I gotta give a shout out to Kue'd Smokehouse in Waukee. I've had a lot bbq in my life and that place is way up on my list. I miss Smokey D's as well. Their burnt ends cannot be matched. I've looked up the whole southern bbq belt and it's pathetic competition.
Agree on Kue'd, I'm in Ankeny so it's a haul, but their meats are really really good. Wasn't a fan of the sauces, but they did meat well.