If you’re heading to Des Moines for the World Pork Expo, chances are your schedule will be packed with meetings, setup, networking, seminars, and plenty of time walking the Iowa State Fairgrounds. But if you arrive early or stay a few extra days after the Expo, Des Moines has some incredible hometown restaurants worth experiencing.
As a farmer, I always appreciate restaurants that showcase the flavors of the Midwest while celebrating agriculture and pork production. From award-winning Iowa pork chops to legendary tenderloins and upscale dining experiences, here are a few of my favorite Des Moines and Ames area spots to enjoy while visiting Iowa for the pork industry’s biggest event.
The Machine Shed – Urbandale, Iowa
The Machine Shed Restaurant
For visitors looking for an authentic Iowa dining experience, The Machine Shed is often one of the first restaurants I recommend.
From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the sights and stories of Midwest agriculture. The restaurant has built its reputation around celebrating farmers and serving hearty meals inspired by rural America.
What stands out most for pork producers is the extensive selection of pork dishes featured throughout the menu. The restaurant proudly serves several award-winning pork entrees, including its famous Sandwich Stack Pork Tenderloin, a past winner of the Iowa Pork Producers Association Best Tenderloin contest.
Other favorites include the Midwest Pork Parmesan-Crusted America’s Cut, often referred to as the filet mignon of pork; the Roasted Stuffed Iowa Chop, a National Pork recipe contest winner; the Heartland Delight featuring bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin; the signature Double-Cut Iowa Pork Chop; and the award-winning Roast Pork Loin, winner of the Great Iowa Pork Cook Off.
The Machine Shed has also partnered with Iowa Pork during Porktober celebrations and continues to be a strong supporter of Iowa agriculture. Whether you’re looking for breakfast before heading to the fairgrounds or dinner with fellow pork producers after a long day at the Expo, it’s hard to go wrong with this Iowa favorite.
More information can be found at The Machine Shed’s website.
Jethro’s BBQ – A Des Moines Barbecue Legend
No list of Des Moines dining destinations would be complete without Jethro’s BBQ.
Founded in 2008 by Des Moines restaurateur Bruce Gerleman, Jethro’s was inspired by Texas barbecue traditions and built around a simple concept: slow-smoked meats, scratch-made recipes, generous portions, sports, and Midwest hospitality. The restaurant quickly became one of Iowa’s most recognizable barbecue brands and has expanded to multiple locations across the state.
Jethro’s has earned national recognition over the years, appearing on television programs including Man v. Food and Food Network’s United States of Bacon. Its famous “Jethro” sandwich was named the “#1 Bacon Sandwich in the Nation,” helping put Iowa barbecue on the national stage.
Today, visitors can enjoy a menu packed with slow-smoked pork, ribs, wings, brisket, pulled pork, and barbecue favorites. Whether you’re gathering with customers, coworkers, or friends after the Expo, Jethro’s offers a fun atmosphere and a true Iowa barbecue experience.
Buzzard Billy’s – Cajun Flavor in the Heart of Downtown
Located in downtown Des Moines, Buzzard Billy’s has been a local favorite for decades.
Known for bringing Louisiana-inspired cuisine to Iowa, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines Cajun flavors with Midwest hospitality. Its downtown location makes it especially convenient for visitors staying near the Iowa Events Center or attending meetings throughout downtown Des Moines.
The menu features favorites such as jambalaya, gumbo, po’boys, catfish, shrimp dishes, and Cajun-inspired specialties. Pork lovers will also find several menu items featuring pork, including hand-breaded pork tenderloins, pulled pork sandwiches, pork belly creations, and Cajun-inspired comfort foods.
One of the things I enjoy most about Buzzard Billy’s is the atmosphere. It’s fun, energetic, and a great place to relax after a full day at World Pork Expo while experiencing something a little different from traditional Midwest fare.
Irina’s Steak & Seafood – Elevated Dining for Special Occasions
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience while visiting Des Moines, Irina’s Steak & Seafood is an excellent choice.
Known for its exceptional service, elegant atmosphere, and beautifully presented dishes, Irina’s has become a favorite destination for business dinners, customer appreciation events, and special occasions.
As a floriculture graduate, one of the details I appreciate most is the presentation. The plating is stunning, often accented with edible flowers and artistic touches that elevate each dish into something memorable.
The staff consistently delivers attentive service, and the restaurant does an outstanding job accommodating larger groups and reservations. For companies hosting customer dinners during World Pork Expo or industry professionals looking for a fine dining experience after a busy day, Irina’s offers an impressive setting to gather and connect.
Heading North to Ames? Two More Iowa Favorites Worth the Drive
While most World Pork Expo visitors stay in the Des Moines metro, many exhibitors, suppliers, and pork industry professionals choose accommodations in Ames, especially during busy Expo week. If you’re staying north of Des Moines or making your way through central Iowa, there are two iconic Ames restaurants that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Aunt Maude’s – Elevated Iowa Dining
Located in the heart of downtown Ames, Aunt Maude’s has built a reputation for offering one of the finest dining experiences in central Iowa. The restaurant focuses on chef-driven cuisine, exceptional service, and beautifully crafted presentations that make every meal feel special.
One menu item that immediately caught my attention is the Smoked Pork Tenderloin, served with smoked Maytag Blue Cheese mashed potatoes, Ray Olson’s sweet corn, and a rich port wine demi-glace. As someone who enjoys seeing pork elevated into a true culinary experience, this dish is absolutely stunning—and even better, it’s delicious. The combination of Iowa pork, Iowa-grown sweet corn, and Maytag Blue Cheese creates a plate that showcases some of the best flavors our state has to offer.
For those entertaining customers, hosting industry dinners, or simply looking for an exceptional meal after a long day at World Pork Expo, Aunt Maude’s delivers an experience that is both refined and uniquely Iowa.
Hickory Park Restaurant Co. – An Ames Tradition Since 1970
No discussion about Ames dining would be complete without mentioning Hickory Park.
For generations of Iowa State University students, alumni, and visitors, Hickory Park has been a must-stop destination. Established in 1970, the restaurant has become one of the most recognizable dining landmarks in Iowa and is widely known for its hickory-smoked meats, generous portions, family-friendly atmosphere, and legendary ice cream desserts.
The menu is packed with barbecue favorites, including smoked pork, ribs, homemade smoked sausage, pork sandwiches, and combination barbecue platters. But what truly makes Hickory Park iconic is the experience itself. Generations of families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, football weekends, and special occasions within its walls.
If you’ve never visited Ames before, Hickory Park offers a classic slice of Iowa restaurant history. And if you have visited before, chances are you already have a favorite menu item—or at least a favorite ice cream sundae.
Whether you’re enjoying a smoked pork dinner or finishing your meal with one of their famous desserts, Hickory Park remains one of Iowa’s most beloved restaurant traditions more than 50 years after opening its doors.
If you’re enjoying Ames, Iowa, during the World Pork Expo, discover more amazing visitor locations at Discover Ames.
More Than Just a Trade Show
World Pork Expo is known as the largest pork-specific trade show in the world, bringing together people from every corner of the pork industry. But one of the things that makes the Des Moines and Ames areas special is the opportunity to experience Iowa hospitality beyond the fairgrounds.
From award-winning pork chops and legendary tenderloins to slow-smoked barbecue and upscale dining, these hometown favorites help showcase the pride Iowa takes in agriculture, food, and welcoming visitors from across the country.
If you’re visiting Des Moines or Ames for World Pork Expo this year, I encourage you to venture beyond the fairgrounds and experience some of the local restaurants that make Iowa’s capital city and central Iowa such a memorable destination.
After all, great conversations about agriculture often begin around a great meal.