Originally, I didn’t have this stop on my list, but upon realizing I was missing a few pictures of Le Mars, I decided to make my way back up to the Ice Cream Capitol of
Originally, I didn’t have this stop on my list, but upon realizing I was missing a few pictures of Le Mars, I decided to make my way back up to the Ice Cream Capitol of the World, and I purposely came hungry. Not knowing where I was going to eat, I knew I would enjoy lunch somewhere in town, and Iowa Barbeque happened to be the first place I saw while driving into town.
And boy am I happy I included this establishment in my tour of Le Mars! It was literally the best barbeque I’ve ever had in my life! Not knowing what to expect, I walked past a young blonde-haired girl strategically placing all kinds of meat on the giant grill stationed outside on the patio. I later found out she is the head chef! What?! That’s both amazing and impressive.
The new kid on the block
Opening their business only three years ago, this family-owned business has won Siouxland’s Choice Award for the best barbeque, and even earned the number one spot on Siouxland’s list of the top 50 restaurants. As I ordered my meal, I was aware of these credentials, and decided to order the first item I saw on the menu, the brisket. As hungry as I was, I ordered a half-pound of the brisket, with a side of mac ‘n cheese. In addition, I chose to try all three barbeque sauces, Bourbon Sweet, Missouri Molasses, and Texas Heat. And honestly, I could have cried after trying these sauces. They were so good!
My personal favorite was the Bourbon Sweet, which is made with real bourbon, then during the cooking process, the alcohol is cooked off, allowing you to enjoy the smoky flavor. The creator of these flavors, Keaton Kimble, is someone who has worked for various barbeque restaurants, and studied the art of smoking meats, slow roasting and grilling on the wood fire.
Having initially tried their brisket, and loved how tender it was, I will have to come back, bring my husband and try the chicken, ribs and maybe even some jalapeño poppers. Overall, I’m very happy I stopped by, and didn’t overlook this newcomer to the barbeque scene. And plus, since they’re open for lunch, it makes it much easier to fit in a quick bite while enjoying some downtown site-seeing.
Plan your visit
Take note however, you may want to come early for your meat sweats, because when they run out (and oftentimes they do) there is no more to be sold, and they may end up closing early. So, while you’re downtown, and you smell that heavenly wood stove being fired up, stop on in, and grab yourself a spot on their patio if the weather is agreeable.
Finally, check out their website (https://www.iabarbeque.com/), where you can pre-order off their menu, or have items from their gift shop shipped right to you. And on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IABARBEQUE/), you’ll find weekly announcements and events. Again, being new to the Siouxland food scene, they have been partnering up with several local businesses in order to get their name out.
712-541-6606
100 Plymouth St W
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tues – Sat: 11am to 9pm
Sunday: Closed
