Awesome!! Great Food Atmosphere and Drink specials a little pricey but worth the trip

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

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

This food is fire came to West Des Moines Iowa, TNS BLUE, Gypsy Promotions. I'm from Minnesota and we came to promote the Hype Magazine Midwest summer tour, and and TNS BLUE RADI-0 AND, TNS BLUE, Gypsy Promotions, Stop to get something Quick to eat but it ended up being A great night a great restaurant. 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

Friendly people, delicious food, great service. I got the "redneck surf n turf" and had a giant plate of food. The ribs/homemade sauce were a big highlight. It came with a giant slice of cornbread with a dollop of CINNAMON BUTTER on it. So good. The red beans and rice have sausage in it, and are slightly different than I've experienced before - beans/sausage/sauce on top of a big helping of rice. I prefer it less saucy, but the taste is nice and balanced. The catfish was juicy, nicely encrusted with some kind of juice/marinade/sauce on the side - yum! - but overall the ribs stood far above the fish to my taste. I also had a side of collard greens. These are a slightly vinegared take on traditional greens, and I love the tangyness of the vinegar. A+ food. The decor is pretty cute too - homemade tambourine lights in the window and blues music playing. read more

Flying Mango - Redneck surf n turf and a side of collard greens. - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I love the job they do with their smoked meats so varied and flavorful when I get a chance to go to Des Moines I try to stop at the Flying Mango. The service is always first rate. I always try something different doesn't matter if it is chicken ribs or cajun inspired always good. read more

This place is in Des Moines? I asked myself that about 10 times through the course of my dinner. The menu selection was fantastic, and I couldn't make up my mind. I ended up going with the BBQ sampler. 3 of the 4 meats (chicken, ribs, andouille, and brisket) and 2 sides. I rocked the chicken, ribs, and brisket with a side of red beans and rice (with fantastic sausage) and horseradish mashed potatoes. The chicken was the weakest point, but still really good. The ribs were slightly cold, but still delicious. It was a good amount of food, and I walked out stuffed. This would be a solid 4-4.5 star place in a larger city, but I don't think it gets much better for smack dab in the middle of Iowa. Solid service, solid food, solid wine/beer selection, you really can't go wrong. Unless like me, you tried to go for lunch first (they don't open until 5) read more

I'm a big fan of the Flying Mango. It's a cozy little spot, a little bit out of the way if you don't live in Beaverdale, but it's worth the trek. You're always greeted right when you step in the door. I always get the Pick 3. Chicken, ribs & brisket. There's never any question, except for the sides. That's the hard part, is picking, because everything I've tried has been great. The cowboy beans, cinnamon apples, the mashed potato of the day, cole slaw, they're all excellent. The meats are all fantastic, smoked on-site. If I lived within a block of this place, I'd be obese. The smell driving past is amazing, and I'd have dinner there (or take-out) every night if I had to smell it daily. read more

brisket. That is the only thing you need to order from the menu. Better yet, order the smoked meat platter and choose all 3 as brisket. You will not regret it. While you are eating this brisket, wash it down with a Kentucky Bourbon Ale. I cant wait to go back next week when I am out for work! See you there on Wednesday! read more

Happy 31st birthday to me. Forget the ice cream...bring on the RIBS. Upon arriving at Flying Mango, I wasn't really expecting much for the place. BBQ is BBQ, right? WRONG! Flying Mango is not just BBQ, it's pure genius. The aroma coming from the place is that of heaven. Woods, grills, meat grilling on a hot iron...oh Lord, we were in for a treat. We started with the beer, wine and drink selection. The wife had their special margarita and it was great. I had a Shiner and the two other guys joined me in the smokey brew. We started with the wings and I really don't know how to describe them. They are charred to the exact specification and have a soy/sesame/I-don't-have-a-f'ing-clue sauce that you want to drink right off the place. Those went in about 2 seconds flat....back to the beer. The menu is very extensive for a restaurant. The bottle selection is VERY reasonable and it's not out of the budget to get a glass. With the 150% mark-up of all the other restaurants in the world, this place is great to their customers. I got the full rack of ribs with the red beans and rice and sweet potato pancakes. The wife got the chicken with goat cheese and asparagus. The other two guys got the Brisket and the 3 meat sampler. The brisket was so beautiful and pulled perfectly apart. The meat was beyond tender. Oh my god, it was as though you could have a bbq-gasm any second. The ribs were perfectly smoked, grilled to a beautiful char, and still tasted like meat and not sauce. Incredible. I was told the sausage was amazing, but my friend was unwilling to let any go. As for the chicken, this was nothing short of LARGE. They were two full breasts of chicken stuffed with full stalks of asparagus and goat cheese tucked in under the covers of the chicken. I was told it was good, but needed more goat cheese. I replied, "What doesn't?" As for the sides, I would definitely order the cornbread over the potato pancake, but the red beans and rice were incredibly unique. They are not your typical Camellia bean feel, but lived somewhere in-between New Orleans with a smoked Kansas City feel. As for restaurants in Des Moines, this is the place. Go. No, seriously...GO. Get off your ass, make a reservation, and GO! You won't be unhappy. read more

Found this place because of Yelp and yay! It was a 30-minute wait on a Wednesday evening but they could not have been more pleasant. My 6-year old got a high-5 from the owner right off the bat. Service was freakishly fast and correct. My kids were treated as important customers. My ribs weren't falling off the bone as other reviewers have stated, but they were still mighty good. The collards were fabulous-not often said outside of the South! Plus, they have Firefly and a great beer selection. Thanks to other reviewers, we had a cell-phone free meal and it was delightful. Would come back again absolutely! read more

The food was okay, staff not exactly friendly, and food is overpriced for what you get.

Oh wow. The meats ( ribs, chicken, brisket) were all tender, moist, gorgeous bark, smokey, the whole deal. Then the flavors on top of that were interesting and lovely. I was in a hurry because I only had a short time for dinner and my one regret is that I couldn't slow down, and savor every bite. read more

The Flying Mango doesn't need kitschy New Orleans or Caribbean decor to let you know you're eating food from those regions. All they need is the food itself, and it shows. Our first visit to the Flying Mango easily rates among the best meals we've had in the state of Iowa since we moved here from the San Francisco Bay Area. Don't let the unassuming exterior of the Flying Mango fool you. Get in there and get your food on. Enter the front door and you'll be treated to a delicate, delicious aroma from the wood smoking operation and the loud din of conversation from a chatty, happy crowd. There's no bar, but rather a standing-room-only waiting area where you can enjoy a drink (the hostess, upon checking you in, will ask if you'd like anything and they'll bring it to you). Wine list: good. Beer list: also good (Rogue, Summit, Flying Dog, Lindemann's). Nothing on draft. Three of us dined that evening. We started with the Sweet Potato Pancake, with Mango sour cream as an appetizer for the table. Yummy. I had the Redneck Surf and Turf, composed of ribs and Cajun catfish. I've lived in Louisiana and the catfish was out of this world: lightly breaded, seasoned perfectly and fresh tasting. The ribs were meaty and the side of red beans and rice (with sausage) was authentic. My wife had the 24 Hour Brisket, a couple of slabs of which were tender and delicious. Our eight year old daughter had the kids Rib Plate, with 3 bones, homemade mashed potatoes and sweet spiced apples. We killed off a white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. This is all real food, folks, crafted with care and flair. I recommend trying to score a reservation if possible -- we didnt' do so and waited for about 30 minutes on a Saturday evening. Not complainin'. Just sayin'. read more

Cajun and Caribbean BBQ sounds like a strange combination, but oh boy does The Flying Mango make it work. Every dish was a treat! The bar offered a broad selection of beers and wines at affordable prices (they advertise proudly that they serve 20 wines for under $20). The mango margarita sounded interesting, but I went for a Strongbow cider. There are many options for meat-lovers, but there are plenty of poultry and seafood options as well. I chose the Shrimp Creole, or jumbo shrimp and vegetables in a spicy sauce served over rice. I'd definitely order this entree again; it was a winner and was served with their amazing cornbread! Sadly, it was plenty hot and I didn't have the opportunity to try the array of hot sauces available at the table. My companions enjoyed the brisket, ribs, and chicken as well. Sadly, I couldn't get much feedback from them as they were too busy eating to answer my questions! However, I stole a bite of coleslaw, which was great - crisp and light. Dessert was also very well executed - I had the white chocolate bread pudding with mango sauce, a combination which I was skeptical about until I tasted it. Bravo, Flying Mango, I'll be back. read more

Y'all. This place is ridiculous. I had read rave reviews on Yelp and through the Des Moines Register restaurant list -- they did not lead me astray! The Flying Mango is a gem tucked away on Hickman. My dad and I walked into the front door (after curiously wandering around the front trying to make sure we were in fact going in the front door), and were jokingly greeted by the owner asking us if we were in the right place. After walking us by the open kitchen just beyond the front door, he seated us himself and pointed out a few great items on the menu. Our waiter let us know that their specialties are anything smoked on the menu and the catfish. I consider myself a connoisseur of Ribs. They are my FAVORITE food in the whole world. I've tried them ALL over the place. I had ribs with sides of red beans and rice and steamed veggies. HOLY COW. MIND BLOWN. I was not very dainty while demolishing my meal. I've been back to the Flying Mango once more since my first visit and will return MANY more times. Even better than the food was watching the owner schmooze with the guests. At one point, I watched (mouth agape) as he took a cell phone out of a guy's hand, held it up next to the guy's date and asked (loudly) which the guy was going to choose to stare at for the rest of the night then roughly handed the phone back to him. The guy did put his phone away and the date looked embarrassed initially, then thrilled that his attention was back on her! Have a family member or friend that LOVES ribs?! Take him/her to the flying mango -- they will thank you a MILLION times over. And keep your cell phone in your pocket or the owner will come take it away! read more

So upon leaving this great little gem of a restaurant here in Des Moines, I wrote down on the comment card that I'd be writing a review on Yelp, and it would be a 5 star one. Well, this is definitely late, but I finally am writing it! Extremely friendly from the start, I was definitely looking forward to eating here based on all the other reviews. I was not disappointed. Everything about this place was great - the people, the atmosphere, the food. Ahhhhh, just delightful. I had the trio of brisket, ribs, and sausage. You know how in those Travel Channel or Food Network shows they always talk about the smoke ring you can see in BBQ? Oh gosh, now I know what they're talking about! The brisket had the craziest smoke ring, and it was delicious. The ribs were nice and spicy, and the sausage was some of the best I've ever had. I think that out of the three, the sausage was my favorite, but it was all delicious. Even though I was out on business and probably wouldn't be able to get to the leftovers, I made sure I got my leftovers. Um, yeah, I ate the leftovers later that night, even though I was still pretty full. Ahhhh, deliciousness! read more

I absolutely love this restaurant - ambiance, service, food, price point, drink options. I think they hit all the right notes. I ordered the Lime and Garlic Chicken with Mango Salsa over Black Pepper Fettuccine and ate every bite! My dining companion had some kind of BBQ dish but I can't remember which one. I do know however, that we both loved our meals and gobbled up every last bite. I can't say that happens too often. I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a twist on Cajun/BBQ, or anyone who enjoys amazing food :-) read more

We love this place!! We have been back multiple times and still love it. I believe this is my favorite restaurant anywhere. Unfortunately we live hours away. On the most recent visit, we had catfish cakes which were so phenomenal we tried to make them at home. We were surprisingly successful, but of course could not match the original. read more

We were driving through town and basically stumbled on this joint. First off, the place smells great. They had just pulled some chickens out of the smoker and it was fantastic. Secondly, the server was wonderful. Knowledgeable and helpful. Found us an excellent bottle of wine for cheap. 3rd, the owner came by and sat at our table just to make sure everything was up to his standards. Go here. Support local business. It's better food and we avoid having corporate chains all over the place. read more

So good! Service was good and food is always consistently great. I always go for the brisket. So glad I found great barbecue in Des Moines!

Why is this not #1? It should be. The brisket is ridiculous good, ribs are tender and flavorful, andouille was perfectly spicy. Grits and potatoes come in a different preparation by day. Shrimp and grits were amazing as well. Don't skip the white chocolate bread pudding if they have it. Service is 10/10. One of my favorite places in any city. Anytime I'm in Des Moines I'll be stopping in. read more

Flying Mango - Pick 3 platter. - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I came here 6 months ago.. During my birthday celebration... Heard lots of good things about Flying Mango.. So I brought a few of my friends who are not from Des Moines to Flying Mango.. The decoration and the environment made me feel like I am at home.. pretty warm and welcome... 3 of my friends ordered ribs, brisket, and some pork which I don't remember.. The portion is huge but they are big eaters so they finished everything... I never get a chance to try it.. but according to my friends.. they said it's just ok.. their side dishes are really special but most of it were not available.. so my friend ordered some mash potatoes and beans... well.. mash potatoes was just ok.. we found a plastic in it... OMG... so one of my friends ended up with a free meal.. :) I ordered something called coconut shrimp.. with some rice... The portion was perfect for me.. It's really special.. but not to say awesome from my first thought!! I guess I am just being bias??? I will probably return once more to try their dessert because my friend told me lots of great things about it... and I will definitely try something else!!! read more

To start, our service was outstanding from the phone call to our departure. The owners personally greet everyone, it seems, and their employees seem genuinely happy to work there. We started off with the Red pepper chips with chicken dip. The chips were quite good with a spicy kick, but the dip was fairly bland, offering nothing more than texture. For my entré I had the signature 24 hour brisket accompanied by cornbread and red pepper potato mash. The brisket was cooked well, and had that smokey flavor, but not much more. The red pepper potato mash, was shockingly bland, having almost no flavor at all. The cornbread was outrageous and I savored every bit of it. My wife had the Espresso rubbed pork tenderloin stuffed w/ cherries w/ Mac and cheese and asparagus, all high quality ingredients but offering a similar bland experience. Overall my wife and I had a blast here and truly enjoyed ourselves. The atmosphere is quite relaxing and fun, and It is important to note that the food here was NOT bad at all, it simply lacked depth or bold flavor. I would consider the Flying Mango more of an upscale comfort food restaurant. read more

After I wrote my previous review, the owner contacted me and asked a few questions regarding when my visit occurred. She personally spoke with the waitress and hostess. She explained that it was a record Wednesday night and they were understaffed. She also said that she would take the experience and look further into increasing staff so that events like mine do not happen. She promised to refund my money to help make it right, but I think the more important thing is that she contacted me to make it right. I have had too many frustrating experiences where it is impossible to make any impact with a company because they are too large and bureaucratic. I have to say it is a great, great thing to have a company that cares so much about individual customers and the owner tries her best to make it right. If I am ever in the Des Moines area again, I would love to go back. read more

Passing through Des Moines en route to Minneapolis we heard the buzz on Yelp re: The Flying Mango. Wow, this place was packed on a Saturday evening. Unassuming from the outside but once you step in there's the vibrant buzz of a local popular restaurant. So many interesting options on the menu - it's certainly not your usual restaurant fare. I was in the mood for some smoked meats and went with the 3 choice sampler platter (brisket, andouille and ribs). My favorite was the andouille. Ribs were good too... use a little of the house BBQ sauce for sure, but not too much to mask the smokey flavor. Good selection of beers too. Service was good and the waitress was fun & friendly. The manager also goes to each table to check on how the food tasted - just a good sign of quality control. Great experience and would definitely go again if & when I'm in Des Moines. read more

As a seasoned road warrior that frequently uses Yelp to find hidden little jewels like the Flying Mango, this place is definitely worth your time to hunt down and visit. I don't frequently give 5 stars, but when food, value, ambiance, and personable restaurant owners come together for a totally enjoyable dining experience, then so be it. I had the brisket and it would make even the proudest Texan stand up and salute. Corn bread and collard greens are worthy companions for the main entree. read more

I fly in to town and found this via Yelp! Incredible stuff. I've covered 26 states and I've had a lot of famous bbq in my life. I'm very lucky. Flying Mango won't disappoint with their succulent smoked meats. I mean to try some of their other entrees , but I haven't but , boy , do they look good. My favorite seasonal side is the Collard Greens. Not enough space to describe how delicious they were. Too bad they aren't a full time menu item. I still salivate thinking about them. I will update more once I branch out to beyond the incredible smoked meats! My favorites are the ribs and the sausage!! read more

Every visit we are left impressed. With every bite I stop to close my eyes and have a moment with my meal. Get the 24-hour brisket. It's the best I've ever had (even after a tour of Kansas City BBQ). Don't leave without trying cornbread. It's sometimes hard to get in, but worth the wait. Also, we were shy about bringing kids here but for no reason. They are very accommodating. read more

This place is the bomb. Sara H, our server, was the best. Goes way beyond to take care of you. I will never go to any other BBQ joint in Des Moines again. Jethro's is 2nd Rate compared to Flying Mango!! Thank you, Sara H, for taking such good care of us!! You are the best!! read more

Flying Mango is a fantastic restaurant. I have eaten there three times now (one being carryout), and I am constantly impressed with their food and service. First off, Flying Mango has an excellent alcohol selection; I particularly enjoy the wide assortment of beers on the menu, which I believe they change from time to time. As to the food...Wow! I went there for the BBQ, and I will keep coming back for it. The "pick 3 BBQ platter" is my meal of choice, as you get to pick between brisket, ribs, chicken, or andouille (sausage). While the chicken is delicious, and my parents loved the andouille, I often order "brisket, brisket, and ribs please." Flying Mango has HANDS-DOWN the most amazing brisket (and their ribs are wonderful). The brisket is incredibly juicy, with just the right amount of char on it and a perfectly visible smoke ring. Of the three times I've been there, only ONE slice of my three brisket meals was a little tough. What's also impressive about their brisket (and food in general) is the ability to get carryout (as well as the quality of it) I ordered the sliced brisket sandwich for carryout one day during their busiest time of the weekend, and not only was it ready in under 15 minutes (!!), but it was DELICIOUS. While I am clearly a BBQ fan, I have nothing but good things to say about their other menu items. The cornbread with honey butter is the perfect side for BBQ (there I am again, talking about BBQ), and I've sampled some of my wife's "Lime and Garlic Shrimp with Mango Salsa over Black Pepper Fettucine," and it was great, especially the mango! I also have to give some love to the management. When I asked what type of wood they used, not only did they let me know (Cherry Wood!), but they also took me out to the back to show me their smoker. I just thought that was a really professional gesture on their part, and is one of the many reasons I love this place! read more

Best BBQ jerk pork sandwich. It blew me away. Live in Afton MN and will be back to enjoy it again soon. Great job! MMmmmmm good!

Thank goodness for Facebook friends. I caught a conversation comparing Des Moines barbecue and them ranking Flying Mango high. It was very close to where I was staying. Parking was a bit tight during the latest snowstorm, but I still found space. Walking inside was a treat. I didn't expect upper scale barbecue. Who does, but there it was. They have a policy that all our guests must be present before seating, but still managed seating on a Saturday. Hint: get there as they open. A tip: enjoy a cocktail while you wait. Just know that an Old Fashioned is quite reddish maybe due to the faux maraschino cherries. Let's talk food. It seems a bit expensive, but it's comparable to some other spots. I went with the Grilled Cajun Chicken with goat cheese and thick cut bacon and the Sweet Potato, Ginger, Chipotle Mashed Cake (otherwise known as: what my roommate makes a lot). Everyone at my table enjoyed their food. Kudos for the goat cheese offerings. The grits of the day were also Goat Cheese Grits. Those were quite good and unusual. Also, try bacon in Iowa. It's home to the Iowa Bacon Festival, so they must known something. Overall, I really enjoyed my sandwich, my side, sampling the grits and the cornbread. Always get the cornbread they say. read more

It had been 4+ years since my first visit to Flying Mango. I don't know what I was thinking but I'm SO glad we went last night! Got there at 5:30 and got right in. The air was perfumed with the most Heavenly scent of bar b qued meats. We ordered cocktails/ I had a mango and rum concoction that was just delicious. My friend had a mango Bellini and she loved it as well. I ordered the brisket and I'm so happy that I did- I'd read reviews and people raves about it. Now I know why. 2 thick slabs of brisket that was so tender it fell apart. And the flavor- deep and smoky and complex/ I will order that again! Friend got the Cajun catfish and she cleaned her plate. Other friend had the Cajun surf and turf- Cajun catfish and ribs- the portions were so big she took the fish home. Service was efficient and the food was excellent- I can understand all the great reviews!! read more

This place is rated well and came highly recommended amongst friends but it does not live up to its reputation. I had the half rack of ribs dinner that came with two sides. The ribs were good, but not great. For my sides I had the potato special (honey mustard mashed potato) this was also just OK. My other side was the cowgirl beans and these were kind of gross, sort of a baked beans with pulled pork added to them. The highlight was we did have a great waitress that was courteous and knowledgeable. Maybe we caught them on an off night but I have had consistently better BBQ else where in Des Moines that will probably get my business the next time I am craving ribs. read more

Flying Mango - Half rack of ribs dinner - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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What a great dinner! I went to the Flying Mango with some coworkers while traveling on business and was very impressed. They are busy, so be prepared to wait, especially on Friday/Saturday night. The chef and waitstaff were incredibly hospitable and when they found out we are from Texas, they surprised our table with some brisket burnt ends (my favorite), compliments of the chef. They were moist, flavorful and simply fantastic! Keep in mind, I'm a brisket snob...these beat some of the best from the land of BBQ. I ordered the shrimp and grits - such great upscale southern comfort food. We also had the smoked chicken dip and bread pudding, I'd highly recommend both! We ended up being the last table eating and the chef greeted us on the way out and personally invited us back...great service! I will definitely be back whenever I'm in town. read more

I've been wanting to try Flying Mango for quite a while. Thankfully I was not disappointed. I've seen people mention that the atmosphere is not what they expect especially with how the kitchen was set up, but I loved it. I like a place whose high quality food doesn't necessarily need to be matched by a high class facade. To start, the food was great. I'd highly recommend the brisket to any carnivore not was tender and fell apart at the touch of the fork. I love a piece of meat cooked well enough I don't have to use a knife. My wife had some mango chicken which was also delicious. It's rare that we go to a restaurant and the chicken isn't dried out and over cooked. The chicken was perfect, the brisket was great, and all the aides matched the quality. I hope for the opportunity to return some day in the near future and try more items on the menu. read more

Based on the great reviews on Yelp and from friends, I expected more. Perhaps my expectations were too high... or I ordered wrong... or the server was having an off night... BUT, I came here last weekend with a group of 5 people. The service was not great. It took our waitress quite some time to ask for our drink orders. Everyone either ordered wine or a Bloody Mary. We knew going in the Bloody Mary takes a little bit longer to make (worth the wait!), but my wine came out AFTER the bloodies. Eh, I can wait for a glass of wine. The service just wasn't as good as everyone else commented on. My food was not all warm when it arrived. The main dish (a sandwich) was warm - the sides were not. Oh well, I did't come here for the potato side dish. Other people ordered shrimp and grits (not first timers) -- and they loved it last time. Flying Mango uses the "grits of the day" in this dish, my advice - ask what that is before ordering this dish. Not bad per-se but not what they expected with lemon pepper grits (last time they were cheesy) Now the good parts - 1. GET THE CORNBREAD! It is delicious. 2. The atmosphere is great - folks seemed to be enjoying themselves, lots of "regulars". 3. The Bloody Mary should be on the appetizer menu. With all you true-believers, I plan on giving it a second try. read more