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Feast upon authentic barbecue dishes at Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral. From small intimate weddings to large social gatherings, we’re here to make sure your guests never go hungry. We do nothing but competition-style BBQ and catering is available for all events and occasions.
Strip-mall counter-serve joint serving BBQ sandwiches, platters & housemade sauces, plus local beer.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 5955 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: (515) 331-0057
Website: http://cactusbobsbbqcorral.com/
Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral closes in Johnston after 20 years of flavor
A Johnston barbecue restaurant closes after 20 years of smoked meats, spicy sauces, and a legendary food challenge featured on “Man v. Food.
Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral closes after two decades – weareiowa.com
The metro barbecue staple is located at 5955 Merle Hay Road in Johnston. “It is with both sadness and great pride that after over 20 years in …
Dang Cactus Bob’s closing : r/desmoines – Reddit
I would have eaten there more if it weren’t in Johnston. Proper … BBQ restaurants? 4. 28. Bar Louie in WDM Closed · r/desmoines. • 6mo ago …
Reviews
Todd Braun (The Food and Drink Guy)
Stopped here tonight after watching the Man vs. Food challenge episode. In general, I don’t rate order-at-the-counter restaurants with plastic utensils highly, so that took it’s toll on my rating.
We both really liked the bbq kettle chips that are made fresh there, so I highly recommend them. We both thought my Saucy Pig sandwich was better than my wife’s Longhorn Brisket sandwich. They just didn’t stand out as clearly above average, as we are starting to become a bit particular with our barbecue.
We did enjoy trying several of the very hot sauces on our meat, but we’re not big fans of the pickles (mushy to my liking) or the macaroni and cheese (bland and reminded us both of Kraft from the box).
Food: 3 (bbq kettle chips were a 4)
Atmosphere: 3 (plastic utensils and trays)
Character: 3
Service: 3 (counter order, self clean up, but friendly)
If you found this review helpful, please click on ‘Like’.
… moreWe both really liked the bbq kettle chips that are made fresh there, so I highly recommend them. We both thought my Saucy Pig sandwich was better than my wife’s Longhorn Brisket sandwich. They just didn’t stand out as clearly above average, as we are starting to become a bit particular with our barbecue.
We did enjoy trying several of the very hot sauces on our meat, but we’re not big fans of the pickles (mushy to my liking) or the macaroni and cheese (bland and reminded us both of Kraft from the box).
Food: 3 (bbq kettle chips were a 4)
Atmosphere: 3 (plastic utensils and trays)
Character: 3
Service: 3 (counter order, self clean up, but friendly)
If you found this review helpful, please click on ‘Like’.
Charles Williams
I’ve eaten here several times over the years and have always appreciated the thickly sliced tender brisket and baked apples. This time unfortunately it wasn’t so good. Looked like less meat than the last few times, still thickly sliced, but it might’ve as well been boiled beef for how chewy it turned out. Baked apples were delicious and the wings had a really good smoke flavor, though lacking any crispness. I’ll give them another chance but I was pretty disappointed this go around.
… moreAmber Paul
This was my first time here. The food was decent. The onion rings were very good.
I live out of town so I likely won’t make it back here. This is a place that my parents frequent quite frequently, at least once a month.
… moreI live out of town so I likely won’t make it back here. This is a place that my parents frequent quite frequently, at least once a month.
Tracie Smith
Overall the group of 5 was not overly impressed. Three of us got the long horn, one got the crispy chicken sandwich, and I got the pulled pork. Those who got the brisket found it to be dry without sauce. Pulled pork was ok and chicken slightly dry. The mac n cheese was underwhelming and may have been better without the breadcrumbs. Despite this, they have a great range of Pepsi products and a nice cozy family friendly atmosphere. Maybe it just wasn’t our night and I encourage everyone to try cactus bobs to find out themselves.(after all everyone like bbq differently). If I’m ever in town I would try this place again but would choose a different meal.
… moreRae Miller
Best pulled pork sandwich and mac and cheese I have ever had! We visited today around 2 and the gentleman that made our food was so receptive to our feedback and such a nice guy!! My fiancee was IN LOVE with the St Louis ribs (which were a recommendation). Fun cowboy decor and a giant wall of hot sauce! Wish we lived closer. The prices are great for the quality as well
… moreSapo’s Brisket Challenge
Brisket was fork tender and subtly smoked, lean with a great bite & plenty of flavor! Try all the sauces but I liked the Sweet-n-Smokey with its light pour, smokey overtones, & sweet tang at the end.
The Pickle on the side was delicious Home made flavor town fs
Classic sides can’t be beat! The slaw was amazing mixed chop, vinegar based but not too tangy. Baked apples were tender yet crunchy in a cinnamon, sweet almost gravy. Mac&cheese was al dente with a robust cheese sauce. Corn bread muffin was fluffy served w honey&spread.
Try the Wall of Flame if you dare have the guts! The Scorpion Venom had more than enough kick the whole way through!
Follow Tobes Brisket Challenge for more national barbecue reviews…
… moreThe Pickle on the side was delicious Home made flavor town fs
Classic sides can’t be beat! The slaw was amazing mixed chop, vinegar based but not too tangy. Baked apples were tender yet crunchy in a cinnamon, sweet almost gravy. Mac&cheese was al dente with a robust cheese sauce. Corn bread muffin was fluffy served w honey&spread.
Try the Wall of Flame if you dare have the guts! The Scorpion Venom had more than enough kick the whole way through!
Follow Tobes Brisket Challenge for more national barbecue reviews…
Brenda Janvrin
Saw some great reviews so we went out of our way to try it. We tried all the different meats + chicken wings and didn’t care for any of them. They all tasted old, dry and heated on a flat top grill. Even the wings looked and tasted reheated and overdose. When we ordered brisket and was asked if we wanted it warmed up I was floored. We’ve done bbq crawls in USA & Canada and that is the first time we’d been asked that. Choosing a table to sit was pretty easy. There was only 2 tables used but only 2 tables clean to choose from. If there was a line of people (or even a couple) ordering I’d understand but this wasn’t the case. I did enjoy the corn and the guys were very nice. That is why I gave it a 3. I will always check a place twice when the people are friendly. Hopefully next time will be better quality.
… moreMichael Selnes
If you like BBQ then this will be a great place to visit. Staff was friendly and food was great. I ordered the Silver Dollar City and it did not disappoint. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because the chicken was a little dry.
… moreBryon Preminger
I love this place. I tell all my fellow hot heads to go here. They have samples of all there heat that you can try before you order so you get the right amount of heat for your meal.
I had the brisket cheese steak with house made cheese sauce which reminded me of my month in Philly. The wiz. Its messy and delious. I also love their wings.
This place as a wall of flame. I have had about 40 percent of these sauces. Also have one of the posters in my kitchen. For you hotheads go here to reminisce over the amazing sauces you’ve had over the years. For me it has been 50 years of heat.
I am jealous of one bottle on his wall. It is the hand painted Dave’s 10 of 39. I love Dave’s and Blair’s. Two of my favorite of all time. You need to go there and check it out.
My picture is some of my hot sauce treasures that I know Bob will appreciate.
… moreI had the brisket cheese steak with house made cheese sauce which reminded me of my month in Philly. The wiz. Its messy and delious. I also love their wings.
This place as a wall of flame. I have had about 40 percent of these sauces. Also have one of the posters in my kitchen. For you hotheads go here to reminisce over the amazing sauces you’ve had over the years. For me it has been 50 years of heat.
I am jealous of one bottle on his wall. It is the hand painted Dave’s 10 of 39. I love Dave’s and Blair’s. Two of my favorite of all time. You need to go there and check it out.
My picture is some of my hot sauce treasures that I know Bob will appreciate.
Jason Clements
It was ok, I will go back and try other dishes. My Brisket Cheesesteak was not great. Cheese sauce was like water and a mess to eat.
Fries – mushy
Coleslaw – different, vinegar base?
Mac & Cheese – good
… moreFries – mushy
Coleslaw – different, vinegar base?
Mac & Cheese – good