Buzzard Billy's

03/21/08

Worst service EVER!

by Carrielynn98

This is the first review I have ever written, if that will tell you how bad the service was that I came back and searched to write a review asap. My table was seated right away, no wait... then the waiting and waiting began... we ordered our food (lunch sandwiches) and we did not receive the food for 1 hour. The waitress only came back once, never apologized or gave an explanation. I asked to speak to the manager about 30 minutes into the wait and was advised that she was to busy to speak to me... the restaurant was not that busy. BTW - all the tables around us had been seated later had already received food, eaten and left by the time our food arrived. Finally we ate and again asked to speak to the manager, the hostess walked over and announced she was the manager (don't think so!) and she REFUSED to apologize as this is how that restaurant is run...they do NOT put your tickets in order, she said "we throw them up there, not in any order" and our food was last. Finally she agreed to a discount and said she would return, 20 more minutes later she came back and had adjust 50-80 cents off each bill. The waitress then came by and told us that she didnt understand the issue and she had a hissy fit about us complaining. The food was good, but most people dont have time to take 2 hour lunches.

• Pros: Okay food
• Cons: Musty smell, TERRIBLE SERVICE

02/18/08

Good Unique Food at good Price

by sszcar

Until reciently I would have given Buzzard Billy's a 5 star rating. The atmoshpere is ok, the service is ok, the prices are really good, and the food was fantastic.

However, they have a new Kitchen Manager who is changing the reciepts. This was one of our worst fears. So far this is the only Des Moines restuarant that I have tried and liked. My wife loved the jumbalia and I loved the Cajun Alfredo. The Alfredo seems to have been spared any change (so far) but the jumbalia is now so hot that my wife could not eat it (twice because we were hoping the first time was just an accident). They have taken my wifes favorite dish and made it uneatable (unless you like stomach aching hot). This makes me sad since we loved to eat here but are now resolved to not being able too.

The armidillo eggs are great (my wife loves them as well so that tells you how hot the Jumbalia is). Up until the new Kitchen Manager changed the Jumbalia I would have recommended this place. Now I have to say I dont think I would recommend it but I wouldn't tell you not to go either. If you do try this and order the Jumbablia make sure you have a second alternative just in case.

• Pros: Price and most of the food
• Cons: Changed Jumbalia to be so hot its just not good

08/22/06

Call 'em first!

by creativchk

Buzzard Billy's is a great place to get food you can't find any where else in Des Moines. I would recommend, however, the next time you are craving their crunchy catfish or their heavenly hushpuppies that you call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. Like a Dairy Queen that can run out of ice cream, Buzzard Billy's has been "out" of popular menu items on more than one occassion that I have visited. You can immagine it's a surprise to go to a place specifically for a menu item that they don't currently have.

• Pros: Food is great!
• Cons: You can't always get what you want

02/06/05

Yum

by iowalad

Whenever I have out of town friends visiting Buzzard Billy's is always on our short list of places to eat.

The food tends to be cajun style. Although in my opinion the food is Iowa cajun style - meaning not as spicey as the real deal. The platter meals are tasty and the poh boys are always a treat. I love my jumbalya and Buzzard Billy's does not disappoint. The red beans and rice make a great side!

Buzzard Billy's has a nice courtyard for outside eating/drinking. The interior is well decorated with an entertainment motiff (movie posters/tv memorabilia).

The armadillo eggs are great (jalopeno wrapped in chicken, wrapped in bacon).

Prices are reasonable and they have an adequate selection of beer. Crappy beer nigts on Thursday offers specials on well crappy beer!

• Pros: food, reasonable prices, armadillo eggs!

12/30/03

Surprising

by lannia

Buzzard Billy's looks like a bar at first glance, but has amazing food. If you like authentic, spicy cajun - give it a try. There are even a few less-spicy dishes for the less adventurous. Reasonable prices, too.

• Pros: Reasonable prices, Good drinks, Great food
• Cons: a little noisy

08/28/02

Swoop down here

by shummel

Great apps - order the Armadillo Eggs. We didn't have dinner but the apps we great with their Happy Hour specials. The menu looked good - we will be back.