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BEST RATED CEDAR RAPIDS, IA BARBECUE RESTAURANTS

3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Cedar Rapids, IA

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Up In Smoke BBQ - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Up In Smoke BBQ - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Up In Smoke BBQ - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Cedar Rapids IA - Up In Smoke BBQ video
3+ YEARS IN TBR
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UP IN SMOKE BBQ

(5.0 Score)
92 16th Avenue SouthWest,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Directions

Specialty:

✓ Chicken Hindquarter ✓ Footlong Hotdog ✓ Chicken Wings ✓ Pork Ribs ✓ Chips & Queso ✓ Fried Cornbread Bites ✓ Carnitas Street Tacos ✓ Brisket Cheesesteak ✓ Nachos ✓ Mac & Cheese ✓ Cheesy Potatoes ✓ Chicken Wings ✓ Chicken Hindquarter ✓ Footlong Hotdog ✓ Sampler 2 Meats 2 Sides ✓ Family Meal 3 Meats 3 Sides ✓ The Big Tray 4 Meats 4 Sides ✓ Nachos Pork Or Brisket Half Order ✓ Nachos Pork Or Brisket Full Order ✓ Pulled Pork ✓ Chopped Brisket ✓ Smoked Baked Beans ✓ Cornbread ✓ Potato Salad ✓ Pasta Salad ✓ Coleslaw ✓ House BBQ Sauce ✓ Chipotle BBQ Sauce ✓ Carolina Mustard Sauce ✓ Blueberry Habanero Sauce ✓ Buffalo Sauce ✓ Ranch Sauce

"Up In Smoke BBQ is known for its traditional BBQ and fun, relaxed vibe. They create flavorful dishes using high-quality frozen and fresh ingredients. They’re a father-son restaurant serving delicious food, including BBQ ribs made with their own house sauces and rubs. Their sauces and rubs are made in-house for that extra homemade touch. The menu is big and includes a variety of tasty options, along with daily specials to satisfy any craving. They are passionate about serving real, original BBQ flavors that reflect BBQ culture. Whether you dine in, take your food to go, or get it delivered, Up In Smoke BBQ offers delicious meals at reasonable prices, all made with care. You can stop by for lunch or hire them to cater your next big event.

2026 Update: Up In Smoke BBQ is committed to creating a unique and fantastic dining experience while delivering homemade flavors everyone enjoys."

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License #701130

Price:

Combos Platters
Sampler (2 Meats, 2 Sides) $26
Family Meal (3 Meats, 3 Sides) $38
The Big Tray (4 Meats, 4 Sides) $50
Nachos
Nachos (Half Order) $12
Nachos (Full Order) $20
Meat (Individual Portions)
Pulled Pork (13 Lb) $8
Pulled Pork (12 Lb) $12
Pulled Pork (Full Pound) $15
Chopped Brisket (13 Lb) $10
Chopped Brisket (12 Lb) $14
Chopped Brisket (Full Pound) $22
Chicken Hindquarter $6
Footlong Hotdog $10
Chicken Wings (12 Lb) $12
Pork Ribs (13 Rack) $10
Pork Ribs (Half Rack) $16
Pork Ribs (Full Rack) $25
Type 2 Jams Specials
Chips & Queso $5
Fried Cornbread Bites $5
Carnitas Street Tacos $10
Brisket Cheesesteak $14
Nachos (Half) $12
Nachos (Full) $20
Sauces
House Bbq (Pint) $10
Chipotle Bbq (Pint) $10
Carolina Mustard (Pint) $10

Discount:

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Buffet from 5-9 pm For Only $25

Contact:

(319) 200-5445

Tue-Sat: 11am - 8pm Sun & Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
CR Midnight Smoker BBQ - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Cedar Rapids IA - CR Midnight Smoker BBQ video
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CR MIDNIGHT SMOKER BBQ

(4.9 Score)
301 F Avenue NorthWest,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 Directions

Specialty:

✓ Smoked Out Baked Beans ✓ Smoked Mac & Cheese ✓ Chips ✓ Rotating Seasonal Crisp ✓ Loaded Bowl ✓ Landslide Bowl ✓ Buffalo Chicken Bowl ✓ Pulled Pork Midnight Mac ✓ Beef Brisket Midnight Mac ✓ Pulled Chicken Midnight Mac ✓ Classic Smokehouse Burger ✓ Brisket Egg Roll ✓ Pulled Pork Egg Roll ✓ Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll ✓ Beef Brisket ✓ Pulled Pork ✓ Pulled Chicken ✓ Full Rack Ribs ✓ Half Rack Of Ribs ✓ Three Bones ✓ Chicken Wings ✓ Pork Loin ✓ Pork Belly ✓ Beef Back Ribs ✓ Beef Brisket Sandwich ✓ Pulled Pork Sandwich ✓ Pulled Chicken Sandwich ✓ Pork Loin Sandwich ✓ Pork Belly Sandwich ✓ Not Your Mama's Potato Salad ✓ Grandma Vera's Coleslaw

"CR Midnight Smoker BBQ offers top-quality BBQ through catering, takeout, and a popular food truck. They are known for serving some of the best ribs, brisket, and pulled pork around, inspired by BBQ styles from across the U.S. Pitmaster Greg Stoll smokes the meats low and slow over wood, using special sauces like tangy Carolina vinegar and bold Kansas City flavors. Every bite is packed with smoky, seasoned goodness. Whether you're stopping by to eat, picking up food, or planning an event, CR Midnight Smoker BBQ is ready to serve. Come hungry, bring your friends and discover your new favorite BBQ spot.

2026 Update: CR Midnight Smoker BBQ also offers a wide selection of alcohol, beer, and happy-hour drinks. The restaurant features free parking lot and wheelchair accessibility facilities."

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License #720512

Price:

Small Bites
Brisket Egg Roll $4
Pulled Pork Egg Roll $4
Buffalo Chicken Egg Roll $4
Just The Meats (Per 12 Lb.)
Beef Brisket $16
Pulled Pork $10.50
Pulled Chicken $10.50
Full Rack Ribs $30
Half Rack Of Ribs $18
Three Bones $12
Chicken Wings $1.25
Pork Loin $11
Pork Belly $15.50
Beef Back Ribs $16
Sandwiches
Beef Brisket Sandwich $14
Pulled Pork Sandwich $9
Pulled Chicken Sandwich $9
Pork Loin Sandwich $12
Pork Belly Sandwich $13
Midnight Smoker Bowls
Loaded Bowl $10
Landslide Bowl $10
Buffalo Chicken Bowl $14
Pulled Pork Midnight Mac $13
Beef Brisket Midnight Mac $15
Pulled Chicken Midnight Mac $13
Smokehouse Burgers
Classic Smokehouse Burger $13
Landslide Burger $17
Pulled Pork Burger $16
Midnight Sausages
Midnight Link Up $7
Pork And Beans Link-Up $12

Discount:

$1 Off on All Can and Drafts

Contact:

(319) 200-0060

Wed & Thu: 11am - 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 9pm
Sun: 11am - 3pm
Mon & Tue: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Willie Ray's Q Shack - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Willie Ray's Q Shack - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Willie Ray's Q Shack - Cedar Rapids, IA Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Cedar Rapids IA - Willie Ray's Q Shack video
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WILLIE RAY'S Q SHACK

(4.9 Score)
266 Blairs Ferry Road NorthEast,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Directions

Since 2019

Specialty:

✓ Chicken ✓ Rib Bone ✓ Brisket Sandwich ✓ Pulled Pork Sandwich ✓ Pulled Chicken Sandwich ✓ Chicken & Sides ✓ Rib Bones & Side ✓ Chicken Rib Bones & Sides ✓ Chicken Rib Bones & Sides ✓ Smoked Slab ✓ Smoked Slab ✓ Smoked Chicken ✓ Family Pack Special

“2026 Update: Willie Ray’s Q Shack is an award-winning restaurant that serves expertly slow-smoked dishes prepared to perfection. Their highly skilled and dedicated staff are committed to providing friendly and attentive service to all. The restaurant offers an elegant and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a valuable time with friends and family. Willie Ray’s Q Shack provides catering service for various private events such as business lunches, dinners and more. The restaurant ensures various option like takeaway and dine-in. Willie Ray’s Q Shack also features various facilities like wheelchair accessibility and free parking lot for more comfort. Willie Ray’s Q Shack accepts debit cards, credit cards anf NFC mobile payment options. ”

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License #708475

Price:

Smoked Meats
2 Pc Chicken & Side $14
3 Pc Chicken & 2 Sides $16
3 Rib Bones & Side $16
2 Pc Chicken, 2 Rib Bones & 2 Sides $22
3 Pc Chicken, 3 Rib Bones & 2 Sides $25
Smoked Slab Meats
1/2 Smoked Slab $22
Full Smoked Slab $35
10 Pc Smoked Chicken $30
Family Pack Special $75
A La Carte
1 Pc Chicken $3.75
1 Rib Bone $4.75
Brisket Sandwich $14
Pulled Pork Sandwich $10
Pulled Chicken Sandwich $10

Discount:

Get One 1/2 off by Buying a Rib Dinner

Contact:

(319) 206-3806

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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UP IN SMOKE BBQ REVIEWS

My favorite BBQ! I’ve been here several times in the past but my experience I had yesterday is what made me want to make sure it’s known that you guys are the best! The service I had was phenomenal. I only did a carry out but the lady up front was super friendly and we had a little mix up on gyro being on the online menu, but she made sure to get something else going for me! She also noticed I had sauces in my hand and she asked to take them off my hands to add to my bag of food. It also didn’t take long to get something new made, so thank you!

Was shopping Czech Village and just followed the smell of delicious food in the air! Our group tried the foot long hotdogs, brisket, Mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread bites and the 1/2 order of pulled pork nachos. Everything was fantastic! Portions were big! Definitely recommend!

Great food, friendly service, and some good music playing. The pork ribs were outstanding, the wings were tasty. They have 2 for 1 happy hour as well. I also got to try the cornbread. I am not one to usually order cornbread, but it is moist and tasted amazing especially with the jam.

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CR MIDNIGHT SMOKER BBQ REVIEWS

Stopped by on a Saturday as they sell beef ribs. We decided to go with a sharable meat plate, with beans & Mac & cheese. Got 1 beef rib as well. For our taste buds, it was awesome! The flavor of each cut of meat has its own special flavor, even without sauce. The sauce selections for us, added even more to the flavor. The staff was great to deal with, and the portion size is on point. We'll definitely be back for more! From one small business to another, keep up the great work!

Very friendly staff and a well taken care of establishment! But above all else, the food was FIRE. I had the beef brisket sandwich and I swear I could eat like 5 of those bad boys and still want more. If you enjoy bbq you will not be disappointed with this place!

Awesome food. Great service. Owner walked around and talked with people. In my opinion best BBQ in CR!

WILLIE RAY'S Q SHACK REVIEWS

I just stopped there and picked up the best pulled pork and fries i’ve ever had and my aunt loved it too, I came home with that for dinner. We will be back to try the ribs. Everyone that was working was very personable and talkative. Thanks Willie for bringing the restaurant to our town and everything you do for the country and military!

Tried them for the first time recently & went back less than a week later! They got my food out to me in less than 5 mins & it’s a good price for the meal, considering it tastes home cooked… everyone there is very welcoming and accommodating:) 10/10 recommend

Willy Ray was super nice! I ordered brisket but they were already out for the day and the chicken is dark meat which I'm not a fan of. I'm not a fan of pork so I did the ribs which were very good. The potato salad was good. I'm not a huge fan of beans but I tried them, they were good for beans. My husband had a pulled pork sandwich which he said was very good. Very well presented.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

UP IN SMOKE BBQ Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

CR MIDNIGHT SMOKER BBQ Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Business Hours: 8
Acknowledgments: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

WILLIE RAY'S Q SHACK Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Experience: 8
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10