We stopped here on a whim making our way through Iowa on a road trip. I was looking for a good place that could fill my family and keep them full for a while so we could keep driving. From other Yelp reviews, this place looked like a good place to try. Walking in, it first reminds you of a dive bar and staff were a little slow to seat us on a Thursday lunch but once we got our seats, service was speedier and we were eating soon enough. Service was attentive and our waitress made sure we had things taken care of. The best bang for your buck (or at least for my family of five) was ordering the family sampler platter. We got an assortment of meats including pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and chicken. We also tried the baked beans, mac and cheese, and waffle fries. Portions for the sampler are huge and filled us all up with a little extra left over. The BBQ was really good, just what we were wanting. You can't have good BBQ without good sauce (my opinion) and Jethro's had an assortment to find just the right one for the meat/entrée you were eating. Definitely a great stop, I'm glad we took a small detour to find this location. read more

See all

Tried the challenge sandwich (not trying the challenge). Delicious and more than any 4 people really should eat. Every part was amazing! I ate the pork and my Mac and cheese there, and that was enough to make me full. The leftovers that I took home after this, filled a catering pan! I ate three more days on that one sandwich. read more

Jethro's BBQ is a local chain that serves heaping family platters, such as The Iowa Platter with four different meats, four sides, and your choice of Texas toast or cornbread muffins. Six different sauces provided ample variety for the most discerning palate. The three of us ate a meal that easily feeds four... and the price of the platter was under $30! That's just insane! You must go here! About the only issue we had was our platter was not hot, but just a little above room temperature, so I get the feeling that the food was just sitting around all day in containers waiting to be plucked out and served. Still, the meats ranged anywhere from good to very good, so I'm satisfied with the food here and the great value for your money. read more

Jethro's BBQ - The sauces! - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

See all

Worth the visit!! Jethro's has been on a number of food TV shows and famous competitive eaters have made their way out to Ames for various food challenges. The facility itself is HUGE. They have a large game room, private dining rooms, bar and regular dining space. It was pretty busy during our last visit so we took a seat at the bar. Plenty of big screen TVs to keep you entertained. They got a little bit of everything on the menu so you can't go wrong. We tried the wings and then we got the Cajun Sandwich and the Fried Pork sandwich, they were both very good and packed with flavor. All of their sides are homemade! Service was also great which made our stay even better. It will likely be a regular spot I visit the next time I'm in Ames. read more

Jethro's BBQ - Chicken Wings - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

See all

Server was on her phone and meat was super dry as if sitting there all day. The manager offer much to make up for it other than some more dried out meat. read more

It was my first occasion for Jethro's and unfortunately because of today's visit, we won't return. And I didn't even get to try the food. When we arrived we were seating immediately, the restaurant had a total of maybe 15 other tables, so many seating options remaining. They were not busy at all. Our order was taken promptly, well 45 minutes past and we still didn't have our food, not a single waiter or waitress came to ask if we needed refills or anything. It was only when we noticeably became annoyed and frustrated with a screaming 2 yo and 5yo did the host come and ask us if we had received our food yet. We told him no we hadn't. He went and checked, after about 5 minutes returned to our table and informed us our ticket was lost. How does a ticket get lost in a kitchen that doesn't have back to back orders or even a full house? Where the waitresses were playing with their hair or high fiving each other? How does a ticket get lost? So most likely our assumption was that our ticket had never been submitted, still by accident and we understand shit happens. We were upset obviously, however it does no point in being a jerk. So the host apologized profusely, we told him "It's all good man." He told us they would comp something on the ticket, but that the point the damage had been done and with 2 fussy kiddos we didn't want to disturb the restaurant any longer. We packed up and went across the street to Applebee's. By far an underwhelming result with our anticipation before hand. I was told by so many, Jethro's amazing with great atmosphere and food. But unfortunately based on the experience we had today, we won't return. If your staff can't coordinate a single ticket during 12 pm lunch and the result is to "lose a ticket" that shows me a level of incompetence and I don't want that in a service I choose to participate in. I hope for much success for Jethro's however it will be without the addition of my dime. (However, those who are curious should still try, as I've heard GREAT reviews on the food). read more

Good BBQ, good service and a lovely dining room. Appeared to be very popular with families

When you enter it feels very homey, like a dive bar with the budget for a few extra televisions. Tuesdays are 2 fo 1 wings at Jethro's, our service was amazing and super attentive, couldn't of asked for better. I ordered 20 wings with the Garlic Parm and the Carolina sauces. Amazing. Not too much nor too little, the Garlic parm was completely different to what you may find anywhere else, definitely a worthy choice (garlic parm and jethro's). read more

Jethro's BBQ - Carolina & Garlic Parm 3 - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

This is one of a small chain of BBQ restaurants in the greater Des Moines region. The menu offers many of the same quality dishes that were served up in the main Des Moines outlet, which was destroyed by fire and never reopened. And don't let looks deceive you. Physically, this is an enormous sports bar, with tv's, pool and other games galore. It is also a full service bar. But the 'cue is squarely in the Jethro's tradition, and the service is very good. $19.51 + tip purchased a hefty stockyard sandwich with a side of mac 'n cheese, and a refillable soft drink (Pepsi products). Taking the sandwich apart revealed sliced brisket and burnt ends that were moist, tender, well smoked, and flavorful. The mac 'n cheese, a Jethro's signature dish, was creamy and loaded with flavor-- but the pasta was rigatoni, so naturally the flavor exploded in one's mouth. In sum, this is solid 'cue, and it is well worth driving in from the interstate. read more

Jethro's BBQ - Brisket sandwich, mac 'n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

My last review of Jethro's was pre-pandemic, when we ate in restaurants. As a result of Covid, though, we now mostly do takeout and delivery, so I thought an updated review was appropriate. Frankly, the takeout service here can stand some improvement. The online ordering system was messed up: it did not offer waffle fries as a possible side dish, and did not allow you to order a double portion of one side dish instead of two separate ones. I wound up ordering over the phone. When i arrived at the scheduled time, I waited at the takeout area for several minutes before anybody bothered coming over, and when they did I was told there would be a wait. That wait turned out to be 15 minutes. My wife and I both felt that they didn't bother cooking the food until I arrived. Delivery is not a feasible option either. You can't order delivery direct from the restaurant but only through a third-party service like Doordash. I looked at Doordash and was astonished as to how much each item was marked up. The food also seemed to be less great than usual. My burnt ends and waffle fries both seemed overcooked and tough, and the potato salad, which we ordered for the first time tonight, was very liquidy; I liked the taste OK but my wife thought it was too vinegary. We are both moving to a new city shortly, and this was therefore our last visit to Jethro's. However, based on this experience, particularly the excessive wait, it likely would have been our last visit even if we were staying in Ames. read more

Very good service and tasty entrées. We originally told would be waiting an hour for our seats but ended up only being 15 minutes. read more

See all

Man, this place is huge! It's a sports bar, BBQ restaurant, game room, and hotel conference room(s) all rolled into one. The Ragin' Cajun sandwich was great at first, but by the end it was only so-so. I kind of felt the same about the Jalapeno Cream Corn. If I had a do-over, I'd probably try the brisket instead. read more

See all

Jethro's is a staple in central Iowa for a good reason. They have a large variety of foods and a relaxed atmosphere. The Ames location has a large waiting area and plenty of tables to accommodate large groups. There is a bar as well. The staff is always welcoming and accommodating. They have many TV's to watch any big game. The decorations include Iowa State memorabilia and other country things. Most often I get their wings, which are a little different then your typical wing (see attached picture for visual). They have a list of their sauces and the ones I've tried have all been good. My favorite is the BBQ rub which is like a glaze. I have also had their brisket and chicken which is also very good. They know how to prepare their meats! They are open from brunch which also includes a lot of great breakfast foods that will appeal to everyone in your group. read more

See all

Went to this restaurant on Tuesday for lunch. Had a scan for seasonal beer selections. Used my phone to scan and found nothing. Not an enjoyable trip. read more

Great food , great people! The best wings you can get anywhere .The beers on tap are outstanding as well.Go-Go-Go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You won't be disappointed ! I highly recommend Jethro's , all locations in central Iowa ! read more

The service was excellent, and the food delicious. The exception to the menu items for us was the side of cole slaw. It is an extremely lightly dressed(dry) slaw mix. Some folks may love it, we did not. I recommend picking another side. Additionally I share the following as advice when selecting beverages and seats: A 16 oz beer will cost you $5 and a 32 oz will run you $11. That must make sense to some, but not me. If you are thirsty, I suggest ordering multiple smaller ones. Secondly, the bottom of our check invited us to enjoy happy hour m-f from 3-6 pm. I inquired what the happy hour specials would have been had we known, and was informed that had we sat at the bar(6 ft from our table) drinks would have been half price and apps at a special price as well. If you arrive during happy hour, I suggest sitting at the bar to save yourself a fair amount of cash. I resisted penalizing the waitress for not informing us of these money saving opportunities as I don't think the foolishness falls at her feet, however I can not help but think the higher thinkers at this place are doing a disservice to diners. I hope this helps you have a better experience. read more

The food was amazing! But when I asked for mild bbq they get me spicy‍. I would go back if they give me a mild bbq, please give me free food

So I'm waiting for work and this place was recommended by my hotel peep! Said I would love it! She was greatly disappointed as was I! Pros of the place is large area, lots of TV's for watching sports and a very solid beer lineup both tap and cans! (Btw cans are like 16oz ones)! Got the rib and wing platter and the wings were very good and big which I appreciate! The jalopeno cream corn was very good and had a great smokey taste to it! Not a pro was service was poor! I ate at the bar and the bartender was not engaging, not really friendly and barely checked in on me! Ribs were decent but not ones I'd run across a busy freeway for! They have 6 locations I was told all over the Des Moines area and some have specific things they are known for! I'm willing to give it another shot but if I go and see the same bartender working I will do a quick u turn out! To see more pictures of this place and others go to Kam Finds Food page on Facebook and Instagram and join the foodie community! read more

Jethro's BBQ - Rib and wing combo with Mac and cheese and jalopeno cream corn - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

As a family we have enjoyed the food and service at Jethro's many times. Tonight is the last time though Sadly management has decided to take the low road and add a daft 'market fee' on every bill, and it's not optional. The server says this is a way to hide cost of reprinting menus. Really? Ok...good luck. We will not be returning. read more

This place is pretty good for bbq. Wide open space and easy to find! As someone who doesn't eat a lot of American bbq or enjoys it too much, I really liked the food here and the sides are excellent read more

Jethro's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

I was in town to visit family. My sister went to a different location before the pandemic. We really enjoyed the food and the customer service. My sister and split a Iowa Platter. My nephew enjoyed the wings with the spicy BBQ sauce and the baked beans. The fried pickles were delicious and so was the boneless wings/strips. Our server was absolutely a gem! read more

See all

Like I said in another review for a different location, I try to stop by one of these places whenever I'm in the area. This was my first time trying out this location, as I moved away before they had opened. This location was a little different. I didn't get pictures, but much more ISU stuff around (since we're in Ames, makes sense!), a big arcade with pool tables in a separate room. I ordered my standard waffle fry nachos (seriously try these if you haven't yet!) and this was the first time my waitress/bartender told me to ask her for more fixings if I wanted. I was impressed at my appetite this time around. Normally it's such a big serving I have to take some back to the hotel. This time, I was able to finish it all. Great service, as well. If you've been to Ames, you'll know it's almost a "two-season" town. You've got the "student season" when school is in session and restaurants and everything is a lot busier and then you've got "summer season". I was lucky enough to go during the "summer season" and this was a great visit with no wait at all. read more

Jethro's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa

See all

I've only been here one time, and I got the Dry-rub sriracha boneless wings with the Raspberry Habanero traditional wings. The wings were pretty good and I would come here again. A little critique I have with this place is that the Raspberry Habanero wings were advertised as super hot and one of the hottest things on the menu, but it wasn't a challenge at all for me to eat them without needing any water. Also, the dry-rub Sriracha chicken was a little too powdery and made my cough, not by the spice level, but just by the sheer amount of dry-rub powder on the wings. The prices weren't too nice but the food tasted damn good! I will come here more! read more

Local. BBQ. BELLY GOODNESS!!! Must experience this place or any of the other cousins around the Des Moines area. Would highly recommend eating here on Thursday for 1/2 price boneless wings. Local hint - get the half order and it's 1/2 off and u still get like a full order...but either way a full order u have 2 meals. They sell their BBQ sauces in bears to go. Apps are great - fried pickles, nachos and onion rings are a must. If you are getting fries - most are waffle and get them to share. You will not leave full. You ask why a 3 stars - the service isn't good. We waited over 15mins for our checks issues with running credit cards. They need to improve. read more

So, it's a chain but I believe a local one. Its Iowa barbecue so they like to let the sauce do the talking. The food could use more seasoning and the meat is a little dry. I did like the cyclone baked potato I ordered, the waffle fries were fair, and the server was wonderful. They also play fantastic music you don't even hear in some Ames bars. read more

See all

Quality has gone way down since we first started going to Jethro's. Bbq sauce is even different. . . This was probably the last chance for Jethro's for us and we won't be back. read more

Arrived at noon thinking should be plenty of time to get our order and eaten before a movie at 1:00, always plenty of time before. we noticed they had cut their seating area in two, turning the other half into a game room. even with the limited seating, their were only about five parties seated. 1st our ice teas had no ice, when mentioned, 2nd glasses only had about 3 cubes each. We waited and waited, finally about quarter to 1 the waitress said ours was slow because a big order was ahead of ours. Well, they must of hid them in a cave somewhere and at 5 to 1 we stood up just in time for manager to rush out with the food that had been sitting waiting to be served for a good half hour. they need to hide their orders up if they don't want their patrons to see this. Anyway it cost them as we walked out without paying for any of it. A waste of our time. Now I want to add that we usually eat at Hickory Park as Jethros food in my opinion has always been sub par to Hickory Park, but my son was craving their huge Southwest Salad, so if you have 2 hours to wait, you might try that. for myself we are done. read more

Really good. I bought a bunch of the BBQ sauce and took it back home and it was a big hit.

I do not enjoy leaving bad reviews so I'll keep this short and honest. Today I ordered the half rack and burnt ends combo. First of all it was a terrible value. A regular half rack order was $18 and burnt end addition was literally 6 pieces in a small bowl. The cost for that combo was $27!!!! Made each burnt end more than a dollar a piece. Now, the food review. Not one of the burnt ends was edible. Very tough and couldn't be chewed. The ribs were quite literally the worst I've ever had. Very tough. Could barely be torn off much less fall off. I'm very disappointed because I'd been wanted to try this place for some time. I will not return. read more

Angela & Savannah are the BEST servers. Great service, friendly & fast. Great happy hour! Delicious food & service. The sliders are so good! read more

AWFUL have ordered the shrimp dinner before and it was amazing, got it tonight and wow was I shocked when half of my shrimp were so dry and over cooked that I could barely even bite through them, not to mention they were so bland that I would have actually enjoyed them if they were burnt to a crisp. Really nice when I spend $25 on a dinner for myself alone and I can't even enjoy it read more

Worst service we have ever gotten there. Took forever to get waitresses to take our order. Then when she did she over charged us. And when it came time to take out money it was at least a 15 minute wait to get her to do that. Sad thing is we and two other tables where the only ones in the place! read more

Dog Water Got the brisket platter expecting some decent BBQ and was greeted by dry brisket. The burnt ends tasted like chemicals. The coleslaw was dry. The corn bread muffin was good though. read more

Sophie was AMAZING to us. So nice and knows the menu well. Our food was so good and she made sure we enjoyed our food and the environment.

I love their boneless bbq dry rub wings. So delicious and tasty and reasonably priced. Especially on Thursdays for half price wings.

I used to love this place. The loyalty was great and then it wasn't. Things changed without notice and when I tried to contact them on several occasions, I got no response. But the fried cheese(see pics) is really good. Their homemade dressings are very good as well. Sunday brunch was ok. Clean. Friendly staff. Family friendly. Lot parking. Prices ok to a bit pricey. The food is usually generous and good. The loyalty program kinda went bust and I've no idea why. The chopped brisket is moister than the sliced and the sliced ham much better than the shaved ham. The burnt ends are wonderful. Marcy'sDinerTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. read more

See all

Went after OU ISU game. Go Sooners. The food was awesome. Had the chicken strip grilled cheese. It was aces. The staff was friendly and on top of thier services read more

Their brisket and burnt ends are fantastic. Sides are very under whelming. I'll still go back

TLDR : pretty solid BBQ for Ames. Rolled in on a Saturday night and got seated right away. Decor wise it's a pretty standard sports bar kind of setup. Tvs up with neon signs all around. Food wise we got the dinner for two which came with a half rack or ribs, two meats (we chose brisket and sausage) and four sides for only about $28. It was overall a really good deal and I was really happy with the quality of the food. It's not Kansas City levels of goodness but it's certainly quality. read more

Went to Jethro's for there Thur special 1/2 off on boneless wings for lunch. They have some great options for BBQ and sauce on the wings. It goes all the way to ghost sauce which is EXTRA HOT but also has flavor. Service was great, the wings where alright. They used to have bone in wings half off which are way better. Also had tried there waffle fries, and ribs which both also loved. Would go again and like to see the bone in wings 1/2 return. When you go always ask them about there monthly special sauce which is not on the menu. read more

Jethro's BBQ - Two 1/2 orders of boneless wings - Barbeque Near Me - Ames, Iowa