Quality, moist, meats, with just the right amount of smoke and seasoning. Very good service as well.
(5)
Rick F.
I had eaten at Claxons several times before, it was usually good. However the last time I ate there over the weekend, is the last time that I will ever eat there. The food was okay, much better BBQ available in the Des Moines area. The service was rotten. We had a table for nine, two of them children under six. And we were one of three tables in the entire restaurant. There was no reason that multiple times during our meal for all of our drinks to be empty. And even with the lousy service, they added an 18% tip automatically onto our bill, I guess the five-year-old and the two-year-old count towards the mandatory tip count. Which as the employee said "it's in the menu didn't you read the menu?" Next time I want barbecue, I will go a few blocks away and eat it Jethro's. Never have had a problem there.
(1)
J C.
I'm not sure what is going on with the place, used to enjoy it but the last couple of visits were memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Cold and uncomfortable atmosphere with equally dull service. Our ribs seemed to be old, overcooked and far from tender. Potatoes tasted a bit like dirt and somehow, old grease. Really a shame as I remember it being good in the past.
(2)
John M.
Yesterday was my first time to Claxons. The bbq was very "meh". There are several places in the Des Moines metro that have better bbq for lower prices. The service was on the poor side, our waitress couldn't be bothered to come back and check on us. Overall, it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't very good.
(2)
Erica H.
This place looks impressive from the outside - very modern building, and would lead you to believe you'll experience something fun and interesting inside. You will have been misled. Inside, the restaurant is cold and sterile. It's extremely noisy - no consideration for accoustics was taken in the design of this building. The food? Not so great. Dry meat, boring sauces. I won't be back.
(2)
Eolo N.
Claxon's you need to change, you need to be like Smokie D's great food.... I love Brisket, but your brisket is not very good, too thick, to much fat around the edges, you need to change, we were there about a week ago, we were put back where the fireplace is, well it was very cold there, even your servers were cold.... My girlfriend and I only eat there because we use your groupon coupon's that is the only time we eat there, if your brisket was better we would eat there more, your burt ends were very good, I had them with my brisket.... And you need more choices when it comes to your Bar BQ sauce....
(2)
Mark H.
Great BBQ! The building was updated but still had a traditional bbq shack feel. My only complain is that it was very loud due to the high ceilings. I had the brisket sandwich and it was very good. The couple next to us ordered dessert nachos and made me jealous that I didn't get a chance to try them!
(4)
Rob P.
When you arrive you are greeted by a really modern looking building with beautiful signage. The inside is also very pleasing to look at. Due to the design, the acoustics are not great and it seems noisy even when there isn't a huge crowd. The menu was a good mix of classic BBQ/smoked meats with alternatives. The list of sides is long and hard to pick because they all sound good. The staff was exceptionally nice and personable. There was only a tiny wait before our food arrived, which you'd expect from a smoked meats place. The meats were all tender and delicious. The lack of sauce choices was unfortunate and the potato wedges were cooked to hard sticks, but otherwise all of the sides were also good. Everyone in our party felt quite full and had no room for dessert, though the selections did sound quite good. We all agreed that the friendly staff, great choices and good food would bring us back to Claxon's.
(4)
Jeanne G.
We've been here about five times. Great selection of gluten-free items and the cook was happy to make adjustments to the fish tacos to make them GF too. We've been there with just two and also a larger group and enjoys ourselves both times. It is very quiet in the afternoons; we have been the only customers at times. It does get loud when the place is packed but if you plan to go a bit off prime time, it is fine. Staff is nice. It has a pretty extensive bar. I only gave 4 stars rather than 5 bcuz my daughter didn't think her ribs were particularly good. I always get their GF items and have been very pleased.
(4)
Kyle C.
Great steakhouse up in Altoona. The service was fast and friendly and the ambiance inside is kind of interesting. The pull pork is a different style than I have had before but still decent. The pulled chicken is really good as are the steaks. Claxon's gives you a lot of food for what you pay for and everything is pretty reasonable. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Chelle W.
Worst food ever! Tenderloin was burnt black, burnt ends were all fat, no meat. Potatoes were cold inside. Management was down right rude. Will not go back!
(1)
Garry H.
The waitress little Debbie was great, food wasn't. The BBQ nachos were the worst, tomatoes were pink, bland flavor and instead of meat was a lot of fat.
(3)
Mark S.
Stopped by to pick up some BBQ for take~out with my Groupon and the people here are great and extremely helpful. Awesome place with great smells as you enter, beer battered onion rings are a clear aroma haha. Cole and Andy are great about putting everything together for my Hour drive to feed a hungry group, kids absolutely love the stuff like the burnt end wedge and smoked chicken wings with honey BBQ and my favorite is the halepeno corn bread and spare ribs are always super meaty. Sauce it up in an hour thanks to Claxton's!!
(5)
Michael G.
Claxons is, by far, one of the best BBQ/smokes houses in yhe Des Moines area. It is clean, the staff is friendly and the food is exceptional. If you like bold, smoky foods and interesting side dishes, Claxon's is the place to go. Disclaimer: I do not go to casual restaurants for circuses (aka Texas Roadhouse dancing, etc). I go for good food, customer service and fair prices. If you're like me, you'll love Claxons.
(5)
Michael P.
Catfish was excellent, baked sweet potato was huge & delish. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork were all great!
(4)
JJ D.
Went here at 7:00 PM on a Wednesday because I did not feel like cooking. Outside the restaurant, they have free "local flavor off time entertainment" newspapers. I picked up two to amuse myself while waiting for my food. The server told me that tonight's special was smoked chicken on flatbread. Huh? What is that? The server explained that smoked chicken was place on top of something like a pita bread, and then sliced like a pizza. Sorry, that did not sound good. So, I ordered pork tenderloin with one side (cole slaw was my choice). Ok, settling down to read the free local flavor newspaper to pass the time. Got engrossed in an article when, HUH? Food here ALREADY? OH MAN, THAT PORK TENDERLOIN WAS TWO INCHES THICK! And it cut like butter! The server said it was pre-smoked" so they could just serve it. Cole slaw was good, rival to a famous fried chicken fast food restaurant. Just the right amount of sauce, had a small kick to it. I normally wolf my food down, but since I was reading the "local flavor free newspapers" I was engrossed in them. The server asked if I wanted a "take home box." Gee, the place is only 25% full, why is the server trying to make me move on quickly? Finished my meal. Glad I only got ONE side, couldn't have done it with two sides. It looks like they have a drive through window, but it also looks like they don't use it. No place to park an RV. I came here on my scooter from Adventureland RV Park.
(4)
Bill L.
I lived nearby here for a certain time and drove by it daily and wondered how the food was there. I stopped wondering one day and decided to try it. I went with my then girlfriend and we decided to order the platter which came with a variety of meats. The food was good , flavorful, and plentiful. When we went to eat during lunch, there was no other customers in the restaurant. The interior is a little bland, but there are tv sets to watch the game. The meats were good, but I would not say they are the best around, I have had much better BBQ, but not in Altoona. Staff was very friendly. I would try this place again to see how it is on a busy night and try other meats.
(5)
Michael F.
Fast-food quality at upscale prices. What actually is made fresh there? Cuban sandwiches are typically flavourful but mine was dominated by the bland flavour of bread. I resorted to dipping it in BBQ sauce.
Takes Reservations : Yes 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 : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Terry G.
Quality, moist, meats, with just the right amount of smoke and seasoning. Very good service as well.
(5)Rick F.
I had eaten at Claxons several times before, it was usually good. However the last time I ate there over the weekend, is the last time that I will ever eat there. The food was okay, much better BBQ available in the Des Moines area. The service was rotten. We had a table for nine, two of them children under six. And we were one of three tables in the entire restaurant. There was no reason that multiple times during our meal for all of our drinks to be empty. And even with the lousy service, they added an 18% tip automatically onto our bill, I guess the five-year-old and the two-year-old count towards the mandatory tip count. Which as the employee said "it's in the menu didn't you read the menu?" Next time I want barbecue, I will go a few blocks away and eat it Jethro's. Never have had a problem there.
(1)J C.
I'm not sure what is going on with the place, used to enjoy it but the last couple of visits were memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Cold and uncomfortable atmosphere with equally dull service. Our ribs seemed to be old, overcooked and far from tender. Potatoes tasted a bit like dirt and somehow, old grease. Really a shame as I remember it being good in the past.
(2)John M.
Yesterday was my first time to Claxons. The bbq was very "meh". There are several places in the Des Moines metro that have better bbq for lower prices. The service was on the poor side, our waitress couldn't be bothered to come back and check on us. Overall, it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't very good.
(2)Erica H.
This place looks impressive from the outside - very modern building, and would lead you to believe you'll experience something fun and interesting inside. You will have been misled. Inside, the restaurant is cold and sterile. It's extremely noisy - no consideration for accoustics was taken in the design of this building. The food? Not so great. Dry meat, boring sauces. I won't be back.
(2)Eolo N.
Claxon's you need to change, you need to be like Smokie D's great food.... I love Brisket, but your brisket is not very good, too thick, to much fat around the edges, you need to change, we were there about a week ago, we were put back where the fireplace is, well it was very cold there, even your servers were cold.... My girlfriend and I only eat there because we use your groupon coupon's that is the only time we eat there, if your brisket was better we would eat there more, your burt ends were very good, I had them with my brisket.... And you need more choices when it comes to your Bar BQ sauce....
(2)Mark H.
Great BBQ! The building was updated but still had a traditional bbq shack feel. My only complain is that it was very loud due to the high ceilings. I had the brisket sandwich and it was very good. The couple next to us ordered dessert nachos and made me jealous that I didn't get a chance to try them!
(4)Rob P.
When you arrive you are greeted by a really modern looking building with beautiful signage. The inside is also very pleasing to look at. Due to the design, the acoustics are not great and it seems noisy even when there isn't a huge crowd. The menu was a good mix of classic BBQ/smoked meats with alternatives. The list of sides is long and hard to pick because they all sound good. The staff was exceptionally nice and personable. There was only a tiny wait before our food arrived, which you'd expect from a smoked meats place. The meats were all tender and delicious. The lack of sauce choices was unfortunate and the potato wedges were cooked to hard sticks, but otherwise all of the sides were also good. Everyone in our party felt quite full and had no room for dessert, though the selections did sound quite good. We all agreed that the friendly staff, great choices and good food would bring us back to Claxon's.
(4)Jeanne G.
We've been here about five times. Great selection of gluten-free items and the cook was happy to make adjustments to the fish tacos to make them GF too. We've been there with just two and also a larger group and enjoys ourselves both times. It is very quiet in the afternoons; we have been the only customers at times. It does get loud when the place is packed but if you plan to go a bit off prime time, it is fine. Staff is nice. It has a pretty extensive bar. I only gave 4 stars rather than 5 bcuz my daughter didn't think her ribs were particularly good. I always get their GF items and have been very pleased.
(4)Kyle C.
Great steakhouse up in Altoona. The service was fast and friendly and the ambiance inside is kind of interesting. The pull pork is a different style than I have had before but still decent. The pulled chicken is really good as are the steaks. Claxon's gives you a lot of food for what you pay for and everything is pretty reasonable. I will definitely be back.
(4)Chelle W.
Worst food ever! Tenderloin was burnt black, burnt ends were all fat, no meat. Potatoes were cold inside. Management was down right rude. Will not go back!
(1)Garry H.
The waitress little Debbie was great, food wasn't. The BBQ nachos were the worst, tomatoes were pink, bland flavor and instead of meat was a lot of fat.
(3)Mark S.
Stopped by to pick up some BBQ for take~out with my Groupon and the people here are great and extremely helpful. Awesome place with great smells as you enter, beer battered onion rings are a clear aroma haha. Cole and Andy are great about putting everything together for my Hour drive to feed a hungry group, kids absolutely love the stuff like the burnt end wedge and smoked chicken wings with honey BBQ and my favorite is the halepeno corn bread and spare ribs are always super meaty. Sauce it up in an hour thanks to Claxton's!!
(5)Michael G.
Claxons is, by far, one of the best BBQ/smokes houses in yhe Des Moines area. It is clean, the staff is friendly and the food is exceptional. If you like bold, smoky foods and interesting side dishes, Claxon's is the place to go. Disclaimer: I do not go to casual restaurants for circuses (aka Texas Roadhouse dancing, etc). I go for good food, customer service and fair prices. If you're like me, you'll love Claxons.
(5)Michael P.
Catfish was excellent, baked sweet potato was huge & delish. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork were all great!
(4)JJ D.
Went here at 7:00 PM on a Wednesday because I did not feel like cooking. Outside the restaurant, they have free "local flavor off time entertainment" newspapers. I picked up two to amuse myself while waiting for my food. The server told me that tonight's special was smoked chicken on flatbread. Huh? What is that? The server explained that smoked chicken was place on top of something like a pita bread, and then sliced like a pizza. Sorry, that did not sound good. So, I ordered pork tenderloin with one side (cole slaw was my choice). Ok, settling down to read the free local flavor newspaper to pass the time. Got engrossed in an article when, HUH? Food here ALREADY? OH MAN, THAT PORK TENDERLOIN WAS TWO INCHES THICK! And it cut like butter! The server said it was pre-smoked" so they could just serve it. Cole slaw was good, rival to a famous fried chicken fast food restaurant. Just the right amount of sauce, had a small kick to it. I normally wolf my food down, but since I was reading the "local flavor free newspapers" I was engrossed in them. The server asked if I wanted a "take home box." Gee, the place is only 25% full, why is the server trying to make me move on quickly? Finished my meal. Glad I only got ONE side, couldn't have done it with two sides. It looks like they have a drive through window, but it also looks like they don't use it. No place to park an RV. I came here on my scooter from Adventureland RV Park.
(4)Bill L.
I lived nearby here for a certain time and drove by it daily and wondered how the food was there. I stopped wondering one day and decided to try it. I went with my then girlfriend and we decided to order the platter which came with a variety of meats. The food was good , flavorful, and plentiful. When we went to eat during lunch, there was no other customers in the restaurant. The interior is a little bland, but there are tv sets to watch the game. The meats were good, but I would not say they are the best around, I have had much better BBQ, but not in Altoona. Staff was very friendly. I would try this place again to see how it is on a busy night and try other meats.
(5)Michael F.
Fast-food quality at upscale prices. What actually is made fresh there? Cuban sandwiches are typically flavourful but mine was dominated by the bland flavour of bread. I resorted to dipping it in BBQ sauce.
(2)