Location: Johnston
Top Restaurants in Johnston
Top 8 Barbecue food in Johnston, Iowa, United States
Find out what Barbecue restaurants to try in Johnston. Johnston is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 17,278 in the 2010 census, an increase of almost 100% from the 8,649 population in the 2000 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Things to do in Johnston
8. Jethro's BBQ LakeHouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Muchtoodutch
My husband and I suddenly had a day off where we could get lunch. Deciding on Jethros, I didnât know what to expect for lunch. We sat at the bar. The waitress was very attentive and didnât care that we didnât order drinks. Service was quick and the food was amazing. Definitely endorsed as a quick/delicious place for lunch.
7. Jethro's Bbq N' Bacon Bacon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By Cardmakerme
In town for a visit and a friend told me Jethros was the best tenderloin. So my sister and I ordered â1â with the waffle fries and said we were going to split it. When it was served it came out already split , with the accompaniments on each plate (onions and pickles). I love it when restaurants do that!!! Had unlimited drinks too and while we had to ask for our first refill, the other times the staff was attentive. We also asked to move tables as the a/c was blowing down on us! That didnât prove to be a problem for these folks and we were allowed to move to another table! Very friendly staff! Thoroughly enjoyed our visit there!!! Lunchtime wasnât too terribly busy but I understand diner is very crowded. Food is worth it!!!!
6. 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.
5. ShortE's BBQ
Overall Ratings
3 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Peanut977
We had last tried ShortE's shortly after they opened so decided to give it another shot. Food is still just so so. I had the sausage this time and that was some of the worst I've had. My husband said his meal was ok. The kids were fine with theirs. The tots were a good side. Last time, we did take out. This time we ate in. I was surprised that they used styrofoam plates and plastic utensils for dine-in meals. Seems like a ton of waste.
4. 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.
3. 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.
2. Cactus Bob's BBQ Corral
Overall Ratings
4 based on 97 reviews
Feast upon authentic barbecue dishes at Cactus Bob's BBQ Corral. From small intimate weddings to large social gatherings, we're here to make sure your guests never go hungry. We do nothing but "competition-style" BBQ and catering is available for all even
Reviewed By Chris H
Two adults had dinner here on a Saturday evening in late August. Cost was about $20 for two pulled pork sandwiches with sides. Very tasty especially "Granny's coleslaw. Enough food for lunch for the next day for us. Would return if lived in the area.
1. Jethro's Bbq N' Pork Chop Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By mlallen07
Not the best BBQ. I had the brisket platter, overall the sliced brisket was good but the burnt ends were really over cooked and dry. I would just get the sliced brisket next time. The service was amazing and the beer was cold.
