This being my first time in Iowa, it was only a matter of time until I tried a famous pork tenderloin sandwich. Tons of reviews led me to Smitty's, and I was definitely happy with my choice. The beading is definitely the key, and as you can see from some of the pics, they are not small. My only issue, as with other large sandwiches, is what to do with the excess meat spilling from the bun. If you're like me and love bread, then you'll be left with almost a full sandwich's worth of meat, and nothing else to eat it with. Still it was a great sandwich, tons of fried-porky flavor. I loved the feel of this place, it's so tiny and definitely fits the bill of "hole in the wall".
(4)
Craig Z.
Mom and pops. Place was alright. Prices high for the portions.
(3)
Lawrence A.
I heard about Smitty's and was coming to Iowa for the obligatory family visit. How convenient, they are a 5 minute drive (maybe less) from DSM! I love this place and it will be a part of my Iowa return going forward. Friendly and efficient staff along with great food and reasonable prices! You've made a HUGE fan out of me!
(5)
Mike B.
I ate at Smitty's in 2003 and again this year. It was inexpensive, filling, and in general a fun place. The tenderloin is at least twice the diameter of the bun and misleadingly large--you think "it's so thin--maybe I should order two of them." I don't suggest following through with this. I especially like that they have a counter. The onion rings were pretty good, and my colleague said the milkshake was "just like I'd make when I was a kid." I think that was good. They seemed to be doing a lot of take-out business. Just a note: Google thought they were open until 2130, but they close at 2100.
(4)
Mike P.
I finally was able to get back to Smitty's recently after living in Oregon for three years. There was only one breaded tenderloin shop in Portland and it was a German style that had way too many ingredients. Smitty's keeps it simple. I opted for the large King breaded tenderloin sandwich for $6.50. The breading was light and crispy with the meat hanging way over the bun like a Frank Lloyd Wright cantilever. This sandwich was worth the three year wait! There's a lot to like about this family operated business that's been serving the South side since 1952. My only complaint is the use of styrofoam for water and take-out containers as they take over 500 years to dissolve. smittystenderloins.com (how sweet are the Smitty's t-shirts!?) ++++ Un-chain and support local businesses ++++
(4)
Jennifer T.
I've been coming to Smitty's since I was in elementary school- 30+ years. The tenderloin is the thing to get. They are pounded thin, breaded, and fried, just the way I like them. I buy the queen sized which is still quite large. I usually eat half and save the rest for lunch the next day. The quality has always been consistent for all three decades I've been a customer!
(5)
Pinaki S.
A must visit when in Des Moines. Pro tip: the veggie tenderloin is not vegetarian.
(5)
Caroline M.
Finally had a real Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich! A small tenderloin sandwich is plenty, as others have noted. I got a chocolate malt and shared some crispy onion rings. Be sure to fast at least 8 hours before dining here :) Then plan on a nap afterward. Just sayin'.
(4)
Ellen C.
Iowa is known for its corn, but it's also famous for its pork. So when I booked a flight to Des Moines to visit my parents in northern Iowa, I searched online for the best tenderloin shop in the city. And I think I found it. Smitty's has been around for more than 60 years, and you can tell. The decor may look old, but it's clean and quaint, and the waitstaff is great. My husband and I split a "small" king tenderloin and an order of onion rings. I put "small" in quotation marks because the small sandwich was easily enough for two, and it was delicious -- exactly what I expected from an Iowa pork tenderloin: crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The onion rings were great, too, although I wish I would've tried the chili cheese fries, because they looked fantastic. This small family-owned restaurant is super close to the airport, so if you're in the area (or you're a local who hasn't been here yet -- as if!), I recommend stopping in. Just bring a healthy appetite, and don't worry about loading up your wallet. We got out of there for $10, tip included!
(4)
Scott A.
This place is the real deal. Super fast and friendly service. Tenderloin sandwich was outstanding (ordered with mustard, pickles, and onion). I also recommend the onion rings. Place was clean, and the staff kept up with the lunch rush. Highly recommended.
(5)
Jess P.
Upon walking in, the place reeks of old-fashioned authenticity! It's been around since 1952. They display their awards and newspaper clippings with pride. The menu is simple - pork tenderloin sandwiches, burgers, fries, potato rounds (which I'm accustomed to calling tater tots) and shakes/malts. The waitress was very nice. I got the king tenderloin SMALL and I only ate half. That thing is ridiculous! It wayy overlaps the bun. I got pickles and chopped onions on it and put my own mustard and ketchup on different parts of it as I chose. I wanted to actually taste the tenderloin on it's own for some bites. I'm not sure how they cook it, but it doesn't taste fried. The breading is crumbly, like a cookie that isn't sweet. The pork tenderloin, itself, is thin as it's supposed to be, yet still thick enough to be juicy. Yum! The potato rounds were good, but the cheese sauce we got with them was kinda runny and strange. I also got a small shake (which was actually small lol) vanilla and chocolate mixed together, which was good. I'm a fan and I hope they stay around 70 more years!
(5)
Clem M.
This place is located close to the airport. A small place with a huge tenderloin. The tenderloin is nicely breaded and has excellent flavor. The bun was a little dry. The cheddar cheese balls were molten balls of heaven. The staff could be a little more friendly, I think sometimes people who work at a business don't realize that how they treat a customer means whether a customer will come back or not. I will be back to try a burger, hoping for a friendly staff!
(4)
Bob B.
Talk about a throw back, south side, joint...Smitty's is it. Real people, real food it's a step back in time. Service was fast, people were nice, food was hot right out of the fryer...you order it, they fry it!...no heat lamps or microwaves! So why 4 stars? WAY too much mustard!...Geemenee...mustard is strong stuff. I suggest ordering with just onions and pickles and then adding your own ketchup and mustard. PS, It's fried food folks...you really have to eat it in short order, getting it to go and eating it 30 minutes later is bound to disappoint...fried food just doesn't travel well.
(4)
Steve K.
I am from near Chicago so to find a place LIKE I have missed so much while living in Iowa... this restaurant was a rarity! The restaurant is small. But unique. I loved the small atmosphere and the owner/wait staff was very friendly. We ordered the tenderloin as well as the chili burger. Although the tenderloin is what has been the foundation of this restaurant's bragging, I thought the burger was unique and held a bragging quality all on its own. My girls loved the burgers. The restaurant has a real small town charm to it and we will return soon!
(5)
Bill L.
I enjoy supporting local businesses and usually rate them high since they usually have high quality food, it was a little bit different in this case. I had my fiance bring me a King size tenderloin and fries because I was hungry at work. I have heard lots of hype about how good their tenderloins are so I was excited to try it. I was pretty disappointed when I ate the tenderloin, it was dry and did not have a good meat to breading ratio. I was expecting much more. The fries were excellent however. I guess my taste may be different from others. I will no doubt actually come to the store and try their other items to get a better gauge of their food quality and see how their service is.
(3)
Amanda M.
Amazing tenderloins. I eat these whenever I bust and this time I got off the plane and drove right there. Crispy and delicious!!!
(5)
Naura G.
Homemade onion rings & hand breaded tenderloins. The breading is a little crumb-y, but paired with a strawberry shake it was an excellent lunch at a long time Des Moines institution. The large king tenderloin is huge, and can feed two hungry adults!
(3)
Brett L.
You dont stay open as long as Smittys without having good food, and Smittys definitely has good food. People like to compare Nicks Tenderloins (a little further down Army Post Rd) to Smittys, but I think both are very good. Nicks are thicker and juicier, while Smittys tenderloins are very thin, but have a nice crunch to them. I go to whichever place I'm closer to if I want a tenderloin. Smitty's onion rings are awesome too, so get a large order of those when you're in there too. Smitty's is a small diner-type place, but the veteran staff is usually attentive. If you live in Iowa, you owe it to yourself to visit here. Binge a little bit and get a King Loin, Onion Rings and a chocolate malt. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
Megan M.
Great food and really fun atmosphere. Love the good old fashioned burgers, tenderloins, fries, cheese balls, and malts. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Kevin L.
I didn't like it. Got the tenderloin sandwich it tastes like pork covered in saltine crackers. The pickles and onions on it make it taste like a weird White Castle burger. Also got chili cheese fries, they were probably a 2.5/5.0 still my favorite part of the meal. Also they served me my water in a teeny tiny cup, please give me a bigger cup. It's just water.
(2)
Rick H.
Small restaurant, full at lunchtime. Friendly atmosphere, prompt service. I ordered the large tenderloin, which is ridiculously large for the bun. Medium would have been a better choice. Breading was thin and crisp. Unfortunately, I found the tenderloin to be thin, hard, dry and over-cooked. There was no seasoning in the breading or on the meat, and it was very bland. It was frankly disappointing, considering the many rave reviews. Comes with onion and pickle, but no lettuce? A pork tenderloin sandwich should have lettuce. Nothing here I would rush to come back to. The onion rings were very good.
(3)
AF W.
After driving by this place for the last 7 years, I finally give it a try. Parking lot always full. Had the king tenderloin, should have had the small one. Very good but to much to eat, maybe should have split with my wife. Onion rings are good. Place is small but we got right in, waitress was friendly. Only thing I had trouble with, but not big deal was she wore flip flops. We will go back. We like to eat at non-chain places, keep it local.
(4)
M B.
This was simply awesome. Had heard about tenderloin sandwiches all week while in Des Moines but had not had one. Yelped this place when headed to airport and this was just great. Oh and onion rings rocked as well.
(5)
Jimmy C.
They make a big deal about the tenderloins here, and it was recommended. Not really a big deal. Frozen tenderloins out of a box. Keep looking if you are in search of a good tenderloin.
(2)
Donald Y.
I finally had a chance to try this and I am glad I did. Very good tenderloins and onion rings. The normal size tenderloin is plenty big for regular sized person. I don't want to know how big the larger one is. The onion rings are hand cut and breaded, not some frozen crap you see elsewhere. Prices are fairly reasonable too. The shop itself is pretty small, and parking can be kind of a pain, but if those are the only two complaints then they must be doing something right. I definitely recommend it.
(4)
Marco R.
I grew up in Des Moines back when Smitty's was closer to the airport. Overall a very good to excellent tenderloin. Was back visiting family recently and the loins were fantastic!!!
(5)
Mark J.
Great pork tenderloin. Nice and thin, so not greasy. Recommend the small. It's filling. Chocolate malt was handmade and yum yum.
(5)
Andrea T.
This small restaurant is a hidden Iowa gem. Hidden Iowa gem of tenderloins that is! I did not realize just how close it is to the airport which would make it an easy stop for those visiting Iowa and wanting the true tenderloin experience. The place was small but I was impressed with how clean it was. We were not sure when we entered if we were to sit down and order or go to the counter. We found out you sit down and order. The menu consists of lots of deep fried food or other artery clogging goodness. The small tenderloin is plenty. Even my husband, who got the large, said later that the small would have been enough for him. We split fries, which are crinkle cut. The tenderloins have a great crispy outside and more meat than you would typically get other places. I highly recommend this place for the true Iowa tenderloin experience!
(4)
Steve C.
I have been eating here since the 1960's when I lived here. Now, when in town, I make a point of stopping here. The tenderloin just does not get any better then this! They are located near the airport. Makes it easy when traveling.
(5)
Jese S.
How can I not stop at a restaurant that bears my own name? I had picked my brother up from the airport and he wanted a snack. Again, pull out my trust Yelp App and figure out what sounded good. When I mentioned the word tenderloin his eyes lit up and so we headed off with the GPS set. Nearly drove past the place as it caught us a bit off guard based on the directions. I think I was told it used to be a gas station and it certainly looked like a small convenient store turned restaurant. Walking you have a full view of the kitchen. This consists of a few deep fryers and a freezer. What more do you really need? A few small tables and a counter. The staff was really nice and the guy who talked my brother into the Onion Rings was fun. Placing order, decisions, decisions, decisions. My brother opted for the king, I am not sure why as it was bigger then his head. It looked like a slider bun was used on it, the bread to meat ratio was WAY off. He also decided on a box of Onion Rings. Now the box is one of the white styrofoam to go boxes with no dividers in it, packed full of fried oniony goodness. This box we were told is equal to 4 regular orders. We did not need this many onion rings no way no how. They were really good though, real onion rings, not the chopped up ones. Fried just right, but could have used a little more salt. They were a bit bland but once in a while you would come to one that got hit with the salt. I guess on the other end of things, they could have been too salty, I prefer less to too much. I ate 1/2 of a regular which was too much, and my brother half of a king and both some onion rings on our 2 hour journey after getting everything to go. What happened to the left overs? Well, my other half was breakfast the next morning.. Don't judge! My brothers other half was a late night snack and the entire other sandwich was lunch for our cousins. As for the remaining full box of onion rings? They went towards the topping for the green bean casserole for Saturday supper.
(4)
Stephanie C.
After just arriving in Iowa, we saw that they had tenderloins! They are just how I grew up eating them. Very good! Their chocolate milkshake and the mushrooms were great as well. Everyone was so friendly . We love this family ran business!
(5)
Mikael R.
As some others here have stated, any part of just about anything they served that wasn't salted was completely bland. Everything I had, small loin sandwich, onion rings, etc. was covered in more breading than the contents within. Definitely not novel or tasty enough to warrant returning.
(2)
Phil T.
A 50+ year old handed down w/in family establishment! Need I say more? This place is serving exactly how it was from when it opened. It's not fancy, menu isn't overdone, and people are always coming in n out. Perfect diner, that you would most likely see on triple D, but it hasn't made it there yet. I already checked. Lol. Tenderloin was pretty flawless. Breading had great crunch n the amount of breading to pork was right on. Ordered the taco, basically it's the chili cheese w lettuce n tomato. The onion rings had a beautiful crunch n flavored decently. Only complaint it's not a five, was the bun. It's your typical hamburger bun "Wonder ". It's cheap, doesn't soak up anything well, n just does more damage than good. I understand tradition probably the same bun used in the 50s, but I guess an option of a better bun would be cool to see. Other than that not many places you will go to see these days where random conversation with a guy behind the counter for 15 mins n ends up being the owner. Hands down cool guy and staff is country nice! :) Just like the Iowa gas stations...This is a must! Kum and go type of place but inbetween you will eat! haha. ;)
(4)
Kris B.
Wow. Inedible. Deep fried nightmare. You call this food? We ordered takeout for out hotel room, and after eating a few bites we threw it in the trash and went to Bennigans.
(1)
Monica S.
Tasty, traditional Iowa tenderloins! Even the 'small' is large! Everything here is fried, but who cares?! It's all good.
(4)
Rebecca W.
I have a horrible confession to make-much to the horror of my husband and daughter I'm really not that into Smitty's tenderloins. They're just a little too thin for my taste. But fear not-I'm always happy to go to Smitty's with them to indulge their tenderloin cravings because the Vegetable cheeseburger rocks my world (and I'm not a big burger eater) and they have some great cheese sticks.
(5)
Dustin N.
Maybe I'm the only person that likes meat on a tenderloin sandwich. The pork is sliced so thin it's all breading and very bland. At least it's cheap and I was full.
(2)
Matthew C.
I remember coming here ~12 years ago and sitting in a booth with my father, step-mother and brother. We ordered our food and were making conversation and my father noticed a markedly obese customer sitting a few tables away. Not really intentionally, my brother and I looked too and the man noticed us. He then got a big grin on his face and said very loudly "Well, you don't see a salad bar in here, do you?" Everybody in the joint laughed. While being a testament to the good-natured Iowa people, that guy demonstrates a valuable lesson: Moderation. Breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches are like crack, alcohol, sex with strangers, or many other of the wonderful things in life; best when enjoyed in moderation. The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is the star of the show at Smitty's. This deliciously oversized sandwich is what made this place an institution in Des Moines. It is so popular, they offer frozen versions that can be shipped to prodigal customers nationwide. The pork is pressed thin and cooked perfectly in a crunchy breading and served overhanging a woefully small bun. You get your choice of toppings, I like mine with mustard, ketchup and onion. It is, quite frankly, delicious. If you are curious what this "Umami" everybody is talking about is, try these sandwiches. If you really feel like stopping your heart, opt for the chili cheese variety. Obscenely large portions of sides are available; onion rings seem to be the favorite. However, I usually forgo the fried stuff and get a milkshake to accompany my King. Perfection. This place has been around for something like 50 years and is a perennial local favorite. Barring any obesity liability lawsuits in the future, I don't see the popularity of this place diminishing. It's just so so so damn good. Two tips: 1) They are closed Mondays. 2) Enjoy in moderation.
(5)
Steve M.
Fantastic pork tenderloin sandwich that was nicely accompanied with a milkshake. The milkshake was more like a frosty since it was very thick, but very delicious all the same. Rated by metromix as the second best pork tenderloin sandwich in Des Moines. I'll have to try B&B grocery who was rated #1. Didn't try the onion rings but they looked amazing. I ordered the small King tenderloin (oxymoron) which was plenty of food and quite cheap. I'll definitely return whenever I'm craving a pork tenderloin sandwich.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Mark S.
This being my first time in Iowa, it was only a matter of time until I tried a famous pork tenderloin sandwich. Tons of reviews led me to Smitty's, and I was definitely happy with my choice. The beading is definitely the key, and as you can see from some of the pics, they are not small. My only issue, as with other large sandwiches, is what to do with the excess meat spilling from the bun. If you're like me and love bread, then you'll be left with almost a full sandwich's worth of meat, and nothing else to eat it with. Still it was a great sandwich, tons of fried-porky flavor. I loved the feel of this place, it's so tiny and definitely fits the bill of "hole in the wall".
(4)Craig Z.
Mom and pops. Place was alright. Prices high for the portions.
(3)Lawrence A.
I heard about Smitty's and was coming to Iowa for the obligatory family visit. How convenient, they are a 5 minute drive (maybe less) from DSM! I love this place and it will be a part of my Iowa return going forward. Friendly and efficient staff along with great food and reasonable prices! You've made a HUGE fan out of me!
(5)Mike B.
I ate at Smitty's in 2003 and again this year. It was inexpensive, filling, and in general a fun place. The tenderloin is at least twice the diameter of the bun and misleadingly large--you think "it's so thin--maybe I should order two of them." I don't suggest following through with this. I especially like that they have a counter. The onion rings were pretty good, and my colleague said the milkshake was "just like I'd make when I was a kid." I think that was good. They seemed to be doing a lot of take-out business. Just a note: Google thought they were open until 2130, but they close at 2100.
(4)Mike P.
I finally was able to get back to Smitty's recently after living in Oregon for three years. There was only one breaded tenderloin shop in Portland and it was a German style that had way too many ingredients. Smitty's keeps it simple. I opted for the large King breaded tenderloin sandwich for $6.50. The breading was light and crispy with the meat hanging way over the bun like a Frank Lloyd Wright cantilever. This sandwich was worth the three year wait! There's a lot to like about this family operated business that's been serving the South side since 1952. My only complaint is the use of styrofoam for water and take-out containers as they take over 500 years to dissolve. smittystenderloins.com (how sweet are the Smitty's t-shirts!?) ++++ Un-chain and support local businesses ++++
(4)Jennifer T.
I've been coming to Smitty's since I was in elementary school- 30+ years. The tenderloin is the thing to get. They are pounded thin, breaded, and fried, just the way I like them. I buy the queen sized which is still quite large. I usually eat half and save the rest for lunch the next day. The quality has always been consistent for all three decades I've been a customer!
(5)Pinaki S.
A must visit when in Des Moines. Pro tip: the veggie tenderloin is not vegetarian.
(5)Caroline M.
Finally had a real Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich! A small tenderloin sandwich is plenty, as others have noted. I got a chocolate malt and shared some crispy onion rings. Be sure to fast at least 8 hours before dining here :) Then plan on a nap afterward. Just sayin'.
(4)Ellen C.
Iowa is known for its corn, but it's also famous for its pork. So when I booked a flight to Des Moines to visit my parents in northern Iowa, I searched online for the best tenderloin shop in the city. And I think I found it. Smitty's has been around for more than 60 years, and you can tell. The decor may look old, but it's clean and quaint, and the waitstaff is great. My husband and I split a "small" king tenderloin and an order of onion rings. I put "small" in quotation marks because the small sandwich was easily enough for two, and it was delicious -- exactly what I expected from an Iowa pork tenderloin: crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The onion rings were great, too, although I wish I would've tried the chili cheese fries, because they looked fantastic. This small family-owned restaurant is super close to the airport, so if you're in the area (or you're a local who hasn't been here yet -- as if!), I recommend stopping in. Just bring a healthy appetite, and don't worry about loading up your wallet. We got out of there for $10, tip included!
(4)Scott A.
This place is the real deal. Super fast and friendly service. Tenderloin sandwich was outstanding (ordered with mustard, pickles, and onion). I also recommend the onion rings. Place was clean, and the staff kept up with the lunch rush. Highly recommended.
(5)Jess P.
Upon walking in, the place reeks of old-fashioned authenticity! It's been around since 1952. They display their awards and newspaper clippings with pride. The menu is simple - pork tenderloin sandwiches, burgers, fries, potato rounds (which I'm accustomed to calling tater tots) and shakes/malts. The waitress was very nice. I got the king tenderloin SMALL and I only ate half. That thing is ridiculous! It wayy overlaps the bun. I got pickles and chopped onions on it and put my own mustard and ketchup on different parts of it as I chose. I wanted to actually taste the tenderloin on it's own for some bites. I'm not sure how they cook it, but it doesn't taste fried. The breading is crumbly, like a cookie that isn't sweet. The pork tenderloin, itself, is thin as it's supposed to be, yet still thick enough to be juicy. Yum! The potato rounds were good, but the cheese sauce we got with them was kinda runny and strange. I also got a small shake (which was actually small lol) vanilla and chocolate mixed together, which was good. I'm a fan and I hope they stay around 70 more years!
(5)Clem M.
This place is located close to the airport. A small place with a huge tenderloin. The tenderloin is nicely breaded and has excellent flavor. The bun was a little dry. The cheddar cheese balls were molten balls of heaven. The staff could be a little more friendly, I think sometimes people who work at a business don't realize that how they treat a customer means whether a customer will come back or not. I will be back to try a burger, hoping for a friendly staff!
(4)Bob B.
Talk about a throw back, south side, joint...Smitty's is it. Real people, real food it's a step back in time. Service was fast, people were nice, food was hot right out of the fryer...you order it, they fry it!...no heat lamps or microwaves! So why 4 stars? WAY too much mustard!...Geemenee...mustard is strong stuff. I suggest ordering with just onions and pickles and then adding your own ketchup and mustard. PS, It's fried food folks...you really have to eat it in short order, getting it to go and eating it 30 minutes later is bound to disappoint...fried food just doesn't travel well.
(4)Steve K.
I am from near Chicago so to find a place LIKE I have missed so much while living in Iowa... this restaurant was a rarity! The restaurant is small. But unique. I loved the small atmosphere and the owner/wait staff was very friendly. We ordered the tenderloin as well as the chili burger. Although the tenderloin is what has been the foundation of this restaurant's bragging, I thought the burger was unique and held a bragging quality all on its own. My girls loved the burgers. The restaurant has a real small town charm to it and we will return soon!
(5)Bill L.
I enjoy supporting local businesses and usually rate them high since they usually have high quality food, it was a little bit different in this case. I had my fiance bring me a King size tenderloin and fries because I was hungry at work. I have heard lots of hype about how good their tenderloins are so I was excited to try it. I was pretty disappointed when I ate the tenderloin, it was dry and did not have a good meat to breading ratio. I was expecting much more. The fries were excellent however. I guess my taste may be different from others. I will no doubt actually come to the store and try their other items to get a better gauge of their food quality and see how their service is.
(3)Amanda M.
Amazing tenderloins. I eat these whenever I bust and this time I got off the plane and drove right there. Crispy and delicious!!!
(5)Naura G.
Homemade onion rings & hand breaded tenderloins. The breading is a little crumb-y, but paired with a strawberry shake it was an excellent lunch at a long time Des Moines institution. The large king tenderloin is huge, and can feed two hungry adults!
(3)Brett L.
You dont stay open as long as Smittys without having good food, and Smittys definitely has good food. People like to compare Nicks Tenderloins (a little further down Army Post Rd) to Smittys, but I think both are very good. Nicks are thicker and juicier, while Smittys tenderloins are very thin, but have a nice crunch to them. I go to whichever place I'm closer to if I want a tenderloin. Smitty's onion rings are awesome too, so get a large order of those when you're in there too. Smitty's is a small diner-type place, but the veteran staff is usually attentive. If you live in Iowa, you owe it to yourself to visit here. Binge a little bit and get a King Loin, Onion Rings and a chocolate malt. You'll be glad you did.
(4)Megan M.
Great food and really fun atmosphere. Love the good old fashioned burgers, tenderloins, fries, cheese balls, and malts. You can't go wrong.
(5)Kevin L.
I didn't like it. Got the tenderloin sandwich it tastes like pork covered in saltine crackers. The pickles and onions on it make it taste like a weird White Castle burger. Also got chili cheese fries, they were probably a 2.5/5.0 still my favorite part of the meal. Also they served me my water in a teeny tiny cup, please give me a bigger cup. It's just water.
(2)Rick H.
Small restaurant, full at lunchtime. Friendly atmosphere, prompt service. I ordered the large tenderloin, which is ridiculously large for the bun. Medium would have been a better choice. Breading was thin and crisp. Unfortunately, I found the tenderloin to be thin, hard, dry and over-cooked. There was no seasoning in the breading or on the meat, and it was very bland. It was frankly disappointing, considering the many rave reviews. Comes with onion and pickle, but no lettuce? A pork tenderloin sandwich should have lettuce. Nothing here I would rush to come back to. The onion rings were very good.
(3)AF W.
After driving by this place for the last 7 years, I finally give it a try. Parking lot always full. Had the king tenderloin, should have had the small one. Very good but to much to eat, maybe should have split with my wife. Onion rings are good. Place is small but we got right in, waitress was friendly. Only thing I had trouble with, but not big deal was she wore flip flops. We will go back. We like to eat at non-chain places, keep it local.
(4)M B.
This was simply awesome. Had heard about tenderloin sandwiches all week while in Des Moines but had not had one. Yelped this place when headed to airport and this was just great. Oh and onion rings rocked as well.
(5)Jimmy C.
They make a big deal about the tenderloins here, and it was recommended. Not really a big deal. Frozen tenderloins out of a box. Keep looking if you are in search of a good tenderloin.
(2)Donald Y.
I finally had a chance to try this and I am glad I did. Very good tenderloins and onion rings. The normal size tenderloin is plenty big for regular sized person. I don't want to know how big the larger one is. The onion rings are hand cut and breaded, not some frozen crap you see elsewhere. Prices are fairly reasonable too. The shop itself is pretty small, and parking can be kind of a pain, but if those are the only two complaints then they must be doing something right. I definitely recommend it.
(4)Marco R.
I grew up in Des Moines back when Smitty's was closer to the airport. Overall a very good to excellent tenderloin. Was back visiting family recently and the loins were fantastic!!!
(5)Mark J.
Great pork tenderloin. Nice and thin, so not greasy. Recommend the small. It's filling. Chocolate malt was handmade and yum yum.
(5)Andrea T.
This small restaurant is a hidden Iowa gem. Hidden Iowa gem of tenderloins that is! I did not realize just how close it is to the airport which would make it an easy stop for those visiting Iowa and wanting the true tenderloin experience. The place was small but I was impressed with how clean it was. We were not sure when we entered if we were to sit down and order or go to the counter. We found out you sit down and order. The menu consists of lots of deep fried food or other artery clogging goodness. The small tenderloin is plenty. Even my husband, who got the large, said later that the small would have been enough for him. We split fries, which are crinkle cut. The tenderloins have a great crispy outside and more meat than you would typically get other places. I highly recommend this place for the true Iowa tenderloin experience!
(4)Steve C.
I have been eating here since the 1960's when I lived here. Now, when in town, I make a point of stopping here. The tenderloin just does not get any better then this! They are located near the airport. Makes it easy when traveling.
(5)Jese S.
How can I not stop at a restaurant that bears my own name? I had picked my brother up from the airport and he wanted a snack. Again, pull out my trust Yelp App and figure out what sounded good. When I mentioned the word tenderloin his eyes lit up and so we headed off with the GPS set. Nearly drove past the place as it caught us a bit off guard based on the directions. I think I was told it used to be a gas station and it certainly looked like a small convenient store turned restaurant. Walking you have a full view of the kitchen. This consists of a few deep fryers and a freezer. What more do you really need? A few small tables and a counter. The staff was really nice and the guy who talked my brother into the Onion Rings was fun. Placing order, decisions, decisions, decisions. My brother opted for the king, I am not sure why as it was bigger then his head. It looked like a slider bun was used on it, the bread to meat ratio was WAY off. He also decided on a box of Onion Rings. Now the box is one of the white styrofoam to go boxes with no dividers in it, packed full of fried oniony goodness. This box we were told is equal to 4 regular orders. We did not need this many onion rings no way no how. They were really good though, real onion rings, not the chopped up ones. Fried just right, but could have used a little more salt. They were a bit bland but once in a while you would come to one that got hit with the salt. I guess on the other end of things, they could have been too salty, I prefer less to too much. I ate 1/2 of a regular which was too much, and my brother half of a king and both some onion rings on our 2 hour journey after getting everything to go. What happened to the left overs? Well, my other half was breakfast the next morning.. Don't judge! My brothers other half was a late night snack and the entire other sandwich was lunch for our cousins. As for the remaining full box of onion rings? They went towards the topping for the green bean casserole for Saturday supper.
(4)Stephanie C.
After just arriving in Iowa, we saw that they had tenderloins! They are just how I grew up eating them. Very good! Their chocolate milkshake and the mushrooms were great as well. Everyone was so friendly . We love this family ran business!
(5)Mikael R.
As some others here have stated, any part of just about anything they served that wasn't salted was completely bland. Everything I had, small loin sandwich, onion rings, etc. was covered in more breading than the contents within. Definitely not novel or tasty enough to warrant returning.
(2)Phil T.
A 50+ year old handed down w/in family establishment! Need I say more? This place is serving exactly how it was from when it opened. It's not fancy, menu isn't overdone, and people are always coming in n out. Perfect diner, that you would most likely see on triple D, but it hasn't made it there yet. I already checked. Lol. Tenderloin was pretty flawless. Breading had great crunch n the amount of breading to pork was right on. Ordered the taco, basically it's the chili cheese w lettuce n tomato. The onion rings had a beautiful crunch n flavored decently. Only complaint it's not a five, was the bun. It's your typical hamburger bun "Wonder ". It's cheap, doesn't soak up anything well, n just does more damage than good. I understand tradition probably the same bun used in the 50s, but I guess an option of a better bun would be cool to see. Other than that not many places you will go to see these days where random conversation with a guy behind the counter for 15 mins n ends up being the owner. Hands down cool guy and staff is country nice! :) Just like the Iowa gas stations...This is a must! Kum and go type of place but inbetween you will eat! haha. ;)
(4)Kris B.
Wow. Inedible. Deep fried nightmare. You call this food? We ordered takeout for out hotel room, and after eating a few bites we threw it in the trash and went to Bennigans.
(1)Monica S.
Tasty, traditional Iowa tenderloins! Even the 'small' is large! Everything here is fried, but who cares?! It's all good.
(4)Rebecca W.
I have a horrible confession to make-much to the horror of my husband and daughter I'm really not that into Smitty's tenderloins. They're just a little too thin for my taste. But fear not-I'm always happy to go to Smitty's with them to indulge their tenderloin cravings because the Vegetable cheeseburger rocks my world (and I'm not a big burger eater) and they have some great cheese sticks.
(5)Dustin N.
Maybe I'm the only person that likes meat on a tenderloin sandwich. The pork is sliced so thin it's all breading and very bland. At least it's cheap and I was full.
(2)Matthew C.
I remember coming here ~12 years ago and sitting in a booth with my father, step-mother and brother. We ordered our food and were making conversation and my father noticed a markedly obese customer sitting a few tables away. Not really intentionally, my brother and I looked too and the man noticed us. He then got a big grin on his face and said very loudly "Well, you don't see a salad bar in here, do you?" Everybody in the joint laughed. While being a testament to the good-natured Iowa people, that guy demonstrates a valuable lesson: Moderation. Breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches are like crack, alcohol, sex with strangers, or many other of the wonderful things in life; best when enjoyed in moderation. The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is the star of the show at Smitty's. This deliciously oversized sandwich is what made this place an institution in Des Moines. It is so popular, they offer frozen versions that can be shipped to prodigal customers nationwide. The pork is pressed thin and cooked perfectly in a crunchy breading and served overhanging a woefully small bun. You get your choice of toppings, I like mine with mustard, ketchup and onion. It is, quite frankly, delicious. If you are curious what this "Umami" everybody is talking about is, try these sandwiches. If you really feel like stopping your heart, opt for the chili cheese variety. Obscenely large portions of sides are available; onion rings seem to be the favorite. However, I usually forgo the fried stuff and get a milkshake to accompany my King. Perfection. This place has been around for something like 50 years and is a perennial local favorite. Barring any obesity liability lawsuits in the future, I don't see the popularity of this place diminishing. It's just so so so damn good. Two tips: 1) They are closed Mondays. 2) Enjoy in moderation.
(5)Steve M.
Fantastic pork tenderloin sandwich that was nicely accompanied with a milkshake. The milkshake was more like a frosty since it was very thick, but very delicious all the same. Rated by metromix as the second best pork tenderloin sandwich in Des Moines. I'll have to try B&B grocery who was rated #1. Didn't try the onion rings but they looked amazing. I ordered the small King tenderloin (oxymoron) which was plenty of food and quite cheap. I'll definitely return whenever I'm craving a pork tenderloin sandwich.
(4)