Tucked into the small farming town of Dexter, Iowa, about 40 miles west of Des Moines, the Rusty Duck has spent years building a reputation that punches far above the size of its hometown. This is the unpretentious, full-bar steakhouse-tavern that Iowans drive out of their way for: dim, cozy, old-school dining rooms, a whiteboard of nightly specials, and plates that arrive piled high. It is best known for hand-cut steaks, an Iowa-famous burger, and the kind of made-from-scratch comfort cooking that has earned it a loyal regional following. In this guide we walk through what the Rusty Duck serves, the dishes locals rave about, and the practical details you need to plan a visit.
A quick note on the name before we dig in: more than one American restaurant has carried the “Rusty Duck” banner over the years, including a long-gone Sacramento riverside landmark that closed in 2009. The restaurant covered here is the currently operating Rusty Duck in Dexter, Iowa, a Dallas County destination steakhouse and tavern. If you are searching for a different Rusty Duck, double-check the city and state before you go.
Menu Overview
The Rusty Duck is, at heart, a Midwestern steakhouse and tavern. The kitchen leans into American comfort classics: appetizers, salads, burgers, hand-cut steaks, chicken, pork tenderloins, and pasta, rounded out by a fully stocked bar with beer, cocktails, and a wine list. Portions are famously generous, which means the menu is built as much around sharing and leftovers as it is around a single sitting.
One of the defining features of dining here is the daily specials board. Several regulars note that the printed menu is only part of the story, and that a whiteboard near the entrance lists rotating nightly features, so it is always worth asking your server what is fresh that evening before you order.
Menu Categories & Highlights
While the exact lineup rotates and specials change, the Rusty Duck’s menu generally spans the following categories.
Appetizers & Starters
- Hand-breaded fried mushrooms, a frequently mentioned house favorite
- Onion rings
- Cheese sticks
- Artichoke dip
Steaks
The steak program is the backbone of the kitchen, with cuts cooked to order and praised by regulars as among the best in the area. Notable options include:
- 16-ounce rib eye steak
- Ribeye prepared de Burgo, in the creamy garlic-and-herb sauce that is an Iowa supper-club signature
- Black and bleu filet mignon
- Steak mac and cheese
Burgers & Sandwiches
- The Ultimate Cheeseburger, the restaurant’s signature burger, piled high with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, cheese, and bacon
- Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, an Iowa staple
Pork Specialties
- Pork loins served in double portions, available in styles such as Italian, ranch, BBQ, and pesto
Chicken, Pasta & Seafood
- Italian pan-fried chicken
- Alfredo pasta with chicken breast
- Lobster tail and steak combination
Sides & Desserts
- Homestyle fries and baked potato
- Chocolate fudge cake layered with cheesecake
Featured / Signature Dishes
A few dishes come up again and again when people talk about the Rusty Duck.
- The Ultimate Cheeseburger. This is the dish that put the Rusty Duck on the statewide map. The kitchen’s burger was voted Iowa’s Best Burger in 2011 by the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s annual contest, and the loaded Ultimate version, big patty, generous toppings, remains the order to beat.
- Ribeye de Burgo. A central-Iowa classic done the Rusty Duck way: a hand-cut ribeye finished in a creamy garlic, butter, and herb sauce. It is the dish most often cited by regulars as the reason to make the steakhouse a destination.
- Black and Bleu Filet Mignon. A blackened, peppery filet crowned with blue cheese for diners who want something richer than the standard cut.
- Double Pork Loins. A nod to the restaurant’s pork-country roots, served in oversized portions and dressed several ways.
Prices (note prices may change)
The Rusty Duck does not publish a complete fixed price list online, and the daily-specials format means individual dishes can vary night to night. Rather than invent figures, we share only what is consistently reported by diners. Please treat these as approximate and confirm current pricing directly with the restaurant, as menus and prices change over time.
| Category | Reported price range |
|---|---|
| Typical dinner, per person | about $30–$50 |
| Steak entrées | generally over $30 |
| Full dinner with tip, per person (diner estimate) | around $48 |
Diners consistently describe the value as strong despite the higher-end pricing, citing portions large enough to share or take home. For exact, current prices on any specific item, call ahead.
Restaurant Information (location, hours, contact)
- Address: 723 Marshall St, Dexter, IA 50070
- Phone: (515) 789-4142
- Cuisine: American steakhouse and tavern, with a full bar
Hours of operation:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The Rusty Duck is dinner-only and fills up fast, especially on weekends. It accepts reservations, which are recommended for larger parties, and offers takeout. Hours can shift around holidays, so a quick call before you drive out is wise.
Popular Customer Favorites
Pulling from what regulars and reviewers return for most often, these are the orders that define a visit:
- The Ultimate Cheeseburger, the award-winning, fully loaded house burger
- Ribeye de Burgo in its creamy garlic-herb sauce
- Hand-breaded fried mushrooms to start
- The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich
- Whatever is written on the nightly specials whiteboard
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Rusty Duck located?
The Rusty Duck is at 723 Marshall St in Dexter, Iowa 50070, in Dallas County roughly 40 miles west of Des Moines. You can reach the restaurant at (515) 789-4142.
What is the Rusty Duck known for?
It is best known as a Midwestern steakhouse and tavern with hand-cut steaks, an Iowa supper-club style ribeye de Burgo, and a burger that was voted Iowa’s Best Burger in 2011. Generous portions and a nightly specials board are part of its signature.
Does the Rusty Duck take reservations?
Yes. The restaurant accepts reservations and they are recommended, particularly for larger groups and on busy weekend nights, since the dining room can fill up quickly. Takeout is also available.
What are the Rusty Duck’s hours?
The Rusty Duck serves dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Hours may vary around holidays, so call ahead to confirm.
How much does dinner at the Rusty Duck cost?
The restaurant does not publish a full fixed price list, and items rotate with the specials board. Diners typically report spending roughly $30 to $50 per person, with steak entrées generally over $30. Prices may change, so confirm current figures with the restaurant.
Hungry for more? Browse more menus, explore our food guides, or dig into more Tavern Menus.
Last updated: June 2026.
