Flying Mango

I love my food spicy so this was a great treat for me. I had the shrimp and grits. Had a great uniquely flavored sauce with grits, large BBQ shrimp and toasted garlic bread. I may reccommend that a side vegetable should be added for a little more balance. Wife had the garlic lime chicken on pasta. The chicken was well seasoned which helped assist the pasta which she felt was needing a little more flavor. Also ordered their personalized coffee that we both found very good. We shared a slice of the chocolate cake. It was nice and thick, creamy and topped with a cinnamon flavored cayenne pepper looking candy. A comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Staff made us feel welcome and were attentive. Good selection of wine, beer and other refreshments. Was also fun to see the open kitchen where you could view food preparation. I would advise calling ahead for a reservation. I would like to go back and try another dish to explore one of their BBQ dishes.

I tried Flying Mango a few months ago and enjoyed the food but never returned until tonight. Food was fantastic and I regret wasting the last few months trying other restaurants in Des Moines that were awful. Tonight ordered: Side salad - mixed greens apples red onions - delicious 10/10 Cornbread - density was different however- topped with cinnamon butter which is awesome Side Greens- definitely the Surprise of the night as I was skeptical about ordering but they came with pork pieces and a nice vinegar that has nice flavor! 10/10 Shrimp Pontchartrain - previous time was better. Tonight gravy was lighter in color and sparse however nice big fresh shrimp BBQ Chopped Brisket Sandwich - with Cowboy Beans - Absolutely amazing! Brisket can be tricky at most restaurants but Flying Mango got it right and the BBQ sauce was the icing. 10/10 Last time a nice guy at the grill with a beard & man bun gave me a big kind smile - not tonight. Parking sucks and the hostess podium was far from the door which was confusing. Packaging was labeled nicely!

We arrived around 6:15 with a group of four. We were seated right away. Our server Justin was fantastic. Very friendly and knew his stuff. We watched a brisket go by and another waiter saw us eyeing it and said “this is what everyone comes for.” My husband and I split that and the two sides it came with and added a cornbread. Delicious. The sides were tasty. I could have done without the cornbread, just a little dry for my taste. We had enough to take home for a small lunch for one of us the next day. I also had the house salad which I enjoyed. My in-laws got the pork tenderloin (it’s not breaded, nothing is, so just be aware of that if that’s your jam) and the brisket salad. Very generous portions of meat. The inside can feel a little loud as it’s a big room, but overall this was a great experience and I’m glad we finally got to stop by. I would come back to try other stuff, but that brisket was some of the best I’ve had in town.

Finally got in to eat at this place and the wait was worth it. As you can see by my rating I loved my overall experience but not everything was pleasant. A group of friends and I made reservations, you have to make reservations for groups with 6 or more. Upon arriving at the restaurant it was clear that parking was going to be an issue. Once inside the arouma of smoked meats and BBQ hit your nose. They instantly make your mouth water. A very pleasant hostess greets you and makes sure your whole party has arrived. Once seated your waitress shows up to take drinks and then disappears only to come back a few mi utes later with all your correct drinks. Our group ordered some appetizers with our meals. The jerk chicken tacos were by the the favorite followed by as chicken dip, and coming in last was the car fish cake. Our main dishes were a variety of different options including a couple specials. One thing to know about the specials that you have to get there early because when they're out they are out. All of our food came out hot and delicious there was just a couple items that we were not a fan of. Most notably was the "What Guy Had", this is what Guy fieri ordered when he did Diners Drive-Ins and dives. No one at our table really enjoyed that. Overall we had an amazing time with good food I would just be very cautious on what you order as some of the prices are expensive because they are based off of current market value.

Been wanting to visit this place for years and finally got around to it. Very good food. The smoke smell is intoxicating as soon as you walk in the door. Intimate restaurant with a good unique variety of menu items. "What Guy Had" is a good mix of different items. The red beans and rice are a must have and the ribs are great. The catfish cake with the sauce was incredible. Will definitely return but the prices aren't cheap, nothing is anymore.