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    The Crooked Rail

    2.0 (2 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew

    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew

    4.3(232 reviews)
    17.3 mi
    $$

    About an hour and a half drive but well worth the trip!…read moreSaturday early afternoon and it was packed...about a half hour wait for seating was the only downside. Service was outstanding and the staff seemed to be handling multiple aspects of the jobs and helping each other out...no one just did one thing and I think that really sped up the service. Katie was our primary server and was outstanding! We ordered up a two and a three meat deal and had Campground Beans, Creamy Coleslaw, Cheesy Potatoes,, and Mac & Cheese as sides as well as a slice of Texas Toast and Cornbread as sides....oh, and Golden Corn Nuggets as an appetizer. The Corn Nuggets were good and sweet and served up with honey and a ranch sauce for dipping. The meat choices were 3) Ribs, Pork Loin, and Turkey Breast....and 2) Pork Loin and Turkey Breast. The smoke on everything was amazing and just the right amount for excellent flavors..the ribs were very meaty. Some places ribs leave you wanting but not at Watcha Smoking! The Pork Loin and the Turkey Breast were both very good as well...still tender and not dried out. I liked the Neck of the Woods sauce the best (mild tomato based) as well as the Carolina Gold sauce...it had nice kick to it. The sides were all good but the only issue was the Cheesy Potatoes were a bit dry.....I'm thinking that it must've been towards the end of the batch and had been sitting around for a bit. Cornbread was excellent, Texas Toast tops, Coleslaw was a good shredded, wet slaw, the Mac and Cheese very good, and the Campground Beans were the preferred side as they had some good chunks of smoked meats mixed in. Fantastic place, great for small groups and large groups as well...great food and great service...Definitely worth the trip!

    Really enjoyed the premier BBQ joint in the greater Des Moines area in my visit to Whatcha Smokin'…read morein the midst of a rural backdrop, this place was definitely worth the 45 minute trek from the state capital for delicious brisket, corn, slaw and sweet tea at a very affordable price. I appreciated the dual restaurant ambiance for a service side with waiters or a order at the register style. All BBQ restaurants have one or the other but not both. The meet was tender and juicy and as their name would suggest - smoked to perfection. I don't know if I'll find myself in Iowa ever again but if I do I will definitely make another pilgrimage to Whatcha smokin for the states best BBQ

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    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew - Customer ID map!

    Customer ID map!

    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew
    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew - See ya next time

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    Wingstop

    Wingstop

    2.5(70 reviews)
    28.2 mi
    $

    We go here often. Photos from 1/21/26. 6:15 p.m…read more Take-out Food: Our food is always delicious. Our orders are always correct, and the food is still hot by the time we get home. They're quite consistent as well, making sure the wings are done the same way almost every single time. Every now and then, the fries are a little different, but nothing to complain about in my opinion. We tend to opt for the boneless wings, and they're typically really juicy. Also, the cheese fries are absolutely delicious! Their ranch is by far the best out there as well. Service: Our order is almost always ready quickly; sometimes by the time we arrive even, and we only live about ten minutes away. We order online, and they have gotten it right every time. The staff tends to be a little...cold? For lack of a better term. They aren't mean, but you're also not greeted with a smile when you walk in. Ambiance: It's a pretty typical sports-centered restaurant. Not too many decorations or intimate seating styles. They do keep it clean, which is a huge plus. The overall noise level varies, but it never seems to be obnoxiously loud.

    First time at any Wingstop and it did not disappoint! This location was clean, the staff was…read morefriendly and helpful and the food was phenomenal! Fresh, cooked perfectly and delicious! The wings are meaty and juicy and flavorful!! Husband and I used to go to BuffaloWild Wings but the quality has gone down hill. We will absolutely be returning to Wingstop in Ames

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    Wingstop
    Wingstop
    Wingstop

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     Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar

    Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar

    4.4(41 reviews)
    46.4 mi
    $$

    Camping outside of Webster City, we always look for a local spot to try when we travel. Tonight,…read morelucky us, it was the Grid Iron. Be prepared to show a little grace, there were a lot of cars turning in there as we came up to it- from the food, I'm guessing they're always busy! My wife chose their mainline burger (no cheese) and house fries. Honestly, I think we could tell how good it was going to be when got out of the car and that awesome charbroil smell overwhelmed us. She loved it. I had the Chipotle Bacon cheeseburger on Texas toast, well done for me (they will prepare to your liking), which is charbroiled, then dunked in their home made bourbon sauce and served with Swiss cheese and jalapeños. The fries have some type of coating that makes them a little crispier and a little tastier. Even if you're cruising up I35, it's worth the detour into WC for a great meal. Plenty of tv's but even with a crowd, you can still have enjoyable conversation at your table. It's no wonder one whole wall is covered with "best of" awards. They deserve them. Bon Appetite!

    We drove 45 miles to try the Sunday breakfast buffet and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed every…read moresingle bite and the customer service was fantastic. Our server was friendly and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed the entire time. The biscuits and gravy were a favorite! It's hard to find a good gravy but they nailed it. The options to choose from were great! You had everything from fruit to French toast to mashed potatoes and fried chicken. I can't say enough about the friend chicken! The skin was battered perfectly and it was incredibly crispy while the meat inside was still juicy and delicious. This is some of the best friend chicken we've ever had - hands down!! The only suggestions I would make is #1 get there early because it is a popular place and #2 A 'cook to order' option for the eggs in the buffet would push it over the top. We can't wait to go back!

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     Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar
     Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar
     Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar

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    The Crooked Rail - bars - Updated May 2026

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