Jethro’s BBQ n’ LakeHouse

This place is the bomb. The gumbo was really good, as well as the smoked traditional wings. Cornbread is totally off the chain. Came on Saturday and stopped again on Sunday on my way out of Iowa.

ALERT: TOP TEN ENTRY FOR APPETIZERS NATIONWIDE. We stopped for lunch-- our 17th 'cue stop in Iowa, and the 385th in a BBQ journey spanning 35 states. $52.63 plus tip bought a mountain of some of the country's best onion rings for an appetizer. A southwest salad was excellent-- the chicken nicely smoked, and all of the ingredients fresh. The stockyard sandwich is a very good combination of brisket and burnt ends, the brisket sliced and the burnt end cubes well caramelized. Good smoke, moist, tender and flavorful describe both meats. The creamy rigatoni style mac 'n cheese (the side) is rich and full of flavor. A large order of boneless chicken wings went home with us for dinner later that day … heavenly when dipped in Alabama white. So, yet another good stop for 'cue in the Des Moines area.

A great place to have a casual dinner date or fun night with friends. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious! Our food choices included: Bayou Pickle Chips, Texas Bacon Burger Sliders, and the Boss Hog. We definitely recommend Jethro's!

Went here a month ago on the way through town. Our group got both platters so we were able to sample most of the menu. I don't think there was a thing anyone disliked. It has also since been mentioned by others who were there at the time "I wish Jethro's was in the Minneapolis area, I want that bbq again"

Very good barbecue place! The ribs are amazing, for the sides try mashed potatoes and creamy jalapeño corn🤤

They have fantastic ribs and the boneless "appetizer" goes great with a meal! The garlic parmesan, buff parm, and raspberry habanero are delicious! Fun atmosphere, definitely gives you the Iowa vibe. Great hometown Des Moines small chain. Can't go wrong with any of their smoked meat! The boneless wings are also half priced Thursday! Worth the trip!

I like Jethros in general. Location is pretty great on this one. Sat outside over looking the pond. Warm weather, sun, and bbq...what more could you ask for? The food was excellent and service staff is always friendly. If you're gonna drink be prepared to spend a bit on the drinks. Still in all good night out and great atmosphere. Will be back.

We stopped in Sunday around 2 with a big big group of people of 27-28 on a spur of the moment (sorry) ! And they accommodated us all with only a couple workers there! You all were the bomb! And food was delicious! Thank you for your service!!!!

I finally had to see what the hype was all about! Drinks and food may be a little bit over priced, but definitely super tasty!

I've had only a couple mixed drinks and they all tasted like delicious melted freezie pops! The wings are super delicious and I love all the different flavors and sauces.

If you haven't ever been here, I would make the trip!

We were spending the night in Ankeny on our way home from Minnesota. We decided to try Jethro’s after seeing it online. The area where it’s located was great! We ordered the onion ring app which we would recommend. Be sure to go when you’re hungry because the meal portions are huge! Our server was very friendly and took great care of us.

We came in for drinks & dessert. Our server, Brent, was INCREDIBLE!!!!! Friendly, Funny, Observant, Efficient, and Entertaining!!!! One of the best servers we've had in Des Moines since moving here. The adult drinks, state fair lemonade and planters punch were delicious!!!! The chocolate cake was good, but I was hoping for more of the soft, moist cake with frosting. It was still satisfying. Very happy with our visit!!

My wife and I went out for dinner here and we really enjoyed the atmosphere it was friendly and fun with all of their quirky little signs but the thing that I enjoyed the most was the really tasty barbecue food I had the turkey that was juicy and pulled pork which was really good flavor and half a rack of ribs which were full of flavor and fell off the bone the sides were all great and the service was very good the atmosphere was fun and lively and we also had a couple of their special adult beverages which were very well done and tasted great I would highly recommend this restaurant and great views from the restaurant too

Great place to and have some quality BBQ. I loved the selection of BBQ sauces that are there to use because they can transform any of the dishes you order.

We did one of the big sharing platters and we loved trying the variety of meats and sides. I would have been happy with of the food off of the menu.

Our waiter was as good as it gets. She was nice, attentive, and even went out of her way to get us another corn muffin so we each could have one.

The atmosphere was great and I can imagine bringing a large group would be great. They have tons of seating so I am sure you can always get a table.

Our Server Kayleigh was absolutely amazing. The place was not busy initially but the supper rush came in while we were still there. She still made sure to serve our table even as the crowd arrived. She had great suggestions. Pulled pork & chili. Wings were top notch.

Good food, great service. A cut above.

Food was amazing and our server Jessica was top notch. I would recommend Jethro's to anyone.

Good service and excellent smoked wings! Could have been a little crisper but the sauce and smoky flavor was spot on! Try the raspberry habenero!

Was in town for a football game and wanted to try something new. Everything was delicious can't wait to come back
If you're looking for good BBQ look no further.

Wow this place was great. My pulled pork sandwich was maybe the best I've ever had. And so much meat for $11! Wish they were out here in Colorado.... maybe I'll move to Iowa just for Jethro's

Food is delicious! Great staff also!!

The best wings(boneless or bone-in) you will ever have!