801 Chophouse Brings Polished Steakhouse Dining to Des Moines

The public verdict

With a 4.7 Google rating from 1348 reviews, 801 Chophouse ranks among the strongest publicly rated fine-dining options in Des Moines. Two themes keep surfacing in the available feedback: steaks cooked properly and polished service. Diners often describe a meal that feels well handled from the moment they arrive through the final course. Staff members stay attentive, offer guidance and, just as important, do not intrude.

It is expensive, and reviewers judge it with that in mind. Most treat 801 Chophouse as a place for an occasion, not a casual steak dinner. Anniversaries, business meals and other planned celebrations seem to suit the restaurant best. In one anniversary review, the restaurant accommodated a short-notice arrival, recognized the occasion at the host stand and put confetti on the table.

Steaks lead the menu

Steak is the recommendation that appears most clearly across the reviews. Diners say the steaks arrive well prepared and cooked as requested, with filet and Wagyu among the cuts named specifically. At this price, consistency counts. The public feedback suggests 801 Chophouse delivers it, which helps explain the favorable overall rating.

The side dishes get credit, too. Reviewers describe them as plentiful and freshly prepared, not something added to fill out the plate. One diner ordered filet with Lion’s Mane mushrooms. There is not enough repeated feedback, however, to label that pairing a universal must-order. Lamb lollipops and fried lobster bites also come up, though only in isolated comments rather than as part of a wider pattern.

Cocktails are less consistent. One reviewer called an Old Fashioned excellent, while the response to a Cosmopolitan was less decisive. A diner found the fried lobster bites good but somewhat salty, so they do not look as dependable as the steaks.

Service sets the tone

After the beef, service is the restaurant’s most consistent strength. Public comments describe staff members as friendly and knowledgeable, with the ability to walk through the menu piece by piece. Diners also call the service attentive without hovering, polished without turning pretentious. That distinction matters for guests who want formal treatment but would rather avoid a stiff dining room.

The atmosphere is generally considered pleasant. Still, one longtime customer thought the room looked a little dated and could use a more contemporary edge. It is a secondary complaint beside the food and hospitality, though diners looking for sleek, modern design may notice the traditional steakhouse feel.

Best reason to book

801 Chophouse appears most reliable for a classic steakhouse celebration backed by strong service. Based on the public record, steak is the safest order, the staff is worth leaning on for guidance, and the evening works best when treated as a full occasion. The restaurant makes a weaker case for diners focused on contemporary decor, casual pricing or adventurous small plates.

One supplied review refers specifically to Omaha, so any location-dependent details from that account deserve caution when evaluating the Des Moines restaurant. Even with that limitation, the larger review pattern holds: well-cooked steak and confident hospitality remain the main reasons to choose 801 Chophouse.