Iowa is gaining quite the reputation as a barbecue hub, with the smoky, saucy southern cuisine making a big impact in the Hawkeye State’s dining scene. You’ve got humble small-town holes-in-the-walls serving stellar cue, and Iowa institutions where the food matches the atmosphere. But the one thing they all have in common is that you might have quite the drive to find them! Iowa’s best barbecue is scattered around – unless you live in Council Bluffs. This charming city on the Nebraska border is Iowa’s 10th largest, but it still has small town charm – and that extends to the best barbecue in Council Bluffs. Whether you want a full sit-down meal or a quick indulgence from a food truck, cue-lovers will be in heaven in Council Bluffs!

Council Bluffs is a great little city to spend the day in - especially if you love barbecue. Here are there of the restaurants for BBQ in Council Bluffs.
Jared Winkler/Wikipedia
1. BBQ Brothers Mobile
BBQ Brothers Mobile/Facebook
This isn't exactly a restaurant - it's a food truck and pop-up, but it's opened a brick-and-mortar location.
Specializing in old-fashioned southern soul food, BBQ Brothers is a humble joint that serves amazing dishes.
BBQ Brothers Mobile/Facebook
The chicken and ribs are just the right mix of sweet, tender, and spicy.
BBQ BROTHERS LLC/mobile, 1001 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA
BBQ Brothers Mobile/Facebook
Visit BBQ Brothers' website for more details.
2. Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q
Shirley Steele/Google Local
A casual fast-food BBQ joint with a few locations in the greater Omaha-Council Bluffs area, this is a humble delight.

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The retro diner-style atmosphere will make you feel like you're back in the 1950s.
Shirley Steele/Google Local
The food is classic barbecue and every bit as good as you'd expect.
Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, 1905 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA
Georgie "JG" Gomez/Google Local
You'll find more information, such as hours and menu, on Hog Wild's website.
3. Boxer Barbeque
Boxer Barbeque/Google Local
Definitely the flagship pit in Council Bluffs, Boxer Barbeque is a higher-end bar and smokehouse that quickly climbed the ranks of the country's best barbecue.
The sports-bar style atmosphere is perfect for the elevated grub, and the place is packed when there's a game on.
Christina/Google Local
The meats are smoked on-site, and you'll be able to taste the difference in every bite.
Boxer Barbeque, 513 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA
Kyle Bothe/Google Local
Check out Boxer Barbeque's website to learn more about the restaurant, its hours, and its offerings.

Have you visited any of these famous barbecue institutions? Let us know about your meals, and tell us your pick for the best barbecue in Council Bluffs, Iowa in the comments section! As good as it is, barbecue is not all there is to Iowa’s vibrant dining scene – be sure to get out and explore other outstanding Iowa restaurants.

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