The 4 best BBQ joints in the Des Moines metro, according to readers

Des Moines is known for its down-home favorites and up-and-coming foodie scene, and when it comes to BBQ, the city does not disappoint.

From tender smoked beef and pork to mouth-watering sauces, the best BBQ joints in Des Moines offer a little slice of Midwest meat perfection. In a recent readers’ choice poll, the top BBQ restaurants in the city were voted on, and the results are in! Let’s take a tasty tour of the best BBQ joints in Des Moines.

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3. Jethro’s BBQ Bacon Bacon – West Des Moines

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of all things smoked, grilled, and bacon-wrapped, then prepare to meet your match at Jethro’s BBQ Bacon Bacon. This West Des Moines gem blends Cajun favorites with massive sandwiches and backyard BBQ delights, within the kind of welcoming space that makes you want to stay a while.

At Jethro’s, it’s clear they have a love affair with meat, having perfected their BBQ recipe through trial and error nearly twenty years ago. Their menu reads like a love letter to the South, featuring dishes commonly enjoyed in Louisiana and Texas. But the real showstoppers are the massive sandwiches, marvels of meaty engineering, that have been featured on TV.

Jethro’s dares to go where few BBQ joints venture, with creations that blend classic BBQ with inventive twists. Take, for instance, their smoked chicken waffle fry nachos, a dish that has achieved legendary status among regulars, or the BBQ Bulldog burger, celebrating Iowa’s legendary football heroes with a real steak patty and tender brisket. And let’s not forget the World Famous Adam Emmenecker sandwich from Man Vs. Food stacked sky high with pork tenderloin, a massive steak burger, brisket, bacon, fried cheese, buffalo chicken tenders, and cheese sauce. You’ll have to don your fanciest sweatpants to tackle this beast!

The portions at Jethro’s are as generous as the flavors are bold. This is the place where diets come to die. Whether you’re tackling a plate solo or sharing with friends, there’s a sense of sweet surrender in every bite, a reminder of the simple pleasures that great food can bring.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: We at Starting Line would be remiss in not mentioning Jethro’s owner Bruce Gerleman’s right-wing political leanings, state lobbying for Republican-backed bills, and hosting of Republican candidate events at his Jethro’s restaurants around the Des Moines metro. But the votes are the votes!)

2. Flying Mango

Flying Mango is a destination for those seeking to spice up their BBQ adventures. They don’t play by the rules. This is where the smoky goodness of traditional BBQ meets the vibrant zest of Caribbean flavors, then greets the back woods of Louisiana in a three-way handshake. This fusion is as delightful as it is unexpected.

At Flying Mango, the atmosphere is lively, and you may be called out for looking at your phone instead of your date, your plate or the decor. The “mythic fire”-painted, H.C. Porter-adorned walls add vibrant color and a dash of Mississippi flair to the interior. It’s the kind of place where the welcome is warm—if not a little spicy—and the plates are always heaping with goodness.

The menu at Flying Mango is a testament to creativity and culinary experimentation. Imagine jerk spiced pulled pork that’s been marinated and smoked to perfection, its spices singing notes of heat and sweet. Or picture 24-hour beef brisket—flavorful meat that practically dissolves on your tongue. 

But Flying Mango isn’t content to just dazzle your taste buds with its main courses. No, this joint understands the importance of a well-rounded meal. Sides here complement and enhance the main narrative. From the creamy grits to the oven roasted apples to the cornbread with honey butter, you won’t find sides like this just anywhere.

Honorable Mention: Whatcha Smokin? BBQ and Brew

Whatcha Smokin? in Luther—just north of Des Moines—serves up some of the most talked-about BBQ. While it might not have snagged a top spot in our readers’ choice poll, make no mistake—this joint is a heavyweight of BBQ meaty goodness.

At Whatcha Smokin?, it’s all about the classics, executed with a Texas pit smokemaster’s expertise. The pulled pork here is nothing short of legendary, boasting a perfect balance of smoke, spice, and succulence that can only be achieved by someone who truly understands the art of BBQ. Everything is made from scratch. And when the food is gone, it’s gone!

The marvels of Whatcha Smokin? extend far beyond their pulled pork. Their sauces are the stuff of local lore, each with its own character and depth, ready to transport your meal to new heights of deliciousness. Whether you like it sweet, spicy, tangy, or somewhere in between, there’s a sauce here that’s bound to delight your tastebuds.

Let’s not forget about the ribs, tender and meaty, each rack carefully tended, spending hours slow cooking to become sublime BBQ fare. Paired with a side of their Texas toast and pickles, and you’ve got yourself a meal that speaks directly to the soul.

In an area bursting with BBQ talent, Whatcha Smokin? stands out as a must-visit for anyone looking to dive deep into some amazing BBQ. Trust us, it’s well worth the drive.

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1. Smokey D’s BBQ

Some places may call themselves “the best joint in town.” But when Smokey D’s dubs themselves “The Best BBQ in Iowa,” it’s no lie. it comes to firing up the grill and smoking meats to perfection, Smokey D’s BBQ has won the hearts of our Des Moines readers. This BBQ powerhouse has carved out a legendary spot for itself among locals and visitors, serving a lineup of dishes that make your taste buds sing. At Smokey D’s, every bite tells a story of passion, precision, and a bit of BBQ magic.

Smokey D’s is known for their top-notch smoked meats. The brisket, so tender and flavorful, seems to melt in your mouth, while the ribs come with a warning label: may cause uncontrollable happiness and a sudden disregard for cutlery. These fall-off-the-bone masterpieces pay homage to the hours of love and smoke invested in them. And let’s not forget about the burnt ends, affectionately known in BBQ circles as “meat candy.” Smokey D’s has turned these bite-sized delights into a coveted treasure, creating a band of loyal followers.

But Smokey D’s isn’t just about the meat. Oh no, they understand that a BBQ feast isn’t complete without the supporting acts. Their sides are not mere afterthoughts. From creamy coleslaw that balances the smoky flavors to baked beans that could easily be a meal on their own, every side dish is a hit.

The sauces at Smokey D’s deserve their own fan club. Ranging from sweet and tangy to fiery hot, these liquid gold concoctions are the perfect partners to their smoked meats. Whether you’re a sauce-on-the-side purist or a slather-it-on enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. Each sauce is a secret handshake into the world of BBQ aficionados, a world where Smokey D’s BBQ reigns supreme.

In a city that’s serious about its BBQ, Smokey D’s BBQ stands out for all the right reasons. It’s a place where tradition and innovation meet on a plate, leaving you eagerly planning your next visit before you’ve even left.