Big’s BBQ and Brew Pub of Mt. Vernon, IA is owned and operated by the RamBo Daugherty family. All night long. We serve slow smoked brisket, specialty seasoned rubbed pork butts, succulent burn ends, deliciously seasoned chicken, and our famous in-house sausage that’s smoked to perfection daily. Our delicious sauces and side dishes are all made from scratch. You can also find Jimmie’s craft beers and homemade root beer on draft.
David Andrews
Lovely Friday dinner with my girlfriend (goals). My friend said if a place treats their collards right you can trust their approach to cuisine. The collards were great and I even drank the collard broth. Brisket, ribs, homemade root beer. What more could a guy really ask for?
… moreCourtney Walker
Service and atmosphere are fantastic. My husband & daughter liked it the first time they went, they got the bowls. However, when we decided to order to go for the family (4 adults, 3 children) it wasn’t the best. The portions we got wasn’t nearly enough to amount to what it’s claimed to feed. Spent 80 and it wasn’t worth it. That’s ok, if you don’t try something you’ll never know if you like it or not.
It’s a fine place to stop in for something small and quick that price point isn’t bad, and maybe the food is a hit or miss situation.
… moreJason Lewis
Homemade root beer was the highlight. Food was okay. Wasn’t wowed but would try again and would try something else besides the nachos.
… moreScott Solyntjes
Tale of 2 meals…
Stopped by for lunch a few weeks ago with my son. We had a younger waitress, she was awesome. Very friendly, very attentive. We both ordered sandwiches and 2 sides. The food came, nice and hot, great tasting, and the meat was plentiful! So many good choices, we vowed to come back with our families.
We came back for supper a few weeks later, completely different experience. Although there was not many there, the server seemed distracted. When the food came, it was luke warm at best.
We drove in from CR and the first time we came, I would have given this place 7 stars out of 5. I love to support small businesses and it was great. But the second time left me thinking if it was worth the drive.
… moreAshly Stark
Was in the area and have heard good things. Parking is not good, we had to park 2 blocks away. Super glad we did though! There was no wait on a Saturday around 3pm. Mac n cheese was on point! I am a mac n cheese snob, wish I would have gotten the mac n cheese bowl with the pulled pork. Got the smoked chicken, was a smidge on the dryer side but still good! The ribs were perfectly tender. The rub was really really good! The applesauce was a mix between small chunks and smashed sauce, and honestly, I loved it! It was super sweet, but tasted like real apples. The beans had chunks of bacon and a nice bacon flavor. The BBQ sauce was super good. Wooden booths, small place, 2 or 3 bigger tables, about 6 or 7 booths maybe? Soda comes in glass bottles, $3 or $3.50 each. Coke products. Beer on tap. Great prices for food! We’ll definitely be back! Food came out about 5-10 min after ordering.
… moreJane Burt
Average. Although the ribs and brisket were good taste, very dry. The potato salad could use some seasoning, bland. Not bad, just not great. Waitress was very nice.
… moreMitch
Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 7/10 and no it’s not. The BBQ Brewpub sits on a quaint little main street in the small town of Mount Vernon. A pleasant smell of smoke hits your nose when you walk into the restaurant, which is a small little area with seating for maybe 30-40 max. One of the rare spots that brew their own beers, as well as smoke their own barbecue, it does have nice homey vibes, with the owners actively working the front and back of house. That said, the barbecue was really nothing special and the Oktoberfest was pretty average as well. The customer service was good and its a nice chill vibe when you roll in, but overall not really worth a stop in regards to the barbecue itself, especially if it’s even remotely out of your way. Skip it and continue on to you destination where hopefully better bbq options await. Full review at The House of Salt & Smoke
… moreSarah Ware
Nice little drive from Cedar Rapids to try a local BBQ place. I got the Mac & Cheese with bacon. Could have been a little creamier but still had great flavor. Husband got two meats, smoked chicken and burnt ends. For sides he got corn bread and baked beans. The corn bread was . Everything else was good. Glad we decided to give them a try.
… moreConnie Kennedy
My husband and I ate lunch at Big’s – it was a great experience. I had the smoked chicken sandwich while my husband had the burnt ends sandwich. Both were exceptionally tasty, with plenty of meat. The sides were good, too, and in generous portions. Service was friendly and efficient. Will have to put this restaurant on the list for repeat visits!
… moreGlenn Schillinger
Nice Mt Vernon local food. Iowa Twinkle appetizer was unique and yummy. Brisket was tender and flavorful; good local beer selection.
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