Flying Mango (Des Moines, IA) Review

4.5* (out of 5)

Food: 5*

Atmosphere: 4*

Value: 4*

Service: 5*

01/27/2024 The Flying Mango

Almost a year since our last visit and yet another delightful experience. Tonight we started with a Mango Margarita drink while waiting up front (see picture). For our main course, my wife ordered Shrimp & Grits (see picture) with Chicken Creole (see picture) and loved them, while I opted for the Chicken Dinner (see picture). The Shrimp & Grits were quite rich and the Chicken Dinner was just plain a LOT of food, so we both enjoyed leftovers the following day. We have come to expect great food at The Flying Mango and tonight was no different!

04/06/2023

We returned with our neighbors last night, as we have both enjoyed our experiences here, so thought it would be a great place for a return visit. The atmosphere was definitely lively…to the point it was a little too loud, but we were able to visit at the table. The service was fantastic – Sara took great care of us, took the time to explain some menu options and kept our drinks full.

The food on this trip was a little disappointing compared to our last trip. I ordered the Lime & Garlic Chicken (see picture) and found the chicken and pasta to both be quite dry and lacking in flavor. My wife ordered the Half Rib Dinner (see picture) and while the corn bread was very good, the ribs were a bit too well done (although the flavor was good and they were still fairly tender) and the rice was good – with a nice spicy ‘kick’ to it.

When I go back, I will definitely stick to what they are known for (smoked meat) and order brisket, pulled pork or ribs. We still enjoy this place and did last night, I just won’t order the Lime & Garlic Chicken again.

06/2022

We heard about Guy’s visit and have been wanting to go here for a while. We finally did it last weekend with our son and daughter-in-law and really enjoyed the experience. Of course we watched the relevant Diners Drive-ins and Dives (DDD) episodes that weekend and loved the context.

Our whole party wasn’t all there initially, so we were asked to take a table in the entry area and ordered a drink. Given how busy they were, I understand this rule and she took good care of us, getting our order quickly and accurately.

We started in the dining area by ordering the chicken dip appetizer served with blue corn chips. All 4 of us really enjoyed it and I’d recommend it – a great balance of protein and flavor without too much grease, fat or salt.

For the main course, my daughter-in-law ordered the Shrimp Pontchartrain (see picture), my wife ordered the Duck Breast and I ordered What Guy Had. All of us really enjoyed all of the dishes. While I thought my ribs were a little over-done (and dryer than I’d like as a result), the catfish cake and collard greens were both absolutely amazing!

In my opinion, these are some of these best plates of southern food in Des Moines. The atmosphere was above average for a barbeque joint, but not a 5* restaurant. The prices were on the high side but you could argue that they are worth it. Lastly, as my profile states, I like a server with opinions and a bit of an attitude and she had neither…but the service was still great.

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