Des Moines Restaurant Guide

My father is a meat-and-potatoes manly man kind of eater, so when my roommate and I were in town we decided to treat him to some barbecue at the Flying Mango. It was pleasantly buzzing with friendly servers and friendly cooks behind the counter serving up food at an amazing pace. I had the 25 hour brisket with two sides, cornbread with honey butter and fire roasted cinnamon apples. The meat had the tell-tale pink around the edges and the smoky flavor was amazing. The bbq sauce was flavorful and vinegary, just as I like it. One thing that puzzled me is that the cornbread was served cold and the butter didn't melt, but otherwise it was delicious. My plate was $15, a good value for true barbecue, and a generous portion of it. The menu slants towards caribbean, so there are quite a few spicy items. If you don't have a rubber tongue, be careful with your selections. It is a wonderful little place and I highly recommend it!

Fantastic surprise. Away from home, on the road, hating the weather, and in desperate need of a neighborhood restaurant with good food, good prices, and a friendly staff. I found it! If you've had it with chain restaurants where the food is at best mediocre and the owner nowhere to be found, go to the Flying Mango for great food and an equally great meal.