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Smitty's Tenderloin Shop

1401 S.W. Army Post Rd., Des Moines, IA - (515) 287-4742
Home of the REAL Whopper says a cartoon on Smitty’s wall; and if you know the taste of Iowa, you know that in this case “Whopper” does not refer to a hamburger. It means a tenderloin: pork tenderloin, pounded thin and plate-wide, breaded and fried crisp and sandwiched in a bun.
68% Approval Rating (19 votes)

Scorecard

4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Queen Tenderloin
Onion Rings
King tenderloin
Hand-Spun Malts
Chili Cheese Fries

Highlighted Reviews

rating
Michael Stern - Photos (4)
Roadfood.com Editor
"Home of the REAL Whopper says a cartoon on Smitty’s wall; and if you know the taste of Iowa, you know that in this case “Whopper” does not refer to a hamburger. It means a tenderloin: pork tenderloin, pounded thin and plate-wide, breaded and fried crisp and sandwiched ..."   [Read More]

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Map & Web Site

1401 S.W. Army Post Rd., Des Moines, IA
(515) 287-4742

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Lunch
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:No
Alcohol Served:No
Outdoor Seating:No
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:Yes
Tenderloins in and around Des Moines tend to be very thin and ridiculously wide. Smitty's is a perfect example.
"Tenderloins in and around Des Moines tend to be very thin and ridiculously wide. Smitty's is a perfect example."
Michael Stern





Of the sides we tried, the one we liked best were these chili cheese fries, which were a gloppy, delicious mess.
"Of the sides we tried, the one we liked best were these chili cheese fries, which were a gloppy, delicious mess."
Cliff Strutz


If you need extra crunch to accompany a tenderloin, Smitty's onion rings fill the bill.
"If you need extra crunch to accompany a tenderloin, Smitty's onion rings fill the bill."
Michael Stern


Way too big for the bun, the King Tenderloin deserves its royal name.
"Way too big for the bun, the King Tenderloin deserves its royal name."
Cliff Strutz


The King Tenderloin actually comes in two sizes.  Even the small one is enough to satisfy most appetites.
"The King Tenderloin actually comes in two sizes. Even the small one is enough to satisfy most appetites."
Cliff Strutz


This caricature rightfully proclaims Smitty's to be,
"This caricature rightfully proclaims Smitty's to be, "Home of the Real Whopper!""
Cliff Strutz


Bill 'Smitty' Smith was in the gas station business when he changed paths to open a tenderloin shop in 1967.
"Bill 'Smitty' Smith was in the gas station business when he changed paths to open a tenderloin shop in 1967."
Michael Stern


Smitty's is an especially convenient destination if you arrive in Des Moines by plane. It's only a couple of minutes from the airport.
"Smitty's is an especially convenient destination if you arrive in Des Moines by plane. It's only a couple of minutes from the airport."
Michael Stern


The menu board hangs right above the grill.  Although there are many things available, the King Tenderloin is what you must order.
"The menu board hangs right above the grill. Although there are many things available, the King Tenderloin is what you must order."
Cliff Strutz



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