Old-school joint. Server told me it's 29 years old. Fried chicken, smothered chicken, meatloaf, all on point. Even the salads and baked potatoes are excellent.. Four dollar beers. What's not to like go now or later?

I was greeted immediately upon entering. A good sign. I asked to be seated at the bar and was obliged. Also a good sign. The bartender acknowledged me immediately and let me know she'd be with me as soon as the patron next to me finished his long-winded order. When she came to me, I asked to order a 1/2 order of onion rings. She was kind enough to let me know a ¼ order was also an option. I elected to go with that along with some of their homemade ranch. While not then french-fried style I prefer, they were very lightly breaded. And plentiful! The o-rings were a great way to start the meal. When I ordered the cavatelli, the bartender let me know that mushrooms were in the sauce I was going to order and if that was OK. Ugh--no! Mushrooms are terrible. I'm glad she told me and I elected a different sauce. The only disappointing part of this visit was the cavatelli is actually conchiglie pasta. Not the firmness one expects. But the sauce was zippy enough for me to leave this review at a four (actual cavatelli would have been a five). The creamy parm dressing on the salad had bold highlights and was also well crafted. As the kids say these days, the dressing "slapped". I appreciate the fact that the salad was served on a salad plate. The bartender was very helpful and guided me throughout the process. The DSM area could use more people like her. It seemed like many regulars came in as they were known by name. I hope to become one as well; I wish Now & Later wasn't as far from Johnston as it is.

We stopped here for lunch on a Tuesday. It was fairly busy, but we were able to sit right down. Our waitress was attentive. I had ravioli casserole and hubby had the special of the day - - beef stroganoff. The servings were large and it came with very tasty bread. Start the meal with a good salad. The creamy Parm is delicious.

Now or Later reminds me of going out to eat with my grandparents 30 years ago. Old style decorating, homemade cooking, and even though they are always busy with people waiting to get in, it's always relaxing with great food.

Stopped by this local restaurant on Saturday evening about 630. Waited about 29 minutes for a table. The waiting area is very small and right by the bathrooms. Ordered onion rings and breaded mushrooms for appetizers. The onion rings are good, the breaded mushrooms were ok, but the sauce they serve with them is very good. Steak deburgo fit entree off the recommendation of some strangers, the steak was incredibly tender with fantastic flavor. Our server Randi, was spot on with recommendations, very friendly and attentive. We look forward to returning

I had the Hot Roast Beef. It was very very good & the drink I had was excellent. Don't remember the name, but it was RED w/cherries

If you like chicken speidini and steak deburgo then this is the place for you. The menu has a variety of pasta, sandwiches, burgers, seafood and steak. Comfort foods made homemade. Great service and friendly regulars. Everyone will know your name!

We've stopped here several times driving back and forth to DesMoines--I was going to give it 4 stars because I unfortunately ordered the "seafood salad" last time I was there and it was mediocre and though tolerably ok. But other than that, everything we've had is really great. --good location if you're headed east out of town --steak and hamburgers are good --nice Bloody Marys --busy for a reason --a friendly "something for everyone" diner approach

Great food,great staff. I had the chicken Parmesan Just awesome. Large portion and seasoned to perfection. My wife had the steak deburgo She said it was melt in your mouth tender. Prices are fair. You must try.

I won't leave a lengthly review, but I will say this much - this place is really good! The service was easily five out of five. Don't sleep on the ravioli appetizer! And if you like that, check out the 'Ravioli Casserole' - they make a casserole of the appetizer.