Main Street Station

Cornbred BBQ: Ames' Award-Winning Barbecue Destination Worth the Drive from Des Moines

If you're searching for the best BBQ in central Iowa, Cornbred BBQ at 526 Main Street in Ames delivers an experience that goes far beyond your average smokehouse. Just a short drive north of Des Moines, this locally beloved restaurant has earned its reputation through an extraordinary collection of over 250 competition awards, including 35 Grand Championships and the prestigious title of National Brisket Champion — beating out more than 6,500 competing teams. That's not a restaurant boasting; that's a proven track record that serious barbecue lovers simply can't ignore.

Founded by a proudly Iowa-born owner whose passion for the craft runs as deep as the smoke rings on his brisket, Cornbred is built around a philosophy they call their "Grillosophy" — a genuine, almost spiritual devotion to the art of slow-cooked barbecue. Every brisket represents an entire day of patience, skill, and dedication, and that commitment shows in every bite. The menu is comfort food at its finest, rooted in authentic American BBQ tradition and prepared by chefs who take their food seriously without taking themselves too seriously.

Open daily starting at 11:00 AM, with a Sunday Brunch from 10 to 2, Cornbred fits seamlessly into any dining plan. Online ordering makes takeout effortless, and their full-service catering program handles everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events — at your location or theirs. Conveniently situated on Main Street in downtown Ames with easy access from I-35, this is the kind of Iowa restaurant that earns loyal regulars and wows first-time visitors alike.