ShortE's BBQ: Unforgettable Smoked Meats and Craft Beers in Johnston, IA

We got there around 2pm and they were out of ribs and the bacon bomb. That's probably a testament to how great their food is! The brisket and the burnt ends we had were absolutely phenomenal! Meat so tender that it just fell apart, extremely flavorful, and warm! Their sauces were delicious! We mixed the Carolina and Spicy sauces for dipping. The cheese curds were good. Sides we recommend are the spicy cheesy corn, broccoli salad, and mac & cheese! Can't believe it took us so long to come here. Service is on point! Honestly, it's my new favorite BBQ spot!

So I recommend the Pit Master sandwich, jalapeño wontons, and a Smoked Bloody Mary! Everything was delicious! My waitress was fast efficient and friendly. I liked the Carolina and the spicy BBQ sauces, the crust on the sliced brisket was so delicious and the brunt ends still are making my mouth water!

I see you, Shortes. Deliciously smoked wings, melt in your mouth burnt ends and THE Best coleslaw. It had crunch! The sauce was classic. Not too sweet or vinegary. Just right! Goldilocks herself would approve. My only suggestions is to have napkins and wipes at the table or for staff to offer up front. Also, the blue cheese dressing could use an improvement as it tasted like basic bottled and instead of complimenting the food and flavors, it dragged it down a bit. Shout out for all the wonderful craft beer offerings, I think most, possibly all were from Iowa. We tested the water and tried out some basic staples for BBQ joints. We will definitely be back to try out their other menu items as they all look delicious.

We have given our business to ShortE’s countless times over the years and each experience is exceptional. The staff is kind and attentive even during busy hours. We recently had an event for 30 catered and the food was delicious, hot, and ready to go at the predetermined pick up time. We are able to take our three young children in to dine without fear of being silently scolded for the noise and additional cleanup that young children require. We truly cannot say enough about ShortE’s and will continue supporting them for years to come! P.S. The donuts are exceptional. Do yourself a favor and get an extra order!

The Bacon Bombs are clutch. It’s sausage and jalapeño cream cheese, cheddar cheddar cheese wrapped in bacon and then smoked. They are amazing and my favorite thing in the menu. The broccoli salad is solid as well. Their macaroni isn’t my favorite.

My fiancé and I came in on 5/17/25 for an early dinner. Our waitress Megan was amazing. Megan was extremely friendly and had awesome recommendations. The food was really good and had big portions. We can't wait to come back and try more.

A nice rustic atmosphere typical for BBQ restaurants. I would say the sandwiches & platters here are a little on the pricey side. The good is the barbecue. Very well done & tasty. The bad is the sides. I always try the baked beans when trying new bbq places, but their beans reminded me of a restaurant supply bulk beans out of the can. Its a bbq joint... put in some meat trimmings, add flavor, make them unique.