B & B Meat & Deli

We were driving south through Des Moines around lunch time and started looking for a restaurant with pork tenderloins – an Iowa favorite. My parents both grew up in Iowa and we visited often when my grandparents were alive. My mom made home made pork tenderloin sandwiches at home because Minnesota didn’t have many places to buy them. This was recommended by a newspaper article about the best ones in Des Moines. I am so glad we went out of our way to find B & B! Besides being the friendliest, funniest bunch of employees around, they also have dynamite pork tenderloin sandwiches which are so big you can split it with another person. One of the owner brothers told us the story of how they began. It’s a great meat market too! We’ll be back!

Awesome selection, customer service was awesome and the food was awesome.

I wanted a good burger in Des Moines and I got it. I accidentally ordered the triple cheeseburger and damn that is a lot of really good meat.
The meat was excellent quality and it was cooked with just enough grease left in to make it delicious and exactly what I wanted.
The prices could not be better and the service was awesome. I can’t wait to take friend from out-​of-​town this weekend and try another sandwich.

Wow. Best damn sandwich ever. So much personality and local charm. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. I had the Italian (Zacks best) today and dear God, nothing comes close. I’m here 2 weeks and going back at least 4 times. The staff is great! All quality ingredients. You can also buy packaged meats to go. So freakin tasty, your missing out if you pass out the opportunity to experience greatness.

I had a «dad’s killer» and thought it was just ok. Overall, the sandwich was balanced with proper meat /​veggie /​condiment /​bread ratios. Maybe my hopes were a little too high?
There are certainly better sandwiches in Des Moines. Now, what I can’t speak for (yet) is the quality of the meat counter. I definitely think this is a place worth trying for some steaks or a brisket sometime. If I ever get there to do that, I’ll provide an updated review. And for what it’s worth, I will plan to go back and try a different sandwich too.
The place certainly has some charm. It obviously has been around for a long time and has many regular customers. I like that the owners are there working and ensuring the quality of the products as well.

Our go to for meat since they have a wide selection of meat. It’s a family owned business and the owner treats you that way too. The only grocery that I know that sell pork belly. My husband said that they’re sandwich is really good and this is one of the business that had been there for a long time. Looking forward to coming back here real soon and go home with a sandwich!!!

A small piece of New York, in the heart of Des Moines!
As others have stated, don’t judge this book by it’s cover/​exterior. This is one of my favorite places around. Not only is John the butcher an amazing food artist, he’ll take the time to show you how to cook something, discuss how to best cut, prepare and serve it and even give you a demonstration. They pride themselves on the organic, grass fed products they offer and you can taste the difference.
Not only are they a great butcher and nice little grocery store, but their sandwiches and food items are fantastic! Zach’s Italian is about the perfect sandwich. The Dad’s Killer is a close second for me and will be a first place winner for those who don’t like the slightly spicier take with Zach’s. Their chicken salad is full of moist, fresh chicken, not the nasty canned stuff that many places use. It sends my wife into orbit. All of their sides are also good. I admit, their onion rings won’t win any awards, but who can complain when it’s all so good anyway?
They do have a cozy spot for dining in where the news papers from the 1940s are on display, or you can take it to go. Wrapped in butcher paper, it’ll stay hot long after other take out foods. At lunch they are very packed, with over 150 people filling their small halls in an hour and a half. It feels just like the great butchers and shops in the heart of New York and it’s just the kind of place where they like to know your name, remember your face and offer you a story or two while you order. It just feels like a home, and likely tastes even better.

Home of the Killers, this place receives a lot of buzz. I stopped for lunch and decided on the tenderloin. This place is worth the buzz.
This is a monster and you need a second bun. This is big enough for two people. The tenderloin is lightly breaded and fried to perfection. This is a fantastic piece of pork, and definitely one of the best in Des Moines. The bun is soft and they top it with whatever you want.
I also got fries and they were just average. I also tried the macaroni salad which was kind of bitter and just seamed to be missing something. I wouldn’t get it again.
The guys behind the counter are super nice and even when they are super busy they are still super nice which makes you feel welcome and want to come back, and I will be back for another killer.

Don’t be scared off by the rustic (OK, dilapidated) décor. This place has sandwiches that will knock your socks off. Be sure to call ahead if you know what you want, since it can get a little backed up over the lunch hour (grab a pocket menu the first time you are there). Zach’s Killer and Dad’s Killer sandwich are not to be missed, though don’t be afraid to ask about the Sloppy Mike.

After reading the other reviews of B&B, there’s not much else to say, so let me reiterate a few points:
–The place looks divey on the outside. Don’t let that fool you! Go inside!
–Once inside, it is a trip back in time. The store is old school in the best way possible (dated décor and older fixtures).
–The staff is incredibly friendly, and they all genuinely seem happy to be there.
–The food… the sandwiches are phenomenal. I’ve only had the reuben there, and it’s the best I’ve ever had. My husband has tried some other sandwiches. I know he’s really liked all of them, but I’ve been so into my reuben that I have no idea what he got. I’ve tried a combo with fries and potato salad, and they were good, but the sandwiches are where it’s at here.
–Despite the dated interior, everything appears to be clean. I even visited the restroom, which is hidden in the back area, and although the restroom itself is older, it is clean. Kind of dingy yet clean… which is the best way I can think to describe it. There is a sense of pride here with the cleanliness.
–There’s a small parking lot attached to the deli, and street parking is available.
–Someone had told me that they are a cash-​only establishment. This may have been the case awhile back, but it’s not anymore. They take credit.
In summary, just go. This place is Joey Tribbiani’s dream. If you like sandwiches, you won’t be disappointed.

Don’t let looks deceive you it is so much more than a grocery deli. The accommodated a large order and hit it spot on. If you haven’t tried this spot its reasonable and filled with awesome goodness.
Top recommendation would be the Dad’s killer Sammie heated. This meat packed Sammie is on a hogie and really hits the spot with the combo of meats.
Also the tenderloin is one of the south sides best.

Well… what an unexpected fun Saturday lunch. Best tenderloin and burger in recent memory. We went with a couple who are known at B&B. Invited to back room and were fed, entertained, and wowed in a ‘old school way’. Bought a couple of pork chops we watched cut and trimmed. Thanks John! See you again soon!

John, younger owner is ultimately friendly and helpful. The store is a too packed. Too much information posted in every corner of the store. I just wish they will utilized MS WORD or MS EXCEL rather than someone’s writing. Too much ads makes things too complicated. Wish they would apply Continuous Improvement so business has more chance for growth! :) Meat galore section is definitely fresh. I strongly suggest to use tabs printed using MS WORD in their freezer units rather than writing labels using an ordinary paper sheet.
We have not tried dad’s killer sandwich. Biggest Tenderloin Sandwich is what we tried. It is ok but not the best. I still prefer Culver’s Tenderloin. :) However we are looking forward in trying their killer sandwiches soon!!!

This grocery store/​deli is legendary in Des Moines, and has been so for decades. I first learned of it while trying to narrow down the best breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches in Iowa. The places that serve a good version of this are many, and I am only driving through the state a couple of times per year. My BPT quest was derailed by all of the good press that the Dad’s Killer deli sandwich has received here and elsewhere. But then I was further lured off my original path by Zach’s Killer — a spicer, Italian-​inspired sandwich. Both of these sandwiches run about $ 8, which seems fair for the 12“ish size. I wouldn’t call the sandwich a great value, but they are not taking advantage of the customers either.
I arrived at about 11:30 AM on a Tuesday, and a line six or seven-​deep had already formed. The employees were friendly and joking around with the regulars, who seemed to be many. This place has a really cool old-​school vibe that would be hard to replicate in a new joint. There’s nothing about this place which seems sterile, scrubbed or minimalist. The seating area, which consists of bar stools and winding counters, has vintage newspapers and sports memorabilia as decoration.
I requested my Zach’s Killer to be toasted, which it was, though it could have used a few extra minutes in the oven. By the time I received it and paid at the front checkout, it was lukewarm at best. I really enjoyed the sandwich otherwise, though. I suspect that if I had hit B&B at a less peak time, I might have gotten a more perfect sandwich.
I could see this becoming a regular stop as I drive through Des Moines. I think I’ll explore the menu a little more, but I’m impressed so far.

A fantastic old school experience. It’s a pleasure to stop in & grab lunch. Couldn’t find a better bunch of people if you tried. Definitely worth your time going by !

I heard from a couple of people that this place had good sandwiches, but I never believed a simple place like that could produce tasty sandwiches. I finally decided to check it out after reading so much about it and finding out it was featured on Andrew Zimmerman’s show.
Walking in makes you wonder if you are in the right place, it’s like a convenience store with a meat counter in the back. Walk towards the meat counter and be greeted with the menu of sandwiches and other food items they offer. I got thee Dad’s Killer because it was the most popular. They asked if I wanted it hot, I decided to go with hot to see how it would be.
The sandwich was not as big as I thought it was going to be, but it was good! There was a ton of flavor in every bite, the meats, sauces, and veggies combined very well. The price is pretty good, not much more than a sandwich shop. There is no place to sit and eat here, eat it in your car like I did or take it home. I cannot wait to come back and try all the other awesome sandwiches!
Edit: I was informed there is a small seating area inside!!!

Great find! This place is pure Americana. It’s basically a convenience store/​really small grocery store with a meat market and a deli. It’s been around for nearly a hundred years and some if the sports memorabilia hanging on the walls looks to be almost as old. The food is awesome, if you can’t decide, just get the dad’s killer and you can’t go wrong.

We were in Des Moines for RAGBRAI and my friend said, «We have got to try this place. They have the best sandwiches in Des Moines.»
So we did.
He was right.
Almost too many choices.
I had this grinder sandwich which had flavors and flavors and, did I say flavor?
A total «dive» looking place on the outside, but totally «old school» when you walk in.
It is like the old corner markets I grew up with so many years ago.
One cashier, a couple sandwich makers, a couple of guys cutting meat.
It was like traveling back in time.
Incredible selection of fresh food…
…and not just great sandwiches, but fresh meat as well.
I probably will never make it back (Denver is a little far away), but if I find myself back in Des Moines, I will search this place out.

I decided to try this place out after seeing that their «Dad’s Killer Sandwich» won the award for Best Sandwich in Des Moines. So I headed over there on my lunch break. First off, one of the above reviews is correct, there is a musty/​old odor in the air. I don’t necessarily think it’s from mold or moisture as much as it is from the place being so old. It’s been in the neighborhood for decades.
So the deli counter is also the same area as the meat counter. I ordered the «Dads Killer» and during my wait I browsed the meat cases. It looked like some really good cuts of meat. Sometimes you get too used to the sterile atmosphere and offerings of the major grocery stores. So it was refreshing to see a place that still cuts and makes everything on site.
So anyway, I got my sandwich and after getting back to work I plopped down and began feasting. First, the sandwich was fairly big, with lots of layers of roast beef, turkey, ham, etc. I’m not sure what the above reviewer was complaining about, there was tons of meat on my sandwich. The combination of mustard, Miracle Whip (which I usually hate), and Italian dressing work perfectly together and along with the kosher pickle spears create a wonderful flavor. The bread was also very good, not chewy and flavorless like something from Subway. All in all, it was a very good sandwich, and I can see why it was voted the best.
I also saw them make some other stuff on their menu. The burgers and tenderloins look amazing and I definitely look forward to trying them too.

Great hole-​in-​the wall joint to get a really tasty sandwich. Dad’s Killer is more intimidating than it sounds. Great deli meat, perfect bun and the right amount of yellow mustard.
Also had a cheeseburger. Nothing mind-​blowing, but it got the job done. Fries weren’t good. Seemed like grocery store frozen fries dropped in the fryer and packed with grease. Not my favorite.
I’d get the Dad’s Killer again for sure.