I've had barbecue all over the country--from Georgia to Tennessee to Texas--and I can honestly say this was the best brisket and bbq pork ribs I've ever had. The brisket was perfectly cooked: incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with natural flavor. What really stood out was the seasoning. It enhanced the meat without overpowering it, allowing the rich, smoky beef flavor to shine through with every bite. The customer service was just as impressive. Everyone was genuinely friendly, welcoming, and attentive, making the entire experience even more memorable. Outstanding food paired with exceptional hospitality is a rare combination - a gem hidden in Cedar Rapids. Highly recommend the place if you're ever in town. read more

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2nd Stop...06/20/26 Repeat visit as we were in town for business.. Terri was with me this time and got the last burger they had as part of the Pulled Pork Burger so I tried one of the daily specials....a Cuban Salad Sandwich. Not quite sure what I was expecting but the sandwich wasn't what I was expecting. I'll describe it as a Cuban Egg Salad Sandwich...Cubanized by the pork and mustard it was a good sandwich but I was looking for more pork to be honest. I also ordered the Brisket Eggroll again and tried the Smoked Mac and Cheese this time...excellent choices! Terri enjoyed the Pulled Pork Burger as much as I did on my previous stop. She ordered the fried potatoes as a side and thought the addition of onions to it would be a good idea...I tried them and I concur, they were very good but the onion idea would put them over the top. We grabbed a 3 MEAT COMBO to go with Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, and Brisket as the main event and the fried potatoes, baked beans, and smoked mac and cheese for the sides. This will make for a great meal later and tomorrow which is also what I did on my first stop here a few weeks ago. We'll be back again as the food is delicious, the service is very friendly and accommodating and the ambiance of the place is very comfortable....when you get out of your vehicle and the business end of those two smokers hit your senses you know your in for a treat! read more

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Nice restaurant with friendly and attentive customer service. I ordered a half slab of ribs, mac and cheese, and they kindly provided a sample of their BBQ beans upon request. The ribs were outstanding--easily some of the best restaurant ribs I've had in a long time. They were tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The BBQ beans were also excellent, seasoned just right with great flavor. In hindsight, I wish I had ordered a full serving instead of just trying a sample. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the mac and cheese. It was quite dry and lacked seasoning, making it the only disappointing part of the meal. Overall, I had a very enjoyable experience and was impressed by the quality of the ribs and beans. I look forward to returning and trying more items from the menu. . read more

Welp, Had the Saturday Night Beef Ribs. That was one of the best things I have ever tasted. It's $$$$ for BBQ and I got 1.3 lbs of it. Curiosity led me here and CR brought it home. Had I not just had one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had the "Link" special was fantastic. Nice heat, casing snapped, and the flavors of "El Rey" shown through. Had to have some smoked baked beans to even out my stomach and they were great by then selves. Cooked and smoked long enough to have that smoke and thicker/sweeter sauce from the reduction on the Q. Just legit! Restaurant doesn't have any TV's and is served fast casual, but staff are attentive and active filling drinks and beers. read more

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - 1.3 lbs of Beef Ribs (Saturday Night only), El Rey sausage link, and smoked baked beans. Topped off with an Amber beer. - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

From the minute you park you get a whiff of the smoker with apple wood ! My favorite smell ever. The food was also the very best I can remember having. The brisket egg roll was surprisingly my favorite thing I tried. The ribs a close second. Chicken wings did not even need sauce!! read more

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6/5 The brisket is amazing. In the conversation with best brisket I've ever had. A real contender. And I showed up at 2pm, off hours, still fresh tender and amazing. Cole slaw and beans were both really good. I think there was some pulled pork in the beans. Also the sauces are all great, completely option, the meat is more than enough If you're anywhere near here you have to stop I forgot to mention, the service was incredible. Friendly and helpful read more

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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If you haven't visited Midnight Smoker's new (and permanent) location.. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Simply no one in CR does it like this place. Stopped in for dinner on Saturday and the line was out the door (which consistently stayed that way while I was there for about 60 minutes). Although the line to order (YES, you order your food at the counter and then go sit down) the staff was helpful and kind. If you're a fan of pork belly you MUST go on Saturday, it's only a special on this day. I tried a little of everything and I was blown away by the quality. The best items in my opinion: 1. Smoked Mac and Cheese 2. Pork Belly Sandwich 3. Ribs 4. Pulled Pork You can't go wrong with any of the options though, to be clear. There was one female worker in charge of the dining room and she is AMAZING. Courteous, patient, kind and pretty hilarious too. She was quick to tell us that she can order drinks via her mobile ordering device and we don't need to stand in line again for another drink.. much appreciated since it was SO BUSY! Top notch employee that I look forward to seeing again! The owner was also out in the dining space conversing with guests which is always nice to see. He even offered our table some special sauce not featured (which I don't want to put here because... secret) which was surprising and such a treat. The sauce was amazing, but who's surprised by that? I have been a fan of Midnight Smoker since their location in Newbo and I am so HAPPY this place is not only excelling, but are pushing boundaries and staying true to what they love. I will absolutely be back and I hope everyone has a chance to taste this one-of-a-kind place. read more

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Platter- ribs, coleslaw, beans, brisket, pulled pork. - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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Cool Place, Good Food, Good Music. Only thing I suggest is Jalapeños, they didn't offer any. My favorite, the Brisket Egg Rolls. Mac & Cheese was just ok. The Burger was good but I like a Firmer Bun. It was Good and we will go back. read more

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Update: New location, same amazing food. This place is such a gem, and even more so now with its new location! The team here did an incredible job with the concept and indoor ambiance. Walk up counter allows for quick and friendly service, and delicious fresh BBQ. read more

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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Great tasting BBQ and sauces. Even better was the friendly, cheerful staff who genuinely wanted us to have an enjoyable dining experience. read more

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Easily the best BBQ in CR! I first met Midnight Smoker at a local music festival in Springville, where they were an instant customer fave serving up pulled pork/chicken sandwiches and mac n cheese late into the night as the name suggests. I've since run into Greg and his crew on numerous occasions, out in the community or at his booth in NewBo Market. Never really been much of a brisket fan, but Greg has converted me. His brisket is SO impossibly tender. Like most bbq places, I only wish for more side variety but we all know it's because the meat is the star of the show. RUN, don't walk (or they may sell out before you get there!) to CR Midnight Smoker for a tasty meal and kind service! read more

I all but wept when Q-Dogs closed. But as the saying goes, a window closes and a door opens. Midnight Smoker is an open door in the BBQ landscape of not only CR but Eastern Iowa and all of the Midwest! Anyone can do good pulled pork. It takes skill to do good brisket. Midnight Smoker does EXCELLENT brisket. The pulled pork was excellent too, as were the seasoned potatoes (PERFECTLY fried), the smoked Mac & Cheese, and the beans were tasty too (though with a tad more kick than I prefer). Great environment. Great staff. FANTASTIC food. I hope it's Midnight forever in Cedar Rapids! read more

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There bbq is absolutely the best in town hands down there specialty sausages are to die for

Fantastic brisket, great beer choices, live music, great service. Their sauces are unique but damn tasty. I know a little different but try the egg rolls. Wife isn't a huge bbq fan, and she agrees not to be missed. read more

Had the ribs and brisket with fries and coleslaw. Ribs were tender and pulled off the bone. Brisket was delicious. Stick with the regular bbq sauce. I didn't care for the Korean bbq sauce or the peach bbq. Still was excellent bbq. Highly recommend. Small parking lot so be careful with that. read more

Visited their new location on NW side. Beautiful building across from site of new casino. Two big smokers working outside. Staff very friendly and helpful. We went on a Saturday evening and they were out of most things. Had shredded chicken and beef sausage and both were fantastic. Side of mac and cheese great as well. Went back for chicken wings and they weren't bad but would pass on those next time. Slightly overcooked with tough skin and not seasoned well. I will be going back soon to try ribs and brisket. read more

2nd visit. We came back for the brisket and pickles. The house made sauces are a win! The mulligatawny stew was chock full of meat and veg and guaranteed to fill you up for eight dollars (it was a bit too sweet for my taste). We absolutely enjoyed the sausage. Just the right amount of fat and snap with plenty of flavor! (I'm being super picky here- the sausage was a bit overcooked) that said I WILL 100 percent get the sausage again. The brisket was again SPOT on and the star of the show!!!! The pork belly was juicy and tender -also a win. I very much liked their local tap beer offerings (husband of mine wanted an IPA - there were none at the time of our visit.) Shout out to the cheese sauce which was also delicious. Pickles were a lovely cut to all the richness. The staff are amazing!!! The owner is friendly and hands on. All the staff made it a must repeat destination. Definitely a top tier bbq place for this area. read more

This restaurant is not really new to Cedar Rapids, because the owner started at the New Bo City Market. New Bo is a start up generator here in Cedar Rapids. The owner has been perfecting his service and style since he began. I admit I have tasted his brisket and pulled pork over the years he was there because I was selling my jewelry from the old Artisans Emporium shop within New Bo and it was easy to pick up dinner to bring home to my husband. His start up has been slow and steady. Nothing wrong with that! This new BBQ place is in the old River Landing building. The seating is much the same with the addition of a soda dispenser on the south side of the service area. Lighting has been changed and the bar seating is gone. Don't worry there are still options for beer lovers and those of you who like an adult beverage. We decided to get the sampler for two picking his brisket and pulled chicken. I also ordered a Buffalo Chicken egg-roll just to try something very new to me. He offers wings, pulled pork, Pork Belly, Pork loin, Baby Back ribs, Pulled chicken, Brisket and Mac and Cheese bowls with your choice of meat. Service was friendly and the line moved pretty quickly. I look forward to the day when he has table service. We will be ordering take out and going again in the near future. My husband agreed with my evaluation and he is not one to go for BQQ places, but he enjoyed his meal. read more

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Very personable staff. Don't care for the line ordering but went fairly quick. Both of us ordered the pork loin... mine was "older" and dryer, spouse had a new loin which wasn't as dry. Fried potatoes were hot and crispy. Loved the beer choice. Coleslaw was okay. After seeing some brisket, decided to have some- DELICIOUS! Though pricey. Definitely will return. read more

Stopped by today for a late lunch. I had the pulled pork, coleslaw and two Brisket egg rolls. Prices are fair, the pulled pork was pulled perfection, coleslaw was homemade and good. Now the Brisket egg rolls, I want to give them a bad review so I can hoard them for myself, but they were awesome, my new favorite food. The owner was mingling with customers and I complemented him on the fantastic BBQ. I will be a regular and try some of the other things on the menu. I have a craving for those darn egg rolls now, I highly recommend CR Midnight Smoker BBQ read more

Mac n cheese is dynamite. Throw pulled pork in and you have a real treat. Ribs are pure meat candy.

Excellent food, just don't plan on being in a hurry to get your food. Not cheap, but very tasty!

Absolutely the BEST!!! Top notch delicious food and fast friendly service. Great portions sizes!!!

Just got done with lunch. Very good! The brisket eggrolls were INCREDIBLE. The mac n cheese brisket was tasty, too. Wish there was cornbread. Overall: We'll be back! read more

The food is great people are positive great atmosphere! The Brisket is wonderful with a great smoke ring and the flavor is wonderful! Would strongly recommend this for friends and family! read more

We want in the afternoon and half the menu was sold out. I get it, but it only allowed us to try a couple items. We got ribs and pulled pork. The sauce for the ribs (served on the side) was delicious, but the meat was not the best. A bit sparse. The pulled pork was really solid though. Great smoke flavor and very generous portions for the sandwiches. The slaw was really fresh and tasty. I would love to have tried the brisket. Maybe next time. read more

Really good barbecue meatloaf sandwich. The coleslaw is excellent and fresh I love it read more

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Really good smoked barbecue meatloaf sandwich! - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Was looking for some pulled pork for our meal and ran across CR Midnight Smoker BBQ in some local searches. They didn't list BBQ for sale by weight on the website, but took a chance and stopped by after a Iowa women's basketball game. Sure enough, just meats was an option. We grabbed a half pound of pulled pork. The quality of the meat and flavor was outstanding. I agree with a previous review stating the pulled pork doesn't need sauce. Can't wait to return and try the brisket. Great BBQ in Cedar Rapids! read more

Today, I chose ribs from the Midnight Smoker for the win on Father's Day. After also enjoying the brisket, pulled pork, burger, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw in the past, I can confirm that they have the best BBQ in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. Located inside NewBo City Market. Watch for the new food truck/trailer too. It's great for takeout or eating inside and outdoors at the Market. You can grab a beer at NewBo Beer and Wine. Fast, friendly service. read more

Always excellent brisket! Seasoned well and tender. The blueberry bbq sauce is a great accompaniment to the brisket.

This is some of the best BBQ I've had anywhere, and I've eaten a lot of BBQ. The ribs are perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of smoke and chewiness. The brisket is seasoned well and cooked perfectly. The Brisket burger is probably the best burger in town, and I'm not exaggerating. The potato salad is also really good. Lastly, the sauces are homemade and taste great. All that, and the owner, Greg, is a pretty cool guy who treats his customers well. With only 6 reviews on Yelp so far, I'd say this place is underrated and deserves more business. read more

Amazing and always consistent wow! Get there early before they sell out. Best brisket I've ever had

We have been wanting to try this hidden gem for a bit and today was the day. I ordered 1/2 brisket and a side of coleslaw. Both were fantastic. Great bark. Moist and flavorful. Coleslaw was creamy with a bit of tang. Owner suggested the handmade blueberry Chipotle BBQ sauce with the brisket. WOW!! I could bathe in it. . Wife had a simple pulled pork sandwich with the beans. She loved it. Piled high with pork and the beans were pit smoked and had chunks of meat in it. YUM. While waiting for the chef to hand slice my brisket he was very friendly and I really enjoyed the conversation with him. We will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience!! Go check this place out now. It's inside the NewBo market downtown. read more

Ribs are second to none. Brisket also excellent. Beans are amazing and slaw and potato salad were also very good. I lived 21 years in KC and have had my share of BBQ, and this rivals my KC faves. read more

Big YES! Best BBQ . Meat is so tender, and the smoke point is just right. I'm from the Carolinas , and all the way down to Texas . This is the Best read more

Best BBQ around!!! Really enjoyed a beef brisket.... and the blueberry sauce is awesome! Greg is got it going!

We had the brisket sandwich and it was awesome. The meat was melt in your mouth, seasoned well, they suggested the blueberry barbecue sauce and it was a perfect addition to the sandwich. It was so good we went back the next day for another one!! read more

Nice bite and good chew. My wife said too salty. I wold like them with no sauce.Good smoke ring and not too smokey. Very juicy! Highly recommended! Worth the price! read more