BBQ
Grab an extra napkin, because it is going to get messy.
By Cyote Williams
WHATCHA SMOKIN BBQ
403 Iowa Ave., Luther
www.whatchasmokinbbq.com
A roughly 40-minute drive outside of Des Moines is where you can find some of the best BBQ in the state of Iowa. Everything is made from scratch, bringing BBQ fans all types of fatty, juicy and tender pieces of meat like their brisket, ribs or pork belly burnt ends.
SHORTE’S BBQ
8805 Chambery Blvd., Suite 250, Johnston
www.shortesbbq.com
Don’t let the Texas state outline on their website fool you. ShortE’s is made right here in the metro. They tell their diners to “loosen their belts” when they arrive, and that’s sound advice. The Mac Attack attacks the taste buds in a good way. They have BBQ style twists like bacon jalapeno wontons and tacos, and also the classic cuts of BBQ’d meats carnivores know and love.
SMOKEY D’S
5055 N.W. Second St., Des Moines
www.smokeydsbbq.com
Smokey D’s has several locations, but the one we have highlighted is their main location. This BBQ joint is the winner of more than 90 State BBQ championships and more than 1,000 local, regional and national awards. It was even featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” much to the delight of Guy Fieri.
KUE’D SMOKEHOUSE
245 E. Hickman Road, Waukee
www.kuedsmokehouse.com
The name is short and sweet, and the food is great to eat. This award-winning smokehouse has been turning heads of BBQ enthusiasts since it opened, winning several awards during existence. Their brisket is a must-order.
CORNBRED
526 Main St., Suite 106, Ames
www.cornbredbbq.com
Just north of Des Moines, BBQ enjoyers can find Cornbred smack dab in Cyclone country. Their Skillet Mac comes with four cheeses, and their award-winning craft meats include beef brisket, burnt ends, pork spare ribs and more. The carrot cake or bread pudding are great ways to mix in something sweet after the savory meal you are sure to devour.
CACTUS BOB’S BBQ CORRAL
5955 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
www.cactusbobsbbqcorral.com
Who would have guessed that Johnston is home to two of the metro’s best BBQ spots? Cactus Bob’s smokes its pork butts and beef briskets for up to 20 hours to give it that delicious smokey, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and texture. Smoked-meat sandwiches give you something to grab onto, and the platters and sides feature the classics.
FLYING MANGO
4345 Hickman Road, Des Moines
www.flyingmango.com
BBQ, Cajun and southern cuisine all in one? That’s hard to beat. Flying Mango also made an appearance on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” and for good reason. While they have a range of options, the BBQ makes its own claim for top spot in the city. Smoked goods include pork tenderloin, chicken dinner, Memphis-style rib dinner and 24-hour beef brisket.
BUBBIE’S BBQ
1802 N. Ankeny Blvd., Suite 101, Ankeny
www.bubbies-bbq.com
Bubbie’s in Ankeny is new to the game but is making a claim to be one of the metro’s best. Bubbie’s updates a list of specials on their website so you can see what the best bang for your buck meal is beforehand. Bring the whole gang for the Bubbie’s Family Feast, served with half a rack of ribs, two meats, three sides and six corn muffins. They also have a selection of tacos and other handhelds if you don’t want to get too stuffed.
WHATCHA SMOKIN BBQ
403 Iowa Ave., Luther
www.whatchasmokinbbq.com
A roughly 40-minute drive outside of Des Moines is where you can find some of the best BBQ in the state of Iowa. Everything is made from scratch, bringing BBQ fans all types of fatty, juicy and tender pieces of meat like their brisket, ribs or pork belly burnt ends.
SHORTE’S BBQ
8805 Chambery Blvd., Suite 250, Johnston
www.shortesbbq.com
Don’t let the Texas state outline on their website fool you. ShortE’s is made right here in the metro. They tell their diners to “loosen their belts” when they arrive, and that’s sound advice. The Mac Attack attacks the taste buds in a good way. They have BBQ style twists like bacon jalapeno wontons and tacos, and also the classic cuts of BBQ’d meats carnivores know and love.
SMOKEY D’S
5055 N.W. Second St., Des Moines
www.smokeydsbbq.com
Smokey D’s has several locations, but the one we have highlighted is their main location. This BBQ joint is the winner of more than 90 State BBQ championships and more than 1,000 local, regional and national awards. It was even featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” much to the delight of Guy Fieri.
KUE’D SMOKEHOUSE
245 E. Hickman Road, Waukee
www.kuedsmokehouse.com
The name is short and sweet, and the food is great to eat. This award-winning smokehouse has been turning heads of BBQ enthusiasts since it opened, winning several awards during existence. Their brisket is a must-order.
CORNBRED
526 Main St., Suite 106, Ames
www.cornbredbbq.com
Just north of Des Moines, BBQ enjoyers can find Cornbred smack dab in Cyclone country. Their Skillet Mac comes with four cheeses, and their award-winning craft meats include beef brisket, burnt ends, pork spare ribs and more. The carrot cake or bread pudding are great ways to mix in something sweet after the savory meal you are sure to devour.
CACTUS BOB’S BBQ CORRAL
5955 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
www.cactusbobsbbqcorral.com
Who would have guessed that Johnston is home to two of the metro’s best BBQ spots? Cactus Bob’s smokes its pork butts and beef briskets for up to 20 hours to give it that delicious smokey, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and texture. Smoked-meat sandwiches give you something to grab onto, and the platters and sides feature the classics.
FLYING MANGO
4345 Hickman Road, Des Moines
www.flyingmango.com
BBQ, Cajun and southern cuisine all in one? That’s hard to beat. Flying Mango also made an appearance on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” and for good reason. While they have a range of options, the BBQ makes its own claim for top spot in the city. Smoked goods include pork tenderloin, chicken dinner, Memphis-style rib dinner and 24-hour beef brisket.
BUBBIE’S BBQ
1802 N. Ankeny Blvd., Suite 101, Ankeny
www.bubbies-bbq.com
Bubbie’s in Ankeny is new to the game but is making a claim to be one of the metro’s best. Bubbie’s updates a list of specials on their website so you can see what the best bang for your buck meal is beforehand. Bring the whole gang for the Bubbie’s Family Feast, served with half a rack of ribs, two meats, three sides and six corn muffins. They also have a selection of tacos and other handhelds if you don’t want to get too stuffed.