In Cedar Rapids, Backyard BBQ is more than just a dining establishment—it’s a rebirth of space and soul. The building, which was formerly a bowling alley, is now alive with conversation, laughter, and the heady smell of smoked meats that fills the air like a beacon to anyone within blocks. The change is eerily reminiscent of a forgotten song making a comeback to the charts, reminding everyone of its enduring appeal.
The menu is surprisingly effective despite its apparent simplicity. Ribs tenderly peel from the bone, pulled pork melts in its own juices, loaded fries beg you to finish them, and slow-smoked brisket arrives with a rich smoke ring and a subtle bark. One particularly inventive dish that combines two traditions into one mouthwatering bite is the smash burger, which is layered with brisket and onions pressed into a caramelized crust.
Restaurant Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Backyard BBQ |
| Location | 2020 Scotty Dr SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 |
| Phone | +1 319-247-0747 |
| Cuisine | Central Texas-style barbecue, smash burgers, comfort foods |
| Price Range | $10–20 per person |
| Hours | Mon–Sun, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Special Features | 14,000 sq. ft. indoor turf & sports area, private event rentals, sports-themed dining |
| Opened | June 15, 2025 |
Customers comment on how the execution has significantly enhanced Cedar Rapids’ dining options. Although barbecue is not new to Iowa, Backyard BBQ focuses on Central Texas techniques, such as hardwood smoke, pride, patience, and little seasoning. The restaurant feels remarkably clear in its mission: to let the meat tell its story—by emphasizing quality over gimmicks.
The story is enhanced by the design. Tables made from repurposed bowling lanes have symbolic value because they combine the past and present to create a setting that both celebrates memories and creates new ones. This gesture, which turns nostalgia into a dining surface where brisket plates and cold beers now rest, feels both private and public.
The buzz is increased by reviews. Customers rave about burgers that strike a balance between crispy exteriors and tender interiors, ribs that are incredibly effective at providing both flavor and satisfaction, and service that is characterized as being incredibly dependable. The fact that one local said the brisket burger was one of the best meals he had ever had shows how Backyard BBQ is already changing the way people in the area think about food.
The restaurant becomes extremely versatile by utilizing its 14,000-square-foot indoor turf to harness sports-friendly energy. It serves as a location for birthday parties, game viewing, and community event rentals in addition to being a place for family dinners. Its dual purpose as a social center and smokehouse makes it especially advantageous for Cedar Rapids, a city in need of multipurpose gathering places.
It seemed like a cultural milestone when it opened in June 2025. Social media was inundated with positive reviews from local Facebook groups, food bloggers, and even casual diners. The success of Backyard BBQ demonstrates the immense power of genuine word-of-mouth, much like how small-town bands can occasionally become well-known through grassroots support.
Affordability is important. The experience is surprisingly inexpensive, with most plates costing between $10 and $20, making it accessible to a wide range of demographics. Everyone is welcome to join at the same table, whether they are professionals in need of comfort food after a demanding day or construction workers looking for filling meals after long shifts. Backyard BBQ has been a remarkably resilient addition to Cedar Rapids’ dining scene because of its inclusivity.
There is no better time than now. Many people yearned for community-focused venues where food is just one of the attractions during the pandemic. Backyard BBQ does just that, turning meals into experiences and dining into a ritual that unites people much more quickly than many traditional dining establishments.
Regional pride has always been associated with barbecue, but Backyard BBQ transcends those boundaries. In Texas, brisket is the ultimate food; in Kansas City, identity is defined by sauce; in Carolina, tradition is marked by tangy vinegar. With Backyard BBQ, Cedar Rapids now contributes its own voice to this national conversation by providing a taste of Texas that is distinctly Iowan in its friendliness and warmth.
It has a cultural as well as a culinary impact. It changes people’s ideas of what a restaurant can be, fostering community ties while also satisfying patrons’ appetites. Backyard BBQ highlights a particularly creative trend: food establishments as lifestyle destinations that seamlessly blend social interaction, leisure, and dining.
Backyard BBQ has accomplished more than just opening a restaurant by taking back a bowling alley and bringing smoke, flavor, and camaraderie to the space. It has written a tale of resiliency, creativity, and civic pride. It demonstrates that great experiences don’t require a metropolitan setting to shine and reflects Cedar Rapids’ confidence in standing alongside bigger cities in food culture.