Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, IOwa: Meet the Pitmaster
Discover Whatcha Smokin BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa—one of the best BBQ spots in the Midwest
We sat down with Pitmaster Amadeio Zarnegar of Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa. Located along Highway 17 surrounded by Iowa farmland, Whatcha Smokin BBQ + Brew is widely considered one of the top barbecue destinations in the state—bringing authentic Central Texas-style craft BBQ to the Midwest. What makes this spot stand out is its commitment to “pit-to-plate” barbecue, where meats are smoked fresh daily and served until they sell out—no shortcuts, no reheating.
Image Credit: Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa
The menu features brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked turkey, and house-made sausage, all paired with scratch-made sides like cheesy potatoes, campfire beans, and cornbread. If you’re anywhere near Des Moines, this is the kind of place worth the detour—a destination BBQ joint hiding in plain sight among cornfields.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
As a pitmaster, my day begins early, arriving at the restaurant by 5 a.m. I start by pulling all the briskets and pork butts off the smokers and preparing to smoke the other meats for the day. I like to finish my day by spending time with my family.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
Aaron Franklin, owner and pitmaster of Franklin’s BBQ in Austin, Texas, and Ernest Servantes, owner and pitmaster of Burnt Bean BBQ in Seguin, Texas. My advice would be that working in restaurants is very hard work, but if you are passionate about it, it can be very rewarding. To lead by example, always be willing to do any task in the kitchen that you would ask any staff member to do.
Image Credit: Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
Personally, no. As a restaurant, we have been fortunate to receive many different awards and honors over my time at Whatcha Smokin BBQ.
What do you typically cook at home?
I love steaks, so a good ribeye is very common. Also really enjoy all breakfast foods.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I'm a big fan of hot honey. Seeing all the different dishes utilizing it has been neat to see.
Image Credit: Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa
What drink do you enjoy most?
My favorite drinks are an alcoholic Summer Shandy and a nonalcoholic Arnold Palmer.
Image Credit: Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I've cooked for a few. Heisman trophy winner Eddie George, long-time sports commentator Brent Musburger, ESPN announcer Jay Bilas, and NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, amongst many other college and professional athletes. Being able to meet Eddie George and Brent Musburger were both highlights for me.
What’s Your Instagram So Readers Can Follow You?
You can follow us at @whatchasmokinbbqbrew on Instagram.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? AND did you like it?
I would say steak tartare. It was okay, but I wouldn't go out of my way to have it.
Image Credit: Whatcha Smokin' BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa
Why should readers visit whatcha Smokin BBQ + Brew in Luther, Iowa?
Food brings people together. We have an extremely hard-working team that comes to work every day with a passion to produce the best BBQ around!
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