85 Bar West

Amazing food and experience! This is not your typical sports bar. This is some of the best food in the area! Id say this burger is my favorite burger in the entire state of Iowa. The wings were so good, so i inquired and they bake them first then fry them! They were unbelievable make sure to get the Honey Garlic! Come in and try this food asap you wont regret it !

Drink - I got the one with egg whites in it (forgetting the name now) it was delicious.
Appetizer - spinach Artichoke dip absolutely delicious. My husband thought it had too much spinach. Boneless creamy parmesean wings were also delicious, great flavor.
Mini beer - super fun and tasty drink.
Chicago dog - absolutely perfect! The 85 fries were unique, they're a little softer than I typically like my fries but still delicious.

My daughter and I tried 85 Bar West this past Saturday night for dinner. We went a little after 6pm and weren’t sure if it would be a long wait, super packed, super slow, etc. We were pleasantly surprised to be seated right away. Most of the tables were full, and the outside patio looked like it would be nice on an evening that was not 90 degrees! They had cornhole/bags set up, which is a fun time while waiting for your food. We did wait around 5 minutes for a waitress to come greet us, however it was fine – we understand they are a new restaurant, still learning, and all the staff seemed to be busy so it isn’t like anyone was sitting around not doing anything while we waited. The menu isn’t huge, but has the staples for bar grub. When McKenzie K. greeted us she was very friendly and helpful. We ordered pickle chips, the BLT with fries, and chicken strips with fries, and our drinks. Our drinks came out quickly, and the pickle chips followed soon after. The pickle chips were smokin’ hot. When my daughter was finally able to eat one unfortunately they were too spicy for her. She doesn’t eat the sauce (chipotle ranch) so it was definitely a kick in the breading and she doesn’t like anything spicy. It would be good to update the menu description to note that the breading has a kick to it as well. She at a few, and we brought the rest home for my husband to try reheating as he does like spicy food. While waiting for our food we enjoyed watching the baseball game on the big screen tv. The food came out in a reasonable time and was hot. The BLT had a TON of bacon, which is always nice, and it was crispy. Unfortunately it did only have one small piece of lettuce and two extremely thin sliced tomatoes, so it felt like more a bacon sandwich with a garnish of tomatoes and lettuce, but the bacon was very good. My daughter really liked the chicken strips, and there were a good amount in her order. The breading wasn’t overly thick, and they had a good flavor. I was a little disappointed in the fries because they had that light breading on them, which I am not a fan of, but that is more personal preference. My fries were fine and not soggy or anything. My daughter’s fries were super greasy – the grease was actually visible. It was fine, as she ate mine and liked those.

All in all, I think once 85 Bar West gets all their kinks worked out and refines their menu a little after settling in this will be a really fun bar/grille in Waukee. Everyone was very friendly and was working hard. The place was clean – which is not always the case when a restaurant is new, super busy, and working out kinks. We will wait a month or two and plan to return to check it out again.

I've visited '85 Bar West several times and have always had great service and food! There are some great vegetarian-friendly options, and the appetizers are delish (hellooooo spinach and artichoke dip). The presentation of the tin can nachos is so fun, and the cocktail menu is full of options for every palate. Plenty of fruity choices for my fellow sweet drink fans. Top it off with a friendly staff and unique decor, and it was the perfect atmosphere! Went for the food, stayed for the mood :)

If you like a modern sports bar like I do, then this place is for you. Beautiful interior with a great cocktail menu, and big TVs. I haven't tried their food yet but the menu looks great. I've been looking for a spot in Waukee to make my regular, and I think I found it!