Backyard BBQ — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

Review: Disappointed by the “Authentic” Texas Barbecue Claim

My first impression walking into the restaurant was a positive one — the décor was stylish and inviting. I was genuinely excited to try this place, especially since Cedar Rapids is lacking in quality barbecue spots. As someone born and raised in Texas, I’ve been missing the real deal, and this restaurant proudly claims on its website to offer authentic Central Texas barbecue.

Unfortunately, that claim didn’t hold up once I saw the menu. Right away, I could tell this wasn’t going to be anything close to authentic Texas barbecue. There were no classic barbecue plates, and no real variety of barbecue sandwiches — just a pulled pork sandwich. Meats and sides had to be ordered separately, and the sides themselves were extremely limited.

What really raised an eyebrow was the absence of hot links or any kind of smoked sausage — a near-universal staple at 99.9% of Texas barbecue joints. They were also missing poultry options altogether.

I ordered a few items, including the brisket. It didn’t come with anything — not even a slice of white bread or pickles, both of which are standard in Texas-style barbecue. I had to order a bun and pickles separately, which felt odd for a place claiming authenticity.

I also tried what they called “Frito Pie,” but it really wasn’t. A traditional Frito pie includes Fritos, chili, cheese, and onions. This version had Fritos topped with canned baked beans, mac and cheese, pico de gallo, and either pulled pork or brisket. I’m all for creative twists, but the base has to be right — and this wasn’t.

As for the brisket, it had a decent smoke ring and okay flavor, but it was on the dry side. They do have a smoker and a woodpile out back, but I didn’t see or smell any smoke during my visit — hopefully that setup isn’t just for aesthetic purposes.

In summary, if you’re coming here expecting authentic Texas barbecue, you’ll likely be disappointed. That said, I’ve seen positive reviews about their burgers, so I might return to give those a try.

One clear highlight of the visit was the customer service. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience more enjoyable despite the food falling short of...

Cedar Rapids— heard about Backyard BBQ from Brain & Courtlin on KHAK. They just opened a few days ago, but we decided to give it a try. They are in the old Westdale Bowl building. Kinda wierd set up finding them, they don’t have much for signage yet.

Absolutely worth the search though. By the time we got there they were out of sliced brisket ☹️ but our amazing waitress scored me a couple chunks so I could try it.

We tried the loaded fries with pulled pork, Carol got a huge pulled pork sandwich, and I tried three bone ribs. The meat was DELICIOUS, the best ribs I’ve had in Iowa (that haven’t come off my own smoker).

Ribs were huge, moist, slid off the bone, perfect bark ring, tender, there’s really not enough adjectives to describe how great they are.

Pulled pork was spot on great. The brisket sample (again thank you to our server for scoring me a taste) was fantastic, perfectly smoked, moist, tender, melted in your mouth.

Meat is so perfectly smoked it was a crime to add bbq sauce, but there sauces were tasty too.

My only complain I had to have one would be I’ll ask for crisper “fries” next time, Carol wishes they had a few more sides to choose from. But hey they’ve only been open a few days I’m sure they will expand their menu. (Have to admit here, we didn’t notice the Mac-n-chez option last night).

If a first impression is everything then CR/IC smoke houses better up their game because backyard bbq is bringing the heat — We can’t wait to go back! Fairly priced great value for the...

Went out with a group a friends during the week and we all were impressed. Everyone ordered something different ( just worked out that way) and everyone said they’d definitely come back.

The ribs were very meaty, moist, and filling. The Frito appetizer was amazing. A great variety of sandwiches for everyone to choose from and the bigger dinner portions also provided a great variety and good-sized portions. There’s also chicken strips, a variety of side dishes to choose from, and a kid’s menu. Don’t let the words BBQ scare you away - pulled pork or brisket is on the menu and you get to add, as much sauce as you want to your food ( or don’t want) when the food arrives at the table to those items.

You’ll find it very clean and bright with their open atmosphere. Plenty of tables ( high and low) and the option to push a few tables together to make a longer table, if need be. There is a bar, with beer on tap, a selection of hard alcohol, and some canned alcoholic drinks. On the menu, they do have some specialty mixed drinks. Coke products are served.

Plenty of televisions on the wall but they’re not loud, so you can talk with the individuals at your table. They are very handicap accessible (parking, entrance, tables, restrooms). Parking is right outside their door. They do seem to do a lot of carryout business.

If you haven’t checked them out, you really should. Great BBQ for dine in...