Ankeny Diner

Ankeny Diner serves classic diner fare from sunrise to sunset, with all-day breakfast, stacked sandwiches, juicy burgers, crisp salads, homestyle dinners and homemade pies. Reviewers mention blackened salmon, cinnamon French toast, homemade dressings and generous portions, and the menu is large. The restaurant also runs a bar side, so it is open early for night-shift workers who want a beer and a burger.

You can order online for pickup or reserve a table ahead of time, and the diner takes reservations for groups. It hosts private parties, birthdays and reunions, and offers catering for office lunches, weddings and other events with customizable menus. The Tuesday special is country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, and the diner is open late on Friday and Saturday nights.