Des Moines pulls in BBQ lovers from all over, and it isn’t hard to see why. From smoky classics and Southern comfort dishes to innovative takes with a local twist, you’ll find plenty of spots that really know their way around a smoker.
Let’s get to it.
Bubba
When you step into Bubba in downtown Des Moines, Southern charm greets you with a side of Midwestern warmth. This cozy restaurant is famous for deviled eggs that hold their own and fried chicken and waffles that can coax a smile from anyone. The mac and cheese deserves its own fan club, with a creamy blend of cheeses and a perfectly baked crust.
Brisket and pulled pork get the Memphis treatment here. The gumbo tastes so authentic you might swear you’ve taken a detour to New Orleans. Seasonal dishes like cornmeal gnocchi and heirloom tomato tart add a fresh twist to the menu. And if you’re passionate about sauces, their house-made pimento ranch and remoulade have cult followings of their own.
The atmosphere is comfortably elegant without a hint of fuss. Outdoor seating invites you to relax on warm evenings, while the bar pours cocktails tailored to each season. Whether you’re winding down after work or gathering with friends, Bubba serves up hearty comfort food with friendly service and a welcoming vibe. see what’s cooking at Bubba.
Captain Roy’s
Stepping into Captain Roy’s, you’ll find all the hallmarks of classic American comfort food with a dose of community spirit. Barbecue takes center stage here, whether you’re piling brisket, pulled pork, or smoked sausage onto a mega platter or sinking your teeth into a stacked sandwich. Each meat is slow-smoked and seasoned, inviting you to treat portion control as merely a suggestion.
On the side, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and golden waffle fries deliver perfect harmony. And if pizza strikes your fancy, the Freylack Pizza layers Graziano sausage and pulled pork under a crown of barbecue sauce.
Between bites, take in live music or sign up for trivia night. Outdoor seating keeps things fresh during warmer months, and pet- and kid-friendly touches make it easy to bring the whole family. Service moves from cheery counter greetings to friendly takeout handoffs.
Prices here land comfortably between weeknight treat and celebration level without tipping into extravagance. Whether you’re here to cheer on trivia teams or simply enjoy a casual meal, Captain Roy’s delivers generous portions, good vibes, and that reliable hometown hospitality. Order up or investigate the next big event at Captain Roy’s.
Flying Mango
Perched in Des Moines, Flying Mango delivers slow-smoked barbecue with a Caribbean twist. Since 2003, owner and licensed pilot Mike Wedeking has overseen cherry wood-racked smokers that deliver tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked chicken, and spicy andouille sausage. His aviation background shows in the care each cut receives before landing on your plate.
The menu blends Southern barbecue with Caribbean flavors. Memphis-style ribs come with house-made sauces, while sides like red beans and rice, collard greens, and sweet potato pancakes demand attention of their own. Portions are generous enough that you won’t be raiding the fridge later.
Inside, the atmosphere stays cheerful and unfussy. Live blues bands take the stage on Wednesdays. A rotating list of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails pairs perfectly with each smoky bite. The Food Network seal of approval hangs on the wall, a reminder of how this family business keeps raising the bar.
Affordable prices, friendly service, and the aroma of cherry wood smoke make Flying Mango a top contender for the best-smelling spot in Iowa barbecue. Browse their menu and let the cravings begin.
Smokey D’s BBQ
Founded in 2006 by Darren and Sherry Warth, Smokey D’s BBQ has risen from backyard tinkering to regional acclaim. They’ve earned a growing shelf of trophies and shoutouts from Yelp and the Food Network.
Here, it’s all about casual counter service and generous portions. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends spend hours on the smoker until each slice is tender and flavorful. Sides read like bonus quests for comfort: creamy mac and cheese, cheesy jalapeño corn, and tangy coleslaw.
Flavor takes center stage without breaking the bank. Moderately priced plates come with a side of satisfaction. The beer list backs up the BBQ with local craft brews and familiar domestic bottles, so you can pair or switch it up.
Families, groups, and solo diners will all feel welcome. Dine in to soak up the atmosphere, grab take out for a no fuss feast, or let their catering crew supply your next gathering. Smokey D’s serves up downhome hospitality with every smoky bite. See what’s smokin’ at Smokey D’s.
Brazil Terra Grill Steakhouse
Tucked away in West Des Moines, Brazil Terra Grill Steakhouse feels less like dinner and more like a flavorful celebration. Uniformed gauchos swing by your table with skewers of sizzling meat. This family-owned restaurant brings authentic churrasco to life with bottom sirloin, spicy pork, chicken hearts for the adventurous, mango fish, and bacon-wrapped morsels carved right onto your plate.
Alongside the unlimited gourmet salad bar, you’ll find fresh vegetables, cheeses, and house-made soups. It’s a clever way to convince yourself you might save room for more meat… but you know you won’t. The meats are chargrilled over infrared gas burners, striking a balance between tradition and technology.
Generous hours and hearty portions make heading here easy any night of the week. There’s even a special kids’ price that keeps wallets happy. With a dozen beers on tap, from light lagers to robust ales, you can pair each course with a cold brew. It’s as close as Iowa gets to a Brazilian barbecue feast, and you won’t leave disappointed. Plot your meaty escape here.
Smash Park Des Moines
In West Des Moines, Smash Park delivers a unique blend of BBQ and entertainment. Located on Coachlight Drive, it’s a playground for anyone who can’t choose between plate smashing pulled pork and smashing pickleballs.
The counter service format keeps things fast. Order your pulled pork, jalapeño cheddar sausage, or pulled chicken, then grab sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, beans, and cornbread. A buzzer alerts you when your tray is ready and the aroma of smoked meat hits full force.
When your food arrives, you can head to the pickleball courts, toss a dart, challenge friends at cornhole, or even try axe throwing. Giant Jenga and arcade games fill the breaks between bites. If you’d rather sip while you smoke, the bar stocks local craft brews and familiar favorites.
Monthly menus shake up the BBQ lineup, so you’ll find new seasonal specials alongside the classics. Whether you’re here for dine in fun or want to cater an offsite event, Smash Park combines casual eats with friendly competition in one place. Book your paddles and your pulled pork here.
Cornbred Barbecue
Nestled in Ames inside the Old Train Depot, Cornbred Barbecue provides a historic backdrop to award-winning smokehouse fare. This family-owned spot takes each cut of meat seriously, from tender brisket and smoky burnt ends to spare ribs, turkey, and sausage. Every item comes wrapped in house-made rubs and finished with signature sauces.
Classic sides like quiet-but-perfect mac and cheese and hallelujah potatoes round out the plate. The portions arrive generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest barbecue fan. And the wall of awards, including a National Brisket Champion title, hints at why diners keep coming back.
Cornbred keeps things interesting with weekly specials like Tex-Mex Tuesday and Steak Fry-Yay Friday, plus a rotating craft beer list and cocktails. Prices remain moderate, so you can enjoy a piled-high plate without breaking the bank. Whether you dine in among restored wood beams or grab takeout for a casual night at home, the pitmasters here blend innovation with tradition. Cornbred Barbecue delivers a memorable experience for seasoned barbecue lovers and newcomers alike. See what’s smokin’ at Cornbred Barbecue.
Hickory Park
Since 1970, this BBQ landmark in Ames has seduced hungry crowds with hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and generous portions. The vibe inside is welcoming, affordable, and family friendly.
The portions here might inspire second thoughts but in the best way possible.
And oh, the desserts. The ice cream menu is so extensive it borders on the philosophical. Desserts include indulgent banana splits, classic sundaes, and seasonal specials that keep you coming back. How many sundae varieties can one menu sustain? Enough to satisfy even the most indecisive sweet tooth.
Here, Kansas City style BBQ reigns supreme, with a sweet, tangy sauce smothering everything but willpower. Sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw arrive ready to party alongside the main event.
Whether you’re settling in for a dine in feast or stacking up to take home, Hickory Park makes it easy. They even cater weddings, office lunches, and backyard celebrations. Just bring your appetite, and they’ll handle the rest. explore the meaty madness here.
Kue’d Smokehouse
When BBQ hardware is part of your bragging rights, Kue’d Smokehouse in Waukee earns its stripes. Shad and Angie Kirton took home top honors on TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters and at the Jack Daniel’s World BBQ Invitational Championship. Their expertise shows in every smoky bite.
The menu showcases brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, each rubbed and smoked with care. Four house sauces range from mild to fiery, so you can dial up your adventure bite by bite. Classics like mac and cheese, coleslaw, beans, and sweet cornbread round out the plate.
Service here keeps things simple. You order at the counter and wait for your buzzer to buzz. That breeze through the line means more time to savor the smell of hickory and oak.
Every four months they roll out seasonal twists, so regulars have something new to try. Dine in or take out, and if you’re planning a party, their catering team will deliver championship BBQ straight to your door. Dig into the saucy details here.
Whatcha Smokin BBQ & Brew
In Luther, Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew flips a former gas station into a Texas style pit stop for serious barbecue fans. Named “The Best BBQ in Iowa” by Food & Wine Magazine, it lives up to the hype.
They keep it authentic. Brisket relies on nothing but salt, pepper, and slow hours over local wood. Pulled pork gets a five spice rub that builds layers of flavor, and every protein spends far more than a quick hour on the smoker. Sides join the party with cheesy potatoes, jalapeño creamed corn, and fresh slaw.
Inside, motorcycle memorabilia mixes with grain bin counters for a laid back vibe. Overhead rafters and outdoor picnic tables complete the scene.
The beer lineup sticks to Iowa craft brews that complement smoky flavors. Whether you’re grabbing take out, hanging on the patio with friends, or booking catering for a big family reunion, Whatcha Smokin’ makes it easy. Just order the plate and let the brisket do the talking. See what all the fuss is about.
