Welcome to Jethro's BBQ
At Jethro's BBQ, located on Park Avenue in Des Moines, culinary passion meets a vibrant atmosphere. Our story begins with a commitment to serving delicious, hearty barbecue dishes that bring people together. From our famous BBQ platter to indulgent Jethro's BBQ Bacon Fries, every menu item is crafted for flavor and satisfaction. Guests rave about our exceptional service and warm ambiance, making it a perfect spot for anything from casual get-togethers to special occasions. Whether indulging in our Smokehouse Gumbo or experiencing the joy of a perfectly cooked burger, Jethro's BBQ promises a delightful journey for the senses. Come and savor the experience!
- 4337 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321, United States Hotline: +1 515-630-6374
Welcome to the vibrant culinary scene of Des Moines, where the aroma of smoked meats and the warmth of southern hospitality meet at Jethro's BBQ. Located at 4337 Park Ave, this local gem has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Jethro's BBQ thrives in the category of traditional American cuisine with a focus on the art of barbecuing. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere that blends the casual vibe of a sports bar with the comfort of home-cooked meals. The lively setting is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying a night out with friends.
- Catering Options: Regardless of the occasion, Jethro's caters to your needs with a delicious roster that includes Pulled Chicken, Texas Brisket, and Slow Smoked Wings.
- Signature Dishes: Dive into Iowa's beloved Pork Tenderloin, a gigantic pounded flat delight, or savor the Smoked Turkey Melt, bursting with flavor and served on Texas toast.
- Decadent Desserts: Don’t miss out on Buster’s Chocolate Cake; it's a delightful way to end your meal.
- Refreshing Drinks: Pair your meal with a selection of classic beers such as PBR and Busch Light, as well as local brews for a refreshing finish.
Jethro's BBQ is as much about the culinary experience as it is about the service. Customers rave about their time spent here, often mentioning the attentive and friendly staff. Reviewers like Chance Slinger have commended servers like Isaac for their exceptional service and easy-going demeanor, showcasing how the staff truly enhances the dining experience. Overwhelmingly, patrons appreciate how the crew goes above and beyond to make your visit memorable.
Portions are robust, ensuring you leave well-satisfied. As noted by Kailee Pearson, "you'll come hungry and leave full!" It's no wonder this barbecue haven has garnered positive reviews across the board—from its satisfying BBQ platters to the buttery cornbread served alongside flavorful dishes like Gumbo.
Overall, Jethro's BBQ is not just a restaurant; it's a community hub where great food and great times intersect. Whether you're indulging in their signature brisket or sharing a plate of crispy onion rings, every bite reflects the dedication to quality and flavor. Make sure you drop by, bring your appetite, and prepare for an unforgettable meal!

Issac was our server at the south side location. I have been to many of the Jethros and have always been a frequent flyer. This dude absolutely killed it!!!!! I’ve only ever had service that really impresses me a few times in all my restaurant going ventures. Issac started us off with a quick joke to break the ice, was smooth with all his service and never let us feel like a burden with any of our requests. Great job Issac!!! Will be asking for you on our next visit.

great barbecue and great service. Madison did a great job with our table. I love the sandwiches as the ragin' Cajun was outstanding. Mac and cheese and coleslaw were just average. I would recommend this place and I plan to try more dishes in the future.

Onion rings are the best! Great burgers! Bbq platter is always good! Bar servers are efficient and attentive. Ordered wings extra crispy. Yummy!

Place was amazing. Food was amazing. The waiter was the best! He gave some recommendations for off menu sauce combinations and they were awesome! Check this place out and hope you get the same server! Also come hungry!

Even though this is a Sports Bar, I love coming here for the food! The portions are big and they always leave you completely filled! The servers here are always on top of their work and will notice you need a refill without you telling them anything! The atmosphere is great and it fits all kinds of occasions! From Mother's Day to a Casual Get Together! The price is great too and the amount you will feel filled by the end will match the price wholesale!

I ordered the Gumbo. It came with a cornbread side. The gumbo was delicious, with tender, savory chicken and sausage. The cornbread was moist and buttery. Fully recommend!

The food was great. Service was awesome. Loved the waitress. Beer was ice cold.

Came in today (Friday) around 3pm. Just in time for half-price appetizers! Happy Hour runs from 3pm-6pm Monday through Friday, apparently. We got the fried cheese squares (yum! I drizzled mine with BBQ sauce), a medium-rare bacon grilled cheese burger, and a two-meat platter with two sides. Everything came out in a timely manner, the food tasted great, right temps, the sauces were fantastic, the server and food runner were on top of things, and drinks were kept filled! Everything was perfect from start to finish! We did not experience the noise some others have complained about, but they were not too terribly busy at this time.