Des Moines, Iowa: Smokey D’s
Darren and Sherry Warth are the powerhouses of the BBQ scene, akin to the Dudley Boyz, considering the sheer number of awards they’ve garnered. The duo has not only participated in but also triumphed in nearly 800 regional, local, and national competitions, including approximately seventy-five state barbecue championships.

Offering smoked ribs, chopped pork, sliced turkey, pulled chicken, and pit ham across three locations throughout Iowa, the challenge lies in choosing your favorites. Whether it’s the classic Kansas City-style burnt ends with Asian glaze, Buffalo sauce, or perfectly glazed smoked chicken wings, deciding can be quite a dilemma.