On the south side of Des Moines, there is a small building that looks like it has not changed much in decades. That is exactly the point.
Inside, families have been lining up at the counter for generations, and some people now bring their kids to the same stools where their grandparents once sat. The star of the show is a breaded pork tenderloin so wide it makes the bun look like an afterthought.
Iowa takes this sandwich seriously, and this little shop is one of the places that helped make it famous. Travelers plan road trips around it, and locals treat it like a family tradition.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, what size to choose, when to go, and a few honest tips that will make your first visit a lot easier.
A South Side Address Worth Remembering
Some of the best meals in Iowa come from buildings that barely try to get your attention. Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop sits at 1401 Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, in the United States, on the south side of the city.
From the road, it does not look like much. The outside could use a refresh, and nobody here pretends otherwise.
That plain exterior hides a spot that has become a true neighborhood landmark. Locals call it a south side staple, and that label fits well.
The shop is a humble American throwback built around counter stools and one famous sandwich. It is listed as a restaurant, but it feels more like a community clubhouse where lunch happens to be served.
The location is also handy for travelers. Blank Park Zoo is just down the road, so families often pair a zoo day with a stop here.
Des Moines International Airport is close by as well. More than one traveler has wandered in to pass time before a flight and left with a full stomach and a new favorite.
Write the address down, because GPS is easier than squinting for a fancy sign that does not exist.
Three Generations at One Counter
Family stories tend to stick to this place. One longtime fan remembers that her grandpa used to bring her mom here back in the 1960s.
That kind of history is not rare at Smitty’s. People who grew up in Des Moines still stop in whenever they come back to town, even after moving away.
The building itself feels like it came straight out of the 1950s. It is old in a cool, history-book kind of way rather than a run-down way.
Many restaurants try hard to look retro. Here, the retro look is simply what happens when a place stays true to itself for decades.
Parents bring kids for their first tenderloin, and those kids grow up and bring their own. Some friends spend years trying to get someone to visit because of memories they made as children.
That steady loyalty is the real story. Plenty of trendy spots open and close in a few years, but this counter keeps filling up with the same families, one generation after another.
It is less a restaurant than a family photo album with a fryer in the back.
The Smith Family Behind the Fryer
Ben Smith started working at the shop when he was around eight years old. That is earlier than most kids learn to ride a bike without training wheels.
Over the years, he learned every part of the business. Eventually he worked alongside his father, carrying on a tradition that the family had built.
Today Ben runs the place as owner. He is known to take time to chat with guests and share bits of the shop’s history when someone asks.
That personal touch matters. Out-of-town guests have left feeling like they got a tour of Des Moines history along with their dinner.
The owner also responds directly when someone has a problem. In one case, a full refund was issued when a customer was unhappy with a sandwich.
The family approach shows up in how the shop describes itself. It calls itself an intentionally small, casual neighborhood spot that tries to keep fresh food at prices the community can afford.
With a name like Smith on the paperwork, the Smitty’s sign is less of a brand and more of a family nickname that stuck.
Red Stools, Checkered Floors and Old Headlines
Decor here was not picked from a catalog last spring. The red stools, the checkered floor and the walls covered in decades of newspaper clippings all tell their own story.
Those clippings are worth a slow look while waiting for an order. They show how long the shop has been part of local conversations.
The space is described as a vintage fixture, and that is accurate. It feels like a mom and pop diner that never saw a reason to change.
Guests often call it cute, neat or cool. Some say it feels like going back in time for a moment.
Counter seating keeps things simple and social. Sitting at the counter puts you close to the action and to the friendly folks running it.
The outside is a different matter. It needs some updating, and a few first-timers find the exterior a little deceiving compared with the charm inside.
Not everyone loves the old-school setting, and that is fair. For anyone who enjoys a place with real years on it, though, the walls here do a lot of the talking.
The Breaded Pork Tenderloin Itself
Iowa has a funny relationship with buns. The state’s favorite sandwich routinely sticks out several inches past the bread, and Smitty’s is a prime example.
The breaded pork tenderloin is the reason most people come. It is thin, wide and hand-breaded, then fried to order.
Many fans say the pork comes out tender with a crispy coating. The sandwich arrives looking like it is trying to escape from the bun, which is part of the fun.
For first-timers, it can be a surprise. One newcomer admitted having no idea what a tenderloin sandwich even was, then decided it was good anyway.
Toppings stay classic. Lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and pickle are common choices, and cheese can be added.
The shop is known for serving it hot and quick. Simple food done right is the general idea.
Honest note: not every bite wins everyone over. Some guests feel it needs more seasoning, and a few have found the breading too thick for their taste.
Most still leave convinced that this is what an Iowa tenderloin should be.
King or Queen: Choosing Your Size
Royalty rules the menu board here. Tenderloins come in sizes with names like King and Queen, and picking the right one is a real decision.
The King tenderloin is massive. It completely dwarfs the bun, and many couples wisely split one.
That is a smart move for first-timers. Iowa tenderloins are famous for being huge, and the King lives up to that reputation.
The Queen is no small snack either. Guests describe it as quite large, and it has been priced around $6.00, which makes it one of the better lunch deals in the city.
A smaller tenderloin cutlet sandwich is another option. Adding a slice of American cheese is an easy upgrade.
Size choice comes down to appetite and whether there is a sharing partner at the table. Hungry solo diners often go Queen, while groups and couples lean toward the King.
There is no wrong answer, only a question of how many napkins you want to use.
Either way, the crown goes to whoever finishes first.
Tenderloins with a Twist
Plain is popular, but it is far from the only way to go. The shop offers several loaded tenderloin variations for anyone feeling bold.
The Taco tenderloin is one fun pick. A Queen version has been served with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, pickle, chili and cheese all piled on top.
That sounds like a lot, and it is. Fans of the Taco style say the tenderloin underneath still holds its own.
The chili cheese loin is another hearty choice. It takes the classic sandwich and adds a topping combo that turns lunch into a full meal.
A vegetable tenderloin is also on the menu. The Queen Vegetable Tenderloin sandwich has earned strong praise from guests who wanted the classic size with extra garden toppings.
These variations keep regulars from getting bored. Someone who has eaten here for years can still find a new way to order.
Newcomers might want to start with the standard version first. Once the basics make sense, the twists feel like a reward for coming back.
Consider it a choose-your-own-adventure book, except every ending involves pork.
Wendy, Mindy and the Counter Crew
Ask longtime fans what keeps them coming back, and the answer is often the people, not just the sandwiches. Sisters Wendy and Mindy have become well known at the counter.
Guests describe them as delightful, funny, efficient and engaging. Some say the two of them are reason enough to return.
Out-of-towners have ended up chatting and laughing with them for a long stretch. Sometimes those chats lead to an introduction to the owner.
The kindness goes beyond taking orders. One traveler stuck with a delayed flight got help finding a room for the night, plus tips on other local spots.
Even people who did not love the food mention that the staff were very sweet. That says a lot about the crew.
Service here is fast and friendly. Orders come out quickly, which helps on busy days when the small space fills up.
Plenty of diners leave remembering names. In a world of drive-thrus and kiosks, that personal connection feels like a small slice of old Des Moines that refuses to go away.
Prices That Still Make Sense
Sticker shock is not part of the experience here. Prices are one of the most praised things about the shop, even among people who had mixed feelings about the food.
A Queen tenderloin has gone for around $6.00. For a sandwich that big, that is a strong deal in today’s economy.
Solo diners have reported full meals for under $10. That is better value than many quick-service chains nearby.
A family of four once spent about $32 total and felt they got their money’s worth. Portion sizes play a big part in that value.
The shop says it works hard to keep food at a price that stays accessible to the community. That mission shows in the menu board.
Food comes wrapped in classic diner-style paper, and drinks come in cardboard cups. This keeps things quick and affordable, though some guests wish the cups were larger.
Those small trade-offs are part of how the prices stay low. For budget-minded families and travelers, the math tends to work out nicely.
Your wallet will likely leave in better shape than your belt.
Who Feels Right at Home Here
Road trippers seem to love this place most. Families traveling from Minnesota, Florida and beyond have made it a planned stop on their way through Iowa.
Anyone looking for a true Iowa tenderloin experience will find what they came for. It is the kind of meal that makes a trip feel local.
Families with kids do well here too. Combining a morning at Blank Park Zoo with lunch at Smitty’s makes for an easy day out.
Nostalgia lovers are another good match. People who enjoy old diners, counter stools and walls full of history will feel at home.
On the other hand, it may not suit everyone. Those who want roomy seating, fancy plates or a polished setting might be disappointed.
The shop calls itself small and laid-back on purpose. Guests who appreciate that style tend to have the best time.
Solo diners fit right in at the counter. Groups can work as well, though big parties may need some patience with the limited seats.
Basically, bring an appetite and leave the expectations of white tablecloths at home.
Small Space, Smart Planning
Space is the one thing this shop is short on. The restaurant is small, and there are not many seats for dining in.
Parking can be tricky as well. Some guests have found very little room to park, so plan for that.
Timing helps a lot. Arriving a little before or after the main lunch and dinner rush gives a better shot at grabbing a stool.
Outdoor seating has been used by some families when the inside is full. It is basic, but it works on a nice day.
Takeout is another good option. Since the food comes wrapped in paper, it travels well for a picnic or a hotel room meal.
Keep the group size in mind. A couple or a small family will have an easier time than a large crowd showing up at once.
None of this has stopped people from packing the place for decades. A little planning simply turns a possible hassle into a smooth stop.
Think of it as a tiny shop with a big fan club and a short guest list.
Hours to Know Before You Go
Sunday is the day that catches people off guard. The shop keeps shorter hours then, opening at 11 AM and closing at 3 PM.
Monday through Saturday, the schedule is much more generous. Doors open at 10 AM and stay open until 9 PM.
That makes it easy to fit in a late breakfast, lunch or dinner on most days. Early risers can grab a tenderloin before many places even open.
Weekday afternoons tend to be a good window for a calmer visit. Evenings work well for travelers rolling into town after a long drive.
The shop’s website at smittystenderloinshop.com is a handy spot to check before heading out. Hours can shift around holidays at many restaurants, so a quick look saves a wasted trip.
Plan Sunday visits carefully. A late Sunday afternoon arrival could mean finding the doors already locked.
With six long days a week, though, there are plenty of chances to stop by. Just keep Sunday’s short window in mind, and the tenderloin will be waiting.
A Des Moines Classic That Keeps Its Promise
Not every famous spot lives up to its legend, and this one has its share of honest critics. Some longtime fans feel recent sandwiches have not matched their memories, and a few find the seasoning too light.
Still, the bigger picture is hard to ignore. The shop holds a strong 4.5-star standing across nearly 1,900 opinions online.
Many call it legendary, and some describe it as a true treasure for Des Moines. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
The formula is simple. A family-run counter, a huge breaded pork tenderloin, friendly faces and prices that respect your budget.
Nothing about it is fancy. The cups are small, the paper wrapping is basic, and the outside needs work.
Yet people keep coming, from neighbors down the street to travelers crossing the state. Some come for the food, others for the history, and plenty for both.
For anyone passing through Iowa, ordering the tenderloin here feels like checking a box on a real local bucket list.
Go hungry, maybe split the King, and see why this little south side shop still has folks lining up.
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