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    Big Al’s BBQ

    3.6 (41 reviews)

    Big Al’s BBQ Barbeque Restaurant Photos

    BIG AL’S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

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    Bar area
    Paul G.

    This was my first time at big Al's barbecue and I felt very comfortable when I enter the bar It was very warm and inviting. Typical wood on the walls. The bar area at the back dining area out front and it look like they even had a patio area. I decided to order the smoked pork tenderloin sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy including a soft drink in the cost was right around $18 before tip. I was extremely happy with the entire meal. It was very fresh and had a lot of taste and just the right amount of smoke. The staff seemed to be friendly and helpful. My only issue with the restaurant were small gnats that kept flying around our dinner table in the bar area. I felt like I was on a patio swatting flies. I would've given the restaurant a five star if it wasn't for the gnats.

    Janella N.

    We had seen reviews for this bbq place for awhile and decided to try it. The first thing we noticed was a sweet note on the door from the restaurant owner (you'll have to eat there to find out what the note says but it made us feel even better about giving it a try). Inside of the restaurant has a very laid back country feel and has live music on some evenings. We were there early so was sat on the bar side of the restaurant. Our waitress was so sweet and when we told her that was our first time there, she was kind enough to share what her favorites were with us. We ordered onion rings, the southwest burger, potato salad, Mac n cheese, burnt ends, andouille sausage, and brisket. Burnt ends were best we had in Iowa so far! The other dishes were pretty good...not the best we ever had but still delicious. The downfall to the night was the price of the Moscow mule we ordered. Cost was $15 for a copper cup that was mostly ice. Had I known it was going to cost that much, I wouldn't have ordered it. We'll be back to try some of their other dishes and maybe plan it while we're able to listen to some live music!

    Pork tenderloin sandwich that comes with one side.
    Renee P.

    The pork tenderloin loin sandwich was delicious and so was the fried mushrooms. I can't wait to go back and try the brisket that was cooking in their smoker. Great service. And it was great meeting Al too. Such a positive experience. Well done!

    AMAZING BBQ! I am from TX and I know BBQ. This place is legit! There were 5 of us and we had Soko as our bartender and waiter. He MADE the event awesome! Great recommendations - we did the full meat platter so we could try everything, the brisket rangoons, and the beef eggrolls. For sides, we had the baked bean, the deviled egg potato salad, and the jalapeno creamed corn. Everything was magically good. I love that Big Al puts some spice into the food, and I love the HUGE smoker out front. We were all full but we kept eating because it was so good. We left nothing. Their homemade BBQ sauce is exactly right - flavorful and tangy without being vinegar-y. It was perfection.

    Scott W.

    Stopped bu after golfing with a buddy and we're greeted by the owner. Great guy. Super nice. Told him I was from Nashville and there's a BBQ restaurant on every block. What should I order. He suggested the smoked breaded pork tenderloin. It was AMAZING! I highly recommend the sandwich.

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    3 years ago

    Delicious food. Love their ham and I'm not a ham fan The service is friendly. A wonderful place to eat. Always a food destination for me.

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    5 years ago

    Didn't know what to expect but the food was fantastic and kids meals are super reasonable. Will definitely be visiting again!

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    4 years ago

    Killer BBQ! Best onion rings I've had in years!! Great service! Eat here, you'll be happy you did!

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    5 years ago

    Excellent food and service! You don't want to miss out on this place. Hands down one of the best BBQ places in Des Moines!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Big Al’s BBQ

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    Jethro's BBQ n' Jambalaya

    3.3(212 reviews)
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    We use to make it a point to stop at Jethro's on our way through Des Moines. Moved here recently…read moreand visited Sunday for lunch. Had Brisket and chicken platter. Sent it back because it was cold. Came back lukewarm. Chicken was so dry it wasn't edible. Service was just ok. Can't imagine we will ever stop again.

    I REPEAT IF YOU ARE A BLACK PERSON DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS AT ALL!!!!…read more I came into the restaurant & everyone was seated at the bar. Not one person came to welcome me into the establishment and I had to find my own seating. I sat at the bar and let the hostess know that I needed to order to go. She then proceeded to have a conversation with the patrons at the bar, who, of course did not look like me, and so I waited a little bit and interrupted and let her know that I was ready to order. **ignored** I had to speak up a little bit, louder to be heard and grasp her attention to request to submit my order. I was not rude! She took my order and walked away. Not only did she slam my food down on the countertop, but did not give me any utensils or napkins. Alao while doing so, she looked at me & rolled her eyes when I asked for those items. She proceeded to walk away, and I told her that she was very rude and that her Customer Service was very rude. I naturally am very giving with a monetary tip but today I did not. I walked out to my car really shocked about how I was treated and was going to leave, but then I decided I needed to speak up and out. I walked back into the restaurant and requested to speak to a manager. Naturally, the young lady had already told her manager about what happened because they must've overheard me telling her that she was very rude. His name was Oscar and he spoke with me about reviewing the footage, and I let him know how it made me feel as a person, not just individually, but being the only person in the restaurant who was black and he told me that my race is not what prompted the bad service. Ok. Hmmm I let him know that I simply interrupted her other conversation to let her know that I was ready to order and I was not rude at all. At the end of the day, we shook hands and he apologized for her being rude and he invited me back and or to visit any of the other locations. Whether he was sincere about it or not, only God knows! But all I know is how I feel leaving the establishment. And yes, when I was talking with him, I did inform him that I was recording a video. It's sad that naturally people have to go live in order to feel safely heard. ‍ What's disappointing is that as I was walking out, several patrons stood up rudely clapping me out the door.

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    Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

    Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

    3.2(63 reviews)
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    If you really want to try all the options and still have tasty meats left over order the "Feast." I…read moreordered the (Feast) which included a slab of pork ribs that were very tender with cooked in succulent sauce with sides of chopped pork, smoked chicken parts, baked beans a little watery), cold slaw, muffins and steak fries. A few sides need a little more work whereas the ribs, chicken, muffins, and cold slaw were outstanding due to freshness, seasoning and the tenderness in each bite. All in all the entire feast was very savory casting a flavor bomb making you want more of the tender pork ribs. As a whole, the meats were very tender with seasoning you smell and taste. Perhaps my only wish is a little more smoke on the meats and thickness to the baked beans. The ordering online is quick and easy online for pick up. The pick up park lane is in front of the to go pick up and front entrance providing you the safety needed to park in a clean and visible area.

    Wow I was blown away with how delicious everything was! Famous Dave's deserves to be recognized…read moremore for really great BBQ in the West Des Moines area. Asked about dairy free and everything was able to be accommodated. Ordered two racks of ribs- regular St Louis and baby back. All were amazing. Hot and fresh. Pulled pork was wonderful. Kids had a blast sitting out in the patio on a nice day. Service was nice. Quick and polite. Food came out timely. Would definitely highly recommend and will be back!

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    Big Al’s BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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