The Absolute Best Lunch in Ankeny

Ankeny lunch is a data problem, and we treated it like one. We ate our way through the strip malls and the Uptown blocks, from the rib-sticking smoke of Bubbies BBQ (temp issues noted) to the dependable, steady hand at Portofino’s, where the garlic bread just works.

The numbers show that the most reliable bets are the ones with a specific, repeatable identity—like The Ornery Chicken’s messy, crunchy sandwich or Mullets’ biscuits that genuinely deserve a scolding. You can find a proper steak at Filet Steakhouse and a surprisingly decent sour beer in the same afternoon.

The margins are thin, but they matter. Here is the ranked list, based on the only metric that counts: would we go back tomorrow.

Mullets - Uptown Ankeny

Highlights
Biscuits worth a scolding
Flavor without salt or pepper
Sour beer surprisingly pleasant
Service redeemed on return visit
Bar lunch delivered promptly

Mullets in Uptown Ankeny turned out to be a pleasant surprise for lunch. The biscuits alone are worth a scolding—they’re that good, flaky and buttery. I didn’t miss salt or pepper because the flavor comes through naturally. The sour beer I tried was surprisingly pleasant, with a nice tart kick. Service on my first visit was a bit slow, but the second time around they redeemed themselves, quick and friendly. My bar lunch was delivered promptly, which is all you can ask for on a busy weekday. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest and satisfying. I’d return for those biscuits and a cold one.

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TrailSide Tap

Highlights
Inconsistent food quality

TrailSide Tap is a decent spot for a casual lunch, but the food quality is inconsistent. One day the burger is juicy and well-seasoned; the next it’s dry and bland. The fries were either perfectly crisp or soggy, depending on when you catch them. The beer selection is solid, and the patio is nice when the weather cooperates. Service is friendly but can be slow during the rush. If you’re not picky and just want a cold drink and a bite, it works. But if you’re seeking reliable, great food every time, you might want to look elsewhere. I’ll give it another shot, but I won’t hold my breath.

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Filet Steakhouse

Highlights
Steaks cooked properly
Service was great
Nice atmosphere
Free dessert offered
Flowers takeaway allowed

Filet Steakhouse delivered exactly what you’d expect for lunch: properly cooked steaks. I ordered the ribeye medium-rare, and it came out spot on, with a nice char and juicy center. Service was great—attentive without hovering. The atmosphere is nice, not too stuffy for a midday meal. They even offered a free dessert at the end, which was a thoughtful touch. The flowers on the table and the relaxed vibe make it a good spot for a business lunch. The takeaway, if you can manage it, is also well-packaged. Prices are a bit higher, but the quality justifies it. I’ll be back when I need a steak fix.

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Main Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)

Highlights
Huge menu selection
Events handled expertly
Attentive, not intrusive
Great food and service
Smooth party planning

Main Street Cafe & Bakery has a huge menu, which can be overwhelming but also means there’s something for everyone. For lunch, I got a club sandwich that was fresh and hearty, and the house salad was crisp. What really stood out was how they handled events—they had a group of about 20, and the staff was calm and efficient. Attentive without being intrusive, they refilled drinks and cleared plates quickly. The food was great, and the service was smooth. It’s a reliable choice for a group lunch or a solo visit. The bakery case is tempting, so leave room for a cookie. I’d recommend it for a stress-free meal.

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The Breakfast Club

Highlights
Dog-friendly patio with water bowls
Crab Rangoon Benedict, unique and tasty
Fast service and 80s-themed atmosphere

The Breakfast Club is a fun, quirky spot for lunch—they serve breakfast all day, which is a win in my book. I tried the Crab Rangoon Benedict, and it’s as unique and tasty as it sounds: crispy wontons, creamy crab, poached eggs, and hollandaise. The flavors worked surprisingly well. Service was fast, and the 80s-themed decor adds a nostalgic charm. The patio is dog-friendly, with water bowls provided, which is a nice touch. My pup was happy, and so was I. The coffee is decent, and they don’t rush you out. It’s a cheerful place to linger. I’ll be back to try their pancakes.

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Hernandez Mexican Bar And Grill

Highlights
Family-friendly dining atmosphere
Delicious food and margaritas
Attentive, friendly staff service
Fast service with quality meals
Live music and sports viewing

Hernandez Mexican Bar And Grill is a solid choice for a family-friendly lunch. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff is attentive and friendly—they made sure my water was never empty. The food was good, especially the tacos al pastor, and the margaritas were delicious, not too sweet. They have live music on weekends, which adds a nice vibe, and there are plenty of TVs for sports. Service was fast, and the quality was consistent with what you’d expect at a good Mexican place. The portions are generous, and the prices are fair. If you’re in a group, this place handles it well. I’d come back for the happy hour.

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Birdie's

Highlights
Attentive service, fun atmosphere
Solid buffalo chicken options
Great for group celebrations
Seasonal drink menu offerings
Impressive large-party execution

Birdie’s is a great spot for lunch, especially if you’re in a larger group. The staff handled our party of ten with ease, and the food came out quickly. I had the buffalo chicken wrap, which was solid—the buffalo sauce had a nice kick. The seasonal drink menu is a nice touch; I tried a refreshing watermelon mint cooler that was perfect for summer. The atmosphere is fun, not too loud, and the service is attentive. What really impressed me was how they managed the group order without missing a detail. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. I’d recommend it for group lunches or a casual meal with friends.

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The Ornery Chicken

Highlights
Perfectly crunchy, soft fries
Generous meat and toppings
Best happy accident lunch
Worth the long drive
Solid ranch, great wings

The Ornery Chicken is a bit out of the way, but the lunch is worth the drive. The chicken sandwich was perfectly crunchy on the outside, and the bun was soft and fresh. The fries were also spot on—crispy outside, fluffy inside. The meat and toppings were generous; I got the barbecue version with extra pickles, and it was messy in the best way. I ordered the ranch on the side, and it was solid, not too thick. The staff was friendly, and the food came out fast. This was a happy accident—I just happened to be nearby and decided to stop in. It’s become a new favorite. I’ll make the drive again.

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Flame Cantina

Highlights
Gluten-free icons on everything
Generous portions yield leftovers
Genuinely happy, attentive service
Fresh, unique tequila chicken bowl
Affordable margarita deals for cyclists

Flame Cantina has a fun, casual vibe with a menu that accommodates gluten-free diets without skimping on flavor. I had the tequila chicken bowl, which was fresh and unique—the citrus marinade really stood out. The portions are generous, so I had leftovers for dinner. The staff was genuinely happy and attentive, making the experience enjoyable. The margarita deals are a bonus if you’re a cyclist—they seem to have a thing for bike riders. I’m not sure if it’s every day, but it’s a nice touch. The prices are reasonable, and the food is consistently good. It’s a great spot for a relaxed lunch with a friend. Just be ready to overeat.

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Uptown Food & Beverage Co.

Highlights
Fast, accurate group service
Fresh Greek salad with dressing
Excellent thin-crust pizzas
Attentive server Adriana
Historic photos throughout venue

Uptown Food & Beverage Co. is a reliable lunch spot, especially for groups. Our server, Adriana, was attentive and got our orders right the first time—fast, accurate service is a rarity, and she nailed it. The thin-crust pizzas are excellent; I had the pepperoni and it was crispy and well-topped. The Greek salad was fresh, with a tangy dressing that complemented the meal. The historic photos on the walls add character, and the atmosphere is comfortable. Prices are fair for the quality. If you’re in a group, they handle it well. I’d come back just for the pizza and Adriana’s friendly service. It’s a dependable choice for a no-fuss lunch.

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Portofino's Italian Restaurant & Pizza

Highlights
Rich Alfredo, phenomenal garlic bread
Cozy fireplace, elegant atmosphere
Plenty parking, reasonable prices
House vinaigrette a refreshing surprise
Consistent quality across visits

Portofino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza serves a lunch that’s both comforting and classic. The rich Alfredo sauce is creamy without being heavy, and the garlic bread is phenomenal—crispy on the outside, soft inside. The cozy fireplace adds warmth on a cold day, and the elegant atmosphere beats most lunch spots. Parking is plentiful, and the prices are reasonable for the quality. The house vinaigrette is a refreshing surprise, tangy and bright. I’ve been a few times now, and the consistency is impressive. If you want a proper sit-down Italian lunch without the fuss, this is your place. Just save room for dessert.

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Bubbies BBQ

Highlights
Ribs best, but lukewarm
Chicken carried best smoke
Sausage and ribs flavorful
Fast seating and service

Bubbies BBQ is a mixed bag for lunch. The ribs are the best thing on the menu—smoky, tender, falling off the bone—but they arrived lukewarm, which hurt the experience. The chicken carried a decent smoke flavor, though it was a bit dry. The sausage and ribs were flavorful, but again, temperature was an issue. Service was fast, and I got a seat right away, which is a plus. The sides were standard, nothing to write home about. If they can fix the heat issue, this would be a top BBQ spot. As it stands, you’ll enjoy the taste but may want to ask for extra hot sauce.

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