2 Iowa Spots Made USA Today’s 2026 ‘Restaurants of the Year’ List

USA Today has put out their annual list of the Restaurants of the Year, and out of the 39 restaurants chosen for 2026, TWO of them are from the Hawkeye State! Here are details on both of those restaurants:

Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew

Iowa isn't a state typically known for its BBQ, but with restaurants like Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in Luther, maybe it should be! Described by Des Moines Register writer Susan Stapleton as a "a blip on the map in the middle of nowhere," this former gas station and motorcycle shop is a popular pit stop for drivers on Highway 17. The article reads:

"People come from all over Iowa to wait in line for Central Texas-style fatty brisket so tender it melts in your mouth, burnt ends cubed for weekly specials, and pulled pork that’s dry-rubbed with five spices and smoked for 12-14 hours for deep flavor and bark."

According to the restaurant's website, Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew first opened its doors in June of 2017 and underwent a change in ownership in 2021. In 2023, the BBQ joint made its official Iowa State Fair debut, and every year since, its unique food creations have been in the top 3 finalists for the Best New Fair Food competition! The first year is was for the Iowa Twinkie, 2024's finalist was the Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll, and last year's honoree was the Three Little Pigs.

All of the meat served at Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew are smoked daily, and all of the sides and desserts are made from scratch each day, too. Some of the menu favorites from reviewers on Google include the brisket, pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, cornbread, and ribs. It has a very high rating of 4.7 stars, with nearly 3,000 total reviews!

You can check out the menu and get more information about Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew on the restaurant's official website HERE.

Prime & Providence

The other Iowa restaurant to make USA Today's 2026 list has only been around for a couple of years, but its already made a name for itself in the Des Moines culinary scene. It's called Prime & Providence, and it's located at 595 S 60th Street in West Des Moines.

While Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew is more of a casual, laid back restaurant, Prime & Providence is a bit more sophisticated and upscale. Susan Stapleton of the Des Moines Register writes:

"Opened in May 2024 by chef and co-owner Dominic Iannarelli, the restaurant is built around live-fire cooking on a custom-designed 15-foot hearth using Fogo Charcoal, which gives dishes such as show-stopping Caesar salad, Wagyu steaks and rolled lasagnas a distinct smoky depth. The ambiance is warm and elegant, featuring statement lighting, a spectacular wine wall, and liquor lockers for purchase."

Some of Prime & Providence's menu highlights from reviews on Google include the coal-fired filet mignon, the Lasagnatolo, the triple-cooked bacon appetizer, the shellfish towers, the mac & cheese, the side of rainbow carrots, the crab bisque, and the P&P Surf & Turf.

Prime & Providence is open daily for cocktail hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and dinner in the dining room from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. They also have a 'Sunday Dinner for Two' on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., which features a special three-course menu for $99. You can check out the full menu and additional information about Prime & Providence HERE.

Other Midwest Picks

Iowa isn't the only Midwest state to be represented on USA Today's list! Here are the other picks from neighboring states:

• Birch - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Skogen Kitchen - Custer, South Dakota
• Veritas - Columbus, Ohio
• Mita's - Cincinnati, Ohio
• Spencer - Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Bluebeard - Indianapolis, Indiana

Check out all 39 of USA Today's best restaurants for 2026 HERE.

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