Some barbecue joints rush the process. Flying Mango in Des Moines, Iowa, does the opposite, smoking meats for up to 24 hours and letting patience do the heavy lifting. 🔥
Tucked in the Beaverdale neighborhood, this Des Moines BBQ restaurant blends Southern, Cajun, and Creole traditions with a playful Caribbean twist.
What started as a catering operation and farmers market stand has grown into one of the most beloved Iowa restaurants, proving that slow-smoked meat and bold Southern flavor never go out of style. 🍖
How Flying Mango won Des Moines’ hearts
Flying Mango’s story began as a catering business in 1997 before opening its restaurant doors in 2003, built by owner Mike Wedeking on straightforward, down-home cooking pulled from across the South.
That approach earned it a spot on national television, with Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives host Guy Fieri specifically recommending the house-smoked catfish cakes.
One longtime patron summed up the draw simply, calling it “the best brisket I’ve ever had, anywhere”, a claim that keeps regulars coming back to this Beaverdale restaurant year after year.
Part of the magic lies in the smoker itself, where brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and even whole chickens cook low and slow for up to 24 hours.
The kitchen recently expanded its reach with a faster lunch menu featuring Creole bowls, po’boys, and brisket sandwiches, giving midday visitors the same smoky, slow-cooked flavor without the wait.
Vibrant Southern artwork lines the walls, and the homemade barbecue sauce sitting on every table has become something of a signature in its own right.
Between the smoked meats, the Creole classics, and the desserts finished with mango puree, Flying Mango has carved out a permanent place in Des Moines’ Southern food scene. 🌶️
Food Highlights
-
24-Hour Beef Brisket: Thick slabs of beef smoked for a full day, developing a deep smoky flavor throughout the meat. 🔥
-
Memphis-Style Ribs: Slow-smoked pork ribs with tender meat and caramelized, brittle edges from the smoker.
- Red Beans & Rice: A hearty Creole side dish loaded with meaty red beans served over rice.
- Chicken Creole: Tender chicken simmered in a spiced Creole sauce, served alongside cornbread.
- Shrimp Pontchartrain: Shrimp tossed in a Cajun crawfish cream sauce, served over sweet potato pappardelle pasta instead of rice for a richer, earthier twist. 🍤
-
Smoked Catfish Cakes: House-smoked catfish molded into cakes, then fried for a crispy exterior and smoky interior. 🐟
-
Cajun Catfish: Blackened catfish seasoned with Cajun spice, often paired with grits or dirty rice.
- Louisiana Platter: Red beans and rice, chicken Creole, and andouille sausage, garnished with a side of cornbread.
- Lime and Garlic Shrimp with Mango Salsa: Shrimp sautéed in garlic and lime, topped with a fresh, sweet mango salsa. 🍤
Atmosphere
Flying Mango feels like a lively, comfortable neighborhood spot, with boldly colored walls covered in Southern-inspired artwork. 🎨
The smell of sweet smoke and slow-cooked meat greets guests well before they walk through the door. Inside, the vibe stays casual and welcoming, matching the restaurant’s down-home Southern roots.
It’s the kind of place where regulars settle in for a full plate and leave already planning their next visit.
Bottom Line
Visit Flying Mango for its legendary 24-hour smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone Memphis-style ribs, inventive smoked catfish cakes, hearty Creole sides, and a true taste of Des Moines BBQ worth driving for. 🔥🍖
Address:
4345 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
📞 (515) 255-4111
🕔 Open Wed-Sat, 11 AM–2 PM & 5 PM–9 PM (closed Sun-Tue)