Kue'd Smokehouse

245 E Hickman Rd, Waukee
(515) 987-4972

Recent Reviews

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Denise Renaud

We always do take out. It’s great!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sauce, Brisket, Chopped Chicken, Mac N Cheese, Baked Beans, Burnt Ends

Molly Mannel

Great food and even better people! Kue'd Smokehouse catered our wedding, and we couldn't of asked for better service. Everyone loved the food!! We love stopping here for date night, and the owners and workers are always so nice and efficient. Highly recommend trying them out if you haven't.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jim Petro

Great food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sauce, Brisket, Mac N Cheese

Jason Marquardt

The best in the area!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket, Meat Plate

Julie McDonough

We attended a wedding in Shelby, IA where Kue’d catered the dinner. I’ve never eaten their food so was excited to try a new bbq. We were served salad, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, chopped chicken, brisket, pickles, and bread and butter. I had a bit of everything and I was so happy! The tossed salad wasn’t just a simple salad. It had cucumbers and sliced grape tomatoes, with ranch and bbq vinaigrette. The mashed potatoes and mac and cheese were creamy and flavorful. Both of the meats were juicy, delicious, and the perfect amount of smoke. Not overpowering at all. And I’m not sure what kind of bread they serve but it is delicious!! A really wonderful catered meal. Next time we are in the Des Moines area we will definitely seek out their restaurant. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sauce, Brisket, BBQ, Mac N Cheese

David Arnold

Food was SO FAST!! Omg the BEST BBQ I have ever had in Iowa hands down!! I grew up Around Kansas City MO and had my fair share and THIS is so damn comparable. Ok Waukee, I see ya!! burnt ends… WOW. The brisket? Holy S!!T!!! How about a spot in The quad cities!?!? I’d visit all the time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Trystin

Dining room was small, but wasn't hard to seat a table of 6 or 7. Sauce bottles selection at tables was stocked and all options available were very good. Wait and counter staff were very helpful and friendly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket, BBQ

Kyle Engel

Food is always good. Wish they weren’t closed for half of the week

Atmosphere: 5

Mitchell Lake

Overheard at Kue’d: “This place definitely deserves all the awards they have won”. Definitely would recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

JC Sixtos

I have to compliment the customer service here. You come into this place and they treat you like you are their first and last customer. They want you to have great time. They want you to understand the menu and for you to sit and get confortable. We were disappointed that there were no soda fountains as they only offer cans and closed drink bottles. The food is great! BBQ sauce is delicious. The people coming around you to pick up treys and trash makes you feel like you are welcomed here. We drove longer than what we wanted for this restaurant but the drive was worth it. Thank you, JC

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Ryan Herring

Had them cater for our wedding and it was amazing! So many compliments from family and friends! Would recommend the hosting package! They made sure tables were cleared and packaged left over food for us. Very professional and efficient!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Robby D

So I've never really been a BBQ person, I've always found it to be overcooked and far, far too sweet for my palate. So when my party insisted on going to Kue'd internally I was a little reluctant and disappointed.

But that pessimism faded quickly when I actually finally sat down to eat. I had the brisket which was mouth wateringly delicious, the chicken (which was fine if not a little tough) with beans (which were sweet and moreish), mac & cheese (which Ienjoyed a lot) and cornbread that was so flavourful and buttery I almost regretted giving a bite to a friend after trying it.

The aesthetic inside is very rustic which is fine and honestly a little relieving as it lets you kick back and relax a little. The menu is easily understood, very well priced and the specials are clearly marked and from what I gather rotate often. Food service was prompt too which really surprised me. I don't think I've ever had food at my table so quickly.

But what I really loved was their sauce options. I absolutely fell in love with their Carolina style, sweet vinegar sauce I practically used a whole bottle to myself simply drizzling it over bread. I intend to try make some myself I liked it so much.

It was definitely a highlight of my trip. My visiting companion even left saying it was his favourite place he tried during his travels (he tried a lot!). The only thing I would like to see them change is for them to include detailed calorie and nutritional information on the menu or their website so that people may make an informed decision on what to order. It's a very low effort task and is greatly appreciated by patrons like me.

I look forward to hopefully seeing this feedback taken on board in the future when I visit again in the future.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sauce, Brisket, Meat Plate, BBQ Meats, Mac N Cheese, Baked Beans

Caleb Christich

If you're in the Des Moines area, Kue'd Smokehouse is the go-to BBQ joint for the surrounding region. The food quality is spot-on, delivering the authentic BBQ experience that sets the bar for smokehouse cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance adds to the charm, creating a cozy small-town atmosphere that I absolutely appreciate.

Upon entering, I was warmly greeted by Travis, who I believe was a manager or team member. His genuine enthusiasm for my visit and his expert recommendations made my dining experience even more enjoyable. The smoked turkey and brisket were simply incredible--perfectly tender, bursting with flavor, and leaving no room for improvement.

For sides, I couldn't resist trying the Mac & Cheese, which, in my opinion, is the best I've ever had. (No exaggeration!) The Street Corn Salad was a delightful accompaniment to the meal, complementing the flavors perfectly. I'm already considering making it a regular order.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Kue'd Smokehouse. I'll definitely be back soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sauce, Salad, Brisket, BBQ, Meat Plate, BBQ Meats, Mac N Cheese

Thomas Jones

Solid average rating. Ok for price.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Andrew Davis

Amazing food. Wide selection of juicy and tender meats. Sides are good portion. BBQ beans are the best here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: BBQ Sampler, Brisket, BBQ Meats, Chopped Chicken, Ribs, Mac N Cheese, Baked Beans

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