Jethro's BBQ

So, it seems that every restaurant opening lately in the Des Moines area is either a Mexican or barbecue place. Love them both, but can we have too much of a good thing?

Friday night after catching The X-Files movie (which was quite good, if you're a fan- you'll love it, nice creepy disturbing time) we decided to try a new place for dinner. I have to admit, I am a huge proponent of flipping the traditional "dinner and movie" combo. I love the idea of saving a couple of bucks on the matinee and having a leisurely dinner after- without the worry of rushing through dinner.

The statewide smoking ban has been a huge boon for us in dining out options, I hate ending up smelling like a bar room floor when I want to go out to eat. We opted for Jethro's BBQ, the new barbecue sports bar that just opened this summer right by Drake University. Being a sports bar- we probably never would of gone there before the ban went into place. But, in the parking lot, I smelled the smoke I love to smell- nice hint of hickory smoke- yum.

Guys (and gals) rejoice- several plasma screens will fill your sports fix- and on all different walls so now needless straining of the neck required. I could look out the window and gaze nostalgically over onto where my first apartment used to be. Yes, sadly, that building got razed to make way for the expansion of McDonald's- my place was now where the drive thru is.

Nice selection of draft beers- about 4$ a draw and great seasonal selections though. I opted for a Sam Adams Summer Ale.

But really the best part, in additional to super quick service- was the food. Angel had the smoked chicken philly sandwich with jalapeno creamed corn. A huge sandwich- with the most succulent smoked shredded chicken I've ever had and topped with sweet carmelized onions, peppers and cheese. The corn was a bit of a letdown- they smoked their corn and dumped a lot of cream in it, that was too much for the dish. I had the smoked turkey sandwich, by far some of the best smoked turkey I've had, with the most amazing sweet potato fries. They have 5 sauces to choose from- I decided on mixing the sweet and hot together.

I have to admit, I've been burned before in getting poultry from a bbq place- usually it's overcooked and dry. But if the chicken's outstanding- then the rest is sure to please. Enjoy!