Gotta go to Iowa... anyone recommend any Q places around Cedar Rapids?? Thanks.
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I can't vouch for anything much in Cedar Rapids, it's really not that big of a town.
Being an Iowa native, I'd have to say that the smoking scene is not that big in Iowa in general, but never fear, there is still great food to be had.
If you aren't stuck on Q, find yourself a decent local restraunt (i.e. not a chain. The Machine Shed in Davenport isn't a bad choice if you pass through there) and get an "Iowa Chop" or a good T-Bone or Porterhouse. The steaks and particulary the pork chops in Iowa are something to behold. I have been in Ohio for the last year or so and every time my wife and I go back to Iowa, we bring a big cooler and go to a regional grocery store called Fareway and hit the meat counter. The store itself keeps an old style about it and the meat counter always has about 10 guys back there and they will cut you anything you want. It's like being in an old time meat market and it's an experience not to be missed. Google for fareway cedar rapids and Google maps will find you the local store.
Now.... back to your actual question. I lived in Des Moines for 4 years or so, and the best Q I found around there was easily a place in Dallas Center (10ish miles west of town) called Mississippi Matt's. Matt is a good guy and cooks on CS smokers (honestly, Matt's food is what directed me here) You won't beat his food anywhere in the state as far as I'm concerned.
Sorry for the longwinded post, I've been lurking for far too long and had some thoughts to get out I guess.
Being an Iowa native, I'd have to say that the smoking scene is not that big in Iowa in general, but never fear, there is still great food to be had.
If you aren't stuck on Q, find yourself a decent local restraunt (i.e. not a chain. The Machine Shed in Davenport isn't a bad choice if you pass through there) and get an "Iowa Chop" or a good T-Bone or Porterhouse. The steaks and particulary the pork chops in Iowa are something to behold. I have been in Ohio for the last year or so and every time my wife and I go back to Iowa, we bring a big cooler and go to a regional grocery store called Fareway and hit the meat counter. The store itself keeps an old style about it and the meat counter always has about 10 guys back there and they will cut you anything you want. It's like being in an old time meat market and it's an experience not to be missed. Google for fareway cedar rapids and Google maps will find you the local store.
Now.... back to your actual question. I lived in Des Moines for 4 years or so, and the best Q I found around there was easily a place in Dallas Center (10ish miles west of town) called Mississippi Matt's. Matt is a good guy and cooks on CS smokers (honestly, Matt's food is what directed me here) You won't beat his food anywhere in the state as far as I'm concerned.
Sorry for the longwinded post, I've been lurking for far too long and had some thoughts to get out I guess.
About the only place I know is Al and Irene�s it is pretty good. If you want one of the best steaks around go west of Cedar Rapids on highway 30 (about 6-10 miles) to the Ced-Rel supper club and get the beef filet. You can look for a long time to find one better. A little pricey (about $20-25 for the meal) but more then worth it you won't be disappointed. Let me know what you think if you try either one.
thanks folks. looks like steak or "poke chops" for me!
BoardLurker,
Mississippi Matt's is about the best I've found here, but Matt & Abe sold the place and moved to Florida Jan. 1st to the Fort Meyers area. They appear to have left the restaraunt in capable hands but the last time I was there in december they had already changed the coleslaw recipe so who knows. Since I bought my smokette I don't get out much for 'Q anymore.
Fareway definately carries higher quality meat than HyVee or other chains. Most sell USDA select while Fareway sells Choice.
I'd have to admit I'm not in tune with the eastern Iowa BBQ scene.
Mississippi Matt's is about the best I've found here, but Matt & Abe sold the place and moved to Florida Jan. 1st to the Fort Meyers area. They appear to have left the restaraunt in capable hands but the last time I was there in december they had already changed the coleslaw recipe so who knows. Since I bought my smokette I don't get out much for 'Q anymore.
Fareway definately carries higher quality meat than HyVee or other chains. Most sell USDA select while Fareway sells Choice.
I'd have to admit I'm not in tune with the eastern Iowa BBQ scene.
So Matt picked up and headed south, that's too bad. Matt's was really the only good Q around there. I know last time I was in Des Moines, I looked for one of his little shops he had set up in the gas stations and it was closed up. He didn't have his usual stand at the farmer's market either. I just assumed he had gone back to Dallas Center.
Anyway, good to see the Iowa folks on the forums. Good to hear that you are staying away from Hickory Park, that place is for out of towners to eat during football season.
Anyway, good to see the Iowa folks on the forums. Good to hear that you are staying away from Hickory Park, that place is for out of towners to eat during football season.