BBQ Brothers — Restaurant in Council Bluffs

We've been hearing good things about BBQ Brothers and waiting for the new location to open in Manawa. It is small (seating inside for maybe 16-18 in the former Doozie's location), but clean and well lit. Come summer time, there is a patio. But we got ours to go. We stopped in on a Friday night about 6:30. They were out of ribs, baked beans, seasoned fries, honey corn cakes, a few BBQ sauces, and ran out of/had to make fresh mac and cheese for our order. We still found plenty to order, though we were sad to not experience the ribs. While my husband was frustrated, I pointed out that at least they're not sitting with tons of left overs at the end of the night - that's a good sign!

At the first visit: Teens got the loaded mac and cheese, which they loved! I had brisket and pulled pork. I don't usually order pulled pork because it just doesn't do much for me, but this was juicy with a great flavor! Husband got the double brisket, and we were both pleased with the brisket (and he's hard to please as he lived in Texas for several years). My mac and cheese was NOT mush, like it is sometimes at other places - noodles still with a bit of a chew - not undercooked - sauce very fresh and creamy - and my southern green beans had a little kick with huge chunks of smoked meat. So good! Husband didn't care for the coleslaw (just a personal preference; I thought it was fine), but he liked the potato salad (and since I am unreasonably picky about potato salad, I will refrain from comment).

We went again tonight, arriving at 6, and their menu was fully loaded! Brisket was again fabulous, the ribs were amazing! Great bark, fall off the ribs but not to the point of mushiness - they still had a nice texture and fabulous flavor. Also they were really good portions. We definitely prefer the jalapeño chedder corn cake (it's not really spicy) over the honey corn cake. All in all, everything again was a win!

First time we went, we had a 20 minute wait mainly because they had to make us fresh mac and cheese for the teens' orders. Tonight was about 10 minute wait while they got everything ready and served the people who were in line in front of us.

I think BBQ Brothers will certainly give other BBQ joints in the entire metro area (on both sides of the river) a run for their money! The owner was in front of house greeting people and cleaning up, then in the back of house. The young man at the register was polite and able to answer my questions. Both visits the person who was sacking up and prepping the orders was visible at the front counter double and triple checking to make sure nothing was left out. We...

Been wanting to try this place, the Cafe (brick and morter) opened up Jan 2nd..

Seating is very limited, can hold about 16 people.. Kind of get the old Skeets vibe. I miss that place..

So, those that follow my reviews, you probably know that I'm a BBQ guy, actually firing the smoker up this weekend.. (all year long)..

So I can get damn picky about BBQ...

They will be adding beef ribs (prefer over pork) and sausage... depending on the food quality, we will be trying those once added.

Something else I want to mention, the price seems very reasonable, if the quality is here, I will be talking about this place on my program and SM..

I spoke with the owner, he used to have a truck for those that do not know, he's done this for about 3 years. We talked about skeets for a minute and chatted briefly... Both the gentleman I spoke with in the young man up front seem very cordial.

Normally when I do my reviews, I go item by item. However, this time I brought the food home and ate it here. And yes, I will go through and give a brief opinion on each item, but let me start this off by saying, damn. Everything was ridiculous and I mean that in the best possible way. If you like barbecue, if you like Smoked Meats this is where you want to go.

tonight were trying.. St Louis ribs. Excellent flavor, fall off the bone..

Beef Brisket, a perfect ribbon of bark with a beautiful smoke ring. Absolutely delicious.

Pulled Pork, this was done exactly how it should have been, good flavor, juicy..

Turkey, this had a delightful smoke flavor, absolutely stunning.

Mac & cheese, this isn't your mama's mac and cheese, this stuff is good, like amazing.

Baked Beans, same thing I said about the mac and cheese but let me add I like mixing them together, taking a little bit of that brisket and a little bit of that turkey and putting it together. These baked beans are not your typical baked beans, I really liked what they did with this, try it you will love it. ...

I am excited for the next time they have beef ribs, I'm not a huge pork guy, when trying a Smokehouse for the first time, I will try the pork, but it is never my first request.

If you like pork you will absolutely love this place, great pulled pork great ribs. Personally the turkey and the brisket was phenomenal and I will be back, there's a couple other sides that I want to try, but the beans and the Mac was great.

With this quality of food at this price point, the other barbecue joints in town might have a problem. Are we in at barbecue joint around here, this place is every bit as good and I would say a little bit better and at far...

Wow this place is awesome!! Came specifically to see Hector Anchondo play, but we're absolutely blown away by the food. I am honestly not a big meat eater and BBQ/smoked is usually not my thing....BUT OMG THIS PLACE'S MEAT IS UN-COMPARABLE! So moist, flavorful on its own, but when I learned they make their own BBQ sauce, I had to try it and actually loved it so so much! Lots of flavor and not too spicy, just the right kick. Got the brisket sandwich and a smoked turkey sandwich with Mac n cheese - the Mac n cheese was very flavorful and spiral noodles which was a fun surprise! The meat was perfectly moist, easy to eat on its own, not dry at all. They have a good beer and seltzer selection. Even carry full fledged beers - props for supporting local! :) Yes the parking here is minimal, but I can promise you that minor hassle is worth it for the delicious food you will enjoy! The staff & owners are all very kind & friendly - make you feel like you're an old friend they've been waiting to show up. I cannot wait to come back here! Highly recommend stopping if you are...