Irina's in 2008 relocated from West Des Moines to Urbandale. Initially the menu focused on steaks, seafood, salads and pasta. But as owner Irina Khartchenko began offering Russian specialties -- pork kabobs, pelmini (dumplings) and others -- customers requested they be added to the menu. She's a very hands-on owner, the kind who is there every night chatting up customers and convincing them to try a new item. She also expanded the patio, which holds more than 200 people and features live entertainment in the summer. A huge horseshoe concrete bar is open late, too.

See more: West Des Moines restaurants, Urbandale restaurants, Steak restaurants, American restaurants