Update: This place closed in 2010, it is now home to Jenny Grinder from the State Fair. Do not eat the tenderloin.The wavy Tenderloin sign on the side of this take-out stand lets you know a serious sandwich lies inside.
Location: 3765 E Hubbell Ave. Des Moines.
Directions: On Highway 6, the main road from Des Moines to Altoona
The Tenderloin: This jumbo tenderloin is made from a butterfly cut 12 ounce pork tenderloin , not a tenderlized pork loin cut. It is wide and required three toothpicks to almost hold it within a paper wrapper. It has a recognizable butterfly shape, with large arms of crispy goodness extending outside the large Rotella Bun. It has a consistent depth across the entire Tenderloin, with only small brown edges coming to less than a quarter-inch thickness. The breading creates a crunchy layer of crumbs, many of these jump out of your sandwich and all over your car interior. This holds a solid and slightly tender middle layer while containing no moisture. The whole thing is salted afterward, which doesn't go too well with the dryness of the tenderloin. Rating 6.5/10
Postscript: This sandwich bothered me later in the day. I think its the huge amount of salt poured on the large surface area. My metabolism slowed down more than it does after most fried foods. This made me rethink my policy of always eating the largest thing on the menu at these places.Price: $6.65, also comes in regular size at $5.50.
Ambiance: There are picnic tables on the pavement in front of the stand, but its only worthwhile if the weather is nice.
Service: The front window has been closed for years, now you either drive your car to one side or walk into the cluttered front area to give your order. Your sandwich is walked out to you at your car in about ten minutes.
Also on the Menu: Guinea Grinder sandwiches made of Italian Sausage, Cheese, and Peppers. Onion Rings, Chili Dogs.
Closing Comments: This place is good for takeouts. I take my sandwich back to my office to eat it. The Guinea Grinder is another special sandwich. Next time I will get the regular size Tenderloin. Plus they have a discount card so your 8th sandwich is free.
I grew up in Des Moines and Milly's drive in was the best tenderloin in town. I now live in Florida and I'm going back to Des Moines In October. I want to experience the best Iowa has to offer me now. What is the best place to try?
ReplyDeleteHey,
ReplyDeleteMillies closed over 20 years ago but people still mention it to me often. Hank and Sharon's closed just this year. If I were visiting I would check out the Des Moines and Central Iowa top 5 lists on the right hand column of the blog, and check the map to see which is closest to where you will be going.
Thanks.
goldies in prairie city; just east of des moines on 163 (university). Was voted best tenderloin in iowa.
ReplyDeleteSTILL NOT AS GOOD AS MILLIES WAS!!!!
Well I have been gone from Iowa way to long if the best place in the world for tenderlions, has been closed for 20 years. I can remeber Millies from the 70's when I was a kid
ReplyDeleteI too can still taste the great Millies Tenderloins.
ReplyDeleteI believe They used ground corn meal in their breading.
Smittys on Fleur Drive out by the Airport is reputed to have a pretty good tenderloin on a bun.
ReplyDeleteThough I have been away from Des Moines since 1965, I still haven't forgotten Millies version, which was by far the best ever.