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Whiskey River Ankeny

+1 515-802-2701
1350 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023 United States of America
Open Today: 10:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Amenities

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Curbside pickup
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Bar games
  • Fast service
  • Great bar food
  • Great cocktails
  • Rooftop seating
  • Sports
  • Trivia night
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Food at bar
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
Other
  • LGBTQ+ friendly

Best WLM Reviews

They couldn’t get anything right! They got our drink wrong not once but twice, when we got our drinks there was a gnat in the drink. Then they got order wrong as well. The waiter didn’t not listen when he was taking our orders all 3 times. I definitely do not recommend! The food tasted like it came from a can this is the salad that we received. For the price you would might want to put in a bowl not a saucer.
The only thing I can good about the place was that the Manager was extremely apologetic and kind.
I had a terrible experience at Whiskey River in Ankeny. I handed the barmaid a $100 bill to close out my tab, which was around $70. After taking my money, the barmaid walked toward the register but then turned and went to the other end of the bar without completing the transaction or returning my change. So I looked towards my girlfriend and she witnessed the entire exchange or lack of a complete exchange herself.
A few moments later, the shift manager approached me and asked if I wanted to close out my tab. Confused, I handed her another $100 bill. My tab was still $70, and the manager gave me back around $30 in change. At this point, I realized I had essentially paid twice, as the first $100 I gave the barmaid was unaccounted for.
I explained the situation to the shift manager and told her what had happened with the barmaid, but there was no immediate resolution and I told the shift manager that I know she is busy and I gave her my information and told her after they review the cameras call me and let me know then what you witnessed. It’s been nearly a week now, and I haven’t heard back from Whiskey River, despite calling myself twice to follow up.
This lack of communication and accountability is unacceptable. If you value honest and professional service, I recommend avoiding the Whiskey River. My experience was frustrating and unprofessional, and I won’t be returning
For more information about this matter review the other reviews that mention harassment and theft it's happened more than once and from my experience the theft continues.
The atmosphere was very laid back, the food was really good we got buffalo egg rolls, spinach artichoke dip for appetizers I got the Philly cheesesteak and fries and friend got the Nutty Buddy Burger with Cole slaw we really enjoyed both appetizers and our meals. Service was quick and I appreciated how nice our server was also I assume the manager or lead but she kept coming over to make sure we were satisfied and that our food was tasting good! Definitely recommend! The food was a little pricey are tab came to 66$ with no alcoholic beverages but really good!
Sign says seat yourself....so we did. After 20 mins of waiting, having eye contact with 4 seperate employees. Still no one came over to serve us. Pretty piss poor service. Decided to spend our money elsewhere
Excellent server! He went out of his way to suggest beers and make recommendations. Seemed very knowledgeable. Food was pretty good, as well! Overall, would give a 4.5 stars, but that is not an option.
My husband and I went to Whiskey River in Ankeny for a few drinks on Thanksgiving. They wanted an extra 10% to use our credit card so we paid in cash. They charged the card we opened the tab with anyway, so we ended up paying $160 for 4 drinks (double paid). I'd heard this place was shady AF, but this is beyond. DO NOT GO HERE!
Arrived at 8:45 sat down at the bar ( there were two bartenders, 2 managers floating around, six guests sitting at the bar and 6 guests sitting at a table. I asked for a drink and food menu was directed to the QR codes. bartender came back took my drink order. The bourbon selection is incredible. So took a bit. So ordered an old-fashioned with stag bourbon. ( be sure to ask their pricing. There is no advertise pricing MSRP on a bottle of stag is $65. I was charged $45 for a 2 ounce pour)
When the bartender comes back, I go to place my food order and then she informs me. Kitchen closes at 9 o’clock. Only serving late night menu So I asked her what’s on the late night menu. She stated” standard fried bar food. She states a couple items. I asked if there was a menu I can read. She guides me to the back to the food menu QR code can’t find the late night menu. I have to flag her down again. After handing her my phone. She direct me to the bottom drink menu. I finally placed an order for the pork tenderloin sandwich. Her reply was no we don’t serve that, that shouldn’t be on a late night menu. She then goes to her manager comes back and says OK also ordered and the Southwest egg rolls.
The southwest eggrolls were great. The pork tenderloin sandwich had no flavor. French fries were good. I found myself asking for ranch and Southwest sauce to put on the pork tenderloin sandwich.
I stayed in town for a week and thought about going back to try it again, but couldn’t force myself to do it.
The food is actually fairly good and the servers are attentive. However, this establishment tip shares in a way that is harmful to their team and potentially illegal. It’s based on the server who sells the most so majority of tips go to the bartender since they work longer and tend to sell more even if they aren’t that good. I would NOT give card tips at this place and ONLY tip cash if you choose to patron this establishment. The fries are the best in the Ankeny area!

Quick Facts About Whiskey River Ankeny



Today

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Friday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 02:00 AM

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