The 7 Best Places For BBQ In Des Moines

We’ve reviewed everything from Des Moines chicken wings to the best burgers in the city. But, when it comes to Des Moines BBQ, where do you go? You’ll actually find that the Iowa city is filled with some great spots for authentic American BBQ.

From brisket and ribs to pork butt and rib tips, these seven spots are serving it all up with quality and full flavour. In short, you’re seriously spoilt for choice in terms of Des Moines BBQ spots to choose from.

Not sure where to go? We’ve got you covered. We scoured the city to source our list of the seven best BBQ joints in Des Moines. Prepare to put on some eatin’ pants and get to grazing your way through super saucy, flavourful dishes.

The 7 Best Places For BBQ In Des Moines, How do these rankings work?

1. Jethro’s BBQ

Jethro’s earned a spot on our list of the best BBQ in the country. And, it’s all due to their hearty portions of true Southern comfort food. Slinging meat that’s tasty enough to be considered some of the best in the Midwest, there’s a lot that Jethro’s gets right. And, really nothing that they do wrong. Perhaps their BBQ is almost too delicious?

2. Flying Mango

Another clear winner for some of the best BBQ in Des Moines, you simply can’t visit Iowa and not sample the fantastic dishes at Flying Mango. They even once appeared on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Expect nothing short of full flavours regardless of what you order. If they’ve got it while you’re there, definitely sample the prime rib.

3. Big Al’s BBQ & Catering

With two locations, one in Adel and one in Des Moines, Big Al truly smokes the competition to serve up some of the best BBQ in the state. The creative Southern sides seal the deal in terms of flavourful, full meals. As they like to put it, it’s no sauce and all smoke. Definitely try the hickory-smoked BBQ melt sandwich or the iconic smoked meat topped burger.

4. Smokey D’s BBQ

It’s no list of even the best BBQ in Iowa without mentioning Smokey D’s. They’re true champions of quality, having won over 90 state BBQ championships and over 1000 local, regional, and national awards. And, while guests love every single well-smoked sauce-dripping item on their menu, their brisket sandwich and pork ribs are seriously impressive.

5. Uncle Wendell’s BBQ

When you’re craving some super-local, very authentic BBQ plates, head straight over to Uncle Wendell’s. They’re actually the smallest BBQ restaurant in Des Moines, but that doesn’t stop them from serving up huge plates of incredibly flavourful meats. The beef brisket sandwich, when paired with their mouthwatering sweet corn, is the perfect meal.

6. Kue’d Smokehouse

Located a short drive away in Waukee, the flavourful meats at Kue’d Smokehouse are well worth the quick journey. Really, the BBQ here is award-winning. They placed first in BBQ pitmasters at the Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ world championship. Pair some made-from-scratch sides with their juicy, tender ribs and you’ll be in foodie heaven.

7. Rolling Smoke BBQ

Just six miles east of downtown Des Moines you’ll find Rolling Smoke BBQ. They’ve got one of the most complete BBQ menus on this list, serving everything from tantalising burnt ends and smoked chicken straight through to brisket and tasty cornbread. Get the Two Meats, Two Sides plate to sample a variety of their scrumptious dishes.