Top 5 BBQ Joints In Des Moines, Iowa

1. Smokey D’s BBQ

Founded by Darren and Sherry Warth in 2006, Smokey D’s BBQ is a family-owned BBQ joint in Des Moines. This award-winning restaurant has three different locations in Des Moines, a food truck, and an online store that sells Smokey D’s merchandise. They offer takeaway and delivery options, but dining in at this restaurant is an experience in itself, thanks to its friendly and helpful staff. The beef tenderloin here is as good as it gets. For starters, don’t forget to try their BBQ nachos and rib & wing basket. Their sliced beef brisket and country fried steak fingers are also worth a try. Don’t forget the famous Smokey D’s sandwich; you’ll be left wanting for more.

Smokey D’s BBQ

Address: 5055 NW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313, United States

Website: Smokey D’s BBQ

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm

2. Jethro's BBQ

If you are in for some sumptuous, slow-smoked meats, make your way to Jethro’s BBQ. This is not just any BBQ joint; it is a sports bar that also offers comfort foods, amazing beers, and drinks in lovely mason jars. Their fried pickles and waffle fries are a must-try. Their jalapeno sausage and potato salad are amazing too. They have quite a few platters on their menu so if you like variety, go for one. Don’t like sitting indoors? No need to worry because there is ample outdoor seating as well. But if you don’t have much time, you can also order a takeaway. There is a full bar that serves an amazing selection of beers, but if you have kids with you, their milkshakes are also worth dying for.

Jethro's BBQ

Address: 3100 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States

Website: Jethro’s BBQ

Opening hours: Wed: 11am - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

3. Big Al's BBQ and Catering

One of the premier BBQ restaurants in Des Moines, IA, Big Al’s claims to serve the “true Southern-style BBQ” in the city. The place is pretty popular with locals and tourists alike. They have a friendly and courteous staff who are always happy to help the guests. The interior décor is chic with chalkboard walls and brightly colored chairs, which makes for a nice and pleasant ambiance for dining in. They also play good accompanying music. Aside from that, the food on their menu is great too. Try their pulled pork, potato salad, and baked beans. The tenderloin will also blow your mind away.

Big Al's BBQ and Catering

Address: 1810 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States

Website: Big Al’s BBQ and Catering

Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)

4. Stu's BBQ Catering & Concessions

If you are a fan of traditional lemonade, then Stu’s BBQ Catering & Concessions is the place for you. Their signature hand-made lemonade is the talk of the town in Des Moines and a true fan of the concoction just cannot miss it. They also have their various premier smoked meats, which will simply blow your mind away. They have one of the best hand-breaded tenderloins in the city and their steak fries are amazing too. Try their BBQ beans, ranch pasta salad, and BBQ pulled pork; you won’t have anything better than this. They also take to-go orders so if you don’t have enough time to sit there and dine in, get a takeaway and enjoy a sumptuous meal with your loved ones at home.

Stu's BBQ Catering & Concessions

Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States

Website: Stu’s BBQ Catering & Concessions

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 7pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

5. Le's Chinese Bar-B-Que

People who have been here claimed that this place serves the best Chinese barbeque in Des Moines. If you are ordering a takeaway, the service is super quick; you might get your food within 5 to 10 minutes of placing your order at the takeaway window. Their roast duck, roast pork, and BBQ pork are superb. If you love your noodles, don’t miss their delicious noodle soup and lo mein, which is a Chinese comfort food made from egg and noodles. Their crispy-skinned duck is a superhit across Des Moines thanks to its tenderness and juicy and savory flavor. The staff and the owners are nice and friendly too. So, if you are in for some Chinese punch to your traditional BBQ, this is the place to be.

Le's Chinese Bar-B-Que

Address: 1600 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States

Website: Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Des Moines offers splendid BBQ meals for all

True fans of barbeque will never run out of options in Des Moines, IA. We have listed the best BBQ joints here. However, the city is full of many other big and small BBQ eateries, which you might stumble upon while you are there. So, if you happen to find an amazing BBQ joint in the Iowan capital that is not on this list, do let us know. Or else, head to one of these amazing joints and complete your trip on a delicious note!