Heard nothing but good things, so here it is — my honest take. Gastro Grub & Pub lives up to its reputation. When you walk in and see all those “Best of the Best” awards on the wall, expectations shoot up — and somehow, they deliver. The vibe’s simple and cozy, not flashy, just that laid-back Midwest comfort. Sometimes simple really is good. The menu surprised me — it’s got range. From a fresh, earthy beet salad to flavorful sweet potato tacos, it’s clear someone in that kitchen cares about balance and creativity. And then came the salmon — flaky, perfectly cooked, slightly salty but packed with flavor. Best I’ve had in a long time. The bread pudding deserves its own standing ovation — warm, rich, and the perfect ending to a meal that already felt like a hug. Service? Outstanding. Our waiter was genuine, quick with a smile, and went the extra mile to make sure my daughter — who’s celiac — had a gluten-free dish she could actually enjoy. That kind of care sticks with you. Sure, the low seating’s a bit tight, but when the food and hospitality are this good, it fades into the background. Family-and-friend–run, with real heart behind it — that’s rare these days. Bottom line: Cozy setting, honest food, and staff who make you feel right at home. Gastro Grub & Pub proves you don’t need fancy plating or mood lighting to be one of the best — just passion, pride, and killer bread pudding.
Overview
If you're ever in the mood for a casual, fun dining experience with a great selection of food and drinks, Gastro Grub & Pub located at 1378 E Hickman Rd, Waukee, IA 50263, should be at the top of your list. This cozy spot offers a mix of classic pub fare with a modern twist, making it a local favorite for both regulars and first-time visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a light bite, this pub caters to all tastes, serving up flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Walking into Gastro Grub & Pub, you're immediately greeted with a laid-back, yet lively atmosphere. The pub-style decor combined with friendly staff creates the perfect environment to unwind with friends or family. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting, yet still feel the excitement of being part of a vibrant community. The open kitchen area also allows guests to see their food being prepared, which adds a unique touch to the dining experience.
The menu is a true highlight at Gastro Grub & Pub. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, fresh seafood, or something a bit more unique, their diverse offerings won’t disappoint. One standout is their famous “Gastro Burger,” which is a flavorful blend of fresh ingredients topped with their signature sauce. For those who prefer something lighter, their grilled chicken salad is a perfect balance of crisp greens, juicy chicken, and a refreshing vinaigrette.
If you’re a fan of comfort food, you’ll love their take on classic pub dishes. The crispy fish and chips are a crowd-pleaser, with golden batter and perfectly cooked fish that practically melt in your mouth. If you're in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, their mac and cheese is rich and creamy, an ideal choice for cheese lovers. For those with a more adventurous palate, you’ll find unique options like the spicy buffalo cauliflower, which is a hit among vegetarians and spice seekers alike.
Of course, no pub experience would be complete without drinks, and Gastro Grub & Pub has an impressive selection to choose from. Their craft beer list is carefully curated, featuring local brews and international favorites. Whether you’re into light lagers, hoppy IPAs, or rich stouts, you’ll find something that suits your taste. If you’re not a beer drinker, their cocktail menu is just as diverse, with creative concoctions that add a refreshing twist to your dining experience. The “Gastro Mule,” made with ginger beer and fresh lime, is a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts.
The atmosphere at Gastro Grub & Pub truly sets it apart from other dining spots. It's not just about the food and drinks; it’s the overall experience. The friendly service, welcoming vibe, and lively crowd make it a place where people come to not only enjoy a meal but also hang out and enjoy the evening. Many guests also appreciate the sports on the TVs, making it a great spot for watching the big game with friends while sipping on a cold drink.
Looking at reviews from visitors, it’s clear that Gastro Grub & Pub has made a lasting impression on its patrons. Many praise the quality of the food, with some calling it "the best pub food in Waukee." The service is frequently mentioned as attentive and quick, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the visit. Some regulars even say it feels like a second home, where the staff remembers your name and your favorite dish.
The location is another factor that adds to the appeal of Gastro Grub & Pub. Situated conveniently on 1378 E Hickman Rd, it’s easy to access whether you're in the heart of Waukee or coming from the surrounding areas. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a night out with friends, the location provides ample parking and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
All in all, Gastro Grub & Pub is much more than just a place to eat; it’s a local hangout where food, drinks, and community come together. The excellent food, inviting ambiance, and fantastic service make it a top choice for anyone in the Waukee area. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this spot is definitely worth checking out.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as veteran-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
We ate here when we were in town for a dance competition. As a vegetarian, I really appreciated the menu options. Our food and service was exceptional!
Placed a to go order, outstanding service over the phone. Picked up no issues. Establishment looks like an amazing place with a great selection of drinks and food. To go order was so delicious. The burgers had so much flavor and the fries with the dipping house sauce was great! The wings were perfectly made as well. ——————————————————— EDIT: Went back last night on a Saturday night. Walked in and was asked if the two of us had a reservation and we replied no. The young gal rolled her eyes and looked at her coworker as he then explained it could be a 20 min wait. Then said well it could be more or we can sit at the bar. We chose the bar and could hear the servers saying how busy it is and how short they are. I totally understand that but we barely got any service. We did get a water and drink order in then eventually food. We never got any refills and or service after that. The older couple next to us got food, apps, drinks before us even though they were there 15 min after us and even got refills and attention as we got nothing. Honestly, will not be going back there.
I was not expecting the food to be as good as it was at this restaurant. We ordered a lot of appetizers and a couple of entrees as well just to try a bunch of different things. The mac and cheese was amazing. The poutine was unbelievable. The french fries tasted amazing by themselves, and then there were different dipping sauces - pesto and sriracha - which took it to another level. When we have friends and family come in from out of town to visit we will definitely be taking them to Gastro. I highly recommend this restaurant. The service was also excellent. Any questions we had about any of the food items they explained very well. We were very pleasantly surprised and will definitely visit again.
This is a lovely drinking dining establishment! Great staff, seeks food... a tad loud but not as loud as some in Waukee. I ordered the beet salad with the salmon add and it was delicious!! 5 stars Husband had the N'awlins Shrimp Po Boy, he is from New Orleans, and he loved it! Remoulade sauce had the perfect kick. Cousins had Short Rib Grilled Cheese and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich... yes, thank you!!! They both raved! Sides were fries and they were good too. All in all, great choice in Waukee! We will be back!
The food here is incredible. I really couldn't find any fault with anything we ordered. The one glaring negative issue is the loud atmosphere, it makes it very hard to hold a regular conversation. They have live music but it is incredibly loud. Make sure you get dessert, worth the wait.