Smitty's Tenderloin Shop

Overview

Smitty's Tenderloin Shop has been a beloved staple in Des Moines for years, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of some of the best tenderloins in town. Situated at 1401 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, this cozy spot has built a reputation for serving up hearty portions of delicious, perfectly cooked meals that keep patrons coming back. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Smitty’s is a must-visit if you’re in the area.

Walking into Smitty's Tenderloin Shop, you immediately get a sense of the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is small but charming, with a casual vibe that makes it perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. The walls are adorned with local memorabilia and photos, giving the place a true neighborhood diner feel. It's not fancy, but that’s part of its charm. You know you're in for a good meal when you see the locals chatting away at the counter.

The menu at Smitty's Tenderloin Shop is simple but packed with flavor. As the name suggests, the tenderloin is the star of the show. The breaded tenderloin is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and served with all the classic fixings. Whether you go for the traditional version or one of the many variations, you’re in for a real treat. It’s no surprise that this tenderloin is often touted as one of the best in Des Moines. Some might even say it's a hidden gem of the Midwest, offering a piece of comfort food perfection that’s hard to beat.

One of the standout features of Smitty's Tenderloin Shop is the consistency. No matter when you visit, you can count on your meal being freshly made and cooked to perfection. It’s a place where the staff remembers your name, and you can almost always count on seeing the same friendly faces. The quality of the food remains top-notch, and it’s clear that the team here takes pride in what they serve. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or sitting down for a leisurely meal, Smitty’s makes sure you leave satisfied.

What makes Smitty’s so special, aside from the tenderloin itself, is the genuine, down-to-earth service. The staff is always attentive and eager to make your dining experience enjoyable. From the moment you walk in, you feel like part of the family. It’s this personal touch that keeps regulars returning time and time again. The prices are reasonable, too, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner without breaking the bank.

In addition to the famous tenderloin, Smitty's Tenderloin Shop offers a selection of classic diner favorites like burgers, fries, and homemade pies. But it’s the tenderloin that everyone keeps coming back for. Don’t be surprised if you hear a few folks chatting excitedly about it as you walk in - it’s that good. For those who enjoy a little variety, the menu also features options like grilled chicken sandwiches and a range of sides that pair perfectly with the main dish.

The reviews speak for themselves, and many mention that Smitty’s is the kind of place you can always count on for a satisfying meal. People rave about the consistency of the food and the friendly service. It’s a local gem that doesn't try to be anything it’s not but still delivers a memorable experience every time.

Located just off Army Post Road, Smitty's Tenderloin Shop is easy to get to and a great spot for a quick meal or a relaxed outing. It's no surprise that it has become a favorite in Des Moines. Whether you're a tenderloin aficionado or just in the mood for a solid meal, Smitty’s is the place to go. It’s the perfect combination of great food, friendly service, and that homey feeling that makes dining out a true pleasure.

Good to know

Service options

No-contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Great coffee Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates

Dining options

Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Toilet

Atmosphere

Casual Cosy Historic

Crowd

Locals Tourists

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Children

Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu

Parking

Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 1780 reviews
Amazing 1369
Great 287
Okay 88
Not Great 53
Terrible 62
True Blood American Bulldogs

THIS is the tenderloin I've been looking for. I have been hunting for a tenderloin to match the ones I used to make at my own restaurant, and until I finally stopped here, I had lost hope that anywhere else had a jumbo breaded loin to match the size I used to sell. These are enough for 2 meals - cut in half, eat half on the bun and save the other half to smother with white gravy the next day absolutely loved it! This place is small but they make some great tenderloin! My new favorite spot!

Invictus Gaming

The tenderloins are always perfect and the customer service is top notch. I suggested you update your website to your Facebook one since it seems some scammer took it over. A++ on the food always our stop when visiting family. Thank You.

Linda McNaught

If you like an old fashioned diner this is your place. Red dinette sets and booths with a small counter. Friendly service. This was the first time I had visited in many years. The tenderloin was not quite as big as I remembered, but it still tasted good.

Michael Koehler

It's worth stopping by... I have no idea what a tenderloin sandwich is, but it was good. The onion rings are fresh and homemade. The chocolate malt was awesome. The building is a little deceiving - it is out of the 50's but cool in a history kind of way. The highlight of the visit is the staff... Mindy and Wendy were awesome - great service, super nice, friendly, and a lot of fun. The atmosphere in this place is great

Thomas Sawyer

I’ve been going to Smittys for 50 years. Are there better tenderloins in Des Moines? Of course there are. But this one is all about the experience. Smittys is a classic !!!

Brian Mills

Our first time eating here. We ordered a breaded tenderloin, vegetable tenderloin, jalapeño munchers, breaded mushrooms, and chicken nuggets. For drinks we had a root beer, strawberry shake, and vanilla shake. The food and drinks were good. The service was excellent. All of the employees were very friendly. This is a smaller restaurant so there are not a lot of seats for dine-in.

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