior design.

John & Nick’s Steak & Prime Rib
This Clive favorite is a hidden gem with serious steak game. Come for the slow-roasted prime rib, stay for the extensive salad bar (yes, it’s legit). Their ribeye and New York strip are crowd-pleasers, but it’s the cozy, supper club energy and friendly service that keep folks coming back. 

Oak Park
One of the hottest tables in town sits right on Ingersoll Avenue. Oak Park isn’t a traditional steakhouse, but don’t let that fool you – their center-cut filet mignon and 24-ounce bone-in ribeye are showstoppers. With a sleek open kitchen, wood-fired grill, and a national nod from “USA Today” as one of the Restaurants of the Year, this spot is drawing diners from all over the country – and for good reason. 

Jesse’s Embers
A Des Moines classic since 1963, Jesse’s Embers is a no-frills, flame-kissed institution where steaks are grilled over charcoal and nostalgia is served on the side. The Embers Special – a 12-ounce aged prime sirloin – is legendary, and the cozy, wood-paneled interior makes it feel like the kind of place where everyone knows your name (or soon will). 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Yes, it’s a chain, but Ruth’s Chris in West Des Moines delivers on sizzle and steakhouse swagger. Their signature 500-degree plates mean your filet or ribeye arrives still sizzling (don’t touch the plate – we warned you). Add a side of creamed spinach and a Crème brûlée chaser and thank us later.

Iowa Beef Steakhouse
It doesn’t get more “Iowa” than this. At Iowa Beef Steakhouse, you pick your cut, they grill it to order, and you enjoy it in a lodge-like setting complete with red-checkered tablecloths and a hearty salad bar. Go big with the 20-ounce T-Bone or try the top sirloin for a true throwback steakhouse experience. 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Tucked into West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek area, Fleming’s is where special occasions go to feel extra special. Whether you’re ordering the petite filet mignon or going full send on the prime tomahawk, this national brand keeps the quality high and the wine list even higher.

Rube’s Steakhouse
At Rube’s in Waukee, you don’t just order your steak – you grill it yourself over an open flame. This DIY steakhouse experience is part tradition, part tailgate, and 100% Iowa. Choose from ribeyes, strips, and filets (or their famous garlic bacon-wrapped steak), then grab a pair of tongs and let the magic happen.