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Tribute Eatery & Bar brings elevated comfort and a fresh look to Ankeny's dining scene

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/02 .. t-and-a-fresh-look-to-ankeny-s-dining-scene.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 7:20 GMT by Des Moines Register
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Ankeny Welcomes a New Tribute Eatery & Bar That Celebrates the Town’s Culinary Legacy

On a crisp September morning, the historic downtown of Ankeny was given a fresh pulse with the grand opening of Eatery & Bar, a restaurant that pays homage to the town’s beloved but long‑gone River Street Grill. The new venue, which opened its doors on Friday, is the brainchild of former River Street chef‑owner Marina Hayes and bartender‑turned‑entrepreneur Tom “T-Bone” Delgado. Together, they sought to honor the spirit of the grill while weaving in a modern menu that highlights local ingredients and artisanal cocktails.

A Tribute to a Community Favorite

River Street Grill, a fixture in Ankeny since the early 1990s, closed its doors in 2018 after 27 years of serving locals and visitors alike. In the months after its closure, the downtown community rallied for a new gathering place that could carry on the grill’s tradition of hearty comfort food and community camaraderie. “When the River Street Grill closed, a piece of Ankeny’s soul went with it,” says Hayes. “We wanted to create something that keeps that feeling alive, but also reflects who we are today.”

The Eatery & Bar concept emerged from a series of informal “taste‑test” nights held in a rented space on Main Street, where friends of the old grill could try new recipes that were inspired by River Street’s signature dishes. The success of these nights prompted the duo to find a permanent home for their vision, and the 1920s‑era brick building at 121 Main St. – the original location of River Street – was chosen. A link in the original Des Moines Register article takes readers to the Ankeny Historic Preservation Society’s page, which outlines the building’s restoration and its significance as part of the city’s architectural heritage.

Design: Old‑World Charm Meets Contemporary Flair

Inside, the Eatery & Bar is a blend of rustic and refined. Exposed brick walls, reclaimed oak beams, and a polished concrete bar create an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. The open kitchen lets diners watch chefs prepare dishes, echoing the communal feel that River Street was known for. “We wanted to keep the warmth of the old grill but add a modern twist,” Delgado explains. “The open kitchen is perfect for that.”

The venue also features a large “heritage wall” that showcases photographs and memorabilia from the River Street Grill, providing an interactive walk through the town’s culinary history. An article link directs readers to a gallery of images that highlight the grill’s most iconic moments – from its famous “River Burger” to the bustling weekends filled with music and laughter.

Menu: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

The Eatery & Bar’s menu is a carefully curated blend of the classics that made River Street famous and new dishes that cater to contemporary tastes. Highlights include:

• River Burger Reimagined – A 12‑ounce Angus‑on‑a‑spit‑roasted steak, topped with smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, and a house‑made aioli, served on a brioche bun.
• Seafood Trio – A trio of fresh shrimp, scallops, and a local‑sourced fish, grilled to perfection and paired with a citrus‑infused beurre blanc.
• Locally‑Sourced Veggie Bowl – A vibrant mix of quinoa, roasted seasonal vegetables, feta, and a drizzle of house‑made tahini sauce.

The bar complements the menu with a selection of craft cocktails that draw inspiration from River Street’s original “River Cocktail,” now updated with a splash of local fruit liqueur and a hint of smoked rosemary. The beverage list also includes an impressive lineup of regional craft beers and a small wine collection focused on Iowa producers.

A link in the article leads to the Eatery & Bar’s full digital menu, where readers can view detailed descriptions, ingredient lists, and even pair recommendations from the staff.

Community Involvement and Economic Impact

The opening of the Eatery & Bar has already sparked excitement among local business owners and city officials. An article link provides a statement from Ankeny Mayor Linda Park: “The return of a vibrant dining venue downtown is a boost to our local economy and a testament to the community’s resilience.” The restaurant has also partnered with the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce to host a monthly “Community Night,” featuring local musicians, craft vendors, and charity fundraisers.

Economic analysts in the original piece note that the Eatery & Bar has created over 20 full‑time jobs and has brought increased foot traffic to surrounding businesses such as the Ankeny Bookstore and the downtown art gallery. According to the Ankeny Economic Development Office, small businesses in the area have reported a 12% rise in sales since the restaurant’s opening.

A Celebration of Heritage and Future

For long‑time Ankeny residents, the Eatery & Bar feels like a return to the familiar warmth of River Street, while also offering fresh, locally‑sourced dishes that reflect the town’s evolving palate. Marina Hayes says, “It’s about keeping the past alive, but also looking forward.” Tom Delgado adds, “We’re proud to serve Ankeny’s next generation of diners and to keep the spirit of community alive in every plate and cocktail.”

The Eatery & Bar has quickly become a destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Iowa dining experience that honors the past and embraces the future. As Ankeny’s downtown buzzes with new life, the tribute eatery stands as a testament to the town’s enduring culinary culture and its capacity for reinvention.