Discover Maxie's Supper Club
Walking into Maxie's Supper Club feels like stepping into a slice of Midwestern dining history that still knows how to have fun. Located at 1311 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States, this diner-style supper club blends old-school charm with a menu that clearly understands modern comfort food cravings. I first stopped in on a busy Friday evening, and within minutes it was clear why the place consistently earns strong reviews from locals and visitors alike.
The atmosphere sets the tone right away. Dim lighting, polished wood, and classic supper club décor create a relaxed but lively mood. You can hear conversations flowing easily between booths, and there’s a steady hum from the bar area where seasoned bartenders mix Old Fashioneds the way supper clubs have done for decades. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, traditional Midwestern supper clubs are known for this exact balance of casual dining and social experience, and Maxie’s stays true to that formula while keeping things fresh.
The menu leans heavily into familiar favorites, but with careful attention to quality. One standout is the steak selection, which uses USDA Choice or higher beef. The USDA reports that Choice-grade beef offers a reliable balance of tenderness, flavor, and value, and that consistency shows on the plate. My ribeye arrived cooked precisely to temperature, rested properly, and seasoned simply enough to let the meat shine. That level of execution tells you the kitchen knows its process, from sourcing to grill timing.
Seafood options are another pleasant surprise. Supper clubs traditionally highlight Friday fish fries, and Maxie’s delivers with a crispy, golden coating that doesn’t overpower the fish itself. The kitchen staff explained that they use a light batter and maintain strict oil temperature control, a method commonly recommended by culinary institutes like the Culinary Institute of America to prevent greasiness and preserve texture. It’s a small detail, but it makes a noticeable difference.
Beyond entrées, the menu rounds out nicely with classic sides and shareable starters. Creamy mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, and hearty salads make it easy to build a balanced meal. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, which aligns with many diner and supper club reviews that praise Maxie’s for value as much as flavor. Online feedback often highlights consistency, and after multiple visits, I can confirm that dishes taste just as good on a quiet weeknight as they do during peak hours.
The bar program deserves its own mention. Supper clubs are historically tied to cocktail culture, and Maxie’s leans into that heritage. Their Old Fashioned follows a traditional recipe, avoiding overly sweet shortcuts. According to data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, whiskey-based cocktails remain among the most popular in American dining establishments, and it’s easy to see why when done correctly. The balance here enhances the meal rather than distracting from it.
Service plays a major role in the overall experience. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and quick to offer recommendations based on your preferences. On one visit, a server walked me through the differences between two cuts of steak, explaining marbling and cooking styles in plain language. That kind of guidance builds trust, especially for diners who may not be experts but still want a great meal.
While the restaurant focuses on in-person dining, it can get busy during weekends, and wait times may be longer without a reservation. That’s a small limitation worth noting, though it also speaks to the restaurant’s popularity. For anyone exploring supper club dining in Iowa, Maxie’s Supper Club stands out as a place where tradition, technique, and genuine hospitality come together naturally.
