Location: Des Moines
Top Restaurants in Des Moines
Top 5 Barbecue food in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best Barbecue food in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.
Things to do in Des Moines
1. Smokey D's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 752 reviews
"Opened by award winning pitmasters, this restaurant just off I-80 on Des Moines' north side is a BBQ lovers dream and would be a real gem for travelers". New Smokey D's location. There are two others.
Reviewed By MarcieJ
We were happy that we stopped here for lunch on our road trip. It wasnât the best BBQ weâve ever had, but much better than the typical fast food options. The burnt ends were done perfectly, and the fries were deliciously seasoned and perfectly done. The parking lot was pretty full, but we only had to wait a few minutes to order, and about five minutes for our food to arrive.
2. Flying Mango
Overall Ratings
4 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By 573dk9999
After seeing this place on DDD, was expecting to be blown away with the quality of the BBQ. Ordered the rib dinner with red beans and rice and cornbread. The red bean and rice were as advertised, spicy and flavorful, with generous amounts of meat and sausage. Likewise, the cornbread was very good, sweet and good textured with a pat of cinnamon butter on the top. The ribs were disappointing. They use loin ribs, which are very meaty, but without the fat that make spare ribs so tender when smoked. The center of the meaty portion of the ribs was white, indicating that it had not been smoked long enough for the smoke to penetrate all the way through, and they were somewhat tough, also indicating they were undercooked. Another in our party had ribs as part of her meal, and they were exactly the same. The ribs also arrived a little cool, so they had not been warmed up enough after being taken out of the cooler.Another in our party had the triggerfish, which was outstanding.All in all it was a good meal, but not up the the hype. I'm certain they are capable of better, and I will choose more carefully the next time I visit.
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3. Jethro's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 638 reviews
Reviewed By Rbb599
Restaurant was very crowded and somewhat loud but atmosphere was good. My son had the ribs which he loved, the sides of macaroni and cheese and baked beans were excellent. Wifeâs sandwich was excellent and I really enjoyed the pulled pork, brisket and jalapeño creamed corn. Another plus is that the menu has so many choices. Highly recommend if in Des Moines.
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4. Smokey D's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By SidSidow
A late lunch and the site was pretty quiet after the main lunch crowd. Self service, but very quick and efficient. Sides were especially good! cole slaw and baked beans are easily overlooked - these were great!!Brisket was very good, and even with me being a heavy saucer - sin to many, I love the addition of the BBQ sauce. Still all very good!!
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5. Big Al's BBQ & Catering
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Go2theZoo
We stopped here on our way to the airport. There were three of us and we shared the combo dinner for $30. We also got a fried okra appetizer. The combo was a pulled pork sandwiche, a brisket sandwich, three wings, four ribs, and three sides. Our sides were mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans and cole slaw. All the sides were great and the meal easily fed all three of us. Big Al came to our table and introduced himself. He made the rounds through the dining room twice while we were there. The okra wasnt great. You could tell it was prepackaged and thrown in the fryer. It was a little slimy. Aside from that everything was very good. We would come back if ever in the area again.
