Welcome to Yankee Clipper
At Yankee Clipper, located in Ankeny, IA, culinary passion meets a welcoming atmosphere. This local gem is renowned for its hearty offerings, with a particular highlight being the beloved Taco Tuesday, where generous portions satisfy the most fervent appetites. Diners rave about the flavorful steak sandwich and crispy gizzards, along with creative appetizers like Cajun-seasoned “Frips.” The attentive staff creates a friendly vibe that complements the lively restaurant scene. Despite its bustling ambiance, Yankee Clipper maintains a commitment to quality food in a clean space, making it an inviting retreat for both locals and visitors. Dive into a meal, and you’ll certainly experience honest comfort food at its best.
- 312 SW Maple St #2915, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States Hotline: +1 515-964-9484
Welcome to the delightful world of Yankee Clipper, a vibrant dining destination located in the heart of Ankeny, Iowa. Nestled at 312 SW Maple St #2915, this establishment is known for its warm ambiance, friendly service, and a menu that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
The energy here is palpable, especially on Taco Tuesdays, where the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. Locals rave about the sheer size and satisfaction of the tacos, making it a must-visit on this special day. Regular patrons like Mike Mapes and Rick Ihle highlight not only the delicious food but also the exceptional service from the personable staff behind the bar and in the dining room.
Yankee Clipper isn't just about tacos. The menu showcases a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from the savory steak sandwich cooked to perfection by Matt to the flavorful chicken tortilla soup enjoyed by customers like Lon Cloud. His review reflects the quality you can expect—steaks that rival even the best cuts at renowned chains.
The appetizers, such as the popular “Frips” dusted with Cajun seasoning, are perfect for sharing, though a word of caution: the seasoning can sometimes be a bit much. Diners appreciate the thoughtful options available, like bacon-packed cheeseburgers and hearty French dips, which showcase Yankee Clipper's commitment to flavorful, satisfying meals.
Despite some feedback about noise levels on busy nights, many find the lively atmosphere adds to the charm of the Clipper. It's a place where laughter and conversation blend seamlessly with the clinking of glasses, making for a genuinely enjoyable dining experience.
- Highlights:
- Excellent tacos on Taco Tuesdays
- Quality steak sandwiches
- Clean kitchen and friendly service
- Diverse menu with satisfying appetizers and entrees
- Challenges:
- Occasionally noisy atmosphere
- Limited menu on Taco Tuesdays
In summary, Yankee Clipper is a hidden gem for anyone in Ankeny looking for a casual yet uplifting dining experience. With its dedicated staff, hearty portions, and an exciting menu, it’s clear why this restaurant has garnered such affection from both locals and visitors alike. Book a table, bring your appetite, and get ready for a delicious journey at Yankee Clipper!

Never had the steak sandwich at The Clipper....told Jackie to leave the bread....Matt cooked an excellent steak rivaling the taste and quality of an Outback cut of meat. Always great food!!! So I eased on up to the joint. Had a bowl of chicken tortilla soup and some wings to go. Tasty as usual. Clean kitchen. I appreciate a clean space. I took what I could of the wings then Nola Birds finished them off. Look at her face. If you zoom in...you can see her tounge getting to ready to make a stand on the food. Live long and prosper. BOOK'EM. BLACK BEAN.

Tacos were awesome! Very busy place on Tuesdays.

Taco Tuesday is a must-have. The are huge and very satisfying. The service is amazing, and the girls behind the bar as well as the servers are friendly and personable.

We went there for lunch today and had a great meal! We had the “Frips” with Cajun seasoning and cheese sauce for an appetizer. I had today’s special of Cheeseburger basket with added bacon and a side of cottage cheese. My husband had the French Dip with provolone cheese and a side of onion tanglers. Pros: - Food was tasty. We plan on going again! - The added bacon was not just a strip or two, it was like a bacon square so that every bite had bacon. I highly recommend the 1.25 up charge if you love bacon (I mean, who doesn’t?!) - I appreciated side options that weren’t just more fried food. - They apparently have an amazing Taco Tuesday special that I’m excited to try out sometime. Cons: - The Cajun seasoning on the Frips, while tasty, was sometimes so thick that it came off in clumps and got everywhere. - The poor lady was manning the bar and waitressing two rooms and patio by herself. She was excellent but it would’ve been nice if she had some help. - (Not food related) For the men: Better hope you don’t have to go #2 (or that you’re not bashful about it!). There’s no separate stall from the urinals and no lock on the exterior bathroom door.

A great taco for a good price on Taco Tuesday. The waitress was very friendly and nice. The atmosphere is what you might expect at a bar. It is loud and you may hear some off-color language. I would go back, but I probably wouldn't take my younger grandkids.

Love going to this place when I visit family in Ankeny. Low key, super chill, and great gizzards!

Recommended by dentist. Told to go on taco Tuesday. Only problem was the others in the couple in the group aren’t in tacos, which we didn’t know it was a limited menu. Bloody Mary wasn’t anymore than Mr and Mrs T mix. I can make better at home. The taco shell was good. Maybe don’t fill as full. Hard to get a good bite. Will try again although not on Tuesday.

The food was great! I recommend the Taco Tuesday taco and fried onion rings. The atmosphere was good but it was so noisy that we couldn't have a normal conversation. We asked the server if she could ask the noisy table to lower their voices and she said she couldn't. I know The Clipper is extremely busy on taco Tuesday and that's fine, customers should be respectful and servers should ask people to lower their voice a few notches if they are disrespectful.