Trostel's Greenbriar

Overview

If you're looking for a place that combines comfort, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere, Trostel's Greenbriar at 5810 Merle Hay Rd in Johnston, IA, is an excellent choice. This restaurant has been a local favorite for years, and it's easy to see why. Whether you're popping in for a casual meal with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Trostel's Greenbriar offers an experience that's hard to beat.

One of the things that stands out at Trostel's is the menu. The selection is diverse enough to appeal to almost any palate, yet focused on quality, with many dishes that will quickly become personal favorites. For example, the slow-roasted prime rib is a crowd-pleaser, always tender and flavorful. The hand-cut steaks are cooked to perfection and served with all the classic sides, but the real charm is in the details - like the homemade sauces that add a special touch to every dish. Vegetarians and lighter eaters will find plenty of options too, from crisp salads to lighter seafood dishes that don’t skimp on taste or presentation.

A lot of local restaurants talk about their “signature” dishes, but Trostel’s Greenbriar actually delivers on that promise. One of their standout menu items is the “greenbriar burger,” which features a perfectly grilled patty stacked high with fresh ingredients and a secret sauce that has a unique, tangy flavor. It's no wonder it’s a favorite among regulars. If you're looking for something with a little more flair, the seafood pasta is an ideal choice - the blend of fresh shrimp, scallops, and lobster creates a dish that feels indulgent yet satisfying.

In addition to the food, the atmosphere at Trostel’s Greenbriar contributes to its reputation as a great place to dine. Whether you sit in the cozy bar area or opt for the more formal dining room, the space has a warm and inviting feel. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to offer recommendations, making it feel like a true neighborhood gem. You’re not just another customer here; the team genuinely cares about your experience, and it shows in everything from the service to the food itself.

For those who are planning a visit, you’ll find that Trostel's Greenbriar also offers a great selection of drinks, including a curated wine list and craft beers. The bar is a great place to grab a drink and catch up with friends before or after your meal. The drink menu is extensive but not overwhelming, and there’s always something to pair perfectly with your food.

It’s also worth mentioning that the restaurant frequently updates its menu with seasonal dishes, which is a great way to try new flavors and ingredients. These seasonal offerings are thoughtfully curated and highlight the freshest produce available, ensuring you’ll always find something exciting to try. Whether you're in the mood for hearty comfort food in the winter or something lighter and fresher in the summer, the rotating menu items always hit the mark.

But don't just take my word for it - reviews from the locals speak volumes about what makes Trostel’s Greenbriar a standout spot. Many visitors rave about the consistency of the food, the attentive service, and the cozy yet upscale atmosphere. It's the kind of place that feels like a hidden treasure, where you can count on a great meal every time you visit.

If you're planning a special event or gathering, Trostel's Greenbriar also offers catering and private dining options. The restaurant's flexible space can accommodate various group sizes, making it a perfect choice for anything from family gatherings to corporate events. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every event runs smoothly, which has earned them a reputation as a go-to location for special occasions.

Overall, whether you're a long-time resident of Johnston or just passing through, Trostel's Greenbriar is a place that shouldn't be missed. The combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best dining options in the area.

Good to know

From the business

Identifies as women-owned

Service options

Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in

Highlights

Great beer selection Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Private dining room Spirits Vegetarian options Wine

Dining options

Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Bar on site Toilet

Atmosphere

Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket

Crowd

Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space

Planning

Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards

Children

High chairs Kids' menu

Parking

Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Pets

Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 989 reviews
Amazing 840
Great 152
Okay 46
Not Great 15
Terrible 13
Joy Hazucha

Very lovely! We stopped for dinner on our way from Minnesota to Kansas. Friendly welcome, delicious and well presented food, service that was fast enough for us to get back on the road, not slow or rushed. Notable selection of homemade sauces: bearnaise, horseradish and another one.

Andrew Just

we tried this place for the first time and it was amazing. Tried boursin mushrooms, calamari, lamb shank, salad, fries and prime rib sandwich. Everything awesome and very reasonable price, service great. Both calamari and prime rib sandwich best I've had anywhere, including in all of my international adventures.

Andrew Skretta

I've dined here 3-4 times in the last year and the food was consistently great every time - they use quality ingredients and steaks / fish are cooked properly and seasoned well. The service has also been above average, with friendly attentive staff always willing to help. The decor is starting to feel a bit dated, but the low lighting and noise level is comfortable. This is an excellent option for groups of family / friends looking to treat themselves to a special lunch or dinner in a relaxing and welcoming environment.

Christopher

Stopped by last Thursday about an hour before closing, service, food and atmosphere were great. First timer to this gem. Didn’t feel rushed. Very happy with my medium cooked steak, Brussels sprouts were amazing and an added a flavorful chocolate martini to top it off. Will definitely be back soon.

Amy Smith

If you’re looking for a spot with a killer patio and even better service, this is it. Derek crushed it — hands down the best service I’ve had in long time! Food’s always on point too, with tons of options to keep everyone happy. 10/10 would go again.

Austin Crase

Strongly recommend getting dinner here! We had a reservation for a group of 6. We were seated right on time. Drinks and appetizers were amazing. Our slightly rowdy group of six was nicely placed slightly in a corner and we had a great evening with our server Ray. He engaged in fun banter matching the energy of our group all while keeping us in drink and food. Several different food types were chosen by our group but all of us were impressed. Our group included some that had never been and some that hadn't been in at least a decade. We all agree we must go back and hopefully get to spend the evening with Ray again.

Adati Tarfa

Such excellent food and excellent staff! It is one of the nice restaurants in the area and it is completely worth it. The food items were in the $20-$30 range and very filling. The seasonal items are great! Visited without reservations but will recommend reservations especially for mid to large parties, this helps the staff to plan ahead of time. This location is great for celebrations!

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