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Hours
Wed
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Cajun & Creole, Barbecue, Gluten free options
Menu
Smoked Goods
You get your pick of two side dishes. Homemade sauce is on the table. Our portions are generous, yet designed to feed one. Split plates [aka chair rental] are an additional $10 and include an additional side dish
Pork Tenderloin
With sauce of the day. Choice of two side dishes
$19.00
Chicken Dinner
Half of the entire chicken with choice of two sides
$18.00
Memphis-Style Rib Dinner
Memphis-style dry rub on our loin backs
24-Hour Beef Brisket
Because 23 is just not enough. Choice of two side dishes
Sides
Grits of the Day
Chicken Creole
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
American, Cajun & Creole, Barbecue
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
361 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
94
Average
25
Poor
5
Terrible
2
JamieW2424
Sioux Falls259 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Don't judge a book by its cover! You wouldn't expect this delicious food to come out of this building that is not by any other restaurants, but it was an amazing experience from start to finish! When you walk in, you see the kitchen/chefs instantly and see how they work and treat each other. The service of the servers was no different. Everyone was friendly and willing to help! They have a dairy free menu and consider alternative options for you if gluten free! I had the shrimp pontchontrain (Mike's way) which was on sweet potato noodles and it was so good! My husband had the brisket and said it was the best he's ever had! Definitely worth going! I see why it's the best in Des Moines!
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerri L
Johnston4029 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
We loved Flying Mango from the time we moved to Des Moines over 15 years ago. During Covid we supported through pick up and take out orders frequently, but since the reopening after Covid (late 2021) I am embarrassed to say, we hadn’t been back. We called to get on the list tonight and arrived around 6:45 (a Saturday night) and had no delay in being seated. The entryway smelled so good as a brisket was being taken out right as we walked in. Some things never change - that smell is so good!
Water was brought while we looked over the menu. We decided to have a bottle of Hendry Zinfandel wine and the smoked chicken dip with tortilla chips to start. We were told the specials were the pick two (brisket & ribs) with two sides and a shrimp/pasta dish. The potatoes were smashed chipotle mustard, the vegetables were charred Brussels sprouts with broccoli, and the grits were a goat cheese. The server came back soon after and apologized that the ribs were gone so the choose two was not available.
As we thought about our choices, the chicken dip and wine was brought out and initial glasses were poured. Our water glasses were also filled. We had decided to order at that time… the brisket either veggies and cowboy beans and the tenderloin with cowboy beans and corn bread. The wine was very smooth and we enjoyed it very much. The chicken dip was served on a tray with an abundance of blue tortilla chips. The portion was generous for two people. As we finished up the chips & dip, the plates were brought out.
The food looked and smelled delicious. The tenderloin had a jalapeño glaze over the top, very tasty, and the cowboy beans were very good with a nice spice to them. We both loved the beans. The cornbread as always, was moist and served with a honey butter that spread nicely and was so good. The brisket was served in two generous, thick cut slabs that were nicely blackened on top and melted away they were so tender. The Brussels sprouts had some sautéed red peppers and were nicely crisped but very tender. The best Brussels sprouts I have had in a long time. The portions ons were very generous and we each had brisket and tenderloin to take home, because we wanted to share a dessert.
We ordered the bread pudding with mango glaze. It was the perfect ending to the meal, the bread pudding so moist and the glaze on top had a nice mango flavor. We asked for the wine to be recorked and had about a half bottle to take home along with the brisket and tenderloin. The service was great and the atmosphere is always very warm and welcoming. Fantastic birthday dinner for my husband .
Written January 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian V
Waupaca12 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
I'll start with Mike, the owner, because sooner or later you'll want to meet him. Very knowledgeable about the area, music and his food. He guaranteed me I would never have had better brisket...............and he was right. It was phenomenal! Along with some outstanding catfish cakes, Mike's bar staff makes some very creative and delicious signature drinks. Thanks to Mike and Venessa for making our stop in Des Moines one to remember. We'll follow your Facebook page for listening room music opportunities.
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Retta_ok
65 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
We enjoyed the brisket and ribs, but wish there had been a milder or sweet sauce available. The only sauce offered was way too spicy even for my husband & he eats green chilies on his scrambled eggs every morning. The portions are large & we took leftovers with us that heated up well & tasted even better with Head Country BBQ sauce. We would have split the special which was brisket & ribs, but the charge to split was $10. In retrospect we would have saved money & still had plenty to eat for both of us if we had split the special.
Written July 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy A
Nokomis19 contributions
Sep 2022 • friends
A friend and I had lunch at Mango’s and we both loved our meal. She had a shrimp roll up that she couldn’t put down—not even to eat the fresh fruit and delicious tortilla chip sides. I had a mango salad topped with lobster/crab salad—YES real lobster and crab. It was great! I got citrus dressing on the side but frankly didn’t need it. I would back go today to eat here. The ambience harkens back to my hippy days and the scene is a little loud with all on the chatter—but it’s basically happy chatter. Enjoy it along with your meal. Highly recommend.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn H
Urbandale34 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
The customer service at Flying Mango is unrivaled. We had the takeout ribs and the bourbon pecan pie. We could not be happier with the food or service. We are so glad to be supporting a local business during Covid. Thank you so much.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina K
Chicago37 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
While on a campus visit to Drake, we found this gem. It was featured on Diners, Drive Ins & Dives! The food was fantastic... flavorful and interesting, with generous portions. I had the pork tenderloin w a jalapeño marmalade sauce - flavorful, not too spicy. My daughter had the pulled pork, which had a yummy kick to it. Collard greens were really good. Service was fun and friendly. Check it out!!
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffsView
89 contributions
Aug 2023 • solo
The place was buzzing on a weekend night. You know a place is good, when its busy and they are out of a few dishes. I ordered the bartenders special which was a very well made drink, nice surprise. I ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs with the red beans rice and creole chicken on the side. The red beans and rice were done to my taste. The beans still held their form and with just the right amount of meat to flavor the dish. The creole chicken was also very good. I like Tennessee dry rub ribs so had outsized expectations, these were fine, they were a bit dry and cold. The bread pudding was very good.
The place has a great neighborhood restaurant vibe and the wait staff worked together as team and were a highlight. Definitely will go back to try other items.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn K
Des Moines45 contributions
Jun 2023 • friends
I was looking forward to a great rib dinner at this local spot. Unfortunately, the rub used was so hot, the ribs were inedible. Further, there was a thick coating of "rub" that had a dry texture and a "raw" spice flavor. I could barely finish half of my rack half. The sides were just so-so. The service was good as was my watermelon daiquiri. Nonetheless, I don't think I'll be back.
For background, I have a degree in food and nutrition, was a former food editor for national publications, and headed up a large corporate test kitchen for many years.
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen C
14 contributions
May 2023 • couples
We were greeted as soon as we walked in, and seated by the hostess in the bar area while we waited a few minutes for our table. The ribs were perfect, the collard greens and red beans the best we’ve had, and our server, Sarah, was friendly, prompt, and efficient. The owner, Mike, came around to each table to introduce himself and chat for a bit. We were only in Des Moines for a couple of days, and this was our favorite dining experience. We came as hungry visitors, and left with leftovers and feeling like we had made new friends. Looking forward to coming back to Flying Mango. Thanks Mike!
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IntrepidAdventures71
Augusta18 contributions
Mar 2024 • business
In town for work and went with coworkers, this was by far the favorite meal of the trip. Fun Louisiana themed decor and great service just complimented the excellent menu. Be careful, that delicious smoking meat smell that hits you when you walk in the door will get in your clothes and hang with you for a while!
Written March 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsAngie2u
Cloquet32 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Each of our table of 4 ordered something different….and we were all overwhelming satisfied. The brisket is to die for! The half chicken was so tender you almost didn’t have to chew it. It was a truly fantastic find and I would highly recommend it!
And the service was great too!
Written June 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
a h
Australia3786 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
It us the best restaurant in Des Moines...small menu with each dish better than the other. Brisket was amazing and the duck dish was the best we ever had in the USA. Service was excellent and prices were reasonable.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenny505
Albuquerque22 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
The Owner Mike came out and greeted us. Super friendly and personable. The food matched. Everything we tasted was top notch. The restaurant was busy on a Wednesday night, that’s always a good sign. If you’re in town swing by this place. The Brisket you can cut with a spoon.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen T
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • couples
This place is GREAT!!! From the vibe to the wait staff (Jess, 5 stars) and the food. WOW!!! The brisket, ribs and sides---the best!! Mike, the owner spent some time with us sharing stories about flying, family and music. We'll be back! Don't think...just go...
Written July 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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