Best Barbecue in Des Moines: What Makes Smokey D’s BBQ Unbeatable

by Sherry Warth

If you're searching for the best barbecue in Des Moines, Smokey D’s BBQ has earned its reputation as the go-to destination for slow-smoked meats, competition-quality flavor, and fast, friendly service. As a locally owned and award-winning Des Moines BBQ restaurant, Smokey D’s has built a loyal following among Iowa locals, BBQ travelers, and even national food personalities.

The team behind Smokey D’s doesn’t just serve food—they serve tradition, craftsmanship, and a passion for doing barbecue the right way. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Smokey D’s BBQ stand above the rest and why many consider it the best BBQ in Iowa.

Built on Smoke, Passion, and a Lot of Wins

Smokey D’s BBQ began with Darren and Sherry Warth and a small backyard smoker. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a competitive BBQ career, leading to national recognition and over 1,000 awards at state, regional, and national BBQ contests.

Their competitive success laid the foundation for what would become one of Iowa’s most successful barbecue restaurants. Smokey D’s opened its brick-and-mortar location in Des Moines and quickly became known for delivering championship-level barbecue in a fast-casual setting.

Unlike many restaurants that scale up and sacrifice quality, Smokey D’s stuck to their roots—real wood smoke, made-from-scratch rubs, and meats cooked low and slow to perfection.

Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

Smokey D’s national profile grew even larger when it was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Host Guy Fieri visited the restaurant and praised their signature dishes, spotlighting Smokey D’s as a must-visit Des Moines BBQ destination.

The feature brought a new wave of visitors eager to try their slow-smoked ribs, juicy brisket, and famous burnt ends. But the recognition hasn’t changed the heart of the operation—Smokey D’s remains family-owned and community-focused.

What Makes Smokey D’s the Best Barbecue in Des Moines

1. Authentic, Award-Winning BBQ

At Smokey D’s, every bite reflects decades of experience on the competitive BBQ circuit. The ribs have the perfect tug, the brisket features a deep smoke ring and silky texture, and the pulled pork is tender with just the right amount of bark.

It’s not just about the meats, either. Their pitmasters use real hickory wood and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the smoking process, ensuring every cut is packed with flavor and cooked to exacting standards. This commitment to excellence is what keeps both BBQ enthusiasts and first-timers coming back for more.

2. A Menu That Honors BBQ Tradition

Smokey D’s offers a full lineup of barbecue classics, all crafted with the same attention to detail you’d expect from an award-winning team. Their menu features:

  • St. Louis-style ribs with a rich, smoky finish

  • Smoked brisket sliced or chopped to order

  • Pulled pork that’s juicy, flavorful, and not over-sauced

  • House-made smoked sausage

  • Fan favorites like burnt ends and smoked chicken

Sides are just as thoughtfully made, from creamy mac and cheese to pit beans and cornbread muffins. You won’t find shortcuts here—everything is prepared in-house using time-tested recipes.

3. Fast, Friendly, and Consistent Service

One of the biggest challenges in barbecue is maintaining consistency, especially when serving hundreds of guests daily. Smokey D’s has mastered this balance. Whether you’re dining in, picking up takeout, or ordering catering, the experience is fast, reliable, and always high quality.

This efficiency has helped Smokey D’s earn praise not just for its food, but for its service. Staff are trained, courteous, and always ready to help guests find the right dish or make recommendations.

4. Trusted by Locals, Loved by Visitors

Smokey D’s BBQ has long been a local favorite, but it’s also become a destination for barbecue tourists. The restaurant has earned strong ratings across platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor, and in 2024, Yelp named it one of the top barbecue spots in the U.S. based on customer reviews.

In addition, Smokey D’s was recently highlighted by DoorDash as one of the best BBQ restaurants for delivery in the country. This kind of national recognition only reinforces what Iowans already know: Smokey D’s is in a league of its own.

5. A True Des Moines BBQ Restaurant

There are plenty of places in Iowa to grab barbecue, but few represent Des Moines BBQ like Smokey D’s. They’ve not only raised the local standard for what BBQ can be—they’ve defined it.

This is the place where families celebrate milestones, coworkers grab lunch, and BBQ lovers from all over the Midwest make special trips. It’s woven into the fabric of the city, and its growth mirrors the pride and authenticity Des Moines brings to everything it does.

More Than a Meal—It’s an Experience

Barbecue is about more than just food—it’s about bringing people together. Whether you're sitting down with family, ordering catering for an event, or grabbing takeout on the way home, Smokey D’s delivers more than a plate—it delivers a memorable experience.

Looking to try multiple meats? The combo platters let you sample brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more. Want something fast and satisfying? Try the Smokey D’s Sandwich with brisket, pork, and sausage all stacked on a bun.

Everything about the experience—from the aroma of smoke when you walk in to the last bite of a cornbread muffin—is designed to leave an impression.

Plan Your Visit to the Best Barbecue in Des Moines

There’s no shortage of great food in Iowa, but if you’re looking for the best barbecue in Des Moines, Smokey D’s BBQ is a clear winner. Its award-winning meats, consistent quality, and genuine Midwestern hospitality set it apart from every other Des Moines BBQ restaurant.

Ready to see what all the buzz is about? View the menu, stop in for lunch or dinner, or contact us for questions about hours, catering, or events.

Smokey D’s BBQ is more than a local favorite—it’s a symbol of what happens when passion meets precision. Come hungry, leave convinced.

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