BBQ in Iowa

[GPDriver]

Not many people think of Iowa when they think of BBQ, but we recently have had a lot of press.

Two teams from the Des Moines area were on Pit Masters on TLC. Moe Cason and Shad Kirton both were finalist, with Shad and his "A Boy and His BBQ" team bringing home a 7 foot trophy and $100,000 check for being the Kingsford Charcoal Pitmaster. The trophy can be seen at Smokey D's, just north of the Harley Barn on 2nd Ave.

Then Man vs Food comes to town and they eat at several restaurants. However, the one that host Adam Richman claims hurt him was the BBQ Challenge at Cactus Bob's in Johnston. Seems eating the hottest sauce in the house gave his tummy a rumble.

[iowantabeer]

I believe they compete in the Up In Smoke BBQ Bash in Mason City, IA every year. Always a good time! Up In Smoke: BBQ Bash!

[ssammiewh]

I understand we have a bunch of great BBQ Places, however lets not forget about one of the BEST ones.......... Hickory Park in ames!! Once a small little shack started out as a couple of smoke barrels serving lunch to construction workers, has since attracted stars such as helen hunt, harrison ford, and one of the aeorsmith guys.

[lunk]

I would try Battles in Ames as well, Hickory is good but kind of like a big box store.

[rodd]

Zippy's BBQ shack on Main St in Cedar Falls has some great ribs.

[jpatten]

Unfortunately we lost RJ Boars but there is a place just on the other side of the Mississippi, not in ia either but....
Jim's Rib Haven (Rock Island Il) does traditional smoked with a wide array of sauces. Tasty!

[michur]

RJ Boar's was no big loss. I grew up in Ames and I'll have to second Hickory Park.

[Whobeme]

I couldn't have been happier to see our RJ Boars go buy the way side. The food was never consistent and the service was terrible. For around the Clinton DJ's is fair.

[OUG]

Sheffield also has started a BBQ competition every year.

[OUG]

All tickets to the park get to sample all the entries