Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

11151 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, United States

+1 515-270-6818

American restaurant, Banquet hall, Caterer
(6915)
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About This Place

Located in Urbandale, Iowa, Machine Shed Restaurant offers a warm and inviting taste of classic American comfort food with a true Midwestern soul. This beloved establishment serves up hearty portions of traditional favorites, making it a go-to destination for those craving hearty, home-style dishes crafted with genuine care and rich flavors.

Walking into Machine Shed Restaurant, you're immediately welcomed by an atmosphere that blends rustic charm with down-to-earth friendliness, reminiscent of a cozy country home or a nostalgic farmhouse kitchen. The ambiance invites you to slow down, savor your meal, and enjoy the simple pleasures of great food and genuine hospitality.

The menu reads like a celebration of classic American cuisine, with standout dishes that satisfy from morning till night. Breakfast aficionados rave about The Pork Producer's Breakfast, featuring three eggs alongside savory chicken fried steak, hashbrown casserole, and rye toast—a true bountiful start to the day. And don't miss their Machine Shed’s Famous Cinnamon Roll, a gigantic, sweet, sticky delight that customers like Tiffany Peterson describe as irresistible, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

For lunch and dinner, the offerings continue to impress. The Old Fashioned Pot Roast is slow-roasted to tender perfection, served with fresh garden onions, carrots, and baby red potatoes—a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings customers back time and time again. The Classic Fried Chicken is a highlight, boasting a secret spice blend that locks in crispness and flavor, prompting one satisfied guest to describe the all-you-can-eat option as “very good.” If you’re a steak lover, don’t miss the Haybaler Top Sirloin, a Certified Angus Beef® cut with an optional signature Parmesan butter crust that adds richness and depth.

Appetizers like the Farm Fresh Spinach & Artichoke Dip and the Dairy Fresh White “Sheddar” Melts—handcut, battered white cheddar fried golden brown and served with Machine Shed’s signature barbecue sauce—offer a delightful prelude to the meal. And if you’re in the mood for smoky, tangy bites, the Apple Whiskey Smoked Wings deliver a memorable kick, earning high praise from guests like Bella Bruesch’s fiancé who called them “some of the best wings he’s ever had.”

Vegetarian options and unique specialties such as Chicken Pot Pie with tender, flaky crusts, and the savory Plowman’s Meatloaf Dinner, showcase the kitchen’s commitment to satisfying diverse tastes with comforting authenticity.

What truly elevates the Machine Shed experience is not just the impressive food but also the genuine care in service. Guests consistently highlight the warmth and attentiveness of the staff; for example, Carrie Erro shared how their server Ranissa’s bright smile and thoughtful recommendations enriched their meal. The restaurant even surprises diners with starters like fresh cottage cheese, crisp coleslaw, soft rolls, and unexpectedly delightful banana bread, adding a homemade touch that feels like a warm embrace from the Midwest.

Whether you’re indulging in a half-pound burger piled high with cheese and fries or savoring the rich, smoky hickory pork ribs, Machine Shed Restaurant creates an inviting space where food is plentiful, flavors are bold, and every visit feels like coming home. Its generous portions, diverse menu, and inviting atmosphere make it an outstanding choice for family gatherings, casual dinners, or a weekend brunch that leaves you happily full and content.

Service options
Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol All you can eat Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Private dining room Salad bar Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids Changing table(s) High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    06:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    06:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    06:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    06:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    07:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    07:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • tiffany peterson
    1 month ago

    The cinnamon roll was so good, but be aware it is HUGE. I got 2 eggs, bacon and hash browns. My only complaint was the hash browns basically were not cooked they didn't have any color to them. I forgot to ask for extra crisp hash browns that is my fault. Overall it was good and i enjoyed the little shopping area. This place reminds me of cracker barrel.

  • Retired “Foodie” Lady
    2 month ago

    We ate dinner at the Iowa Machine Shed. It is a lot like Cracker Barrel, but many more choices on menu. The servings were huge and the food was good. The all-you-can -eat fried chicken was very good. The turkey and dressing was very tender. The person who ordered the liver and onions said it was very good too. The grilled salmon with whiskey glaze was tender and flaky. The chicken cobb salad was gigantic! The servers wore overalls. The entrance has shopping just like Cracker Barrel. The display counter with cookies were gigantic as well.

  • Phillip Bassett
    2 month ago

    Cute homey place with outstanding service and food....man, the FOOD! SO GOOD! The bring out cottage cheese, coleslaw, rolls, and banana bread as "starters." Then pick what you want off a wholesome list of down home country favorites from Chops, to steaks, fried chicken and chicken fried. Meatloaf, pot pie, rib and more...oh, and some Prentice salads as well. The serving sizes are ENOUGH and more. The little store has massive cookies, and I am sure the pies and other deserts are to die for. Great place. Wish I lived local, though my waist line is surely glad I dont.

  • Bella Bruesch
    3 month ago

    I'm so upset I haven't come here sooner! My fiancé had the glazed smoked wings and he said they were easily some of the best wings he's ever had. I got the pot pie and it really tasted like home! The crust was tender and flaky and the filling was rich and comforting. We were also served some banana bread with our dinner rolls which was AMAZING. The service was great and the restaurant itself feels very cozy and inviting despite being very large. The portions are huge so be prepared for leftovers!

  • Carrie Erro
    3 month ago

    We had a delicious, warm meal here tonight. My parents got the hot turkey sandwiches and they loved them. I had the parmesan butter pork chop with mashed potatoes, and it was honestly one of the best pork chops I have ever had. I wanted to finish the whole thing way past the point of being full! Ranissa was our waitress and she was darling. She had a bright, warm smile, great recommendations and a fun sense of humor. She really made our experience so enjoyable! We love this place so much, we're coming back in the morning for breakfast!

  • Stephanie C
    4 month ago

    We were driving through Iowa and we decided to stop here for breakfast. And oh my am I happy we did! The atmosphere, the food and the service were beyond my expectations. Our server, Heather was the sweetest. Our kids love the experience and they got some Mickey shaped pancakes! Also for what’s worth their restrooms were very clean.

  • Monica Cox
    4 month ago

    If you are in the area, definitely try a meal at this establishment. We ate dinner. We ordered the appetizer sampler which was plenty to share for 3 people. My son ordered the brisket dinner, my husband and I ordered the cattlemen's choice steak. All the food was delicious. Bowls of coleslaw and cottage cheese and a bread basket containing yeast dinner rolls and apple bread for the table were shared. The main dishes had a choice of mashed potatoes or wild rice with cranberries. All portions of the meal were ample enough to share if desired. There was also a bowl of seasonal vegetables to share. We had to take home two boxes of leftovers. We took some bread pudding home for dessert. We also purchased giant cookies for our grand kids. The service was great! She was friendly, welcoming,and attentive. The restaurant had a very homey atmosphere. The lobby was like a general store with an emphasis on Items featuring Iowan themes. I would like to come back and try many more items on the menu!

  • Vicki
    4 month ago

    Can I give this restaurant 10 stars? I most certainly would if I could!! First of all, you go through a cute gift shop to get to the restaurant, which has so many country themed gifts, jams, and baked goods. I could have stayed there for several minutes! Then, you have a lovely restaurant with an amazing menu of so many delicious foods to order. My friend and I chose a pork sampler plate. I've got to say...don't eat anything that day before you come to the restaurant! Or...be prepared for leftovers!! We started with fresh, delicious bread and fresh butter plus a piece of sweet bread for each of us (can't remember, but I think it was rhubarb). Then, we got our main meal, which is pictured. A delicious piece of crusted pork that was so tender and juicy you barely needed to use a knife to cut it, a flavorful and tender pork loin with stuffing in the center, 2 absolutely fantastic and perfectly seasoned bacon wrapped pork medallions. Oh, and a potato. We choose mashed potatoes with pork gravy. And let's not forget the sides! We chose cottage cheese, fresh vegetables, and cole slaw. Everything is literally farm fresh and so incredibly tasty. And the portions are so ample, you have enough food for at least another meal. Our server was so nice and very prompt. Our food was served very quickly and our server checked on us often to make sure we had drink refills, extra napkins, and whatever else we needed. My compliments on the delicious meal to the chefs and our wonderful server. My only complaint is that we don't live in the Des Moines area, otherwise I'd be back every few weeks! However, when I do get back to the area, I will definitely stop by again!! This is an amazing restaurant that is near an amazing attraction of the Living History Farms and absolutely a must visit!! Thank you for the delightful experience!!

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