Alcohol
Jethro's BBQ
Some say that the Drake area is known for it’s eclectic shops and historic neighborhoods; some say it’s known for the relays and sporting events. Others say it’s the neighborhood restaurant Jethros BBQ that best represents the neighborhood.
Jethros was already well known before it became the feature on the popular Travel Channel show Man v. Food. It has continued to grow in popularity since the episode aired this past October. In the episode, host Adam Richman attempted the Adam Emmenecker food challenge which consists of a 4 pound layered sandwich with breaded pork tenderloin, buffalo chicken strips, slabs of Texas brisket, apple wood bacon, fried cheese, angus steak burger smothered with melted cheddar cheese and white cheddar sauce. The sandwich is accompanied with an additional pound of waffle fries and must be entirely consumed in 15 minutes or less, with the exception of the lettuce, of course. Let’s just say this was not a successful challenge for the host. However, four others among hundreds of those who attempted to take on the mammoth Emmenecker sandwich have completed the food challenge. One contender even finished in 7 minutes and 44 seconds with the entire feat posted on You Tube. The signature sandwich is named after the Missouri Valley Conference MVP of 2008, one of the most triumphant seasons for the Drake Bulldogs.
Owner Bruce Gereleman noted that the $20 sandwich used to only be ordered 4-5 times a day before the show aired and now the restaurant serves up as many as 50 per day. There were three served in the hour I was there. Not everyone is opting to take the challenge; they just want to see what all the hype is about. The signature sandwich contains something for everyone, literally.
That’s not all that can be found on the vast BBQ menu, Jethro’s even offers brunch items with a breakfast type challenge called The Oink. The oink doesn’t have a famous name or timed challenge but you can consider it a challenge in and of itself if you can take down 16 extra large eggs, filled with a full pound of house smoked pit ham covered in American and cheddar cheeses. Not everything at Jethro’s will ruin your diet. There are some waistline fiendly wraps and salad selections on the menu as well.
What makes Jethro’s BBQ home of the “Amazing Slow Cooked Meats,” you ask? It is the 750-pound smoker that is filled with oak and hickory wood, this adds flavor and ensures that the smoked meats are always tender and juicy.
The entire menu is made daily from scratch; Jethro’s has received awards from Better Homes and Gardens, Des Moines Register, City View, and has been voted #1 wings in Des Moines. Next time you are craving BBQ or want to impress your buddies with an extreme food challenge, give the Drake neighborhood sports bar a try and see for yourself.
