Reviews of Claxon's Smokehouse & Grill (Restaurant)

Tracy Brookman

By far the best smoked meat in the state! No joke. Meat was tender, juicy and flavorful. Servers are knowledgeable and courteous. Food came out quickly and is served on a 1/4 sheet pan lined with paper.. nothing too fancy and great for digging right in with your hands... and if your a sweet tea fan your in luck...

Brett Lovely

Worth the trip very good try the backed sweet potato I've been there 6-8 times and good every time

Thomas Whitlatch

Great food and selection of beverages. We try to make sure to go at least once when we are in the area.

Simmone S.V.

Pleasant employee and the food wasn't bad. Nice quaint place for a nice chit chat.

Warren Lawry

Food GREAT as always, service was Excellent today

Hannah Garver

My family and I ate there today and it was so good! Clean , friendly and quick! The food was fresh & hot and you get large portions! You will not go home hungry!!

Keith Bell

Great service and food.

bobby Tague

Great experience nice place to eat with family and friends

Heidi Still

Good food quick service the sides are small for $2.00 each. I guess the price to wash the bowls is high. The rub on the ribs was very good and no sauce was required as they were moist. Tried the sauce at the table. It was tangy and that was about it not too interesting. The selection of beverages was good and the beer cold . Have local micro brews which is a huge plus for me. Would recommend the place. But sure it would be very noisy when crowded.

joseph crook

Very good food. Great service

Terri Shell

Great atmosphere wonderful staff

Sean McSwain

Burnt ends were spectacular

Lisa Lepley

Delish as always!

Michele Becker

Ok food slow service

Christy Deaton

Good meat. Service can be a little slow, but the food is good

Cassandra Pickering

I've never had a bad meal here. The okra cornbread with jalepeno honey butter is amazing, but they also have a solid gluten free list of sides!

Karla Pinckney

Awesome food and experience

Polly Thiel

We love Claxsons! Food is great, friendly service. I do always need a sweatshirt though- it is always cold in their dining room.

Robert Lowe

Food was excellent and so was service

jim bowers

First time here and it was awesome. Great food, lots of food. Probably the nicest server I ever had too. Didn't catch her name.

Derek Bittick

It's definitely edible but I've had better bbq from a pizza place.

Oscar Ibarra

I have had this place to go a few times and it's always been great. This was the first time I have ate inside. Food was great again. Waitress was very nice. But when you have the bartender making fun of previous customers to the rest of the staff it kind of leaves you feeling like what are they going to say about me when I leave.....

Sonia C

I thought the food was good. Took home left over pulled pork. Ate it the next day, had a piece of bone in it, cracked a tooth in. 2 places. Root canal and crown. Made for an expensive meal.

Cole Heitman

Fantastic BBQ.

Tom Freeborn

Out Standing Food and Top notch service...

Jeff Gearhart

Great place to eat the service was good and the food is worth going there to eat.

Lacey Stout

We got a variety of meats. The cajun chicken was fantastic! They should use that sauce on more than the chicken! Only downfall, it was very loud because of the open space.

David Best

It was really solidly alright, I guess. I ordered the baby back ribs and they were more or less comparable to the ribs you'd get at anywhere else. The corn bread was good, but I don't get the craze with jalapeno and cornbread that everywhere seems to be doing now.

Deb Keller

Ribs and ham were good, chicken was dry.

Lisa Nieland

Amazing place, amazing food. Polite employees and fast service! Will definitely be back again.

Godfrey Tardiff

I ordered 2 pounds of wings last night. I called in ahead and ordered so I could pick up in the drive through. It only took about 10 minutes. I’ve never had the wings from here but love smoked food and have eaten here many times over the years. They had other sauces but I wanted something a little spicy and they don’t have a standard “buffalo” sauce so chose their house Creeper. These are not your typical buffalo wings. The wings were all good sized. I think they would be delicious without sauce as the smoky flavor really came through which I enjoy. The sauce had a little sweetness and a little spice. They were fantastic. I ate a whole pound myself. My son had several and he also thought they were fantastic. If you are looking for the same old buffalo wings that everyone has, this is not them. If you are looking for some flavorful wings that don’t burn too much this is your spot to try.

Wendy Mahlstedt

Wish we had one in Davenport, Iowa. Wonderful food, not too pricey, excellent service. Will definitely come back.

Michelle DeVore-Price

Meat was wonderful!! Smoked Prime Rib delicious. Steak de Burgo AMAZING!!! Chili is delicious and their homemade cheese sticks are my favorite!!

Tyler Ragan

Service was amazing catfish was perfectly done I would suggest that great burgers not long of a wait very well organized thank you to the staff had a great experience I would go back

kelly murphy

Great .got right in..good food. Fast ..

Bob Roslansky

Excellent ribs. Attentive staff.

Linda Clemenson

Waitress was great food was good

Toby Godfrey

Love this BBQ joint! Clean, fast service, great staff.

Steve Avenarius

The atmosphere was good, the server right on top of things and the food was phenomenal. Being from out of town I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who love smoked meats. Also my 16 year old daughter says it's the best Mac and cheese she has ever had and she knows her Mac and cheese.

James Sampica

Great BBQ. I've had the burnt ends a couple times and they are always perfectly fatty and juicy. The ribs have lots of meat, tender, and a nice smokey flavor. Anytime we've got company in town this is our go to spot.

DOG DOGS BSA

TRANSMISSION FROM THE UNITED STATES THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST BURGERS IN TOWN! CATFISH WAS EXCELLENT WASN’T OVERCOOKED DONE PERFECTLY. OUTSTANDING SERVICE!

Brian Campbell

Excellent food, friendly staff, quick service!! Everything was wonderful! I highly recommend the cajun prime rib!!! We will definitely eat there again!

Allison Galuhn

My brisket was really, really good. I think they need to offer more sauce options (a spicy-hot would be good). I gave a rating of 3 stars only because when I received my drink and found a fly in it (thankfully BEFORE I drank) they didn't really seem surprised or apologetic, like "oh well, better luck next time." I'm guessing that was probably just a fluke but still, EW. Food was good.

bill rogers

Great food, service a little slow, but it as Saturday Night. Best ribs I have had in a long time. They could use a little more help with a busy night and two large parties, but otherwise great

David Warren

Good food and friendly staff had a great time there

Aunty Ashy

I always get a cheeseburger but no matter what you choose your entire table will be happy you came and excited to return be nice to Lorraine she's amazing beings I always know what I want she does too lol

Sydney Barker

Great service and the food was amazing.

Marla Sandve

Very good. Waitress was wonderful.

Mike Burgard

Always prompt and great service. The food has never failed.

IX Stripes

A little pricey but you totally get what you pay for. Delicious food. Nice friendly staff, great service and clean and family/kid friendly business.

Jacob Stouwie

Absolutely loved the place and they are extremely gluten free friendly

terry richardson

Service was great! 5 stars. The food was just average. Busy restaurant, but not hard to get a seating.

Brad Cosner

Excellent food! Excellent Service!!

Jeanine Christian

The service was a bit off but the food was delicious!

Karen Van Hoever

Very friendly staff, food was delicious. Very relaxed atmosphere, plenty of booths and tables. We were there on a Friday night. Didn't have to wait, but there were constantly people coming in. As soon as a table or booth emptied, it was filled with new customers.

Sheri Millsap

Wonderful service and great food. Staff was very pleasant and attentive. Definitely will go there again!

Jesse Vanden Broek

I had the most disappointing Prime Rib here which doesn't make any sense with how many people have about this place. I will consider it an off night and give them another shot. I hope it won't be a let down.

Danielle Laugal

I’ve been here several times, usually with their Groupon deal. The burnt end and their sausage is definitely worth trying! The brisket wasn’t as good, but still good. Every time I’ve been there, it wasn’t horribly busy so I was able to sit down quickly. Hostess was respectful every time and the servers are attentive. One time, some friends and I took a family from Wisconsin here for dinner and they enjoyed it as well. Definitely try the burnt end and their sausage.

Andrew De Haan

Great BBQ food. Excellent service and clean. Great place for lunch.

Lorenzo Keahey

Good a#$ BBQ

Sandy Ulrich

Great BBQ! Had the burnt ends they were amazing! Husband had the ribs, brisket and chicken and was not disappointed! Very good place to eat!

Sheri Grau

Excellent 'fall of the bone' ribs

William Miller

Good food reasonable prices

Jessica Carson

So awesome! I have been to this restaurant many times and I have NEVER had a bad meal!

Linda Duke

The staff was very friendly. The prime rib was awesome and 2 others had the 1/2 rack of baby back ribs, they also liked their meal as well. We all will go back again to Claxon's.

Daniel Hall

Worst steak ever! And we were the only people at the place!!!

Michael Burgan

I love Claxson's, it has one of my favorite, entree`s. Burnt Ends, from a beef brisket. They staff is friendly and the meals have that home made vibe. Their ribs and 24 oz., prime rib are my other go too's. I highly recommend .

Linda McNaught

I've been here many times over the years and the food is always good.

Karen Christensen

Great food and atmosphere very friendly and fast service. Would go again!

Freddie Martin

Great food! Ate there 3 times !

Davant Marshall

Great food. Really relaxing atmosphere.

Mark Fisher

Great BBQ! Great service and great people. I have been in Iowa almost 5 years, finally stopped in, this place has probably the best ribs I've had in Iowa. And if you are really HONGRY, get the smoked pork loin. Bone I and cut to order. HUGE. Imagine an Iowa cut rib chop, only double. So Good! Definitely my go-to BBQ spot in DSM from now on.

Andrew Wenthe

Went with a group of 12. They were too understaffed to get a beer. Also our food came out literally cold the entire group was very dissapointed. Think it has potential, but I wont be back. $70 for two to eat cold food and wait 20 minutes for each beer? Overall we were there for over two and a half hours. Gave 2 stars because our waitress was trying hard but this probably deserved 1.

Matt Ruebs

Great service and great food. Passing through town and picked out Claxton for dinner. Burnt ends were excellent and the Mrs got the chicken taco, both were very good. The mac and cheese was excellent too, it has fresh grated cheese on it (I got a chuckle out of the review complaining about unmelted cheese, smh). Prices were fair and our server was really on the ball. I recommend. (The plating is better than pictured, we touched the plates before we thought to take the pic.)

Denise Carroll

Great food even better service, we had Kim

Lisa Seuferer

Super delicious food, skinny onion rings were FABULOUS, ribs melt in your mouth, really attentive and quick service. Will definitely be back!

Joel Thill

I've been here many times, and will keep coming back. Be sure to try the smoked wings with the creeper sauce! The smokehouse tea perfectly compliments the smoked ribeye. Great place to take the family.

Mary Hanson

Claxon's is AMAZING! This story is completely true, I swear it. I had 22 relatives ages 2 to 90 years old show up unexpectedly for supper the Sunday night before Memorial Day. We called Claxon's to see if a pickup order was even possible. Cole patiently helped us figure out over the phone how much we would need. THIRTY MINUTES later we picked up the entire order of baby back ribs, pulled pork, barbecued chicken, cole slaw, beans, buns, extra sauce, napkins and utensils. It was beyond delicious. Later, we actually had MORE relatives show up that had already eaten at a well-known restaurant in Des Moines, but when they saw our feast they joined in and ate AGAIN!! :-) We went on to have a super fun night of games on the lawn together. I wish I could give Claxon's TEN STARS for how they all saved our evening. Old and young alike enjoyed the food and staying at home together for killer barbecue with very little effort. THANK YOU!!!

Kymberli Vasey

First time eating here. Ordered over the phone. It was ready in 15 minutes, went through the drive through to pick it up. Super convenient. In and out in minutes. The food was great, one of the best bbq in town. Everything was amazing, ribs,brisket,pulled pork, Mac n cheese. Will definitely be back. Better than Jethros in my opinion definitely our new go to smokehouse.

Jaimi Brown

Great food and great service! Our bartender was amazing!

matt wernli

Onion rings were very good and the burnt ends were very good as well. My Ruben sandwich was not a very good Ruben but overall a very solid experience. Also, our waitress was great!

Dominica Hawkins

The best coleslaw I have ever had

Janice Godfrey

Great food, casual dining experience.

Michael Schmidt

Claxon's had been around for a while so it has built a reputation for some very good smokehouse BBQ. The menu is extensive and the portions are generous. Despite the fact that we arrived after church (and thus expected the after church crowd) we had no problem getting seated. The service was very good-- again the small crowd might have had something to do with that. My wife had the Mac and cheese and said it was "ok" and I had the half rack of ribs and again, it was "ok". The flavor was fine but it seemed a bit dry for my taste. But I won't let one visit jade my experience and I would go back to Claxon's to try something new. Well, I said I would go back and try something new, and I did. This go around included the Black Gold Brisket with Cheddar and a Farmer John's Ale by Confluence. Ample portion, very tasty and very tender. The beer was good too! Again, small after church crowd, easy seating and very good service. Good job, Claxon's!

Kevin Branigan

Great staff. Ordered the Mamba combo. Great portions and flavors on ham, sausage, chicken, brisket and ribs. Best of all were the house fries. Couldn't stop eating them. The boursin mushrooms disappointed and didn't live up to the menu billing. Warmed up my leftover ribs last night...perfect snap and the smoke was spot on. Great stuff!

Kari Aalbers

Had the Easter SPECIALS and they were over the top awesome!!!

Pleasant Hill Subway

I went there to have a family favorite.. many years ago my mom introduced me to a rarebit cheeseburger. I went there for many years with my mom. That burger was our favorite... she passed away 6 years ago but I still go there to get that awesome burger...brings back a lot of memories! Thanks for keeping the burger on the menu... it’s just awesome

Allen Hollopeter

Friendly helpful staff, enjoyed their suggested blonde ale from Knoxville, pleasant atmosphere during weekday lunchtime & really enjoyed my food choice, brisket sandwich without the bun & a side of beans. My wife had the chick'n salad from smk'd chicken & the large 1/2 order of onion rings, plenty left for 2go. Will pick it as a dining spot again.

Claire Moxon-Waltz

Awesome smoked turkey bbq sandwich!

Carla Burgin

Great food & service

Mike Ford

Never known of a better manager other than Cole Heitman. Great staff. Friendly and family atmosphere. Prices maybe higher than Applebee's but you get higher quality food.

Katherine Cissell

Considering the amount of raving reviews, I'm wondering if we just had a very off experience. The best part of the meal was the sauteed zucchini side, very tasty. But the ribs and brisket were dry. We also ordered the cheese sticks and were disappointed, considering it says they were cold smoked we were expecting a smokey flavor but really the cheese didn't taste like much of anything. There was burning afterwards so guessing that was pepperjack part. They also seemed to be understaffed and they had several large tables in there so the waitress was scrambling. We didn't bring it to anyone's attention we were unhappy and it seems from other reviews they would have tried to make it better, which is nice but the waitress was so overwhelmed that our appetizer even came out second so we didn't want to bother with it.

Melanie Huesman

Had a great service experience here!! Plus the food was outstanding!!

Dan Koch

Great food but it seems to be a crapshoot as to what the charge will be for the drive thru sandwich/side/drink special. Was charged $23 one time (had to correct the cashier), $15 another (another correction needed), the correct $9.53 a couple times (one being two days ago), and then today was charged $10.59 for my pulled pork / cornbread / pop, which the cashier insisted was correct even though the drive thru menu clearly states $8.99. When I stated that if that amount is indeed the now 'correct' price, that it should be updated on the drive thru menu, received a snide "that's not my job" reply from the teenage cashier. Think I'll be taking my bbq business elsewhere given the consistent incorrect price charging / incompetence of drive thru cashiers, and now today's rude customer service.

Brian Brewer

I hit the drivethrough on occasion, usually get their brisket sandwhich. Very friendly staff, food is great. Love their jalapeno corn bread side with jalapeno butter!

Nick Hamilton

I had been to Claxon’s one other time years ago and we decided to stop in and give it a try as my fiancé had never been. There were several intriguing items on the menu, and we ordered the taquitos and wings as appetizers and had a variety of meats and sides for dinner. My overall thought on everything was simply “it was fine.” I wouldn’t say that any of the food was anything to write home about. Several of our wings were cold on the inside and others were piping hot, and the brisket and burnt ends were both fairly dry so I’m thinking the meat was likely reheated which is disappointing. The house fries would have been great if they were cooked all the way through, but that’s difficult with such large pieces of potato. There is a lot of competition out there for bbq, and unfortunately this one didn’t rise to the top of our list when compared to others.

pam harrison

Very good food. Wait staff were the best

Colleen Custer

Our waitress was wonderful

shane hofer

Good food would go back again.

Alex Schweitzer

The food here is delicious! I am gluten free, and they had a lot of great options, and they were all clearly marked on the menu. I highly recommend the chili, it is some of the best I've had. The brisket is good as well. And the house fries are some of my all time favorite fries! I highly recommend going here.

Charles Carpenter

Best BBQ I've had in Des Moines

Mike Rosenboom

Always have great food! Had the Thursday special. Chicken Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and fried corn. Excellent!

Camille Oburn

I had a smoked roast beef sandwich, it was dry and tasteless, my husbands ribs were also a bit dry. The waitress did take my meal off the bill which was nice.

Michael Souders

Great knowledgeable staff, especially the bartender with BBQ and beer across the US. A lot of heat to the ribs, which I loved. Great southern choices for sides. Local brews are great. Banana pie was unique but tasty.

Cruz Garcia

Good food clean place

Yvette Clausen

Absolutely love the fried catfish, jalapeno cornbread with honey butter and mac & cheese! Great food, fast service, comfortable and roomy atmosphere, decent prices.

Josh L

We go to Claxons from time to time and have always had excellent service. The food is always good.

Daniel Suhr

Absolutely delicious food! I came on a night when they had some young singers from around the area and the environment was just so friendly and fun. I had the burnt end dinner, and it was amazing. The meat doesn't even need any sauce but their homemade barbeque sauce pairs very well with the burnt ends because it is a sweeter sauce.

James Le Clair

Good food not to bad on prices

Mollie Bullington

The ribs was dry, brisket was tough. The pulled pork had a ton of fat and not much meat. Potatoes was very hard to swallow very dry. Good service thou.

Roggan J

Gotta have them wings!

Paki Williams

Our server TONY!!! was amazing very knowledgeable had great recommendations. The food was terrific would have posted a pic but as soon as it hit the table i couldn’t resist!

Nathan Oldenburger

Great BBQ at reasonable prices! Portions are more than enough for the price. The staff is very friendly and the owner was very cool. We never had a drink run out and we were checked in on quite frequently, but not to the point that it was annoying.

Erin Minor

Every time I have tried this place it hasn't been great. Food is average to less-than-average and nothing worth writing home about. Service is okay but haven't found anything I enjoy and not a place I ever look forward to going or planning a date night.

Mike Carlson

My half rack ribs was pretty good. Wife had brisket and pulled pork. Served it cold. Not very warm. Banna pie was good.

Todd Wilson

Enjoyed a night of dinner and drinks. Had the Pork Nachos and Claxon sandwich. Both were delicious. Hostess could use more training...we asked to sit in the bar and she said that area had too many tables for the waitress...yet several open tables.... eventually she agreed to seat us there so we could watch the game and have dinner. Not a huge deal....just kind of awkward.

Chelsey Yates

I work at a BBQ restaurant and Claxion's is my go to when I'm in the Des Moines area. Killer Q.

Mike Jensen

Excellent steak and mac and cheese. Excellent service too. Great price to boot!

Diana Risse

First time I have ever been to this restaurant. Food was very good, staff member kept drinks full. Close to Adventureland which was also very convenient!!

nao4112

Really friendly staff. The waitress was very polite, very efficient service. We had a group of 15 after my grandpas funeral who was a regular there and the waitress went the extra mile to make sure we all had what we needed. It was my first time there and the food was great! Will definitely eat there again.

Rachelle Walter

Great food and service!

Nikki Durchenwald

Yes I love this place has awesome food

Clare Smith-Larson

Very nice lunch with good friends. Too much food, but the half tenderloin sandwich I brought home to my hubby was greatly appreciated.

Jason Barndt

Great food

Stephen Busick

Always good, give it a try.

Virginia Lynde

I have an allergy and they were extremely accommodating!

Jon

Great ribs, brisket was dry, ham was sliced thin which is not my favorite. I like thick cut smoked ham. Second time eating here and service is slow both times. Bottle of beer was definitely not the coldest in town.

Jayde Redenbaugh

Seriously the best food I’ve ever had at a restaurant. And the waiter was amazing. Great environment

Kathleen Cadle

Steak and veggies tasted good, but ribs were barely warm and most veggies were luke warm. Cornbread was good also. I think it would have been a lot better if it food was hot instead of just warm it lukewarm.

Michele Evink

The menu selection is really large and offers something for nearly everyone. Heads up that they gave two barbecue sauce options vs others who have more. That is great with me since I liked them both. Nice selection of sides with your meals. Each person has their own preference for onion rings. I like mine thickly cut with a panko like crust. Their onion rings are thin cut and lightly breaded. Other family members liked them just fine, just know what you're ordering. I'm one that sees Boursin and has to have it. They offer a Boursin stuffed mushroom appetizer. I like mine crispier and seasoned more. I wouldn't order them again, but there's nothing wrong with them. The meats we're all terrific. Take your pick and enjoy away!

Nathan Lewis

I've never had a bad meal here. Wait staff is seasoned and attentive.

jami

The food is amazing and our server was the best!

Rob Hanson

Pulled pork was plain bacon was rock hard beer was warm VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!

Jim Scott

Great food! Very good service, too

Scott Miller

Best bbq around. Love their bbq, their great service and full bar

Jeff Bucklin

Recently diagnosed with Celiac's. This place makes their GF menu items very clear and most menu items are GF customizable. Friendly, educated staff makes for a great dining experience.

jon Tenborg

Service sux and the place wasn't even packed lady brought out the wrong drink three times and wrong food and we waited and hour and half to get out food, Regardless of the circumstances your restaurant sits X amount of people and should be able to handle and serve X amount of people. When we were there it was not packed there were plenty of patio seats your upstairs leave was open and at least 5 open tables in the main seating area!!! BIG ALS BBQ FOR THE WIN

Tammy Howard

Great food. Service was a little slow considering half the place was empty. Drive through is great though.

Steve Bossenberger

The smoked tenderloin sandwich was delicious

Katie Williamson

Great food amazing service

Bob Dille

Great service food was excellent

Sandy Schieffer

Very disappointing sandwiches...my husband got the pulled pork and I got smoked ham....my ham was good, but why was both our sandwiches cold, esp. my husband's...his pork was dry and not very tender....our first time here and was recommended by a friend....not sure if we'll come back

David Neas

Excellent food and a great atmosphere.

Stacey Smith

The food is amazing and gluten free options are wonderful!

Becky Kouang

Great service and food

Michael McManus

Claxon's was able to accommodate our last minute party of 25 within 15 minutes. Food was phenomenal and service was exceptional.

Jeff Payne

Great food good service

Rita Teater

This place was great! The servings were ample but we easily shared our food with the extra plates supplied. Great Fried Chicken, great mashed potatoes and gravy, great okra bread with jalapeno butter ,great salads! Tea was brewed just right

Peg Gilchrist

Pretty disappointing. I had a baked potato, it was definitely not fresh. The service was minimal. The place was not clean.

Russ Wolf

Great food, great friendly staff

whitney smith McIntosh

Great room for events. I was too nervous to eat but the food smelled great. I will be back to eat.

Drew Densley

The food was phenomenal, culinary experts in that kitchen and hope was a 5-star server! Got seated quickly and good time was great. Hope was definitely the opposite of rude will continue to come back with servers like her

Bill Schmidt

Excellent service everytime! Living in Altoona we are very limited to actual restaurants but I am glad we have Claxons. Food is very good, reasonably priced and service is always great!

William Boston

Not the type of beef I'm used to. Tried it twice. I'm guessing grass fed not corn fed beef. Friendly staff.

Jeffery Hill

Food was excellent, service was top notch, prices were decent.

Maestro Adonis

Two ladies in there were amazing. Can't remember their names though.

Trent BAM Brownrigg

This is one of my "go to" places! Great food, great atmosphere, great service.

Rex Bullard

Excellent service, Excellent staff, Excellent food!