Home United States Iowa Restaurants Fat Jimmy's Smokehouse and Spirits Restaurants

Fat Jimmy's Smokehouse and Spirits

4.7 454 reviews Closed 3065 Mississippi River Rd, Montrose, IA 52639, United States

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Welcome to Fat Jimmys Smokehouse and Spirits, a hidden gem nestled in Montrose, Iowa. Proudly veteran-owned, this cozy restaurant blends comfort food with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring outdoor seating and live music. Known for its mouthwatering smoked meats, diners rave about the tender brisket, sweet pulled pork, and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. With quick service and a diverse menu, including a delightful selection of appetizers and desserts, Fat Jimmy’s is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual bite with friends. Don't forget to try the local beer and cocktails! Experience the warmth and flavor that keeps guests returning time and again.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Curbside pickup
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Fat Jimmy's Smokehouse and Spirits before visiting.

Reviews for Fat Jimmy's Smokehouse and Spirits

4.7
454 reviews
5
100%
4
14%
3
5%
2
2%
1
3%

Review highlights

Based on 454 reviews

Fat Jimmy's Smokehouse and Spirits is widely praised for its authentic and expertly prepared BBQ, attracting customers who appreciate classic flavors executed with care. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality and variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends, often describing the sides—such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and baked beans—as exceptional complements. The service is consistently noted for being friendly and efficient, contributing to an inviting atmosphere. Many also commend the personable owners and the overall welcoming vibe. Whether dining in or taking out, patrons often regard Fat Jimmy’s as a standout BBQ destination in Iowa, celebrated for its flavorful offerings and approachable yet memorable dining experience.

Anthony Franklin
Apr 08, 2025

So it's refreshing when you get to see people who love what they do. Fat Jimmy's BBQ is one of the best places to see this. The food is spectacular, the service is fast and friendly. You order straight from the line. They have all of your standard BBQ fare (it's simple done right) the sides are excellent- we had the Meat Trio ( pulled pork, brisket, and shredded chicken)and the Burnt Ends. The meat is kept very simple but smoked perfectly. You have the option of four sauces, my favorite is the Blues Hog. The Garlic Mashed red potatoes are some best ever. We had the Snickers Apple salad and mashed sweet potatoes are good. We saved room for dessert which was the Fire side Vanilla Cupcake- made that day. The buttercream frosting was very scrumptious. As for the vibe and ambiance of the place both inside and out is simple elligance. We got a real kick of the pin-up girls in the men's room. You can see the smokehouse where they smoke the meats for up to twelve hours. This is worth the time and money. Fat Jimmy and Skinny Kimmy got it right. We'll definitely be back.

Nathan Grossman
Feb 15, 2025

Iowa’s best BBQ! Talk about a hidden gem… you will not find better bbq in the state of Iowa. If you’re lucky enough to stumble across this place, try the coleslaw (best I’ve had), burnt ends, turkey, and garlic mashed potatoes.

Brenda Hill
Feb 14, 2025

Loved everything about this place. The owners were very personable and friendly and went over and above. The meats and sides were A. The mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever eaten. We highly recommend this place!!

Bob Davis
Feb 10, 2025

I was there first customer tonight. 3 tri meat platters with 2 sides and a slab of ribs.Takeout. I love trying new places. Just wowzer!! 5 star Caramel Apple salad. I just can't say enough. Top shelf BBQ. Hopefully I'm going back next Saturday for their smoked prime ribs.

Richelle
Feb 10, 2025

This past weekend Fort Madison had a little festival going on at Central Park, I noticed a BBQ food truck and knew my boyfriend and I had to try this. Don’t think twice. Go! This was hands down the best place for a brisket and I’m not a big fan of BBQ items! Their bake beans were amazing along with the broccoli pasta salad! I was blown away by the pasta salad on how good it was along with the garlic mash potatoes I loved how there were pieces of potato skins in it. Now let’s get to the main dish, the brisket was so tender it melt in my mouth and the sauce along with it went great with it! I bet their restaurant in Montrose is great but their food truck was also amazing.

Jeremy Ward
Feb 09, 2025

Meat trio: Brisket, burnt ends, sweet & spicy pulled pork. Mashed potatoes and sweet potato sides. All fantastic. Nice decor. Very friendly service. Highly recommend. Worth the drive to the "off the beaten path" location.

Dan Moorehouse
Feb 05, 2025

What a wonderfully delicious place hidden back along the river. Ordered from the counter with lots of options. The brisket was very good. My Family also had the burnt ends and pulled pork. Everything was delicious. The cheesy hash browns were especially good. If you happen to be driving along the Mississippi River Road North of Keokuk this is a great stop for wonderful BBQ.

Cadence Giddings
Jan 25, 2025

Great place for a relaxing bite to eat. It’s a bit of a drive but it’s worth it. Beautiful location in the woods with a play area for the kids, patio seating, and a stage for live music. I loved the large selection of side dishes. The cheesy cabbage was phenomenal!

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Quick info

Address
3065 Mississippi River Rd, Montrose, IA 52639, United States
Price range
$10–20
Category
Restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) Closed
  • Tuesday Closed
  • Wednesday 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Saturday 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed

Location

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