Best BBQ in Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids, IA, has some seriously amazing BBQ spots that I just can’t wait to share with you! I’ve tasted my way through the city, and I’m excited to help you find the best places to satisfy your BBQ cravings. Whether you’re a fan of smoky ribs, pulled pork, or tangy sauces, I’ve got the scoop on where to go for the tastiest bites.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Cedar Rapids, IA? Well, the best BBQ here includes a bunch of fantastic restaurants that serve up mouthwatering dishes. You’ll find everything from Up In Smoke BBQ to Willie Ray’s Q Shack, each with its own special flavors and cozy vibes. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of BBQ in Cedar Rapids! I’ll take you through the top spots, share what makes each one special, and help you find your new favorite BBQ joint. Let’s dig in!

Top 10 BBQ in Cedar Rapids, IA

1. Up In Smoke BBQ
2. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q Cedar Rapids IA
3. Willie Ray’s Q Shack
4. The Blind Pig
5. County Line Catering & BBQ BARN
6. The Pedaler’s Fork
7. Hatchett’s BBQ and Catering
8. Need Pizza
9. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que (To Go Only)
10. Bricks Bar & Grill

1. Up In Smoke BBQ

Oh man, Up In Smoke BBQ is one of my favorite spots in Cedar Rapids! When you walk in, the smell of smoky goodness hits you right away, and it just makes you feel all warm and happy inside. I remember the first time I went there; everyone was super friendly, and the place had such a cozy vibe. It felt like I was hanging out with friends!

What makes Up In Smoke BBQ really special is how they put so much care into their food. Everything is made fresh, and you can totally taste the difference. I can’t recommend their BBQ ribs enough! They’re so tender and juicy, and the sauce is just the right amount of sweet and tangy. And don’t forget to grab some of their cornbread—it’s the perfect side!

If you’re in Cedar Rapids and craving BBQ, you’ve got to check out Up In Smoke BBQ. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!

2. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q Cedar Rapids IA

Oh wow, Bandana’s Bar-B-Q in Cedar Rapids is such a cool place! When I walked in, I felt like I was in a fun cowboy movie with all the neat decorations. The vibe is super lively, and the staff is really nice, which makes you feel right at home.

What I love about Bandana’s is their yummy Southern-style BBQ. Everything is so flavorful, and you can really tell they put a lot of love into their cooking. I always get the pulled pork sandwich because it’s super tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce is just the best! And you have to try their crispy onion rings—they’re a perfect side!

If you want a fun BBQ experience, you’ve got to check out Bandana’s Bar-B-Q. I promise you’ll leave with a big smile and a full tummy!

3. Willie Ray’s Q Shack

Oh my gosh, Willie Ray’s Q Shack is such a fantastic BBQ place in Cedar Rapids! The first time I went there, the yummy smell of smoked meat hit me right away, and I knew I was in for a treat. The vibe is super relaxed, and the people who work there are really nice, which makes it feel like a cozy hangout.

What I love about Willie Ray’s is how flavorful everything is! You can really taste the love they put into their cooking. I always get the brisket because it’s so tender and smoky—seriously, it melts in your mouth! And you have to try their mac and cheese; it’s creamy and just so good!

If you’re looking for some amazing BBQ, you’ve got to check out Willie Ray’s Q Shack. I promise you’ll leave with a big smile and a happy belly!

4. The Blind Pig

Oh wow, The Blind Pig is such a fun BBQ place in Cedar Rapids! When I walked in for the first time, I just loved how cozy and welcoming it felt. The staff was super friendly, and I could tell right away that I was going to enjoy my meal. The whole vibe is just really nice and relaxed.

What makes The Blind Pig stand out is their awesome flavors! They have some really unique BBQ dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. I always get their smoked pulled pork because it’s so tender and full of flavor. And you have to try their special BBQ sauce—it’s sweet and tangy, and it just makes everything taste even better!

If you’re looking for a great BBQ experience, you’ve got to check out The Blind Pig. I promise you’ll leave with a happy tummy and a big smile!

5. County Line Catering & BBQ BARN

Oh my goodness, County Line Catering & BBQ BARN is such a great place in Cedar Rapids! When I first walked in, I felt like I was at a big family party. The atmosphere is so warm and friendly, and the staff really makes you feel welcome, like you’re part of the family.

What I love about County Line is their amazing BBQ! Everything is cooked with so much care, and you can really taste how good it is. I always get their smoked brisket because it’s super tender and full of flavor. And you have to try their homemade coleslaw; it’s crunchy and goes perfectly with the BBQ!

If you’re looking for some yummy BBQ, you’ve got to check out County Line Catering & BBQ BARN. I promise you’ll leave with a happy belly and a big smile!

6. The Pedaler’s Fork

Oh my gosh, The Pedaler’s Fork is such a cool BBQ place in Cedar Rapids! When I first walked in, I just loved how cozy and friendly it felt. The staff was super nice, and I could tell right away that I was going to have a great time, whether I was sitting inside or outside.

What really makes The Pedaler’s Fork stand out is their fun and creative menu! They have some BBQ dishes that are a little different, and I think that’s awesome. I always get their smoked chicken because it’s so juicy and has that perfect smoky flavor. And you have to try their sweet potato fries—they’re crispy and just so yummy!

If you’re looking for a fun BBQ spot, you’ve got to check out The Pedaler’s Fork. I promise you’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy!

7. Hatchett’s BBQ and Catering

Oh wow, Hatchett’s BBQ and Catering is such a great place in Cedar Rapids! When I first walked in, I felt so welcomed right away. The staff was super nice, and they really made sure I had a good time. It felt like I was hanging out with friends!

What I love about Hatchett’s is their amazing BBQ! Everything is so full of flavor, and you can really taste how much care they put into their cooking. I always get their smoked ribs because they’re so tender and just fall off the bone! And you have to try their baked beans; they’re sweet and savory, and they go perfectly with the BBQ.

If you’re looking for some delicious BBQ, you’ve got to check out Hatchett’s BBQ and Catering. I promise you’ll leave with a happy belly and a big smile!

8. Need Pizza

Oh my gosh, Need Pizza is such a cool place in Cedar Rapids! When I first walked in, I just loved how big and chill it felt. The atmosphere is super relaxed, and the staff is really nice, which makes it a perfect spot to hang out with friends or family.

What really makes Need Pizza stand out is their New Haven-style pizzas. They have this awesome flavor that I can’t get enough of! I always order their Margherita pizza because it’s so fresh and tasty, with a crust that’s just the right amount of crispy. And you have to try their salads too; they’re super fresh and make a great side!

If you’re craving some yummy pizza, you’ve got to check out Need Pizza. I promise you’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy!

9. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que (To Go Only)

Oh wow, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que (To Go Only) is such a fun place in Cedar Rapids! The first time I ordered from there, I was really impressed with how easy it was to get my food. The staff was super nice, and I could feel the excitement as everyone was picking up their yummy BBQ.

What makes Famous Dave’s stand out is their amazing wood-smoked meats! Everything is so full of flavor, and you can really taste how good it is. I always get their ribs because they’re super tender and juicy, and the BBQ sauce is just the best! And don’t forget to grab some of their creamy coleslaw; it’s a perfect side!

If you’re craving some delicious BBQ to go, you’ve got to check out Famous Dave’s. I promise you’ll leave with a happy tummy and a big smile!

10. Bricks Bar & Grill

Oh my gosh, Bricks Bar & Grill is such a fun place in Cedar Rapids! When I first walked in, I loved how cozy and welcoming it felt, especially with the two floors. The vibe is super lively, and the staff is really nice, which makes it a great spot to hang out with friends.

What really makes Bricks stand out is their yummy BBQ sandwiches! They have so many tasty options, and everything is full of flavor. I always get their pulled pork sandwich because it’s so juicy and delicious. And you have to try their crispy fries; they’re the perfect side to go with it!

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some BBQ, you’ve got to check out Bricks Bar & Grill. I promise you’ll leave with a happy tummy and a big smile!

Map of BBQ in Cedar Rapids, IA

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best BBQ restaurants in Cedar Rapids?
  Oh, there are some really great BBQ spots in Cedar Rapids! I love places like Up In Smoke BBQ, Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, and Willie Ray’s Q Shack. Each one has its own yummy flavors and a cozy feel that makes them super fun to visit.

• Is there BBQ catering available in Cedar Rapids?
  Yes, there sure is! Lots of BBQ places, like County Line Catering & BBQ BARN, offer catering for events. So if you’re having a party, you can get some delicious BBQ to share with everyone!

• What types of BBQ styles can I find in Cedar Rapids?
  You can find all kinds of BBQ styles here! There’s Southern-style BBQ, smoked meats, and even some unique twists on classic dishes. Whether you like ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, there’s something for everyone!

• Are there vegetarian options at BBQ places in Cedar Rapids?
  Yes, many BBQ spots have vegetarian options! You can usually find salads, sides, and sometimes even veggie BBQ dishes. It’s always good to ask the staff for their recommendations if you’re not sure.

• Can I get BBQ to go in Cedar Rapids?
  Absolutely! Most BBQ places, like Famous Dave’s and Hatchett’s BBQ, offer takeout and curbside pickup. It’s super easy to grab some delicious BBQ to enjoy at home or wherever you want!

• Do I need a reservation for BBQ restaurants in Cedar Rapids?
  It really depends on the place. Some restaurants, like The Blind Pig, do take reservations, especially when it’s busy. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check their website to see if you need to book a table.

• What are the must-try dishes at Cedar Rapids BBQ spots?
  You’ve got to try the smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and brisket at many of the BBQ places! Each restaurant has its own special dishes, so don’t be shy to ask for what they recommend when you visit!