Very friendly workers. I've ate 2 times, 1st time i really liked it. The other day the ribs were tough. With so many bbq options now days I Probably won't be eating there again
Josh L Graveman
I just had the new burnt ends sandwich and it was delicious! Lots of flavor and really moist. I came to the sit down restaurant and would highly recommend it. Thanks for all that you do for the community and serving up great food!
Scott Y.
I really should have been eating at Willie Ray's more before now. I first tried the place that is now Willie Ray's once or twice back when it was E-Z Fast BBQ. I have picked up food from the little hut a few times since it has been Willie Ray's, also. Willie Ray's food has always been fantastic, but I really don't like to do barbecue as take-out. (I have dogs, and bringing barbecue in the house gets them so worked up.) Now that Willie Ray's has a sit-down location, I'm thrilled! I have been twice in the past week. I'm the kind of barbecue fan that real barbecue fans complain about. I drench my food in sauce. So, the quality of a barbecue restaurant's sauce is super important to me. Willie Ray's sauce is amazing! I have tried the pulled pork sandwich, and the brisket sandwich. I would highly recommend both. Personally, I liked the pulled pork a little better, but I think most barbecue fans would prefer the brisket. The brisket has an incredibly well-developed bark. I happen to be a weirdo who doesn't like much bark, but I know most people love it. Even with more bark than I'm used to, the brisket was still awesome, though. The people who run the restaurant have been super nice on both visits, and they get you your food very quickly. So, it's a great lunch break option.
Korey F.
The brisket was outstanding. Excited that they have opened the sit down restaurant
Marinka K.
I was able to experience this barbecue in Rolling Fork, MS. The fact that they traveled all the way from Cedar Rapids, IA to serve this community is outstanding! I saw the hustle, energy and motivation in these employees to make a difference in this small city. The ribs were tender and well seasoned and green beans were delicious as well. I noticed how they were constantly cleaning the utensils. I stopped by while I was in town, from Indianapolis, assisting the tornado victims as well. It brings joy knowing that a business would travel over 700 miles to assist where there is such a great need. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to any bbq lovers in or near Cedar Rapids. The way you train your employees is a reflection of management and these employees sure made serving the city of Rolling Fork look as easy as 1-2-3.
Bennett J.
Wow what a great experience. We were from Colorado and wanted to try it when we were in town after we got a recommendation from a local. The Shack did not disappoint. The brisket sandwiches were excellent with a great smoky and barbecue flavor. The buns used were fresh and soft. The sauce was great and very flavorful. We also tried the ribs and thought they were great as well with the same great sauce on top. The service was quick and after pulling up to the shack we got our food in under 10 minutes. This place is a must do in Cedar Rapids. The owner is a great guy too after learning his story. Eat here ASAP!
Robert L.
First time at theQ Shack. OK..tighten your seat belts. On the way home from a trip from Minneapolis I stopped by to get some Q. I wanted to stop at Willies BBQ in Cedar Rapids Iowa for a while. I'v read a lot of posts about Willies BBQ. I meet the owner and his team. WOW some of the nicest folks ever. Sadly I arrived late. DUHHHHH!!! Willy hooked me up with what was left. I am feeling so much LOVE!! Check out his website. Stop by and show Willie some love. Get there early! Great Q doesn't last long...I warned you. I plan to head back soon. Tell Willie I sent you!
Cindy V.
Good BBQ, but last couple of meals have kind of been disappointing, sorry to say. Love the staff, friendly and courteous. Love the community outreach especially during times of disaster. Keep up the good work.
Joshua W.
Tried this for the first time based on a recommendation from a friend and was NOT disappointed. Ribs were great, they were bite off the bone, which I prefer over fall off the bone. Sliced brisket was excellent. Smokey flavor and cooked just right. The sides were a nice surprise. I had the Mac and cheese and baked beans. Both had a nice twist to them and were unique. I would have added a picture, but I ate it all pretty quickly. Highly recommend trying this place out.
Daverbalus C.
Great food great quality of meat great barbecue sauce great seasonings I'm not too crazy
I wanted to share how incredible the owner is. Last year we had a horrible derecho storm that tore through Cedar Rapids. A lot of people went homeless and had no power (no way to make food) for WEEKS. This man took his business around and gave food to people so they could have a warm meal. Now he is on his way to Kentucky to help the tornado victims by bringing them food and even Christmas presents. We need more people in this world like Willie and I hope he gets the praise he deserves. If you are wondering if you should eat here, DO IT!!! You won't regret it!
Chad S.
First time eating at the Q Shack. Willie was at the drive up window and talked with us while our order was being prepared. Super nice guy! There were a couple smokers going outside that smelled really good. We got the rib tip combo and pulled pork combo. The sides were baked beans and potato salad. I think those were the only options. The sides were tasty but portions were small. The pulled pork was good but tasted like it had been sitting a while. Good taste but not fresh off the smoker. The rib tips were AMAZING! The meat was fresh, well seasoned and smoked to perfection. The BBQ sauce was sweet and spicy and worked well with the rib tips. The rib tip portion was very generous and almost more than I could eat. I will definitely go back for a full rack of ribs next time.
Marty M.
I'll start by saying that the last pieces of chicken or what we got for that day. Having said that, the chicken was dry and not very good. Willie Ray has a fabulous reputation in the community and I look forward to trying to check in at a time of the day when it's fresh
Deb P.
I met Willy today when I drove over to try his Q. He had all the smokers going and said he would be open at 1100. We returned and ordered the rib tip combos which was amazing! The smoke does talk for itself. The crust had amazing flavor and the sauce was fantastic! Willy, thanks for taking care of the people of Cedar Rapids during the storm. Your an amazing human being!
Linzi F.
The place spot on is the best in Cedar Rapids! What a wonderful guy to help out the community of Cedar Rapids during the derecho! Great food and person who gives back !
Very friendly workers. I've ate 2 times, 1st time i really liked it. The other day the ribs were tough. With so many bbq options now days I Probably won't be eating there again
I just had the new burnt ends sandwich and it was delicious! Lots of flavor and really moist. I came to the sit down restaurant and would highly recommend it. Thanks for all that you do for the community and serving up great food!
I really should have been eating at Willie Ray's more before now. I first tried the place that is now Willie Ray's once or twice back when it was E-Z Fast BBQ. I have picked up food from the little hut a few times since it has been Willie Ray's, also. Willie Ray's food has always been fantastic, but I really don't like to do barbecue as take-out. (I have dogs, and bringing barbecue in the house gets them so worked up.) Now that Willie Ray's has a sit-down location, I'm thrilled! I have been twice in the past week. I'm the kind of barbecue fan that real barbecue fans complain about. I drench my food in sauce. So, the quality of a barbecue restaurant's sauce is super important to me. Willie Ray's sauce is amazing! I have tried the pulled pork sandwich, and the brisket sandwich. I would highly recommend both. Personally, I liked the pulled pork a little better, but I think most barbecue fans would prefer the brisket. The brisket has an incredibly well-developed bark. I happen to be a weirdo who doesn't like much bark, but I know most people love it. Even with more bark than I'm used to, the brisket was still awesome, though. The people who run the restaurant have been super nice on both visits, and they get you your food very quickly. So, it's a great lunch break option.
The brisket was outstanding. Excited that they have opened the sit down restaurant
I was able to experience this barbecue in Rolling Fork, MS. The fact that they traveled all the way from Cedar Rapids, IA to serve this community is outstanding! I saw the hustle, energy and motivation in these employees to make a difference in this small city. The ribs were tender and well seasoned and green beans were delicious as well. I noticed how they were constantly cleaning the utensils. I stopped by while I was in town, from Indianapolis, assisting the tornado victims as well. It brings joy knowing that a business would travel over 700 miles to assist where there is such a great need. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to any bbq lovers in or near Cedar Rapids. The way you train your employees is a reflection of management and these employees sure made serving the city of Rolling Fork look as easy as 1-2-3.
Wow what a great experience. We were from Colorado and wanted to try it when we were in town after we got a recommendation from a local. The Shack did not disappoint. The brisket sandwiches were excellent with a great smoky and barbecue flavor. The buns used were fresh and soft. The sauce was great and very flavorful. We also tried the ribs and thought they were great as well with the same great sauce on top. The service was quick and after pulling up to the shack we got our food in under 10 minutes. This place is a must do in Cedar Rapids. The owner is a great guy too after learning his story. Eat here ASAP!
First time at theQ Shack. OK..tighten your seat belts. On the way home from a trip from Minneapolis I stopped by to get some Q. I wanted to stop at Willies BBQ in Cedar Rapids Iowa for a while. I'v read a lot of posts about Willies BBQ. I meet the owner and his team. WOW some of the nicest folks ever. Sadly I arrived late. DUHHHHH!!! Willy hooked me up with what was left. I am feeling so much LOVE!! Check out his website. Stop by and show Willie some love. Get there early! Great Q doesn't last long...I warned you. I plan to head back soon. Tell Willie I sent you!
Good BBQ, but last couple of meals have kind of been disappointing, sorry to say. Love the staff, friendly and courteous. Love the community outreach especially during times of disaster. Keep up the good work.
Tried this for the first time based on a recommendation from a friend and was NOT disappointed. Ribs were great, they were bite off the bone, which I prefer over fall off the bone. Sliced brisket was excellent. Smokey flavor and cooked just right. The sides were a nice surprise. I had the Mac and cheese and baked beans. Both had a nice twist to them and were unique. I would have added a picture, but I ate it all pretty quickly. Highly recommend trying this place out.
Great food great quality of meat great barbecue sauce great seasonings I'm not too crazy
Restaurantji Recommends
I wanted to share how incredible the owner is. Last year we had a horrible derecho storm that tore through Cedar Rapids. A lot of people went homeless and had no power (no way to make food) for WEEKS. This man took his business around and gave food to people so they could have a warm meal. Now he is on his way to Kentucky to help the tornado victims by bringing them food and even Christmas presents. We need more people in this world like Willie and I hope he gets the praise he deserves. If you are wondering if you should eat here, DO IT!!! You won't regret it!
First time eating at the Q Shack. Willie was at the drive up window and talked with us while our order was being prepared. Super nice guy! There were a couple smokers going outside that smelled really good. We got the rib tip combo and pulled pork combo. The sides were baked beans and potato salad. I think those were the only options. The sides were tasty but portions were small. The pulled pork was good but tasted like it had been sitting a while. Good taste but not fresh off the smoker. The rib tips were AMAZING! The meat was fresh, well seasoned and smoked to perfection. The BBQ sauce was sweet and spicy and worked well with the rib tips. The rib tip portion was very generous and almost more than I could eat. I will definitely go back for a full rack of ribs next time.
I'll start by saying that the last pieces of chicken or what we got for that day. Having said that, the chicken was dry and not very good. Willie Ray has a fabulous reputation in the community and I look forward to trying to check in at a time of the day when it's fresh
I met Willy today when I drove over to try his Q. He had all the smokers going and said he would be open at 1100. We returned and ordered the rib tip combos which was amazing! The smoke does talk for itself. The crust had amazing flavor and the sauce was fantastic! Willy, thanks for taking care of the people of Cedar Rapids during the storm. Your an amazing human being!
The place spot on is the best in Cedar Rapids! What a wonderful guy to help out the community of Cedar Rapids during the derecho! Great food and person who gives back !