-0 Stars: Blue Barn BBQ (Cedar Falls) Blue Barn BBQ 623 E 18th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 I wanted this meal to be a win. I went in expecting the kind of comfort and bold flavor that good barbecue is known for. The smell, the name, the idea of brisket and wings, it all sounds like it should be hard to mess up. But this was one of the most disappointing barbecue orders I have had in a long time, and I have eaten barbecue all over the country. Let me start with the only reason I can say anything positive at all. Two sides were genuinely good. The jalapeño cream corn was the standout. It had real flavor, a smooth creamy texture, and just enough jalapeño to give it a pleasant kick without overwhelming the dish. It tasted like someone actually cared about seasoning it. The potato salad was also outstanding. It was balanced, not bland, not overly sweet, not drowning in heavy dressing. It had that classic comfort taste you want on a barbecue plate. If I had only ordered those two sides, I would have walked away thinking, okay, maybe there is hope here. But the main items, the reason people order barbecue, were a complete letdown. The brisket was dry. Not slightly dry. Not needs a little sauce dry. I mean dry in a way that makes you stop chewing and think, is this really brisket. Brisket should have a rich beef flavor, a smoky edge, and at least some tenderness that makes each bite feel worth it. This had none of that. It tasted flat, like it had been cooked too long, held too long, or both. The texture was tired and lifeless, and instead of melting or pulling apart the way brisket should, it just sat in your mouth like flavorless shredded disappointment. Then there were the wings, and somehow they were also dry. Wings should be the easy part. Even average wings can still be enjoyable because the skin, the seasoning, and the fat usually help carry the flavor. Not here. Both wings were dry, and worse, they had no flavor. No punch. No smoke. No seasoning that made you pause and say, okay, at least they tried. They tasted like they were cooked without confidence and served without care. And let's talk about the sauces, because sauce is often the "save" when the meat is struggling. I tried them hoping they would bring the plate back to life. They did not. The sauces did not enhance anything. They did not add depth. They did not add sweetness, tang, spice, or a smoky finish. They were just there, and even with sauce, the food still tasted dry and empty. That is the worst part. Sauce should help. Here, it was like pouring effort onto something that was already beyond saving. The biggest issue is simple. Barbecue is supposed to have flavor. Barbecue is supposed to feel like time, smoke, seasoning, and patience all came together for a reason. This felt like the opposite. The meat came across as overcooked, under-seasoned, and handled like an afterthought. When you spend money on brisket and wings, you should not be working this hard to find something enjoyable. I hate leaving reviews like this, but honesty matters. I would definitely not order from Blue Barn BBQ again. If you go, the jalapeño cream corn and potato salad might make you think you made a good choice. But if you are there for brisket and wings, which should be the main event, this place was a major disappointment. read more

BBQ that is worth a try! I think the standout feature of this restaurant, however, is its array of side dishes. I especially loved the baked beans and creamed corn. As for the portions, the shared platters are surprisingly small for what you pay for. read more

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The portions are extremely small this whole meal if you can call it that was a little under $18, $18 for 2 ribs extremely laughable the Mac and cheese was disgusting the mashed potatoes was good at least, I was really hoping the ribs would made up for everything but unfortunately the ribs was the worst part I'm not going to bash them too much but for 18$ and having to go to a different place for lunch on my lunch break is the reason I'll rate this a 2 of out 10 2 only bc the building was clean this place is not what they used to be 6-7 years ago unfortunately read more

Blue Barn BBQ - Ribs, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

I absolutely love the food and the unique menu for the area. 5 stars for that. I order through door dash though and 33% of the time my order is wrong. Not ordered wrong just packaged wrong. That is disappointing. read more

Wow, the food is so more than sloppy red sugar sauce BBQ found elsewhere! Their smoked brisket sandwich was bursting with flavors! And the potato salad side had just the right blend of creamy mustard. read more

I got the Original Blue Bowl with macaroni, it had chicken, corn, jalapenos, pico, and plenty of cheese. I grabbed a Spring grove soda to complement the food (Rhu-Berry) was in and out within 15 minutes. Will have to stop here again. read more

Blue Barn BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

The owners are incredibly kind. THE FOOD, oh it was scrumptious!! The Mac and Cheese was the best. The barn is such a cute location!!

Great take out BBQ...We got the 2 people combo with some brisket, pulled pork, and chicken....sides of mac&cheese and baked beans. Toss in a couple of biscuits and it was ALL GOOD!!! The guys running the place were very personable and we were in and out in short order as we had just left the basketball game and were headed home to do chores. Awesome overall...we'll be back. read more

Blue Barn BBQ - How cool is this! - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

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A good place for a reasonable cost. Not at all fancy. The BBQ is put on the meat, not cooked into the meat.

Fast, friendly and delicious!! I really wanted something quick to take back to my Airbnb and this was perfect. I went with the recommended pulled pork and added pickled corn relish with Blue Barn bbq sauce- the pork was so tender it melted in my mouth. Mashed sweet potatoes and jicama slaw had me torn...so I had both! Planning my next stop as soon as I can- the loaded Mac and cheese bowl has my tastebuds curious! read more

Blue Barn BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

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Just amazing BBQ! Don't sleep on the baked beans. They can be a meal by themselves. Full of flavor and very hearty.

Place is rock solid. Real deal local bbq full of flavor. Sauces are amazing and the sides are sweet. Love this place! read more

I've been smelling those smokey meats every time I drive by, and I finally made it over there yesterday for lunch! I got the plate. It's all takeout. Everything comes in a bunch of different packages that you put together when you get home. The main food packaging is compostable, which is great. But I'd rather see more use of those than the little plastic cups and paper cups. Let's keep going on that initiative! I had the chopped pork, which was amazing! (It was similar to pulled pork.) I had the white bread (it was just a normal piece of plain bread--disappointing). The bbq sauce was great! The mashed potatoes and beans were pretty good. But others in my group had the Mac and cheese, which was really freaking good. Others also said the cornbread was super dry. My husband also said the brisket was good. Overall, pretty pleased with this place! They had good tunes blasting (Bob Dylan, Janice Joplin). Good vibes. Good eats. read more

Blue Barn BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

Visiting from Texas, I had high expectations for this new bbq restaurant. It did not disappoint! I have had some amazing bbq in Texas, however, the Blue Barn BBQ does not trail far behind. I came later in the evening and unfortunately, they were out of the beef and Mac n cheese. Instead, I chose chicken and potato salad. Both great-tasting items. I was also a fan of the corn bread! I do wish they had banana pudding or something for dessert. They have some very interesting sauces that I enjoyed and their customer service was great. They took time with each customer and were very friendly/ family- oriented. All in all, a positive experience. I will definitely be back to try their brisket & Mac and cheese! The Blue Barn BBQ is a wonderful addition to CF! read more

Blue Barn BBQ - Chicken with potato salad and mashed potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

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Full Disclosure #1 - I am a barbecue snob. Full Disclosure #2 - I have given dozens of one star reviews to so called barbecue restaurants across the USA ...including several in Iowa. The first words out of my mouth when I bit into the ribs at Blue Barn: "Finally." Finally a barbecue place in NE Iowa that knows how to smoke barbecue the correct way. Finally after three years of sampling Iowa barbecue when I visit from my home in Texas each summer, I have found a place that exceeds every high barbecue standard that I have established in my mind - and in my tastebuds. There is a world famous BBQ Master in Austin, Texas named Aaron. There is now a soon to be famous BBQ Master in Cedar Falls named Aaron. The secret to both of their successes when smoking meat is simple - an attention to detail that borders on obsession. Ribs need to have "bark" - that's not burned exterior but actually the mark of a meat smoked slow and steady until the meat is so tender that it releases from the bone with a light tug. Blue Barn BBQ ribs have a perfect bark. Ribs need to be tender - so tender that you don't need teeth to bite through the meat. Blue Barn BBQ ribs could be eaten easily by a toothless toddler. Yes - that's no exaggeration - the ribs are really that tender here. Ribs need to have BBQ flavor - the flavor of meat that is both savory and Smokey without being overpowering. Blue Barn BBQ ribs have that exact combination in perfect balance. Mark my words - once the word is out that Aaron of Blue Barn BBQ in Cedar Falls is a barbecue genius, you'll end up having to wait in an around the block line to sample his ribs. Yes - they are truly that good ... really world class BBQ ribs. I have eaten barbecue across North America for 50 years, and have sampled ribs hundreds of times - and have been disappointed more often than not. Not here, thank goodness. Aaron's Blue Barn BBQ smoked ribs are the absolute BEST ribs I have ever eaten north of the Mason Dixon line, and one of the top ten ribs I have ever tasted worldwide. If you are still reading, you should stop right now and get in your vehicle and drive to his restaurant before he sells out of his ribs. Don't hesitate. Trust me - they are worth the effort. While you're there - try the mashed sweet potatoes ... absolutely divine. Or the jalapeño cream corn .... flavor layer upon flavor layer without too much heat. When you're done with your meal, stop and offer a moment of thanks to the BBQ gods for blessing Aaron and turning him into an All Star BBQ chef...who happens to live in Iowa. (I have absolutely no affiliation with this restaurant other than to say after one visit that I am a HUGE fan) read more

Blue Barn BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Cedar Falls, Iowa

Food was mediocre. But the kid at the front was immature. Would I go back? I'd have to say, No

Wow just wow. Just go. Good portions. Great pricing. A real BBQ joint like it's supposed to be. As good as any BBQ I've had in Alabama and Georgia. I wish I lived closer. read more

Disappointing. I hoped for really good food based on reviews & the menu, but this place didn't deliver. Beans weren't good at all.

This place is hit or miss. Some days it is really good, some days, you can tell the ribs have been sitting under the heat lamp for days. They get 5 stars for community support. They offered free kid lunches when schools first closed. That is awesome!! No questions asked, no order needed. These kid lunches were big enough to feed adults! I do not know if they are still offering those, but it really helped a lot of parents out. read more

I don't see how this place is rated so high! I got the meat sweats. The ribs were nothing but bones, the brisket was so dry that it crumbled, and the crack bites were like rocks! I couldn't even chew them. The only thing that had flavor in the Mac and cheese was the melted cheese on top. It was as bland as the color of it. The beans....well, I didn't know I ordered chili. The best thing out of there was the honey and my root beer. At this point, I'm positive that Iowans have no taste buds and no cooking skills. Someone said it reminded them of Texas..... What an insult. I paid $25 for an inedible kids meal. Iowa can have this crap. My God! read more

I was a little skeptical about this place because there were no cars in the parking lot, but boy am I glad I gave it a chance. The food was very tasty and the portions were surprisingly generous given the price. Highly recommend the brisket and jalapeño creamed corn. read more

You won't find better BBQ in the ENTIRE state of IA. Chef Aaron is a master of his craft and everything on the menu is straight legit! The smoked meats are amazing! The chicken might be a little too Smokey, but is still rock star. The selection of sauces is plentiful and unique, if in doubt go with the hot bbbbbq. And the sides, oh the wonderful sides! I can't walk out the door of this place without some of "My Uncles Ex-Wife's Potato Salad". Aaron keeps it interesting by adding features regularly too. We even bought our Thanksgiving turkey from Blue Barn, A++ Don't over look the desert offering either, had a piece of their carrot cake last week and had it gone before I arrived at home! If you haven't been, get here, for real. Like, right now.... read more

Wow, Crack bites amazing! This place was the perfect place to take a break from the road and enjoy delicious BBQ! Ribs were delicious and mashed potatoes were great too! Brisket was a little drier than I like but had good flavor, Mac and cheese had great flavor but I do t like the noodles as soft as they were. Cornbread seemed a little dry as well but they had honey and butter that made them better. Also enjoyed a cookie and Spring Grove soda! Thanks for the good eating Blue Barn! We will be back! read more

We stopped on the road traveling to Indianapolis. This place is a hidden gem. I had the Mac & Cheese with smoked chicken and my husband had the brisket sandwich with baled beans!!!! Aaron is the best BBQ chef ever!!!! read more

Found this spot on Yelp. Reviews sounded good so we gave it a try and glad we did. The brisket and pulled pork were moist and tasty. Between the 2 of us we had 4 different sides. All were good, but the jalapeño cream corn was amazing, a great blend of flavors. We had the cornbread muffins too, moist and a hint of sweet. There is no indoor dining, but there are 5 large tables outside if you don't want to do take-out. You will not be disappointed. read more

Ordered take out last night and got the family platter that is supposed to feed 6-8 people, only having 5 of us eating i figured there would be plenty of food but when arriving home and opened the container it came in it seemed like we were cut pretty short on the meats. Not to mention everything was very dry and had little to no seasoning. I guess I was more disappointed that I had been so excited to try blue barn but was let down because I didn't get the BBQ I was hoping for and had heard so many good things about. Paid around 65 bucks for something I could have made at home. read more

The ribs are meaty but it's lacking flavor. They do have different sauces but I never found one that knocked my socks off. Very expensive for what you get. read more

So delicious. Tender meat, unique and delicious sides, and FINALLY a bbq place that doesn't serve on foam. My hubby went with coworkers then took me. He had the brisket basket the first time and was stuffed. When we went together we got a basket to share plus and extra side and it was perfect. read more

I would say the most solid place to get barbeque in Cedar Falls but I have not been to many barbeque places in cedar falls so I would have to say one of the best barbeque places in Iowa. The place is really hard to find (it's in a giant blue barn). So keep on the lookout....kidding. In all honesty it is a really great place close to the highway that is family owned and run and has fantastic food. I do wish they had more seating but their food definatley makes up for it! read more

We went to the Blue Barn BBQ for lunch today. WOW!!! What a great place. We had the Brisket sandwich with jalapeño corn and potato salad. Everything was really good. The Brisket was tender and juicy. Many sauces to chose from. The jalapeño corn was superb along with the potato salad. Finally the Cedar Valley has a great BBQ take out location. I would give them a 6 star if I c My son from North Liberty wanted to go to the Blue Barn for lunch after golf today again. He said there is nothing in the Iowa City are that compares to the Blue Barn. We all really like this place. Brisket is outstanding. read more

Killer smoky meats. Got the meat sweats and all parts are tasty AF. Quick pickup possible. Love it.

Just stopped to fulfill my craving for BBQ. I too am a die hard BBQ enthusiast and lived in Texas where BBQ is not only a staple - it's a religion. After reading a few reviews while on my trip to MN, I had to give it a try. And I'm glad I did. It was just excellent. We are not talking Texas here where there is a BBQ joint on every corner. We are talking the Midwest and I find the BBQ ridiculously bad and tasteless. However Waterloo has a hidden gem!!! I had 3 meats. Ribs. Hot Sausage. Brisket. Then added a few smoked wings. Pickled slaw. And got a sample of the Crack Bites. All for under $20. Ridiculous!!! Ribs and wings were phenomenal. Smoked perfectly. The sausage was fantastic. Slaw was delicious I now want to go back and just my hands on more of those crack bites. This is BBQ some right. read more

Stopped by Blue Barn BBQ on a work trip. The brisket was really good, as was the mac & cheese and jicama slaw. The guy working the counter was nice & explained everything to us, also. Be warned, it's carry out only at the moment (Oct. '18). Regardless, it's delicious. read more

Yummmm. My husband brought home forty wings a few weeks ago with the intention of having leftovers the next day. That did not happen after we all tried them. Both my stepson and I said we would have a couple but ate a hunch more because they were that good. Even my toddler, who doesn't like meat, ate four wings (I picked off the meat obv) to herself! They're smoky, moist, and didn't require any sauce because they were so tasty. Yummmm. read more

Really had my hopes up for this! I got the meat sweats, my brisket was slimy and was like jello, the ribs tasted like they were scorched with no flavor, and the crack bites were straight up disgusting. The Mac and cheese was dreadful and had no flavor and was just all out bland. Only thing going for them is there house made sauces! read more

This is a passable bbq take out place. On the plus side the chicken was very good The brisket was done just right but didnt have much taste and the pork was so so. It's not that the sides were bad but just didnt have a lot of flavor. All in all not bad in a pinch but not worth going out of your way. read more

this is the best bbq in the cedar valley! Prices are reasonable even as a college student. Chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, ribs you name it, it's to die for! Pretty cool atmosphere as well, love the feeling of going into a barn read more

Good food - brisket was super tender and I love the sweet potato side. Reasonable portions. One of my regular choices when I need a quick and tasty to-go meal. read more

The meat is excellent and the jalapeno creamed corn is awesome but skip the tasteless Mac and cheese and awful cornbread.

Visiting family from California and we decided to do take out from here. DELICIOUS! We had an assortment of food and it was all good. I had the nacho taco and the sides with the pulled pork were so good. My daughter killed the mac and cheese and potato salad. If you go here you HAVE to get the Crack Bites! I have never had anything like them and I wanted more. We will definitely be going here again before we leave to go back to California. read more