the Menu

Your Johnston Neighborhood Sports Bar
The Story of JETHRO ' S Pork Chop Grill
Jethro grew up deep in the hills of Southern California in a little town
called Beverly Hills. Jethro lived a good life there with his extended family,
as he swam and fished everyday in the Los Angeles River, and hunted in the
palm tree forest with his bulldog named Jake. Jethro found it difficult to
live off the land in Beverly, cause he never caught any fish and only found an
occasional raccoon or possum in his gun's sight. Jake, on the other hand, was
fed up with poodles. So Jethro and Jake packed their bags and headed for the
Midwest, where the lakes are full of walleye and catfish, and the hickory 'n oak
forest are full of wild boars.
Jethro and Jake walked East during the winter of 2007. They didn't
know where they were going, but they heard this buzz about a place called
Iowa. The word was spreading throughout the nation of a new energy,
a new spirit and a new "can do" attitude. Finally, in the spring
of 2008, Jethro and Jake walked onto the Drake campus. On
the first day, with the money his Uncle had given him, Jethro
bought a 750 pound wood fired smoker. On the 2nd day, Jethro
chopped down a hickory and an oak tree. On the 3rd day, Jethro
fired up his incredible smoker and opened the doors to his new
restaurant at 3100 Forest Avenue in Des Moines in April of 2008.
Jethro cooked and worked hard. The people of Iowa grew to love him
and his delicious food.
Jethro thought for a day or two and decided that bigger is better and
highest is best. So, with the money he saved from his restaurant, he bought
a 1,400 pound wood fired smoker, hollered for Jake and headed East up a
hill to the highest spot in Iowa. There he found a city called Altoona, where
horses run fast, roller coasters scream by, teams of Rams play in the
grass and the biggest store he ever did see had his favorite fishing pole.
Jethro 'n Jake's Smokehouse Steaks opened in September 2010.
On another day, Jethro's Cajun cousin Jasper Blow blew into Waukee
on the winds of a hurricane from the bayous of Louisiana. Jasper carried
a pouch with his family's secret Creole recipes. Jasper unpacked his pots
and pans and he and Jethro opened the doors to Jethro's Jambalaya in
December 2011.
One night, as Jethro slept, he dreamt of a paradise where his family
lived and fished on a lake full of walleye. Jethro woke, and began exploring
the north woods. His dream soon came true as he discovered a secluded lake,
built his dream house, shot a moose, an elk and a mountain lion. Then he opened
the doors to his very own Lake House Going North to Ankeny, Going North the
rush is on. Jethro's Lake House opened in Ankeny in December 2012.
One bright, sunny morning Jethro was invited to Johnston. The people liked
him and his food. He liked the people. He liked the City. The City had lots of trees.
It was clean. Jethro thought for a bit. He was dumbstruck to realize that with
21 million pigs in Iowa, this was the place for the one and only Pork Chop Grill.
Jethro's Pork Chop grill opened in Johnston in December 2013.
Jethro and his family have found a new home! They are proud as a
peacock to welcome you to "Your Johnston Neighborhood Sports Bar".
Jethro promises that he will serve you large quanities of his Amazing Slow
Smoked Meats. Jethro is hoopin and hollerin excited to be part of the
friendly city of Johnston.
WORLD FAMOUS!!
Travel Channel's "Man vs Food"
ESPN' National "Fanwich" Runner-Up
America's "100 Best BBQ" Restaurants
Better Homes and Gardens "Favorite BBQ"
Men's Health "Manliest Restaurant in the Midwest"
Travel Channel's Food Paradise "Manliest Restaurant"
Discovery Channel's "United States of Bacon"
William Shatner's "Moving America Forward"
TMZ "Hollywood Headlines"
June 2015
Jethro is
Bi-Wingual
FIXIN’S FIRST
Amazing Slow Smoked Wings
Hard wood smoked, fried to a crispy finish, tossed in your
choice of sauces along with a blue cheese or ranch
dressing. 10 wings 10.95 20 wings 19.95
30 wings 29.95 Add 2.00 for all drummies or wingies per 10
Bubba’s Boneless Wings
Tender white meat chicken soaked in buttermilk, lightly breaded,
flash fried to a crispy finish and served with your choice of
sauces for dippin. Half 8.95 Full 11.95
Jethro's House Made Sauces
Jethro's Original, Georgia Mustard, Carolina, Alabama White, Garlic Parmesan, BBQ Rub, Buffalo, Chili Teriyaki,
Hot BBQ, HOT!! Buffalo, Spike's, Ghost and our "Wing Sauce of the Month "
Bayou Pickle Chips
Heapin' helpin' of thin sliced pickle chips soaked in
buttermilk, lightly breaded, flash fried crispy and served
with chipotle ranch for some real dippin fun. 7.95
Onion Rings
Sweet onions hand cut, soaked in buttermilk, lightly
breaded, flash fried and dusted in our famous rub.
Half 7.95 Full 9.95
Fried Cheese Squares
Aged white cheddar with our special country coating,
served warm and gooey with our double secret chipotle
ranch. 7.95
Original Nachos
Fresh fried corn chips dusted in our special rub,
smothered with white cheddar sauce and shredded cheeses,
topped with your choice of house smoked chicken, brisket or
pulled pork and finished with smoked corn pico, guacamole
and sour cream. Half 8.95 Full 10.95
Chicken Tenders
Country fried boneless chicken tenders, tossed in your
choice of sauce, or have it on the side for some real dippin Waffle Fry Nachos
fun. 8.95
Just like our Original Nachos, we substitute waffle fries
and you pick your favorite meat... finished with smoked
Quesadillas
Fresh flour tortillas, layered with cheese and your choice corn pico, guacamole and sour cream. Half 9.95 Full 11.95
of smoked chicken, brisket or pulled pork, with smoked
corn pico, guacamole and sour cream. 8.95
Jethro’s Rib Taster (4 bones)
Jethro smokes them all day; then he pours on sweet
bourbon glaze and serves 'em over a bed of fries. 9.95
SOUP
Jake’s BBQ Steak Chili
Large bites of aged steak and smoked beans make this
chili uniquely Jethro's. Topped with cheese and sour cream.
4.95 cup 6.95 bowl
BBQ Sliders
Gramma’s Gumbo
Smoked chicken, pulled pork or brisket, piled high on 3 mini
Smoked chicken and sausage... this stuff is spicy hot and
buns, topped with cheese and fried sweet onions. 9.95
good! (No road kill in it!) 4.95 cup 6.95 bowl
BBQ, BABY BACK RIBS & CHICKEN DINNERS
,
Jethro wakes at sunrise each morning and builds the fire with oak and hickory planks. Then he slowly smokes Iowa s finest
meats. Each dinner comes with two sides and a corn muffin or white bread.
Dinners for 1
Dinners for 2
1 meat (1/2 lb) 11.95
2 meats (1/4 lb each meat =1/2 lb total) 12.95
3 meats (1/4 lb each meat =3/4 lb total) 14.95
4 meats (1/4 lb each meat =1 lb total) 16.95
Full Slab Baby Back Ribs 26.95
Half Slab & 10 Wings 26.95
Half Slab & Two Meat Dinner 24.95
Half Slab & Half Chicken Dinner 24.95
Whole Smoked Chicken 23.95
Four Meat Dinner 22.95
Each dinner comes with 2 sides and a corn muffin or
white bread.
Choose 4 sides with either white bread or corn muffins
AMAZING HOUSE SMOKED MEATS
pulled pork pulled chicken smoked sausage turkey (sliced or shaved)
brisket (+ $1) point available upon request sliced pit ham
Full slab 22.95
1/2 slab 1 7.95
1/2 slab & 1 meat 20.95
Jethro's World Famous Combo
1/2 slab & 5 wings
21.95
Whole Smoked Chicken 15.95
1/2 Smoked Chicken 11.95
1/2 Smoked Chicken & 1/2 slab 21.95
THE EARL OF SANDWICH
BBQ Sandwiches
Comes with one side.
The “Better Homes
and Gardens” Melt
Pick any one of your favorite house slow smoked
meats with your choice of white bread or a freshly
baked bun. It comes plain, but you can get saucy at
your table. 8.95
"Better Homes and Gardens" Magazine's
August 2009 Issue selected this melt as
their favorite BBQ dish in Des Moines.
"A unique combination of Swiss and
American cheeses melted on top of Carolina
pulled pork and smoked turkey." 11.95
The Melts
Pick any one of your favorite house slow smoked
meats, served on grilled Texas toast with melted Swiss
and American cheese. 9.95
*Add cole slaw, sauteed onions or peppers + $1
*Add any additional meat or bacon for + $2
campfire baked beans
mashed potatoes
with country gravy
mac and cheese
jalapeno cream corn
country style dressing
Sides
cottage cheese
coleslaw
green beans
apple sauce
fries
waffle fries
candied smashed
sweet potatoes
potato salad
sweet potato fries (+ $1)
side salad (+ $2)
fried pickles (+ $2)
onion rings (+ $2)
cup of gumbo or chili (+ $2)
More than a
Mouthful
JETHRO’S BIGGEST
*The World Famous Adam Emmenecker
(As seen on Man v. Food) Take the challenge today!
The Missouri Valley Conference's "Most Valuable Player of 2008" loves this sandwich.
It 's big... "really big"... just like all of those "really big" shots Adam sank in the
Bulldog 's magical MVC Championship Season of 2008. Start with our huge pork
tenderloin, add our Angus steak burger, top it with slabs of Texas brisket, apple
wood bacon, fried cheese and finished with buffalo chicken tenders. Smother this
mountain with melted cheddar cheese and white cheddar sauce. Serve it with your
choice of side. This could hurt you! A sandwich fit for the MVP. 24.95
The Jethro
This isn't for everyone... It is porktastic. It is ginormous. We start with our famous tenderloin
and add Carolina style pulled pork, house smoked pit ham and a double order of thick slab bacon.
Choose your side and then go for it, but remember... we warned you. 15.95
PAPA’S 1/2 POUND STEAK BURGERS
Comes with one side
Add your favorite cheese (American, cheddar, Swiss or pepper jack), cole slaw, sauteed onions or peppers + $1
Add any additional meat or bacon for + $2 Add an additional patty + $4
Papa’s
*We always start with a half pound of fresh,
ground Angus steak, grilled to perfection.
Choose your favorite cheese; we'll bring the
lettuce, onion, tomato and pickle. 9.95
A hungry man might want a double steak
burger with twice the meat and cheese. 13.95
The Spike
*Our fresh Angus steak burger, an order of
thick slab bacon and blue cheese. 11.95
The Bulldog
*Our fresh Angus steak burger topped
with Texas brisket, caramelized onions,
roasted peppers and aged cheddar cheese.
(We're talking real food here) 11.95
The Carolina
*Our fresh Angus steak burger, topped with
Carolina style pulled pork and coleslaw. 11.95
campfire baked beans
mashed potatoes
with country gravy
mac and cheese
jalapeno cream corn
country style dressing
Sides
cottage cheese
coleslaw
green beans
apple sauce
fries
waffle fries
candied smashed
sweet potatoes
potato salad
sweet potato fries (+ $1)
side salad (+ $2)
fried pickles (+ $2)
onion rings (+ $2)
cup of gumbo or chili (+ $2)
OTHER VITTLES’
(Eats, treats and specialties) Comes with one side
State Fair Pork Chop
Sandwich
Pork Tenderloin
The Ricky Bobby
BBQ Smoked Chicken
Philly
Campfire grilled, comes with lettuce, tomato,
onion and pickles... eat it your way. 12.95
Jethro serves a juicy center cut prime pork
chop in crispy, flakey shake 'n bake style
crispy, flakey and juicy with lettuce, tomato,
onion and pickles. 10.95
The McSandwich
Jethro loves his shaved hickory smoked pork
loin griddled and glazed, smothered with
pepper jack cheese and slapped on a hoagie
with sweet fried onions and pickles. 9.95
Texas Dip
(No French spoken here) thin sliced Texas
brisket, smothered with melted Swiss
cheese, topped with caramelized onions and
a side of BBQ jus for dippin'. 10.95
It 's big as the plate! Pounded flat, then
fried crispy and served on a toasted bun
with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. 9.95
With caramelized onions, roasted peppers,
aged cheddar cheese and Jethro's BBQ
glaze. 9.95
The Big Beverly Hills
Club
Piled high with house smoked pit ham,
turkey and thick slab bacon on Texas toast
with Swiss and cheddar cheese, lettuce,
tomato and mayo. 10.95
Fried Catfish Po Boy
Fresh from the creek, not the L.A. River,
cornmeal battered and fried or Cajun
blackened. 10.95
WRAPS
(No possum served here) Comes with one side
Smoked Tom Turkey
Wrap
House smoked turkey, crisp lettuce, smoked
corn pico and guacamole, all wrapped up in a
fresh flour tortilla with a side of double secret,
chipotle ranch. 9.95
Roscoe’s Buffalo
Chicken Wrap
Buffalo boneless wings, crisp lettuce,
tomatoes and blue cheese or ranch
dressing all wrapped up in a fresh flour
tortilla. 9.95
Jethro's is
Porktastic
JETHRO’S PORK CHOP GRILL
FAVORITES
(Campfire grilled specialties) Comes with two sides
State Fair Pork Chop
This is the same "Pork Chop on a Stick" that you will find next to the
Ye Old Mill at the Iowa State Fair. Tender, succulent, juicy center cut
pork chop, campfire grilled. Single Chop 14.95 Double Chop 19.95
Stuffed Pork Chop
This thick, double-cut chop is pulled off the campfire and then stuffed with
Jethro's secret, rich, country style dressing... add gravy if you like.
This feast will tame even the biggest of redneck appetites. 18 .95
Shake n’ Bake Pork Chop
Jethro has perfected his crumbly, crunchy, country coating. He serves only the
finest center cut tenderloin chop. The meat is so moist that your mouth will water
with this delightful, nostalgic taste. Single Chop 12.95 Double Chop 17.95
Smoked Pork Chops
Jethro slow smokes this amazing Iowa Chop, and cuts 'em thick.
When they are perfectly done, he slaps them on the campfire for that
chargrilled taste that satisfies. Single Chop 15.95 Double Chop 21.95
Campfire Grilled Ribeye
This is the tastiest, the juciest and the most flavorful steak Jethro can fix ya.
He cuts it by the pound. Order two if you are hungry. 22.95
Campfire Grilled Salmon
Fresh caught Atlantic salmon, campfire grilled and then glazed with
Des Moines' favorite BBQ rub. 16.95
Smoke House Mac-a-Noodle and Cheese
Jethro starts with Wisconsin white cheddar, adds sharp cheddar, colby jack and
parmesan. Then he tosses in hickory smoked bacon, cherrywood smoked pit ham and sprinkles
Shake n' Bake crumbs to create the ultimate pasta treat. 12.95 (no choice of side)
Catfish Dinner (available blackened)
(Not from the L.A. River) Large filets, cornmeal battered and fried, with caper tartar and lemons. 13.95
campfire baked beans
mashed potatoes
with country gravy
mac and cheese
jalapeno cream corn
country style dressing
Sides
cottage cheese
coleslaw
green beans
apple sauce
fries
waffle fries
candied smashed
sweet potatoes
potato salad
sweet potato fries (+ $1)
side salad (+ $2)
fried pickles (+ $2)
onion rings (+ $2)
cup of gumbo or chili (+ $2)
GREEN STUFF
Jethro's House Made Dressings
Blue Cheese, Ranch, Caesar, Chipotle Ranch, French, Cranberry Vinaigrette,
Honey Mustard, BBQ Blue Cheese, 1000 Island, Fat Free Italian
State Fair Pork Chop Salad
Jethro snatches his juicy State Fair chop from the
campfire and serves it with romaine lettuce, bacon,
smoked corn, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles. He
tosses it with tangy BBQ blue cheese dressing and
tops it with sweet fried onions. 13.95
Sally Sue Southwestern
Crisp greens, with smoked chicken, brisket or pulled pork,
cheddar and jack cheeses, pico, guacamole and sour cream.
Tossed in our double secret chipolte ranch and served in a
crispy taco shell. 9.95
Becky Sue’s Crispy BBQ Chicken
Crisp greens with BBQ coated country fried chicken
tenders, honey mustard dressing, tomatoes, onions and
shredded cheese. 9.95
Buffalo Chicken
Crisp greens, tossed with blue cheese dressing, topped
with buffalo chicken strips and smoked corn pico. 9.95
Cindy Sue’s Grilled Salmon Caesar
Cindy loves garlic! This classic style caesar has
garlicky croutons and grilled salmon. You must love
garlic too... 13.95
The Beverly Hills Club
Crisp greens tossed with house smoked turkey, pit
ham, bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheeses and tomatoes.
You pick the dressing. 9.95
From the Garden
Crisp greens, tossed with your choice of dressing,
tomatoes, croutons and shredded cheese. 6.95
Side salad. 4.50
HOMEMADE DESSERT
Buster’s Big Chocolate Cake
Layers of fudgey, gooey delight 8.95
1/2 piece 5.95
Rootbeer Float
Millstream rootbeer and ice cream 4.95
Wilma's Fried Apple Pie
with ice cream 5.95
SOFT DRINKS
Soda, Ice Tea, Hot Tea and Coffee 2.50
This ain't Europe! Jethro gives free refills on all soft drinks.
*Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of food born illness.
Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or under cooked.
Consult your physician or public health official for further information.
Jethro’s World Famous Brunch
Every Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am-2:00pm
MADE TO ORDER OMELETS
Served with hashbrowns and choice of toast (white, wheat, marble rye, biscuit or English muffin)
Bulldog
Texas brisket, sauteed onions and peppers, topped with aged
cheddar cheese. 10.95
The Big Texan
Texas brisket, sauteed mushrooms and hashbrowns topped
with Swiss cheese. 10.95
Anna Kay
Sauteed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, topped with Swiss
cheese. 9.95
Chicken Philly
House smoked chicken, sauteed peppers and onions,
smothered in white cheddar cheese sauce. 9.95
Denver
Pit ham, peppers and onions. 9.95
Cajun
Smoked corn pico, tomatoes, green peppers, andouille
sausage, topped with pepper jack. 9.95
The Piglet
Pit ham, American and white cheddar cheese sauce. 9.95
The Chicklet
House smoked chicken, American and white cheddar cheese
sauce. 9.95
Carolina
Carolina style pulled pork, breakfast sausage and bacon. 9.95
BREAKFAST VITTLES
Don't forget to add hashbrowns for 1.95
Breakfast Quesadillas
Flour tortilla layered with cheese, smoked corn pico,
scrambled eggs and your choice of smoked chicken, Carolina
pulled pork, or hickory smoked bacon, with guacamole and
sour cream on the side. 9.95
*The Earl of Egg Sandwiches
Two extra large eggs (any style) with your choice of pit ham,
slab bacon or sausage patty with American cheese on Texas
toast. Comes with hashbrowns. 8.95
*The Cowboy Breakfast
A full half pound of our famous Texas brisket and two extra
large eggs (any style). Comes with hashbrowns and your
choice of toast. 12.95
*Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast
With two extra large eggs (any style). 7.95
*Papa’s Breakfast
Two extra large eggs (any style), your choice of meat and
either buttermilk pancakes or French toast. 8.95
*Grandma’s Breakfast
Two extra large eggs (any style) with your favorite side of
meat and your choice of toast. 6.95
The Jethro Burrito
Scrambled eggs with smoked sausage, smoked corn pico,
guacamole and sour cream, topped with cheddar cheese
sauce. Comes with hashbrowns 10.95
BULLDOG BREAKFAST
DOWNHOME HASH
The Jethro Breakfast
Start with our ginormous tenderloin, top it with hashbrowns,
three extra large eggs scrambled with bacon, Carolina pulled
pork and pit ham, all topped with your favorite cheese and a
side of toast. 14.95
These aren't your ordinary hashbrowns. These are
Jethro sized hashbrowns. Extra large, smothered in
Jake's favorite toppings and two extra large eggs
(any style) with your choice of toast.
*Spike’s Breakfast Nachos
Best in Des Moines! Crispy waffle fries smothered with
cheese sauce, topped with three extra large scrambled eggs
with your choice of one of Jethro's amazing slow smoked
meats, shredded cheese, finished with smoked corn pico,
guacamole and sour cream. 10.95
*Game Day Breakfast
Our made from scratch biscuits and gravy, Texas style
hashbrowns (that 's topped with chili and cheese) and three
eggs (any style). 12.95
THE OINK... We dare you!!!
SIXTEEN extra large eggs, folded with a full pound of
Jethro's house smoked pit ham and a double helping of
American and white cheddar cheese sauce. It may be the
largest ham and cheese omelet ever! 19.95
French Toast
Thick cut bread, hand dipped in Jethro's own vanilla
cinnamon batter. Grilled and served with your choice
of meat. Yummy!!! 7.95 (add hashbrowns for 1.95)
Buttermilk Pancakes
Three of Grandma's made from scratch, large
buttermilk pancakes, griddled hot and piled high,
served with your choice of meat. (add hashbrowns
for 1.95). 7.95
Des Moines
Our crispy hashbrowns topped with slab bacon, breakfast
sausage, and pit ham. Then we smother 'em with cheddar
cheese. 10.95
Jake
We load Jethro's World Famous Texas brisket, pepperjack
cheese, sauteed mushrooms and onions on top of our crispy
hasbrowns. 10.95
Cindy Sue
Cindy loves her crispy hashbrowns topped with sauteed
peppers, onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. 9.95
Pork Chop Hash
Jethro takes his crispy griddled hasbrowns and tops them
with shaved hickory smoked pork loin, pepperjack cheese,
sweet fried onions and a campfire grilled state fair pork
chop on a stick. 13.95
Hashbrown toppers (.95)
Cheese or cheese sauce
Chili
Gravy
Sauteed mushrooms
Sauteed peppers
Sauteed onions
Diced pit ham
Carolina pulled pork
Chopped Texas brisket
Andouille sausage
Chopped bacon
Tomato