Sizzling smoke and savory secrets define Iowa’s barbecue landscape.
From tangy sauces to melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pitmasters here craft tradition with every slow-smoked bite.
Newcomers and locals alike savor finger-licking plates where fire meets flavor in unexpected corners.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into three spots rewriting the rules of ‘cue.
♨️ Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ + Brew
🔥 Hungry for smoke-kissed perfection?
Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ + Brew in Luther, IA, slings Central Texas-style ’cue so good it’ll make your taste buds line-dance! 🍖🍺
This renovated gas station-turned-BBQ haven smokes meats overnight with locally harvested wood, serving ’em fresh daily until they’re gone.
Pair your feast with Iowa craft beers, and prepare for a flavor rodeo!
Food Highlights
- Beef “Dino” Ribs: Saturday’s star attraction, these colossal, fall-off-the-bone ribs are smoked low-and-slow, earning raves for their juicy, bark-covered glory.
- Iowa Twinkies: Bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with pulled pork, corn, and cheese—a smoky, spicy, cheesy flavor bomb that’s Sunday’s must-try.
- Brisket Burnt Ends: Wednesday’s gem—cubes of fatty brisket glazed sweet and sticky, a Kansas City tradition with Iowa flair.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Piled high on Texas Toast, this tender, saucy masterpiece lets you customize heat levels with their signature sauces.
- Prime Rib Fridays: Garlic-mashed potatoes and green beans join this melt-in-your-mouth cut, smoked to pink perfection.
Atmosphere
Step into a rustic-meets-rollicking vibe where garage doors open to sunshine, motorcycle memorabilia adorns the walls, and picnic tables sprawl under shaded skies.
The Grain Bin ordering counter adds farm-chic charm, while the buzzing patio and clubhouse hum with laughter and clinking beers.
Why It’s One of the Best in Iowa
Voted “Best BBQ in Iowa” by Food & Wine Magazine and crowned Pulled Pork Madness champion, Whatcha Smokin’ never reheats leftovers—quality rules here.
Their partnership with Iowa breweries and farms means every bite supports local.
Come early, stay late, and leave with meat sweats and a happy heart.
Address: 403 Iowa Ave, Luther, IA 50152
♨️ Smokey D’s BBQ
Fire up your taste buds at Smokey D’s BBQ in Des Moines, where smoke rings and flavor explosions rule the day! 🍖🔥
This joint slings award-winning meats kissed by hickory clouds, served with sides so good they’ll make you wanna clap your hands.
Crowds flock here for heaping plates, saucy vibes, and portions that’ll leave your belt begging for mercy. 🤤💥
Food Highlights
- The Big D Platter: A carnivore’s dream with smoked brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and caramelized burnt ends—perfect for sharing (or not).
- Smoked Chicken Wings: Juicy, smoky, and slathered in your choice of sweet, spicy, or tangy sauce.
- Brisket Sandwich: Tender, slow-smoked beef piled high on a bun, dripping with signature BBQ sauce.
- Burnt Ends: Brisket chunks double-smoked into smoky-sweet perfection—pure meat candy.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: A messy masterpiece of shredded pork that falls apart faster than your New Year’s resolutions.
Atmosphere
Think lively Midwest charm meets Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives energy. 🎸
The dining room buzzes with laughter, clinking forks, and the occasional “yeehaw!” from first-time visitors.
Staff zip around like BBQ ninjas, balancing trays of meat and cracking jokes. Outdoor seating? Yep—when Iowa weather plays nice.
Why It’s One of the Best in Iowa
Smokey D’s isn’t just a meal—it’s a rib-sticking experience.
Featured on Guy Fieri’s show, their trophy wall proves they’re the real deal.
Affordable platters ($30 feeds two… twice!), friendly chaos, and burnt ends that’ll haunt your dreams (in the best way).
Address: 5055 NW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA
♨️ Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack
Iowa City’s BBQ scene just leveled up 🐖🔥! Jimmy Jack’s slings smoky perfection with a side of Midwest charm.
Think tender meats, saucy adventures, and fries so good they’ll haunt your dreams 😱🍟.
With a retro barn vibe and sauces galore, this spot turns first-timers into regulars faster than you can say “extra napkins, please!” 🎪🤠
Food Highlights
- Fatty Beef Brisket: Grilled with zesty Cowboy sauce and melted provolone—meat sweats never tasted so good.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Smoked for 12 hours, hand-pulled, and begging for a dunk in tangy Original BBQ sauce.
- St. Louis-Style Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with a pink smoke ring that’s pure art 🎨🍖.
- Smoked Chicken: Glazed in Original BBQ sauce and crowned with smoked gouda—juicy doesn’t cover it.
- Reuben Sandwich: Smoked corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and 1,000 Island on marble rye—a BBQ twist on a classic.
- Smoked Portobello: Veggie fans rejoice: grilled ‘shrooms with provolone and roasted red peppers 🌶️🧀.
Atmosphere
Step into a red-and-white barn where blues tunes 🎸 and farm tools set the mood.
Stainless steel sauce stations, picnic-style benches, and spotless digs make it feel like a backyard cookout—minus the mosquitos.
Staff zip around with smiles, ensuring sauce-stained bliss.
Why It’s One of the Best in Iowa
Jimmy Jack’s nails the trifecta: quality, variety, and vibe.
They’ve racked up local awards, ace gluten-free options, and smoke everything over hickory for that authentic bark.
Whether you’re a sauce sampler or a rib purist, this shack delivers every. single. time.
Address: 1940 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240
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