Had to stop on my way through Des Moines. If you love BBQ don't miss the chance to eat at Smokey…read moreD's. Jalapeño Cheddar Hot links were so amazing. Smokey, cheesey and a little kick. So tasty and juicy. I should have bought two orders because my friend wanted to eat all of it. Brisket burnt ends were amazing! The bark was so yummy. Brisket was moist and Smokey. Perfect size, too. Pulled pork was also juicy and Smokey. Pork at other places can dry out quickly, but not at Smokey D's. It was filled with flavor and I couldn't stop eating it (until I had eaten all of it). Baked beans were very tasty and good. Coleslaw was just the right creamy sweetness to keep the palette clean. Not pictured was the two orders of garlic toast I ordered after eating the piece that came with the plate. Overall a sweet 10/10 from me, or as a BBQ judge, I give it all straight 9's.

Was in town and wanted to check out this place. Lots of seating inside the restaurant. First you…read morepay and then they will bring your order to you. The look and feel of the restaurant reminded me of Phil's bbq from San Diego. We tried the baked potato with brisket as well as the brisket platter with baked beans and jalapeño corn. The jalapeño corn was like creamed corn texture. It was good and spicy. The brisket was a bit dry for my liking but I think this is more of a sauce your meat place. I usually prefer dry rub tx style brisket but none the less I thought the brisket was still good. Portions were good and service was great.

Very lively BBQ spot!! They have a decent sized parking lot, which is good because this place is…read morealways busy. It can get pretty full and loud, probably because they're great for large groups and families. The atmosphere is very fun. I like that they have meat challenges and their news articles all over the walls. They also have a big bar and plenty of TVs to watch games. The BBQ was pretty good! I got the Two BBQ Dinner 2 Meat: Pulled pork, pulled chicken, Campfire baked beans, and jalapeño cream corn. The BBQs sauces on the table really helped it. The classic is rich and sweet, and the hot had a bit of kick to it. The meat was tender. The baked beans were pretty good- I liked that it was a variety of beans. The jalapeño creamed corn wasn't spicy in the least but it was still my favorite. It was creamy and warm!! Service was nice and it didn't take too long, even with how crowded it was.

We stumbled upon this BBQ spot right across from the Adventureland campgrounds, and honestly it was…read morethe perfect find after a long day. The vibe is exactly what you want from a casual BBQ joint laid back, a little loud, TVs on, and that classic neighborhood bar feel. Super easy, no pressure, just good food and a place to hang out. We ordered a mix of things to try and everything came out hot and packed with flavor. The wings were crispy and saucy (definitely a highlight), and the waffle fries were seasoned perfectly and so good dipped in their ranch. The BBQ plate was super solid too tender, smoky meat with classic sides like green beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread that felt comforting and homemade. Also have to mention the chips and queso moment, simple but hit the spot. Service was friendly and quick, which made it even better after a long day of traveling and being outside. Overall, if you're staying at Adventureland or passing through, this is such an easy, satisfying stop. Nothing fancy, just good, hearty BBQ and a fun atmosphere. Would definitely come back.

We stopped in during a bicycle ride today and enjoyed some great beers anda friendly bartender…read more She was awesome and friendly. I think she and my wife my be besties after that visit! We had some seasonal beers and relaxed before heading back home in the wind. The "talking shit about a pretty sunset." Was a delicious wheat beer. They should add it to their normal offerings. This brewery has always offered some of the best brew in Des Moines. The location is really awesome and historical. They claim that is it haunted. So maybe you could get some boos and brews! Lol! Go check it out!

I never felt welcome the entire time I was here. Maybe I put off my anti-bicyclist vibe…read more Anyhow, I sat myself at the bar. The female bartender tried to serve someone else first; the customer told them I was there before them. The male bartender never said a word to me. They never checked back in, never asked if I'd been there before, but seemed to embrace their regulars. I left after one and probably will not return...unfortunate, as the blood orange wheat I had was delicious. Crisp, full flavor with a clean finish.

This is 5 star food in our great city. The owner is humble and has so much to be proud of! They…read morewere out of many things in the day we tried, but that won't stop us. They have a board of items listing what they're out of. I had the brisket sandwich with fries and mac and cheese. The sandwich was everything you want brisket to be. Tender, succulent, perfect crust and loaded on a grilled bun. The fries were great and had some delicious rub/seasoning on them. The mac and cheese was different than expected, but in a good way. Rotini noodles, cheesey, perfectly seasoned. You need to go. They're not open all days of the week so check yourself so you don't end up brokenhearted. Go. Eat. Indulge. Tip well. Thank me later.

I stopped by and checked out Leachmon's today. I live in Clive and for some reason I never made it…read moreover when the location was in Valley West Mall before they moved over to NE 14th. Dumb me. Lol Fair warning the pin on Apple and Google maps is a little off. The restaurant is in the corner of the building nearest to NE 14th. I want to say there was a Family Cafe or something like that there before... I was greeted right away by a young lady who was updating a sign board. Seating is a horseshoe shaped bar as you enter. In a dining area off to the Left there are both low and high top tables with chairs and a few booths. I went a little unconventional for BBQ... A cheesesteak combo with fries and mac n cheese and a golden fried catfish combo with fries, fried okra, and a cornbread muffin. My order was placed to go and the wait wasn't long. I'd seen someone post a picture of their cheesesteak a while back... This is something I am unnaturally passionate about. I was stationed in Philadelphia PA for about two years. The metro has a lot of steak and cheese sandwiches, but not many true cheesesteaks. The picture I saw looked legit so this was a must try for me. As they would say in Philly these are served "wit" so if you don't want onions make sure you let them know. It did not disappoint! The chop on the flat top was traditional and not just strips of more or less stir fried beef. The roll...while not entirely traditional...does its job. Soft enough to the bite, but firm enough to hold everything together and it didn't get soggy. It fits the mold of a true cheesesteak. The catfish is fried in seasoned corn meal. Mine was a thick nice fillet. If you don't like catfish because it tastes "fishy" this is not for you. It's not tilapia or a different mild white fish. You're going to get exactly what you ordered. I loved it! But I love catfish. The only thing that would have made it better was if it was whole and bone-in. The mac n cheese was made with a fusilli style pasta. A little funny to the eye but the taste is beyond reproach. Some of the best mac n cheese I've had in a long time! The fries and fried okra were cooked perfectly. I have plenty of those left over. Hopefully they reheat up well in the air fryer! Don't make the same mistake I did by waiting so long to stop by Leachmon's! The gentlemen working in the kitchen know what they are doing and are serving up some good food! https://www.facebook.com/pitstopbbqia.leachmon.7?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.lpitstopbbq.com/

Since the new owner took over DON'T GO HERE! Unless you want to pay $36 for 3 loose meat…read moresandwiches! I asked for 3 loose meat sandwiches only. $36 please. I was like I only want 3 not 6. The girl, who was new was yeah that is the total. Then after saying I only wanted the sandwiches and not the basket I said, holy smokes good thing I only got the sandwiches! She then told me it didn't matter it was the same price! I said fine then for that give me the fries that go with it. She then said that makes it $42 for 3 sandwiches and 3 fries. I was like that isn't the same price. She said yeah fries are a dollar extra!!! So what comes with the basket, I asked? Just homemade chips that don't hold up well for take out. Bonduarant can't and will not accept a place that charges for cafe food like this! Close it down and give the Fareway more room! $36 worth of Fareway steaks are so much better! I know that prices are going up, but give a person the chance to go cheaper with less of an order. Do not try to charge every person $14 that walks in for any ordrer they make!

The food was good. I had a tenderloin and would have another. Sad part is it's in a store closed on…read moreSunday so they can't be open. Will be back again.

We ordered delivery through a third party. This buffalo chicken wrap is fire. Homemade potato chips…read morelike these are my all time favorite and they're hard to find anywhere! Next time, I'll go inside. Seriously, this wrap was STUFFED with goodness! I can not wait to try everything on the menu!

If you are like me who likes to find the gem restaurants when you travel Flame hits that mark…read more It's tucked away on the main street of Bondurant. The small dining room seats 22 and the buildout is all new inside. The service is great and the food is great. I had the birrias tacos and a plate of chips & salsa. I have seen birrias tacos on the menu at a restaurant only one other time and they are a real treat. The Flame's version of that dish was fantastic. I always enjoy when the chef asks me "how is the food" and I tell him (in this case) muy bien. The stream of take out food was constant during the time I was here. It was a Wednesday night. So that tells me the neighborhood has caught on to this place. If you staying in a hotel and sick of looking at the chain restaurants, make the drive and treat yourself to birrias tacos. Cheers!

Founders Irish Pub in Bondurant is one of our regular midpoint stops on bicycle adventures, and…read moreoverall it is still a place we enjoy coming back to. The patio is nice, the location is great, and the weekly specials and prices are still fair. On this visit, I believe we got some complimentary chips and salsa, and I ordered the Southwest Eggrolls for $9.99. The eggrolls were awesome. Most of the time we are here more for drinks, sunshine, and a patio break than a full meal, but the food we have had has been good. That said, Founders can be a little hit or miss. Service really depends on who is working, and the patio and patio games are starting to feel a little tired. I get it -- good help is hard to find, and it is probably tough to predict how busy any given night will be. We forgive you, and we will likely be back again and again. My honest note to ownership would be this: take a close look at the place and do not let it slip much further toward the "dive bar" category. The location is a gold mine, especially for cyclists and patio people. A little freshening up outside and some staff training on drink making and beer selection would go a long way. Still a good stop, still fair prices, and still a place we will keep coming back to -- just hoping it gets a little love before it slides too far.

This place has gone steadily downhill over the last few years. Was one of our favorite stops on the…read moretrails, no more. Today was the last time. We sat down and waited 10 minutes to get anyone to stop by our table. All the while we watched the servers stop and drop shots off for a big table, watch them consume their shots, cleared their table, then walk away from us again. We left. Never had a server acknowledge us. And it wasn't busy. A similar experience happened last season and we gave them yet another shot. Really sad to see a great location like this turn away previous happy clients.

We had a great waitress! She was attentive & pleasant…read more It's a sports bar-- lots of tvs & occasional cheers. We were watching an ISU FB game. Drinks came quickly. Hubby's walleye bites were tender & tasty. Mac & cheese was basic. My flat bread pizza was good. It had a cream cheese base so you can only eat a few slices of that decadent pie! Friend's brisket sandwich & fries were good. Her hub's prime rib grilled cheese was tasty. The coleslaw he had with it was flavorless. It was a bit chilly in the booth with north side windows! Want to watch a game? Great place!!

SBG is one of my all time favorites. I've never had a bad experience. Service is great, bartenders…read moreare friendly, food is fantastic and worth every penny. TV's everywhere, you won't miss a game! I hate the tall bar tables, but there are plenty of booths. Brisket quesadillas is one of my favorites as are the burgers and parm fries. You just can't go wrong here!

We went in yesterday around lunch time. We wanted to pick up some of the rubs that y husband likes…read moreto use. One we got and the other one they were out of, but they have it on order. There are so many to choose from, how on earth would you narrow it down if you didn't know what you wanted. That's my complaint right there. I have way to many choices. That's a good complaint. They have smokers, plants, rock, you name it for BBQing and landscaping. Lady that checked us out was pleasant and polite. Did not require us to wear a mask. We'll be back in the next few weeks for Mary's Cherry rub.

From the owner: Shop Where The Pros' Shop…read more Hawgeyes BBQ complete outdoor cooking center. It's stocked with everything you need for fabulous cookouts: Choose from our smokers, gas grills, and pellet grills. We have Horizon Smokers for backyard BBQ to Barbecue competition grilling, Green Mt. Pellet grills for all sorts of cooking.Try one of our sauces, rubs, and marinades, or try them all! Blues Hog Sauces, Russ & Franks, Slabs, Horizon, Rufus Teagues BBQ Sauces, Chef Williams' marinades, Butcher.Select from our woods, natural charcoal, and wood pellets including: Hardwood Charcoal, Hickory wood, Cherry chunks, Pecan chips, Sasafrass, and other BBQ woods.

Ordered off door dash, kinda have mixed feelings about dinner. Ordered burnt ends and pulled pork,…read moreboth had great flavor just super dry (crunchy almost). Not sure if I would order it again. Side of jalapeño corn was delicious, little runny, cornbread was good and the gumbo had good flavor (add the corn to it, it's even better!). Hopefully next time it will be a bit better.

For those who know me and follow my reviews, you already know: I love, love, love to eat--and I…read moretake pride in giving fair, honest feedback. I also believe in being the best at your job, and that includes our wait staff. I'm someone who tips generously, but I expect the service to match the tip. Unfortunately, this visit had a few missed opportunities. We ordered a 1-meat dinner with pulled chicken and sweet potato fries, a pound of shrimp with Carolina sauce, and an order of fried cheese squares to start. The appetizers came out quickly, hot and fresh--the cheese squares were golden and crisp, and they had great flavor. That was a great start. But from there, the experience started to slide. Our server was polite, but not engaged. There was no real greeting, no check-in after the food arrived, and zero personality or warmth that could have elevated the experience. We had to flag someone down for drink refills, and while we weren't in a rush, the entrees took longer than expected to come out. The food itself was solid--pulled chicken had good flavor, the shrimp was a highlight with its tangy Carolina sauce--but the lack of connection from the staff made it feel transactional, not welcoming. With just a little more attentiveness or a smile, this could have been a five-star experience. Missed opportunities like these matter. People come back for the food, but they stay loyal for the service. I wanted to leave a bigger tip, but I left feeling like I was tipping for speed, not hospitality. I'll try again--maybe it was just an off night--but I hope the next visit delivers the warmth that matches .