The 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Iowa

Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack in Iowa City focuses on smoked meats, from pulled pork and brisket to hearty sandwiches and samplers. Diners highlight the flavorful house barbecue sauces and classic sides such as baked beans, cornbread, fries, and mac and cheese. Attentive staff and an easygoing setting make it a comfortable spot for relaxed, unhurried meals.

Armored Gardens is a spacious beer garden and taproom known for its extensive draft list, with well-organized menus that make exploring different styles easy. Guests enjoy a casual setting with European-style seating and a large outdoor patio. The kitchen offers approachable, flavorful pub-style fare, including sandwiches and house sauces that complement the wide range of beers on tap.

Dillons BBQ is a no-frills, mom-and-pop spot known for its flavorful smoked meats and classic sides. Diners order at the counter and enjoy generous portions of brisket, pork, turkey, and more, with options like loaded baked potatoes drawing frequent praise. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, and the staff is consistently described as helpful and welcoming.

Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse specializes in smoked meats, with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends frequently praised for their flavor and tenderness. Traditional sides like coleslaw, beans, green beans, potato salad, and cornbread round out the plates. The setting is clean and busy yet comfortable, with food generally arriving in a timely manner.

ShortE's BBQ serves classic American barbecue in a compact, casual setting suited to both dine-in and takeout. Diners highlight tender pulled pork, loaded tots, and the Mac Attack sandwich stacked with smoked meats and mac and cheese. Generous portions and kid-friendly options make it appealing for families. Attentive staff and efficient online and curbside service add to the convenience.

Blue Barn BBQ is a small, mom-and-pop barbecue shop specializing in wood-smoked meats with robust flavor and a tender texture. Brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and wings are noted for their smoke and seasoning, complemented by classic sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. The team offers personable, helpful service, and the compact space is geared primarily toward takeout orders.

Uncle Wendell's BBQ is a no-frills, mom-and-pop spot known for tender smoked meats like ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork. Guests appreciate the hearty sandwiches on thick toasted bread, classic sides such as baked beans, potato salad, and cornbread, and a selection of house sauces ranging from mild to spicy. The compact space and open view of the cooks at work create an unfussy, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Big Al's bbq serves classic Midwestern barbecue with generous portions and a focus on smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and substantial chicken wings. Guests appreciate the quick service, helpful staff, and straightforward, satisfying plates with traditional sides. A brioche bun and house desserts, such as a cherry cobbler, add a touch of comfort to the casual setting.

Big Al's Bbq is a laid-back barbecue spot known for its tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and flavorful smoked meats. Guests praise the rich house barbecue sauce and crisp onion rings, along with the clean, comfortable dining room. Attentive, personable service and an owner who engages with diners contribute to a welcoming neighborhood feel.

Rolling Smoke Barbeque serves classic, slow-smoked barbecue in an unpretentious, welcoming setting. Guests highlight tender burnt ends, pulled pork, and the signature “Hot Pig” sandwich, complemented by sides like seasoned fries, coleslaw, and sweet cornbread. The barbecue features a distinctly smoky flavor with a range of sauces to suit different tastes, and the friendly staff creates a relaxed, homey experience.