BBQ joints in DSM are notoriously bad. The other places' meat is rock hard (can't relate), tiny (...), and at least twice the price. I won't name names. (Jethro's.)
This place, though? Big, juicy meat. This is the kind of meat that restores a man's confidence. Great Value™ on the Saturday Special. They cooked it properly. IT WAS MOIST 👍 AND IT WAS YUMMERS 👍.
As for the sides: the mac was good. The jalapeno corn was more sauce than corn, which some folks might like, but was a bit too much for my taste. The beans had a generous amount of brisket mixed in, which was a nice surprise.
Hard to beat all that for 40 bucks. I'd rate it a solid 5.75/6".
C
Charlene C
Emerging Expert • 16 contributions
Loved
• 1/31/26
• DoorDash order
Excellent brisket, great beans, corn is much better than any others I have tried. Great portion size. Even the kids meal.
J
Jessica N
Emerging Expert • 13 contributions
Loved
• 4/3/26
• DoorDash order
Everything was delicious! The meats were perfectly smoked. The sausage was spicier than expected, would've liked a description before ordering. The sides were much bigger than expected and so good. Everything was fresh and hot. Will definitely be ordering again!
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Chris L
2 contributions
Loved
• 2/28/26
• DoorDash order
The Full Pit is the best thing that you can do on a Saturday in Des Moines/Ankeny/Pleasant Hill! One day, scholars will write dissertations about the joy and happiness that Bubbies provided to the folks in Central Iowa.
You receive enough meat for a gang of tired threshers plus three sides.
This little piggy would recommend two jalapeno corn and one mac and cheese.
Get into it.
A
Alan C
Local Expert • 43 contributions
Loved
• 10/11/25
• DoorDash order
Excellent pulled pork sandwich, the pork was tasty, smoky and just tiny bit dry, but nonetheless very good.
The mac & cheese is very creamy, very tasty, and unique, and I absolutely love their little corn muffins. Highly recommended.
