IMO, not nearly as good as Battle's. The name is the best part - it's okay, just not fantastic.
Best BBQ in Des Moines
- Thread starter Wallacelantz
- Start date
IMO, not nearly as good as Battle's. The name is the best part - it's okay, just not fantastic.
Bandanas in Ankeny is pretty good. When Pigs Fly is GREAT! They have a take out (or used to) special that is awesome to pick up and take home for a few meals.
I always wanted to try KC BBQ down by the capitol.
I always wanted to try KC BBQ down by the capitol.
Went to Shane's once - NO BEER. Don't remember them having brisket either. No beer, no brisket, no come back.
Although I haven't been to all of the joints named in this thread, I have covered a good portion of them.
There is a small take out only place off I-80 and 2nd Ave. I don't remember the name but has been the best BBQ I have ever had.
Jethro's comes into second. The food was pretty good, and the sides helped out.
Uncle Wendalls comes in third. Small little joint, but good BBQ. Good portions as well.
When Pigs Fly is not a favorite of mine. I've been there a few times and just don't care for it as much. Maybe the atmosphere, maybe the food, but something about it just doesn't make it a first choice.
Claxon's works well for the folks in Altoona. I've grown up in Altoona so it was always a favorite for the area, but it doesn't compare to the others listed above.
I'm very anxious to try Woody's and Flying Mango, although Flying Mango does not spark BBQ to me. And for always being in Ankeny, I don't know why I haven't been to Bandana's. There was a place in Ankeny that had drive through brisket at one time, but that closed pretty quick.
This thread needs stickied and saved forever.
There is a small take out only place off I-80 and 2nd Ave. I don't remember the name but has been the best BBQ I have ever had.
Jethro's comes into second. The food was pretty good, and the sides helped out.
Uncle Wendalls comes in third. Small little joint, but good BBQ. Good portions as well.
When Pigs Fly is not a favorite of mine. I've been there a few times and just don't care for it as much. Maybe the atmosphere, maybe the food, but something about it just doesn't make it a first choice.
Claxon's works well for the folks in Altoona. I've grown up in Altoona so it was always a favorite for the area, but it doesn't compare to the others listed above.
I'm very anxious to try Woody's and Flying Mango, although Flying Mango does not spark BBQ to me. And for always being in Ankeny, I don't know why I haven't been to Bandana's. There was a place in Ankeny that had drive through brisket at one time, but that closed pretty quick.
This thread needs stickied and saved forever.
I talked to his son a couple of months ago and although the restaurant is closed they are continuing to make/sell the sauce through grocery stores. they also do events like the food expo. No indication that they plan to stop making/selling the sauce.
Claxons in Altoona is good depending on what you order - the burnt ends and pulled pork are both good.
Kinfolks in Altoona is owned by Hawk fans so we don't go there out of principle.
Kinfolks in Altoona is owned by Hawk fans so we don't go there out of principle.
I'll add a vote for Woody's. Great food, and all the free cornbread you can eat. IMO it is superior to the new Battles.
Let me help out. That is Smokey D's. It's the same place as in the skywalk. That is the main site where they do all of the smoking and where their catering operation is handled. They simply transport pre-cooked meats to the sky-walk daily.
I'm going to post a vote for Cactus Bob's in Johnston. Some of the best pulled pork I've ever had. They have some really tasty "home-spiced" chips, warm apple sauce, and a great corn relish.
Is Battles still open? That place opened up my Junior or Senior year at ISU.
I can still taste their BBQ sandwich. He did something with the bun that was awesome.
I'm pretty partial to Jethro's and Uncle Wendell's. Both great meat and great value for what you get.
As far as the regional barbecue debate, a bunch of us went to Waco for the Baylor game this fall, and stayed in Ft. Worth. I had done some inquiry on what the best barbecue in Ft. Worth was, and the overwhelming response was a place called Angelo's. We went, and while it was a cool place, and the beer was very cheap and very cold, the food itself wasn't any better than Hickory Park or Jethro's, or Battle's or UW. Great food, but not better. The point is, they make great barbecue in Central Iowa, we just don't have a signature style...
As far as the regional barbecue debate, a bunch of us went to Waco for the Baylor game this fall, and stayed in Ft. Worth. I had done some inquiry on what the best barbecue in Ft. Worth was, and the overwhelming response was a place called Angelo's. We went, and while it was a cool place, and the beer was very cheap and very cold, the food itself wasn't any better than Hickory Park or Jethro's, or Battle's or UW. Great food, but not better. The point is, they make great barbecue in Central Iowa, we just don't have a signature style...
