JIMMY JACK'S RIB SHACK IOWA CITY

Does this restaurant offer takeout or food to go?

Yes

No

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

PRICE RANGE

$6.00 – $20.00

CUISINES

Barbecue

Special Diets

Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards

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4.5

313 reviews

Excellent

201

Very good

78

Average

27

Poor

7

Terrible

0

West River Girl

Winner184 contributions

Amazing BBQ with many gluten-free options

Feb 2020 • friends

I enjoyed (loved!) the mouth watering, tender pork ribs with several sauces (my favorites were the Carolina Mustard, Cowboy, and Original). What I really appreciated is that most of their menu items are gluten-free, and the staff was knowledgeable so I could order with confidence that my food choices and the sauces were gluten-free. We were just in town for the day, but my bucket list now includes return trips to Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack so I can try their smoked chicken, wings, and of course, the pork ribs.

Written March 23, 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.

Review-by-2

West Des Moines167 contributions

Easy to see why it is Number #1

Jul 2020 • none

I was in town visiting family and wanted to visit a restaurant no one had been to, so we ended up at Jimmy Jack's. They were open for inside seating and had several tables closed off to increase distance. We place our order (Sampler and Fatty Beef Brisket Sandwich) were given our cups drinks then took a seat. We only had to wait about 10 minutes for our food to arrive and it was some of the best Bar-B-Q I have had in some time. The meat comes out naked and they will give you the different type of sauce for dipping or covering. My son ate his sandwich so quick I thought I was going to have to get him another. But he settled on sharing some of the food I ordered since there was so much of it. Ill be adding this to my "need to return to" places for the next time Im in the area. Ill finish by adding the staff was helpful, provided quick service and practiced social distancing and safety precautions.

Written July 16, 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.

J G

Iowa City399 contributions

Tasty, quick, not a chain.

Jan 2020 • none

You order at the counter, take a seat, and they bring some yummy BBQ to your table. Then they bus the table for you. It's quick, but it's not a chain - it's a local store with two locations, here and North Liberty Iowa. For a while they had an outpost location at the Old Capital Mall in downtown Iowa City, where they brought in food that had been smoked here at the Lower Muscatine Rd location, but that location closed. I've been coming here for years, and I've always liked it. Tonight I had the half-rack of ribs, which were very tender. That and a piece of cornbread makes a very substantial meal.

Written January 26, 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.

JMCSTL

Saint Louis7510 contributions

Well Deserving of #1 in Iowa City

Nov 2021 • couples

My wife & I had visited and enjoyed (twice for lunch) the former North Liberty shop. So on a recent return to East Central Iowa, we sought out the Jimmy Jack's Iowa City location for a supper stop. This time we took along a friend from the region who had never tried their barbecue, and we were all very pleased with our experience. The young man at the order counter was very friendly, and enthusiastically helped us choose our meal items. The pulled pork sandwich, the seasonal special turkey/dressing/cranberry sandwich, and my spicy Smoked Italian Sausage sandwich were all prepared to perfection & delicious. We had a variety of sides that were each very satisfying, and the volumes of food were generous enough for some leftovers-to-go. None of us will hesitate to return to Jimmy Jack's when we're in the area, and we would recommend a visit for anyone looking for excellent BBQ.

Written November 23, 2021

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.

Kathy W

Omaha66 contributions

Good BBQ

Aug 2020 • couples

We ate at Jimmy Jacks while on a weekend vacation stop. Reading TA reviews peaked our interest in this BBQ joint and we were not disappointed! We ordered the Jumbo size Pulled pork sandwich with two sides. One side was baked beans and the other was coleslaw. Everything was very good. The pulled pork was tender and had a nice smoky flavor and the sides both were tasty, although the coleslaw could have a bit more zing to it. (Could have used some onion.) But all in all the food was served hot and well seasoned.

Written August 28, 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.

Mary W

1 contribution

Disappointed

Oct 2020 • none

I use to tell people this was the best place to eat in Iowa City. But yesterday at 4 PM I got really bad ribs. They were like left over ribs from the day before reheated (making a thick crust) at the sale. Did they change cooks? I went there specifically at 4PM so I would get the fresh ribs --but since they open at 4PM maybe what I got was day old ribs. Very Disappointed. I am off to Pop's from now on.

Written October 29, 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.

Dicta S

2 contributions

Still good

Nov 2022 • none

I have been away from Iowa City for 10 years. I’m visiting here with a friend and we chose Jimmy Jack’s for supper. It was as good as I remembered. I had a pulled pork sandwich, it was tender and tasty. Also had baked beans and cornbread ,love that honey soaked cornbread! My friend had the mixed meat sandwich, cole slaw and cornbread. Cole slaw was flavorful and the sandwich was good.

Written November 14, 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.

Beth E

46 contributions

Best ribs in eastern Iowa

May 2021 • none

Wanted to do ribs for a birthday celebration - researched several places in Davenport and Iowa City. Found Jimmy Jacks and tried it! WOW!!! Great ribs, wonderful brisket - sides were to die for (except the fried) and it met all our standards. Will go back and order out next time we go to Iowa City. Great birthday meal!!!

Written May 7, 2021

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.

Jason R

New Hampton420 contributions

It was good

Feb 2022 • none

I had been wanting to come here for years. It smells outstanding when you walk in, and their sauce compliment was great. I really liked the ribs and the pulled pork. My dad loved the brisket. I wasn't quite as impressed, but I think I had let it sit too long. I'd gladly go back.

Written February 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.

Jack P

Thanks for stopping in! Happy to hear you enjoyed the ribs, pulled pork, and brisket!

Written March 26, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jeremy S

14 contributions

Great food, Great staff.

May 2023 • family

Awesome BBQ, Great Service and easy on the wallet. Brenda made our lunch even more memorable with her exceptional customer service and personality. Will definitely be our first stop on our next trip to Iowa City.

Written May 2, 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.

Jack Piper

Thanks for taking the time to give us and our staff such a great review!

Written September 18, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JavaHouseM

98 contributions

Served at Room Temp

Aug 2024 • family

Want to love it - has all the makings of great bbq, but it's not served hot. The meat is almost at room temp. Have tried it several times for eat in and always the same. Fries are warm, just not the meat.

Written August 27, 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.

Cecilia

Iowa City17 contributions

Yummy barbecue

Jun 2024 • family

Variety of options, and multiple barbeque sauces to choose from. Order at the cashier, kind of help yourself with the accommodation.

Written June 25, 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.

Greg P

Galva336 contributions

Excellent Barbeque

Feb 2024 • couples

Wife and I stopped in here while in town based upon the reviews of this site and were not disappointed. Ribs and brisket were wonderful. Could eat the baked beans all day. Will go back again.

Written February 3, 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.

Jack Piper

Thanks for stopping in the "Excellent" Review!

Written February 6, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jake J

United States7 contributions

Good but too pricey

Nov 2023 • couples

Very good food, but WAY TOO PRICEY for the amount of food provided. Also, while it has become customary, please stop asking for a tip, when the food is ordered at the register by the customer and simply delivered to our table.

Written November 20, 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.

Jack Piper

Thanks for stopping in and the feedback!

Written February 6, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Teammilitello

Des Moines2792 contributions

Best ambiance

Nov 2023 • family

This place was so small & cozy, it was romantic. Great food, friendly staff, unique ambiance as if you were inside of a barn. 5 stars all around.

Written November 10, 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.

Jack Piper

Thanks for stopping in! Happy to hear you enjoyed the food and the staff took care of you!

Written February 6, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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