+1 515-789-4142
Located in the charming town of Dexter, Iowa, Rusty Duck is a steakhouse that transcends the typical dining experience with its hearty, expertly crafted fare and welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in robust American classics with a focus on premium steaks and savory pork dishes, this restaurant delights locals and visitors alike with generous portions and deeply satisfying flavors.
The menu at Rusty Duck reads like a carnivore’s dream. From the juicy 16-ounce Rib Eye Steak and the tender Black and Bleu Filet Mignon to crowd-pleasers like the Ultimate Cheese Burger with homestyle fries and the iconic Tenderloin Sandwich, the selections are both classic and creatively prepared. For those seeking variety, dishes like the Lobster and Steak combo and Alfredo Pasta with Chicken Breast offer a delightful twist, while appetizers such as hand-breaded Fried Mushrooms, crisp Onion Rings, and creamy Artichoke Dip set the stage for a memorable meal.
One standout from the pork section are the diverse Ultimate Pork Loins, served in generous double portions and flavored in styles ranging from Italian and Ranch to BBQ and pesto-topped varieties. As one satisfied guest, Fred Stewart, recounts, the pork loin’s tenderness and juiciness paired with the house’s sublime dressing make this a must-try option. This sense of care and quality resonates throughout each dish, ensuring that every bite is packed with rich, layered tastes that comfort and satisfy.
The dining atmosphere at Rusty Duck is warm and inviting, with friendly staff who are clearly passionate about delivering an exceptional experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a break from a long drive or making a planned visit from nearby cities, you’ll feel right at home. Renae Grogan’s words capture this perfectly: the amazing food combined with sweet and attentive service makes Rusty Duck a destination well worth traveling for, even from nearly two hours away.
With generous portions that challenge even hearty appetites, Rusty Duck is praised for delivering outstanding value along with remarkable flavors. The house specialties, like the Breaded Mushrooms served with a homemade ranch dipping sauce, showcase the kitchen’s dedication to quality while creating inviting dishes that please the palate. Baker, another delighted patron, claims it houses the best burger and pork loin sandwich in Iowa, cementing Rusty Duck as a must-visit culinary stop.
In all, Rusty Duck stands out as a hearty, soulful steakhouse that honors traditional American fare while elevating it through expert preparation and thoughtful presentation. Whether you crave a thick-cut Ribeye grilled to perfection, a decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake layered over cheesecake, or a comforting plate of Steak Mac and Cheese, this Dexter gem delivers an authentic and satisfying dining experience that will have you planning your next visit before the night ends.
Passing Dexter on I-80 we decided to get off and take a break from the road. My wife and I shared the double pork loins which they accommodated very nicely. It included a baked potato and house salad. The food is fantastic! The 1&1/4” thick pork was tender and juicy. One had pesto, the other blue cheese and were delicious. The house dressing is sublime, the potato cooked well. We will be back.
Best burger I've had in Iowa. The pork loin sandwich is the best I've ever had as well. The portions are gargantuan. It's very well worth the drive to Dexter.
Love this place! The food is amazing. The staff is so sweet! It's almost 2 hours from where I live, and I can honestly say I'd travel twice that distance to have dinner here!
We traveled a bit outside of DSM for this one: The Rusty Duck - located in Dexter, just off of the historic White Pole Road. Upon entering, they’ve got their specials on a white board. We were able to be seated right away. We started with the Breaded Mushrooms. You can tell they were hand-breaded, and the ranch that came with them was most likely homemade - and DELICIOUS In looking at the menu, I see they have multiple de Burgo options, but with ribeye. We both got salads with creamy parm (homemade) and baked potatoes. The salad was legit - dressing was mixed in, which I love. Crunchy flat croutons reminiscent of Latin King’s salad. Normally I don’t order a baked potato, but it just felt right. I’m glad I did because there is something to be said about a good old fashioned baked potato with butter and sour cream. Everything was fantastic, including the service. Dishes were cleared quickly, our drinks were never left unfilled - I can’t say enough about this cozy little place. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive (or an adventure, if you will) head out to Dexter for a meal prepared with love and gusto. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good food good steaks, of our three steaks, all were undercooked to the requested temperature. A unique place, large portions. Friendly service.
OMG! Anyone who hasn’t been here yet is totally missing out! This is not my first visit but it has been years since I was here last. I forgot how MUCH food you get with each order. Very large portions so very much worth every penny. Everything tastes amazing! I mean incredibly amazing! The cheese sticks are a must have….homemade and cooked to perfection. These are NOT your regular cheese sticks. They just melt in your mouth. The Ranch dressing was homemade and Sooo amazing. It is like regular ranch on steroids. We bought some to go. Our server was friendly and attentive. I have to admit it’s not much to look at from the outside but it is nice on the inside. It’s totally worth the drive to Dexter, IA! Without a doubt, we will be back.
This steakhouse in Dexter, IA is a hidden gem! The food and service were top notch. They recommend you make a reservation on the weekends and they aren’t wrong! There was quite a line up outside the door right before they opened. They are known for their burger and I see why! It was huge and delicious.
My granddaughter turned 21 this week. She wanted to celebrate her birthday at The Rusty Duck. We have all been there several times, thus the reason for her choice. There were ten of us. It was snowing outside and a miserably scary drive there. The waitress seated us right away and took our drinks and appetizer orders. She was an excellent waitress from beginning to end. She even gave our granddaughter a shot of her choice for her birthday! The food was fantastic, as always! The service was fantastic, as always. We had a great time and everyone arrived safely back home that evening