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Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Des Moines area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Des Moines area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Des Moines based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Des Moines were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#12. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.2/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1720 22nd St. West Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (193 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8744 Northpark Drive Johnston, Iowa
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Jethro's BBQ 'N Bacon Bacon
- Rating: 3.4/5 (182 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1480 22nd St. West Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Jethro's BBQ LakeHouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (98 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1425 Southwest Vintage Pkwy Ankeny, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Jethro's BBQ Southside
- Rating: 3.6/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4337 Park Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Smokey D's BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 601 Locust St. Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Big Al's BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (41 reviews)
- Address: 1960 Grand Ave. Ste 23 West Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Dzo Korean BBQ
- Rating: 3.7/5 (51 reviews)
- Address: 2611 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Cactus Bob's BBQ Corral
- Rating: 3.8/5 (93 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5955 Merle Hay Road Johnston, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Smokey D's BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (550 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5055 Northwest 2nd St. Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. ShortE's BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (56 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8805 Chambery Blvd. 250 Ste 250 Johnston, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Flying Mango
- Rating: 4.4/5 (448 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4345 Hickman Road Des Moines, Iowa
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Caribbean
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.