The Hills Bar & Grill: Taste Local Favorites in Pleasant Hill

Nestled in the heart of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, The Hills Bar & Grill stands out as a vibrant neighborhood gem where comfort meets culinary delight. Specializing in classic American bar and grill fare with a modern twist, this inviting spot offers an extensive menu that caters to a variety of cravings – from savory small plates to hearty grilled entrees and satisfying wraps.

Step inside and you’re immediately embraced by a warm, welcoming atmosphere where “everybody knows your name.” The genuine hospitality shines through as the owner personally greets guests, setting the tone for a relaxed yet attentive dining experience. Whether you’re settling in for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, The Hills strikes the perfect balance between a cozy local hangout and a place worthy of celebrating life’s milestones.

The menu itself is full of flavorful highlights that delight the palate. Start with the Seven Bone-In Wings, offered in a variety of bold sauces like smoky BBQ, Carolina Tangy, Hot Buffalo, and homemade Garlic Parmesan – each wing a perfect marriage of heat, tang, and savory richness that keeps you reaching for more. Their Nachos Supreme are loaded with grilled chicken, melted cheese blend, refried beans, pico de gallo that bursts with freshness, and a cool dollop of sour cream, creating a dynamic texture and flavor symphony. For a unique twist, the Fried Pickles coated in Jackie Brown beer batter deliver a satisfyingly crispy bite paired with a smoky chipotle aioli—proving that even veggies can shine with the right treatment.

For those craving something more substantial, The Hills’ grilled entrees do not disappoint. The 8oz New York Strip Steak is perfectly cooked, juicy, and paired with your choice of two sides and a house salad or soup, offering a classic steakhouse experience in a laid-back setting. The 6oz Grilled Atlantic Salmon offers a fresh, tender alternative that's beautifully complemented by simple sides that allow the fish’s natural flavors to take center stage. Meanwhile, the Grilled Chicken Breast dish is a versatile favorite, lightly seasoned and grilled to juicy perfection.

Wrap lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice with the hot wraps, from the tangy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Wrap made with your choice of breaded or grilled chicken, to the savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap, and the fresh and vibrant Chicken Caesar Wrap, all served with a flavorful side that rounds out the meal.

What really elevates The Hills Bar & Grill beyond just great food is the attentive, friendly service that customers consistently praise. Reviewers like Stephanie and Sara have highlighted the staff's warmth and efficiency – servers like Alejandro, Flower, and Harrison feel more like trusted friends than waitstaff, enhancing the communal, welcoming vibe. The bar offers thoughtful drink choices, including local brews like the blood orange beer that pairs seamlessly with the menu.

Community-focused and inclusive, The Hills also impresses as an event venue, with private rooms and dedicated staff that ensure special occasions – like college graduations – are handled smoothly and memorably, as noted in Debbie’s heartfelt review.

In sum, The Hills Bar & Grill is not just a spot to eat and drink; it’s a place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy honest, comforting food crafted with care. Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor exploring Pleasant Hill, this bar & grill offers a satisfying, flavorful, and heartwarming experience worth returning to again and again.

Contact Information:
4830 Maple Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, United States
Phone: +1 515-214-2347

Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

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

Cheques
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Stephanie Ayersman

28/11/2025

If you’re looking for a restaurant “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came” with delicious food, this is your spot. Upon arrival, the owner greeted us at the door and showed us to our table. Our server/bartender Harrison got our drink order, made them, and brought them to us promptly. Jack of all trades. My husband got the blood orange local beer (similar to blue moon, but better - we can’t remember the name sorry!) and I got the liquid marijuana (a drink that takes you to a sunny island beach minus the THC ) We then ordered the molletes as an appetizer (delicious and filling - get their special hot sauce!). Spicy with vinegar from the hot sauce with taste of the cilantro, chorizo, onion, and seemingly fresh tomatoes. I thought of this as a Mexican bruschetta. 10/10 — super filling and absolutely delicious. For our main course, I got the pasta Diablo and my husband got the graziano sausage pasta. The pasta Diablo had a bite! Someone who loves spice, I was surprised. Perfect amount of spice for me. My husband said the pasta was like a “from scratch cheesy hamburger helper” in the best way possible. The owner checked on us multiple times through out the meal, the servers were attentive and patient (even with a huge party going on). Its been awhile since we have had as good of service as we received here! This will be on our date night rotation.

Margaret Wares

23/11/2025

Fast service. Waitress Flower was great. Casual neighborhood bar and grill. We will be back.

Sara Skarsgard

20/11/2025

The Hills is a lovely, local spot in Pleasant Hill with delicious food and amazing service! I am glad we have this little gem in Pleasant Hill since we don't have a lot of restaurants here. Great happy hour prices for drinks and apps! Alejandro and Flower are amazing, friendly servers and always helpful! I want to try more food here but shoutout to the wraps, sandwiches, quesadilla and salmon salad! And I can't forget the tomato bisque soup! Delicious!! Definitely give this place a try!

Debbie Garner

19/11/2025

Huge shoutout to Alejandro and his crew. I hosted my son’s college graduation at The Hills and it was a perfect evening. Food was great, we had our own room (with restroom separate from main dining area), wait staff was very friendly and attentive. I couldn’t have picked a better place. Thank you for the memorable evening!

Jason Krommenhoek

02/10/2025

UPDATE! I have returned numerous times and I can honestly say if you are a fan of homemade soups this is the place to visit. Theirs soups are amazing! See you soon! We have been here before, and nothing really stood out, but after seeing numerous reviews glamorize this place, we decided to visit again for the first time. We ordered the Potato Taquitos as an appetizer. They were delicious but somewhat bland, they needed something more but were good. My wife ordered the Chicken Bacon Carbonara. I ordered a cup of the Tuscun Soup and a Bacon Cheeseburger with fries. The soup was awesome, and I would return just for that alone. My burger was delivered without the bacon and my wife's meal was completely wrong. They quickly remedies the issue as they gave her the vegetarian pasta. The staff was really friendly and attentive. Two issues, the main room is where the front door is and if it is cold out you have a cold front radiate through the room everytime someone comes or goes. Second, our waiter was great but took our order without writing it down, if he gets it right he is awesome however he didn't. This would be a great lunch spot as well as a good dinner spot. I won't let the issues stop me from returning. The food was really good even with the mistakes.

Thomas Burgett

30/09/2025

My favorite place in Pleasant Hill. In the Des Moines Metro in my top ten. The menu is extensive even though the owner and chef is originally from North? Of Mexico City. His culinary training was in California and in NYC, where one of the twin towers was. The bar is adequate, but the food is awesome.

Shaylah Lou

26/09/2025

Walked passed this place all the time walking to work back in 2020 and never really had the time to stop in til tonight with my boyfriend and daughter! The garlic bread didn’t really taste like there was any garlic on it, just melted cheese but the tomato bisque soup and all pasta we ordered was amazing desire only having penne noodles, also wanna give props to the women’s bathroom for having women’s sanitary products when I forgot mine at home and having an actual baby changing table! Lots to love, definitely recommend!