Amazing Food Try anything ,, youll Love it

Amazing food, service and Ambiance ! The owner is always friendly and genuinely cares about his customers!

This shit rocked. I loved the atmosphere, staff, food, location. Everything. The ribs incredible, the brisket incredible, beef brisket titty milk mcgee. read more

The outside is deceptive-- looks a little dumpy. But don't be fooled, the inside is nicely put together and the kitchen, open, busy and clean, is showcased from the moment you walk in. My party had the big chop, the brisket, and ribs. The ribs were caramelized, smoky perfection. The brisket was tender and lean. The chop was moist and perfectly cooked, but maybe a little overwhelmingly smoky. The sides all were kind of bland by comparison, though. The cheese grits felt... gritty? The sweet potato cake wasn't a strong enough flavor to stand up to the meats. All the sides needed salt. All in all, I'd absolutely return. This was a solid performance, and frankly, I'd come back just for their meat! read more

Flying Mango - Brisket, sweet potato cake and cheese grits. - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Really good BBQ. The jerk sandwich was HOT! We really enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. Also, the staff were all very friendly and took drink orders while we waited for a table. Can't wait to go back and try something else! read more

This is a great restaurant. I like the food & vibe, plus the chef was quite engaging. I had the briskit, which is not my fav bbq, but seems very popular. It was very good! Nice crust. But i really want to try the pork ribs next time. Chef gave me a sample as i left, and it's more my speed. read more

I'm super disappointed in my recent visit to the Flying Mango. I visited their restaurant about 7 years ago and absolutely loved their BBQ. I had been wanting to get back there for years so I decided to come spend the weekend in Des Moines so I could have my birthday dinner there (I live 3 hours away in Rochester, MN). I ordered the exact same thing I had during my previous visit and it wasn't nearly as good. The ribs and brisket were EXTREMELY dry which was disappointing because the flavor was amazing. The chicken was actually pretty good. The highlight of the meal was the mixed vegetables. Those were delicious! Unfortunately I probably won't be back. read more

Not very impressed at all. I went with my 80 year-old mother who walks very gingerly and with a cane. The owner is the one who sat us, and he barely said three words to us as he took us to the furthest table in the restaurant. Not good for a senior citizen. Waitress was pleasant and probably the best part of the experience. Food was marginal - nothing I couldn't make at home. Probably won't go back. read more

Oh man this was a weird experience. The food was out there and as a Louisiana native the weird theming really put me off. Also the server was using a clearly fake (and very wrong) southern accent that he dropped when I mentioned being from Louisiana. read more

This has been on our list of places to try for almost two years now, and we finally made it in. We went in around 5:30 on a Friday night, and got in right before the crowd started to form. I would highly recommend getting a reservation! Our service was great. Our server was kind, knowledgeable, and FAST. She refilled our water a few times so quickly that we didn't even notice her. She was top-notch! My husband enjoyed his ice water while I tried a citrus hibiscus mule, which was one of their signature cocktails that night. We ordered mussels for an appetizer, hubby got the rubs, and I got a brisket sandwich. For dessert, we gave the bread pudding a whirl. Citrus Hibiscus Mule- A perfect drink for summer, and if you like tea (especially hibiscus tea), you will love this. It was subtle and not overly sweet, while not being bitter at all either. I loved it. Mussels- These were good. The butter sauce was delicious, and it's a decent amount of mussels. The bread that comes with it was well toasted and perfect for sopping up the sauce. I just with it came with more than two little pieces of bread though. Ribs- My husband really liked these. They had a good char on them, and covered in the house sauce (OMG), they were gone pretty fast. The potato of the day was mashed and they were excellent as well. The star of his meal though was the cornbread though, which was SO GOOD, it gets its own special review. CORN BREAD- You HAVE to get the corn bread. It is hands-down the best corn bread either of us have every had. It was thick, dense, and moist, something that many corn breads miss the mark on. The cinnamon honey butter takes it almost into the dessert realm. Next time, I might just order a million slices of this bread and die fat, covered in butter, and oh-so happy. Brisket Sandwich- Put away your knives, folks. The brisket is so tender it literally flakes with a fork. Flying Mango makes a bomb.com sauce that is perfect on top of it. My only issue is that, even with a ton of sauce, the sandwich is a bit dry. The bread they use is a drier roll in nature. I would suggest adding some mayo/butter/other topping on the side with their sandwiches to help in that department. White Chocolate Bread Pudding- Buttery, thick, yummy. The mango puree is unexpected but adds a nice acid to the dish. The white chocolate gets a little lost in the fray, though. However, still loved it and ate every bite! We had all of this food AND were in and out in about 35 minutes! We never felt rushed, and I loved that the kitchen is open so you feel like you are part of the establishment. We are looking forward to coming back soon! read more

Came here a year ago for my anniversary and it was delicious! Loved all there sauces. The half chicken was so smoky and savory. Staff was very attentive. Just wish there was more parking space. read more

Brisket! Brisket! Brisket! If you haven't had a chance to swing by this place, get on with it already. One of my favorite more upscale bbq place to visit with amazing cocktails. Portion size is always generous and service is always good. Did I mention their brisket is amazing? My other must always order is their cornbread. Bring your friends, coworkers and family or dine solo, this place is sure to please anyone! read more

I have went here several times but I have never been truly impressed. The staff is always nice but the food has never left me impressed especially for what they charge. It's not bad, it just isn't great. I really wanted to like this place but it just isn't in my top choices. read more

Found this sweet BBQ spot on a business trip driving through town. WOW! I've had BBQ all over the country and this place is definitely in my top 3. I dined on the brisket with sautéed veggies. Everything was cooked perfect. To top it all off... the service is top notch. Delightful young ladies provide a pleasant dining experience. The genuine kindness they project makes you feel like your eating at moms house. This place must be a priority pit stop fir anyone visiting Des Moines! TIP: Bring a mason jar because the BBQ Sauce is the bomb and you can buy it to go but, they don't have containers you can take on a plane! read more

Can't say enough good things about the meal we had at flying mango. Words truly can't begin to convey how good it really was. The service was very attentive and friendly. I highly recommend the collard greens and the cornbread as sides. We didn't have a reservation, and luckily got a table quickly but I would recommend calling ahead. read more

Flying Mango - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We were in town visiting family and this place popped up. Usually we head downtown, which is really cool and has a lot of great restaurants, but ended up here and so happy we did. We walked in and noticed some fried plantains on the bar. When we asked the server about them because they weren't on the menus, Mike the owner ended up coming over and giving us a plate for free. When we asked about the special bourbon of the month, the owner came back over and said they only had a little left so we could have it. He then told us all about the whiskey, which was awesome. Besides the freebies and the personal visit from the very personable owner, the service was great and fast, and the food was as good as anything I've ever had in New Orleans. Try the tacos that aren't listed on the menu but served every day, and Definitely grab a side of red beans and rice or grits. read more

Great food with a casual atmosphere! This is a great place ! My mom and girlfriend both had the bbq pulled pork sandwich and cole slaw! The bbq pulled pork comes on a cibata roll. The slaw is creamy deliciousness ! The bbq pork is melt in your mouth good. My dad had shrimp and grits. The gravy on the grits was spicy! I had the lime n garlic grilled chicken fettuccine. The sauce was light and yummy! The chicken and noodles were good. It was a well balanced dish. I would recommend the bbq sandwich and cole slaw ! This place is on the pricey side ! Also, make a reservation because it is small place ! read more

I have lived in Tennessee and Texas, and experienced the BBQ of both. Flying Mango offers a unique take on BBQ, and it doesn't fit into any particular category. However, the owner has always been great to me and the sides are phenomenal. read more

I was in town for work training and met up with a local friend at Flying Mango. The atmosphere is clean, modern, and relaxing. We both went with the daily special of the brisket nachos and sides of cornbread. The cornbread -- OMG. It came with a cinnamon butter and it melted in your mouth. I could have easily ate a pan of that bread alone. The nachos were really good; I added a little of their bbq sauce to the top. They had a little bit of a heat kick to them although we couldn't pinpoint exactly where it was from. Great service, great food. read more

Flying Mango - Oatmeal stout. - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

My wife and I decided to give this place a try while vacationing from Chicago. We actually pulled up to the place and at first glance were not blown away by the location or appearance, we decided to leave. Well after driving around we had a change of heart and decided to return. Best decision we made that day. It turned out to be in our opinion a hidden gem. The atmosphere was really cozy. A great place to unwind relax and enjoy some really good southern comfort food with a twist. Not what we expected! Not to mention the owner's hospitality, his passion for good food and the friendly staff & guest. A real treat. Please try the Smoke Chicken App my favorite. But here you can't go wrong. Overall a great experience. We decided to make Des Moines a once a year getaway just to visit this place and a few good distant friends. read more

Super delicious. Make sure you get there early so they don't run out of your favorites!

Excellent food and service. Comfy atmosphere. Brisket sandwiches were great, lime and garlic chicken fettuccine with mango salsa delish! We had the creme brûlée's and mango bread pudding perfect light mango flavor. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. read more

We hadn't been here in quite a while. So tonight we had a Valentine's Eve dinner. I ordered a half rack of ribs with black beans and rice and slaw. My sweetheart had the half chicken with potatoes and cornbread. The food came quickly. Quicker than we expected actually. The ribs were good. Not great, but good. Quite meaty. I left the slaw. It lacked flavor. My wifemate's chicken was very good. Moist, flavorful. Overall the food was good. Not great enough to make us go "mmmmm." read more

Looking for an amazing Bbq joint with a twist? Do not hesitate, the food was amazing the service was excellent. Decided on this joint because it was close and the menu sounded a little different than most bbq joints. Funky Bbq with a Cajun flare. The brisket was amazing!!! read more

Hands down my favorite in the 515. Mike is the best host to talk to in town. And then the food. I'm hot and cold about barbecue at every restaurant I go to. Flying Mango covers all of the bases. Cajun, BBQ, seafood, pasta, and amazing deserts. read more

Outstanding in every way - food, service and hospitality. We visited the Flying Mango based on the reviews we saw on Yelp; 4.5 out 5 is pretty impressive! But I would like to meet to the person that claimed this place was less than a 5, because I would like to know how realistic their expectations were. This BBQ/Beef restaurant is simply the finest, most reasonably priced restaurant I have enjoyed since moving to Des Moines from Atlanta in July. The choice of wine is excellent, the staff is sincerely friendly and the food .... geez! Out of this world delicious. I will be coming back often, especially when I have business guests asking me "where can we go for a great meal?" I have finally found an answer! read more

Always busy. Good down to earth cuisine. Get reservations because this place is POP U LAR!

"What kind of barbecue restaurant opens at 5:00?" I said to myself as I was reviewing the website before visiting. It was the first of several incongruities I noticed over the meal. Barbecue is a cuisine that's dominated by the lower end, usually found in dives, dumps, or shacks and sold cheaply in large quantities. The basic concept's usually pretty easy to grasp: smoke it until it's done. Many pitmasters struggle finding that proper amount of time to cook, or don't manage to keep it moist through the cooking process, but there's still plenty around this country that have it down. Judging by the upscale digs, the inch-thick slices of brisket they serve, and the taste, Flying Mango has a pretty good grasp on the meat. The lean cut of brisket meant it was a little drier than I would have preferred, and maybe the ribs didn't need to be smoked for as long as they were, but they separated from the bone with the right amount of give, so overall it was pretty good. Is the sampler platter, which came with three ribs, that one-inch thick piece of brisket, a sausage, and two sides worth $25? Perhaps, if there was an upscale twist on the meat in the same manner that Flying Mango attempts to create an upscale atmosphere for one of the cheapest restaurant concepts in the business. But the meat was treated very straightforwardly; there's nothing there to justify paying perhaps the most I've ever spent on barbecue. Even the simple collard greens and sauteed vegetables did little to justify the expense, though those two were as solid as the rest of the meal. With good food, a conversationally casual atmosphere, extensive wine list, and a questionably eclectic collection of beers, it's clear The Flying Mango is a popular place to relax and enjoy the neighborhood. But when the split plate fee on a $10 pulled pork sandwich is an additional $10, it leaves me looking for more value-positioned items on the menu. read more

Great service and a 24 hour brisket. The best BBQ in Des Moines but served at a place with a strong commitment to service.

What's with all the hype? The man and I decided to hit up this local 'gem' after seeing such great reviews of it all over the place. We aren't food snobs but our hopes were admittedly a bit high since this is a two dollar sign restaurant and it has good ratings. The decor is nothing special but we don't judge books by their covers so we sat down at our table and... almost froze to death. The AC was going far too hard for a temperate fall day. We can let it go, no biggie. We order drinks-- Dead Guy Ale for him, long island for this girl. They didn't give him a glass (it was bottled) and when he asked for one the waitress brought him a half-sized water glass? We could SEE beer mugs right next to us since we were by the bar... oh well again. No sweat. The long island was basically watered down gin. No matter, we're here for the food, right? The bass-ackwards wings came and they were the most bland, boring things on the planet. We took them home and fed them to our dogs. No exaggeration. The quesadilla app was brisket and it was good but it made me go "meh". Still holding on to hope at this point.... my mahi mahi came and it looked kind of pretty. The waitress said their mango salsa was great-- it consists of mango, cilantro and onions. That's it. No zest. No tang. The "honey glaze" on the fish was just that-- honey. The pistachios on top seemed like an after thought. The description said my fish came with veggies... I had three HALVES of brussels sprouts and a crap-ton of overcooked onions. No seasoning or citrus on anything. I didn't even finish half of it. The man got the brisket with mashed potatoes and cole slaw. The cole slaw was the only thing I'd say we both enjoyed that night. The brisket was so boring, plain and sad. The potatoes were another "meh". He bathed his brisket in sauces and muscled through it. At this point I gave up on the long island and ordered a diet coke and received a can with a glass. Rolling with the punches here. Still hoping to find something worthwhile but wanting out of there I ordered the apple pie to go... the waitress brought the pie right away (it had to have been pre boxed) but no check. We waited. Then waited. And waited. She didn't come back for over five minutes after we asked for a doggy bag for the wings and ordered something to GO and received it. Doesn't 'to go' imply we want to go? Got home with the pie that had a lot riding on its shoulders. Something had to redeem the Mango, right? That cook's grandmother would be so ashamed. How a person can so thoroughly ruin God's greatest gift to us (dessert) is beyond me. It was dry, all crust and FLAVORLESS just like the rest of the meal. Terrible food, mediocre service, crap ambiance. We wasted $100 after tip on food that our dogs were barely interested in. I'm hoping they got a new chef or owner recently and that it's gone downhill cuz the high ratings here are completely incongruent to our terrible experience. I don't want to believe so many people would call that food good, let alone excellent. Never again. We've eaten in New Orleans before and that city would be ashamed of this place. read more

The reviews are absolutely right. This place is a standout in Des Moines, and is as good or better than anything you can get in KC, Memphis, or any other so-called BBQ city. I'd first visited Flying Mango 6 or 7 years ago with my sister, who was a regular and very excited to introduce the restaurant to my family. I loved it, but for some reason, after that visit I kept forgetting about the Flying Mango. Maybe it's the neighborhood? The unassuming exterior? The parking situation? For whatever reason, Flying Mango never came to mind when choosing a restaurant. Naturally, this was a major error on my part. Thankfully, a coworker recently suggested the Flying Mango for a group dinner. To prepare, I tried to familiarize myself with their menu. Now, really. Take a look at their website and you'll know what a gargantuan task I was taking on. The menu... is... MONSTROUS. Plus it all sounds amazing. I had no idea how I was going to choose any one dish. Luckily, there was an amazing special (lamb, blueberry goat cheese, ensuing food coma prevents me from remembering anything further) so I didn't have to actually pick anything from the amazing menu. (Next time, I'm screwed.) Flying Mango has an amazing beer list - one of the best in Des Moines (they have Unibroue, my favorite beer in the world - that makes them #1 in my book). It doesn't even bear mentioning that the food is incredible. I had the aforementioned special, while Charlie had the pick 3 with andouille sausage, ribs, and whatever else was offered that wasn't chicken. All excellent. All prepared expertly. And the cornbread?? You've got to try the cornbread, Just trust me on this one... you'll thank me later. This place smells amazing. Get ten feet away, and you'll know you're in for a special treat. As others have mentioned, the owner is very present and involved, and will stop by your table to make sure everything is OK. Good for him - you can tell the restaurant benefits from his enthusiasm and passion. I can only hope that, this time, I won't wait another six years to visit! read more

BEST BBQ BEEF BRISKET!! My friend and I planned a trip to Des Moines, Iowa since she had a free night at a hotel to spend, and we had to choose a place that was within a few hours driving distance - preferably a place we both have never been to. That's how we end up in Des Moines for a summer weekend. There weren't many things to do (or maybe we just don't know?), and we were afraid that this trip would become a waste of money and a huge disappointment. Thankfully, it was worth it at the end for the food that we ate!! The Beef Brisket Salad on the menu is hands down the best salad I have ever had. The meat was perfection - great sear, great flavor, good amount of fat, and you get two huge slabs with the salad!! The salad was seasoned very well. It is the type of salad that's on a sweeter side, and it was light, which offered a fresh bite with the meat brisket. I joked that I would come back to Iowa to eat this brisket again...but it hasn't happened yet ;) read more

I finally ate here and I was impressed. Service was prompt, food was tasty and the drinks were good. The brisket was so tender I didn't need a knife, the ribs were fall off the bone and the sausage was juicy. Overall I was very happy with my dining experience and will come back and try other dishes! read more

Flying Mango - Moscow mule - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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BBQ meets bistro. Why a five star? It is because of the overall experience of this place. To the friendly service, the owner that loves what he does and shows it, and nice neighborhood feel. The food is really good. Now was it so good that I would take a trip to Altoona to slap my mama. No it is not, but I have not had anything that would have shamed the cow or pig that lost it's life for the meal. I will say that the cornbread with cinnamon butter deserve's a five star on it's own. I am not going to lie, I would play some Barry White music, light a candle, and let it know how beautiful it is before I devoured it. I don't even care if people gawk at me while I pick up the plate and lick every crumb off it! Yes it is that good and I'm not ashamed of my love. I like their BBQ sauce one of my favorites in Des Moines. It is very simple, and if you ask nicely sometimes they have a jar they'll sale you. In all honesty you should go check it out. read more

What the F%$k?!?! Thanks Flying Mango...thank's a fricken lot. You've ruined my ability to enjoy beef brisket. BECAUSE YOURS IS THE BEST EVER. It's like, beef cake. Beautifully smoked, full of juice, an amazing layer of fat that almost acts like the icing on cake, the cut is 3 fingers thick, and a baby would have no problem getting a fork to pull through the sexual tenderness that this brisket possesses. WHEEEW! I need a cigarette now. Their BBQ is superb. I was out here for work and my buddy and I got a bunch of stuff like Ribs, Cowboy beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. The ribs were fantastic, but out shined by the brisket. The beans were clearly made with some passion and a little bit o heat. Cornbread was solid, they had a maple butter or something with it that was perfect. They also have a great selection of Caribbean fare. Plus! They have port. I'm a huge port fan. The older the betta baby! Didn't have a chance to try any dessert, but I'm sure something chocolaty would go perfectly with a nice glass of tawny. I have been telling my buddies who love BBQ, especially brisket, that we may very well have to drive 5 hours to go get this. Hopefully, they'll be a concert sometime in the near future that will give my fat ass another reason to drive out here and get some brisket. read more

Hands down the best brisket this side of Myron Mixon. The BBQ here is as good as it gets. The ribs are fantastic, the selections wide, and they serve Templeton Rye. Game over. The owner, Mike, saunters about the place taking care of customers like a good restaurateur should. read more

This is a great little restaurant, I have to say. My brother lives in Iowa because he likes corn and liquor, and so when I visit him we like to head out and eat more than our weight in food and also drink like the Irish crackpots we are. Having said that, the last time I was in Des Moines he took me to The Flying Mango. Now that's a curious name. And the food! Quite good! I have one word for you: BRISKET. Oh, and another word for you: BRISKET. It seemed pretty packed in there but we were seated promptly enough. My friend from high school, Mindy, is a most gracious server and I'd like to request that you ask for her by name and then tip her handsomely. Oh, and did I mention BRISKET? read more

Food satisfies, but doesn't thrill. Service friendly, but sporadic. Location somewhat cozy, but loud and industrial under the surface treatment. Food simple, but menu overly complex. There's definitely a feeling of dedicated amateurship going on here, which is often the kind of environment I most enjoy, although it doesn't fly with everybody. On the whole, a great Yelp-based find for people like us driving across the country and tired of corporate dining. read more

Carol and I are Foodies and newcomers to Iowa from the Chicago area, and we have been actively researching area restaurants to identify our replacement favorites ever since we moved here in April. The Flying Mango is now certainly among our favorites. Our nephew, Ross, joined us and it was our first time here and we could smell that this was a Smokehouse type of restaurant. We were greeted with a very friendly face and led to the Big Room with about 20 tables with very colorful and tasteful pictures hung all along the walls. There was also some nice "toe-tappin" background music which wasn't too loud to affect our conversation. The menu was certainly a unique blend of grilled and spicy Caribbean delicacies with a wonderful collection of specialty beers, and an adequate selection of wines. For appetizers, we were enticed into ordering the "Bag of Bones" selection. What we received was a small brown paper bag with enough rib sections, prepared Memphis style, to satisfy me and Ross. I ordered something I had never tried before, the 24-hour Smoked Brisket with mixed vegetables and spiced apples finished with a glass of their Pinot Noir. For presentation, I spied on my plate a colorful medley of the vegetables along side two thickly sliced cuts of nicely barbequed brisket with a small bowl of the Spiced Apples. The brisket I found to be flavorful but a little too dry for my taste. There was a lot of fat in the brisket (not unusual) which no longer moistened the meat. The Pinot was perfect with the brisket and very drinkable. The spiced apples were cooked perfectly in a wonderfully tasting sauce. Ross tried the Shrimp Creole which he said had a nice spicy flavor, generous shrimp, and he would certainly order it again. We finished out our meal by splitting the Southwestern Chocolate Cake with a distinctive Red frosting design (pepper shape) on the top. I thought the flavor was wonderful with a light, not too sweet, chocolate flavor with a touch of a bite to it. Wonderful !! The prices are very fair for the value received and the service was a little slow at the beginning but then very attentive the rest of the evening. We will certainly be back to try other items on this very interesting menu. read more

First time coming here, but spent many years trying out BBQ joints. While this place is not horrible, it is not worth the hype that some of the reviews have come to lead me to believe. I got the pick 3 combo of ribs, chicken and brisket, with cornbread and sauteed veggies. Let's begin with the sides. The Veggies were not sauteed: they were steamed, so they ended up mushy, with no extra flavor. The cornbread was described as moist and sweet. What I got was dry, with an off lemony taste, as though the chef ran out of buttermilk, and tried using pure lemon juice. Now for the meats: The brisket was not what I was expecting. It had a nice smoke bark, but it was tough, dry, and didn't have much smoke flavor. 24 hours appears to be too long for this cut of beef. The ribs were better, which was infused with that cherry-wood smoke flavor. It still had patches of dryness, but there were some areas that were good. However, the only way this is considered to be Memphis-style is that it was dry on the outside (IE. no sauce). The Memphis flavor, which is suppose to be bold and spicy, was lost in the smoke flavor (or wasn't even put on, as I did not see a rub bark like most Memphis-style ribs) Finally the chicken was the best thing. It was moist and just smokey enough to not overpower everything, which is really surprising, as many BBQ joints still make chicken dry and tough. Overall, the place was not worth the money. There are many other BBQ places that are cheaper, with better fare. read more