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Address and Contact Information
Address: 6201 Merle Hay Rd STE 110, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: (515) 528-7473
Website: http://www.zekesrooftopandgrill.com/
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Zeke’s Rooftop & Grill
About · Menu · Photos · Reservations · Events · Careers. Location. 6201 Merle Hay Rd STE 110. Johnston, Iowa 50131. Hours. Open Daily – 11am – Close. Contact.
Zeke’s Rooftop & Grill | Johnston IA – Facebook
Zeke’s Rooftop & Grill, Johnston. 1604 likes · 87 talking about this · 67 were here. Your Favorite Johnston Rooftop.
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504 followers · 13 following · 27 posts · @zekesrooftopandgrill: “Your Favorite Johnston Rooftop Open daily at 11am 6201 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA”
Reviews
Melinda
We randomly happened upon this place tonight. Apparently, they just opened this weekend. It was around 5pm, very busy, but a party our size was just leaving so we were seated within minutes.
The food and drinks were fairly priced. I will echo what someone else said about the menu being kind of all over the place. I didn’t come in searching for Italian food but the only thing that interested me was the Chicken Marsala. Who the heck gets Chicken Marsala at a place like this? Me, apparently. That dish being served in a sports restaurant setting is pretty strange in itself. But, it’s one of my favorite dishes so I decided to try it anyway. And…It was the worst Chicken Marsala I’ve had in my life. The wine had not been cooked down so it had a very pungent flavor. I’m not sure if they used demi-glace in it or not but it was also incredibly salty and oddly seasoned with way too much cream–making the alcohol even more pronounced. Everyone that tried it, hated it. This is the first time I’ve ever sent food back. I was so embarrassed but I’m sure they didn’t feel good about it, either.
I want to note that the manager handled the critique EXTREMELY WELL and took it off our bill. He asked for feedback and shared it with the kitchen. I kind of hope they also tried the dish to see what I meant. Hopefully, they’ve had Marsala before for a meaningful comparison.
The rest of the food was very good! I had a slice of someone else’s pizza and it was FANTASTIC! Perfectly fluffy but crispy crust and the ingredients worked well together. I even liked the tinge of sweetness in the sauce. The only problem is that everyone’s meal came out at different times–in 10-minute increments, so some people were finishing up while some were just beginning.
It’s always difficult ironing out the kinks during the opening weeks. We’ll come back at a later time and try them again.
… moreThe food and drinks were fairly priced. I will echo what someone else said about the menu being kind of all over the place. I didn’t come in searching for Italian food but the only thing that interested me was the Chicken Marsala. Who the heck gets Chicken Marsala at a place like this? Me, apparently. That dish being served in a sports restaurant setting is pretty strange in itself. But, it’s one of my favorite dishes so I decided to try it anyway. And…It was the worst Chicken Marsala I’ve had in my life. The wine had not been cooked down so it had a very pungent flavor. I’m not sure if they used demi-glace in it or not but it was also incredibly salty and oddly seasoned with way too much cream–making the alcohol even more pronounced. Everyone that tried it, hated it. This is the first time I’ve ever sent food back. I was so embarrassed but I’m sure they didn’t feel good about it, either.
I want to note that the manager handled the critique EXTREMELY WELL and took it off our bill. He asked for feedback and shared it with the kitchen. I kind of hope they also tried the dish to see what I meant. Hopefully, they’ve had Marsala before for a meaningful comparison.
The rest of the food was very good! I had a slice of someone else’s pizza and it was FANTASTIC! Perfectly fluffy but crispy crust and the ingredients worked well together. I even liked the tinge of sweetness in the sauce. The only problem is that everyone’s meal came out at different times–in 10-minute increments, so some people were finishing up while some were just beginning.
It’s always difficult ironing out the kinks during the opening weeks. We’ll come back at a later time and try them again.
Luke & Jerri Ann Longlet
It’s a new place and it always takes a little time to get the kinks out… I truly believe this could become a 5 star restaurant but it might take a few tweaks and some time. We went the first week open on Sunday at 4PM and had no trouble being seated immediately (our group of 6) at two tables pushed together.
Our server was very enthusiastic about her job and gave us recommendations regarding her favorites. She was a little bit forgetful but checked on us enough that we could remind her for example, that we’d asked for water and hadn’t yet received it.
We ordered the chips and flight of dips – asked for half pita chips and half tortilla chips and chose: queso, spinach artichoke, and street corn (fourth option – pickle dip). The tortilla chips were typical thin tortilla chips (nothing special) but the pita chips were amazing and in the future I would only choose pita chips (for a $3 up-charge). The queso had green chilis which gave it a slight kick that I loved, while the kids said it was spicy. The spinach artichoke dip had loads of spinach and chunks of artichoke in a creamy cheese sauce but was a little bland. The street corn dip was very mild and lacked typical seasoning or spice.
We also asked for an order of cheese curds before our entrees came. A big hit with everyone: the cheese was cut into sizable square chunks and lightly fried and served with a sweet spicy chipotle dipping sauce. Seeing this offered as a possible side (with an up-charge) would be a great option!
Entrees: let’s start with the kids. They offer small kids menu with some of the typical kid favorites – chicken strips, Mac and cheese, cheese burger, quesadilla and cheese pizza. The two kids with us ordered the cheese burger with fries and the cheese quesadilla. The burger was juicy and had great flavor. The fries were plain, unseasoned and not real crispy but not too soggy… only OK. The cheese quesadilla – a nice generous portion and grilled perfectly with nice cheese portions, but no sour cream or salsa or queso to dip… it was pretty plain and dry. Some type of dipping option would add a lot here.
Now for the adults. We ordered the Philly with fries, the zeke burger with fries, the Iowa corn flatbread and the pot roast flatbread (come as pizzas or in the flatbread option which we chose).
The Philly had great flavor, lots of sautéed peppers and mushrooms on top, but the meat had some gristle or tough spots that made for tough chewing.. it was not melt in your mouth delicious. The Zeke burger was very good, the topping selection gave it great flavor – cheddar, bacon, onion rings, crispy jalapeños with chipotle mayo and the tator keg on top… a favorite. The fries again were not a big hit – plain, unseasoned and not real crispy.
The flatbreads both were too well done (some would say they were burnt) on the bottom but especially around the edges… very very crispy crunchy but toppings had great flavor and enjoyed the unique combinations. The Iowa corn was the favorite with the Alfredo sauce, corn, fried jalapeños, bacon, cheese and bbq drizzle… such a great flavor combination. The pot roast was something different and unexpected on a flatbread, a great combination but maybe lacking a bit of seasoning (keep in mind I appreciate seasoning, something with a little kick and big flavor and this didn’t have that for me). The tender roast beef, corn and cream cheese dollops drizzled with gravy worked well together… I honestly am not sure the jalapeño tator kegs were included on mine. With that little bite, flavor or kick I may have better enjoyed my choice. Also saw the pizza at another table and would probably go with the pizza option in the footer and avoid the flatbread because it was overdone… the pizza crust looked perfectly browned and not too well done.
The atmosphere: comfortable, relaxed, casual, down home, neighborhood feel which I love. There are plenty of TVs showing sports and that’s always appreciated… catch your favorite teams.
We went upstairs and checked out the event space and rooftop bar and can’t wait to check those out!
… moreOur server was very enthusiastic about her job and gave us recommendations regarding her favorites. She was a little bit forgetful but checked on us enough that we could remind her for example, that we’d asked for water and hadn’t yet received it.
We ordered the chips and flight of dips – asked for half pita chips and half tortilla chips and chose: queso, spinach artichoke, and street corn (fourth option – pickle dip). The tortilla chips were typical thin tortilla chips (nothing special) but the pita chips were amazing and in the future I would only choose pita chips (for a $3 up-charge). The queso had green chilis which gave it a slight kick that I loved, while the kids said it was spicy. The spinach artichoke dip had loads of spinach and chunks of artichoke in a creamy cheese sauce but was a little bland. The street corn dip was very mild and lacked typical seasoning or spice.
We also asked for an order of cheese curds before our entrees came. A big hit with everyone: the cheese was cut into sizable square chunks and lightly fried and served with a sweet spicy chipotle dipping sauce. Seeing this offered as a possible side (with an up-charge) would be a great option!
Entrees: let’s start with the kids. They offer small kids menu with some of the typical kid favorites – chicken strips, Mac and cheese, cheese burger, quesadilla and cheese pizza. The two kids with us ordered the cheese burger with fries and the cheese quesadilla. The burger was juicy and had great flavor. The fries were plain, unseasoned and not real crispy but not too soggy… only OK. The cheese quesadilla – a nice generous portion and grilled perfectly with nice cheese portions, but no sour cream or salsa or queso to dip… it was pretty plain and dry. Some type of dipping option would add a lot here.
Now for the adults. We ordered the Philly with fries, the zeke burger with fries, the Iowa corn flatbread and the pot roast flatbread (come as pizzas or in the flatbread option which we chose).
The Philly had great flavor, lots of sautéed peppers and mushrooms on top, but the meat had some gristle or tough spots that made for tough chewing.. it was not melt in your mouth delicious. The Zeke burger was very good, the topping selection gave it great flavor – cheddar, bacon, onion rings, crispy jalapeños with chipotle mayo and the tator keg on top… a favorite. The fries again were not a big hit – plain, unseasoned and not real crispy.
The flatbreads both were too well done (some would say they were burnt) on the bottom but especially around the edges… very very crispy crunchy but toppings had great flavor and enjoyed the unique combinations. The Iowa corn was the favorite with the Alfredo sauce, corn, fried jalapeños, bacon, cheese and bbq drizzle… such a great flavor combination. The pot roast was something different and unexpected on a flatbread, a great combination but maybe lacking a bit of seasoning (keep in mind I appreciate seasoning, something with a little kick and big flavor and this didn’t have that for me). The tender roast beef, corn and cream cheese dollops drizzled with gravy worked well together… I honestly am not sure the jalapeño tator kegs were included on mine. With that little bite, flavor or kick I may have better enjoyed my choice. Also saw the pizza at another table and would probably go with the pizza option in the footer and avoid the flatbread because it was overdone… the pizza crust looked perfectly browned and not too well done.
The atmosphere: comfortable, relaxed, casual, down home, neighborhood feel which I love. There are plenty of TVs showing sports and that’s always appreciated… catch your favorite teams.
We went upstairs and checked out the event space and rooftop bar and can’t wait to check those out!
Erin Rundall
Great atmosphere and excellent service. The potato kegs are OMG good – I would love them for breakfast also. Enjoyed the quinoa bowl and pizza. Plenty of space, many really nice large format televisions to watch sports. Can’t wait to check out the rooftop.
… moreMike Abrams
What a wonderful new restaurant and bar. We really like the quality and price of the menu, and the atmosphere was amazing. Can’t wait for the rooftop to open later in the spring.
… moreJanett Richards
First visit.. good service… Good chicken quesadilla ..good burger with fries. Very good turtle cheesecake.
Interesting that we were not presented with a bill.The waitress just came to our table and told us what we owed. My only negative comment is the music was way too loud. It was not very busy.There’s nothing on the floor or on the ceiling or the walls to absorb the sound.
Definitely worth a return visit.
… moreInteresting that we were not presented with a bill.The waitress just came to our table and told us what we owed. My only negative comment is the music was way too loud. It was not very busy.There’s nothing on the floor or on the ceiling or the walls to absorb the sound.
Definitely worth a return visit.
Helen Parker
Atmosphere was clean and very nice. The outdoor patio was not open of course being February. The manager came by our table and asked us how was everything and said we could go up and check the patio out. We will come again when the weather is warmer.
We shared the nachos and a quesadilla. The nachos were barely warm and had very little toppings for the $18 price tag. What toppings were flavorful though. For the price I wouldn’t get them again.
Service was outstanding and very friendly.
… moreWe shared the nachos and a quesadilla. The nachos were barely warm and had very little toppings for the $18 price tag. What toppings were flavorful though. For the price I wouldn’t get them again.
Service was outstanding and very friendly.
Kyle Johnson
If I had to describe Zeke’s in one word, it would be “bland”… but let’s start with the positive.
The atmosphere was great. It was busy but not so loud that it impacted conversations, and I bet the rooftop will be a fun space when it’s open. Service was also good, although it took about an hour to get food. That can be forgiven when it’s such a new restaurant, though.
Unfortunately, the food wasn’t worth the wait and price. There were three burgers at the table, and while they were cooked to order, they were small, flat, and flavorless. The fries were at least good. The salmon was cooked well but had no flavor other than the natural flavor of the fish (which some people might appreciate). A little seasoning or a remoulade for dipping would have enhanced it, though. It was served on ancient grains, which were also bland.
Overall, Zeke’s wasn’t bad enough that I’d never give them another try, but I won’t be in a hurry to return.
… moreThe atmosphere was great. It was busy but not so loud that it impacted conversations, and I bet the rooftop will be a fun space when it’s open. Service was also good, although it took about an hour to get food. That can be forgiven when it’s such a new restaurant, though.
Unfortunately, the food wasn’t worth the wait and price. There were three burgers at the table, and while they were cooked to order, they were small, flat, and flavorless. The fries were at least good. The salmon was cooked well but had no flavor other than the natural flavor of the fish (which some people might appreciate). A little seasoning or a remoulade for dipping would have enhanced it, though. It was served on ancient grains, which were also bland.
Overall, Zeke’s wasn’t bad enough that I’d never give them another try, but I won’t be in a hurry to return.
Meghan Thayer
Fun new place! Very attentive server and big TVs. We tried the pizza and it was really good and big! The middle was a bit doughy but the crust was nice and crispy. Can’t wait to try the patio this summer
… morejames d rhoades
First time. Very happy to have tried this new restaurant. The first impression was good. Service at the start was great. The table seating was great. Got a seat in a good place. Able to see all the T Vs. Drinks and starter was very professional. Got to see the menu in todays paper so there were no surprises. Ordered the chicken gizzards and ranch dressing. Added hot sauce with a little honey in it. The main cource was cheesesteak with a choice of sides. Very unusual in not just fries. Good idea. One in group ordered cheeseburger and fries. The fries were cooked great tender and crisp. They were very over salted, they were replaced. Desert was a slice of turtle cheesecake. Everything was great no surprises. I would recommend this restaurant. The atmosphere was very friendly. Did not feel like a first time visit.
… moreM Nemmers
I will always support a new restaurant in Johnston. We have been there twice. The will sort out the larger than life interest. Both times our servers were spot on. I can’t wait for the rooftop patio to open!
… more