My favorite restaurant in Des Moines. I feel like I am in Magazine St. in New Orleans. Awesome smoked meats and BBQ, with a touch of exotic Cajun on the menu. Brisket is to die for, best bloody mary in town (it's a meal!), and don't skip dessert. Not cheap but price is reasonable for the quality. Great service; the owner is super involved and treats you like family. Only caveat is that it is a pretty popular place, and there's not much of a waiting place, so reservations are recommended. read more

Tasty. Interesting. Satisfying. Unique. Small. Quaint. Excellent wine. Nice wait staff. Menu with many options. Go there for a Caribbean barbecue adventure. P.S. You have to love a restaurant that has an annual summer staff vacation. They close the restaurant. They take care of their employees. How nice. read more

In town visiting my daughters and decided to try out Flying Mango. Cool little place with an eclectic menu. Think barbecue/Mexican fusion. On the appetizer menu is a quesadilla with "filling changes daily" which I found intriguing. Since I have had bariatric surgery, anywhere I eat there are 2 requirements. The food must be great and it must be "to go-able" so I can take home leftovers. The waitress allowed me to order from kids meal which was perfect! I had 3 ribs, potato of the day and the apples. All were wonderful - ribs were fork tender and fell off the bone. Potato of the day was blue cheese mashed - very good and the apples were perfect! Huge portions for everyone at my table - even the kids meal. Definitely will come back here! read more

On a visit from San Francisco we were treated to some of the BEST BBQ I've ever had at the flying mango. I've had Kansas City and Southern BBQ before, but something about the rich flavors in everything I tried at Flying Mango made me so happy with the experience. The wine list is pretty solid but the huge list of succulent entrees are the big winner. Definitely try to make a reservation, we had to wait a bit...but the staff was such a joy that we didn't mind at all. read more

Fabulous dining experience on my first visit. I've heard about this place for years and so glad I finally got to try. The quesadilla flavor changes daily and the one we had tonight with andouille sausage and mango salsa was really great. I had the "chicken from the other side" which is a reference to the old menu where grilled chicken was on the other side of the menu. I'm really a fan of anything with goat cheese and asparagus and chicken. Plus the addition of smoked Gouda mashed potatoes....heaven. And don't get me started on the cornbread!! The cinnamon honey butter was a great addition, but the actual cornbread was my favorite part. My mom lives for the andouille sausage and red beans and rice, although I didn't love it on my first taste, she does order it every time she visits so must be good. Dad and bro got the pick 3 options---all are good but the brisket was the winner of the 4 because they were so smooth and easy to eat. And the corn bread. Of course. Will definitely be back in a future Des Moines visit. read more

Mike & Suzanne.. Adding more positive stuff would be piling on. ;-) You guys rock. Your team is off-the-hook. The food is great. Dear reader.... EAT HERE NOW. read more

As advertised, this place is fantastic. Great food and atmosphere. Extremely friendly staff, and the owner Mike stopped by our table to chat. Nice touch. The food is high quality, and the service fast. Best brisket ever. Highly recommend. read more

Flying Mango - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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We really enjoyed The Flying Mango. I tried the Ribs and the Brisket. Both were very good. I liked the atmosphere. The wait staff were great as well. It was very busy and I can see why we had the long wait! We'll be back! read more

The reason I had to go were all the great Yelp reviews. I was in town on business and had to eat somewhere. That is what Yelp is for, right? When you just don't know and need some guidance. I was not disappointed. I had a trio of smoked meats. Chicken, brisket, and pork ribs. The servings were generous and the meats tasty. The brisket was a thick slice, which tends to make it seem dry. They might want to do two thinner slices? Side dishes seem to rock here. The cornbread was top notch. The collard greens I had were as good as any I have ever eaten. That is saying something! The only negatives about this place are high noise levels and limited parking. But eating out is about EATING first, and only the those with crippled taste buds will be disappointed here. read more

Stopped in while headed East to Chicago. We got our meal to go, FYI, but I will say the hostess and the waitress who took our order were SUPER friendly and accommodating, especially with this teenie tiny restaurant being PACKED on a Friday night. Ordered the pulled pork sandwich with their horseradish mashed potatoes for a side (recommended by the waitress). Sandwich was good, potatoes were good. But, in the end, we weren't dazzled. The pulled pork was super moist and so finely pulled that it sort of became a malleable mass softened from sitting in an orange-ish BBQ sauce for what must have been a while... (which isn't a bad thing...it's just not the type of pulled pork I prefer) I gotta say, I like my pulled pork (richly smoked) pulled right before I eat it and then hit with BBQ by me. Maybe I'm a control freak. With BBQ. Potatoes were good...but without gravy or a sauce they ended up being lackluster. No gravy? Maybe I had to ask... Which is what it felt like at Flying Mango. Had to ask for some plastic silverware (we were eating at a nearby park) and napkins. Chef/cook handed us our to go box from behind the counter (it's an open kitchen) and just said, "Pulled pork sandwich." I took it and he went right back to other orders. No "thank you" or "come again." I'd try it again, but I'd want to be able to stop in for the full dining experience. And because I saw the chef/cook serve up a half chicken...and it looks *awesome*. Next time, I suppose... read more

It was my first time at The Flying Mango and the food was excellent! The smoked meat is incredible and everything else on the menu is delicious. We went with a group of friends, so it was nice to try multiple things on the menu. The service was great and everyone was really friendly. The restaurant itself is very small so make sure you call for reservations. The small atmosphere is a treat though, as there isn't the normal hustle and bustle to get you out like other restaurants. Definitely recommend you try The Flying Mango out! read more

Several months ago I had the best pork chop at the Flying Mango. So I decided to try the pork chop again tonight. However, when I found out the special for the night was lamb chops I ordered the lamb chops instead. My husband ordered the pork chops. When our food came we shared each other's food. The lamb chops were tasty but a little stingy. The pork chop was a little dry. Though my husband liked it. It tasted much different than the pork chop I had several months ago. I took some meat around the bone and it was better. I loved the collard green and wished I could have more. read more

What a great restaurant in Des Moines. We found this through Diners, Drive In and Dives. Great food: bbq, great selection on beer. Wonder service. Really worth the stop. Outside seating. read more

Flying Mango - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

A new colleague took us here after a long day. I was skeptical, BBQ in Des Moines, IA? WOW! The Flying Mango served brisket that would make spots in KC, Memphis and all other havens of great Q smack their lips and have seconds. The bark literally melted in your mouth. A rare treat and the thick sliced brisket fell apart releasing a subtle smoke cure. Service was excellent, the atmosphere was great, the dining room ... quirky, but fun. The Owner circulates amongst his guests with ease and a Midwest friendliness. Given the menu choices, you could eat here for a week or two and never duplicate your meals. A true dining gem in the middle of the Heartland. Don't miss your chance to dine at the Flying Mango if you're within a 100 miles of Des Moines, IA! read more

OMG!!! So amazing! We had brisket, ribs, cornbread, greens, and the red beans and rice!! All amazing! So full that unfortunately left no room for dessert but I would bet good money that, that too, is amazing! Very fast and friendly service! read more

Flying Mango - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Great BBQ and local atmosphere. Yeah they got a great plug from Guy on DDD. But the place is awesome and the briskets is quite tasty. Great beer selections and locals brews. Sides like cornbread, veggies, stewed apples etc all good. Nice place to go with coworkers or clients on a business trip. read more

Our meals were amazing. The catfish cakes were scrumptious and I don't really love catfish. The grits were heaven. I will always get the grits here. The ribs were tender and had so much char. The white chocolate bread pudding was divine. I looked at other people's plate and can't wait to go back and try the brisket. read more

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Consistent, great quality dining in a great atmosphere, with tasty drinks. Hard to imagine that one could ask for more. Get the brisket or the shrimp and grits. If smoked catfish cakes are on for the night, get them. I noticed that someone reviewed it as pricey. If you want cheap go eat cheap. If you want a great experience, go here. read more

Easily one of the best restaurants in the Greater Des Moines Area! Service was absolutely outstanding and the food was even better! Portions are HUGE!!! I guarantee you will not leave dissatisfied. read more

Flying Mango - Half of a Smoked Chicken, Red Beans & Rice, and Cornbread with Cinnamon Butter. - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This is my favorite place for Ribs in Des Moines.. Really nice owner. Good food. Good service. Packed everytime when we come. Parking lot is small. read more

This place is always near the top of the list in the Des Moines metro area. This is not a LIE if you haven't been here yet you really need to try out what they offer! Myself and a friend that was from out of town finally made it here one saturday for dinner and the smell from the slow cooker behind the establishment was enough to send me into a daze lol. It's not a big place but it's cozy if that makes any sense. Once we walked in we were happily greeted and lead to our seats right away where we noticed everyone seemed to be in a happy celebratory mood around us as this homely yet classy atmosphere was very inviting. Oh and one thing that is unique to the place is a sign that reads NO CELL PHONES!...I witnessed a young man being told by the head chef(he comes around and chats with the regulars) to please put the device away so that was very refreshing to see. Now, as for the food I ordered the BBQ ribs and they were so good they literally fell off the bone and my friend had the same but with mashed potatoes I believe and he was very impressed as was I. I really need to make another trip back here again but maybe on a weeknight. There is a small patio out front when the weather permits. Local or tourist you should add this to your list. read more

We LOVE this small Cajun, Caribbean, BBQ joint in Beaverdale! There is always a crowd and the staff is always attentive and nice even though they are working super hard in tight quarters! They have added a cute patio out front. Best BBQ in Des Moines and you must have the corn bread with honey butter--TO DIE FOR! The Mango Margarita and the Mango Ginger cocktail are awesome! read more

Flying Mango - The Mango Margarita - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Amazing food! I would give it 4 stars because of the long wait time, but it's worth the wait. Everything you try here is delicious & made fresh daily. The drinks are wonderful. This is definitely a place for special occasions as it can get pricey, but it's worth it. Staff are friendly & courteous. Service is as speedy as can be expected for always being packed. read more

OK, I'm convinced. This is a 5-star gustatory extravaganza. Pictures will follow soon. Dinner was amazing. I had the brisket last night. So did the moms-in-law. Incredibly tender this was. My wife had the mango-shrimp rundown. Everything was terrific. Our waitress - Sarah - was terrific. She is obviously very much at ease in her job, and she will take great care of you. The owner saw me taking a picture of our food as he was walking by. He pats me on the shoulder, and says "Be nice.". Did he know that I was a Yelper? Who knows? He had nothing to worry about though. No complaints from me. Run, don't walk, to Flying Mango. You won't be sorry. Try the brisket. Don't delay. read more

Awesome, awesome, awesome. We decided to check this place out based off of the great reviews and they certainly lived up to the acclaim. We were greeted by the owner upon entering, he was very welcoming and talkative. I was torn on whether to go for the bbq or the Cajun fare. A sample of their brisket made the decision for me. It was the most tender brisket I've ever encountered; could cut it easily with a spoon.There was no sauce needed but the house sauce is pretty tasty as well. Went with the sautéed veggies and cornbread for sides and they were both top-notch as well. The cornbread was topped with a spread that was unique but good. The drink selection is the only area I would knock them down half a star as it is not accommodating to a beer snob like me. It is certainly serviceable, though, and clearly the focus here is the food. The atmosphere is great and the staff is professional and kind at the same time. This will not be the last time I dine at Flying Mango, Oh No read more

Amazing. I'm from TX and was so nervous to do BBQ in Iowa but Yelpers didn't lead me wrong. I had the chicken. The skin was so crispy, the half chicken was ginormous. I mean, that chicken had to be a teenager. Corn bread good but not amazing. Busy but not cramped. read more

Had a very enjoyable dinner. The friendly, helpful service is the true hero here. The staff was so pleasant and quick. I'd go back just to be treated that well with so many smiles without any of them being overly chatty. I had the brisket with red beans/rice and jalapeño/bacon mashed potatoes. The sides are worth a return visit by themselves. The brisket was ok. I lived in central Texas where brisket is a religion. Compared to that, this is just ok. Will try something else next time. But if you're from the Midwest and don't know better, you'll likely love it like everyone else. Still, wonderful experience. Hope to return. read more

Flying Mango - The generous brisket with jalapeño-bacon mashed potatoes and red beans/rice. The sides were out-of-this-word good. Brisket is ok. - Barbeque Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Absolutely my favorite restaurant in Des Moines. Love the atmosphere, the service is always fabulous, and the redneck surf and turf is my favorite dinner. It gets busy and crowded, but always worth the wait. read more

Visiting from Denver and had a taste for BBQ. Brisket was very tender Ribs not to my liking. Too much smoke in ribs and grits not to my likings. mash potatoes excellent. Cornbread nothing special I had greens as my side no flavor. Service and Andre owner friendly. read more

Well the food there is either VERY good or not great and honestly kind of bad. I've only ever been once when it was delicious the other times it was gross. Would not recommend this one. read more

Great local owned place. It looks like it was a house turned restaurant at one time. Food was great and brought to the table hot. Prices were a little high but the food was worth it. The tables were a little close together and the bathrooms were nothing to brag about. It was all about the food. I don't mind when I going for food all the attention was placed on that. I will find time to visit again. Plan ahead it can get busy. read more

One of my faves in the Des Moines area. Great food, nice spice and smokey flavor on a wide variety of meats. There is generally a wait on the weekends so either get a rez or plan on waiting. The staff is nice and the honey butter is killer! They sometimes, or at least they use to smoke meats down at the valley junction farmers market. Check it out for sure. read more

Just driving through town and staying at a motel, so I yelped the area for top-rated food. Driving 8 miles out of the way to get to The Flying Mango was completely and totally worth it! A delicious Caribbean-BBQ/tex-mex inspired menu with FRESH breads (the corn bread and bread pudding, specifically. Divine!) and wonderfully subtle spices and sauces for all their meats and, well, everything. Service was kind and sincere, and the placed totally PACKED with locals. If you're only in town for a short while, GO HERE. A trillion times better than settling for Ruby Tuesdays or any other chain. read more

Flying Mango never disappoints. This small restaurant is a Des Moines treasure. It's hard to classify exactly what genre it falls into. Their take on BBQ is refreshingly different from the more common smokehouse style. I've visited a half dozen times in the last few months and have tried a different dish each time. I really enjoy the chefs palate. read more

The Flying Mango is Des Moines' best kept secret! Great food (try the meats selection!), the best homemade BBQ and Jerk Sauce in the city! Great service and always a friendly atmosphere! Make sure to ask for Mike (owner)...he may even give you a back rub while nibbling on those ribs! Great place for dates and those crazy eat outs with friends! Great beer and wine selection! read more

The atmosphere is intimate and fun. The servers are wonderful. The parking is lousy, however, I would park and walk a mile away to go back. I recommend the pork chops or ribs. Huge portions! read more

Michael and Suzanne know how to run a restaurant - ribs are exceptional - service is fantastic - you'll need reservations!!! I submitted The Flying Mango to Diners, Drive Ins and Dives a while ago. Happy to see it finally made it to air!! Congrats Michael and Suzanne - well deserved!!! read more

Came here on a Friday night with my mother. First ones seated and the place quickly filled up after. Couldn't decide and hadn't eaten all day so I got the sampler of brisket, ribs, and chicken. I also received the sweet potato cake and the vegetable of the day (which was zucchini ribbons and brussel sprouts). Sides were gone within minutes. My fork kept going back to the brisket, and I ate almost all of it...so tender and flavorful! Ribs were not falling off the bone, as they should be, and barely able to be cut with a knife to separate. Chicken was great and the BBQ sauce was just the right amount of tangy to heat. Definitely will be going back! read more

The Flying Mango is a great little neighborhood restaurant in Beaverdale. It has an inviting atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. It is a little bit on the pricey side but well worth the money and the portions are very generous. I took home half of my Redneck Surf & Turf for the next day. I was very happy with everything. read more

One of Des Moines best. Best place to see live music and owner is passionate about good food and good music.