Tanks Bar & Grill

I’ve spent some time trying to figure out the best way to start this review. Something about unicorns living at Tanks, some clever song lyrics that incorporate the magic ribs that live here, or a politically slanted joke about how the guy making the food here should be elected to a high office because the ribs will being about peace. I’ll forgo such antics because Tanks deserves nothing less than a ringing from the hilltops endorsement!
STRAIGHT UP — THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST RIBS I HAVE EVER TASTED! And I’m a boy who loves him some ribs.
I heard about Tanks from a friend who heard about it from a friend. Objectively this makes sense since it’s in Rudd, Iowa — a town of 369 people according to the 2010 census. Making the 17 mile journey from Mason City was absolutely the right call.
Google maps got me to where I was going and like I assume most other first time visitors do, I made sure it was the right spot when I pulled in. There are no markings outside the building, just a sign that says SHUT THE DOOR… PLEASE.
Upon entering you discover this place is a total small town dive. The phone on the wall was old in the 80’s, the tables were probably from a church yard sale and the signage was stuff my grandparents were familiar with. All that to say, this spot has more small town charm than almost anywhere I’ve been. They’ll do to go orders if you like, but make sure to call about 20 minutes out, mostly because that’s where your phone will probably stop working.
On to the food — this place is known for their ribs — they’re available Thursday thru Saturday and, as stated above, are INCREDIBLE! It’s $ 10.95 for a rack of ribs, a potato based side (the hash browns are excellent) and a salad (actual salad, slaw or cottage cheese) — the slaw was very mediocre for the record. Additionally, you get Texas toast, which resembled French toast and was splendid!
Back to the ribs — these were incredible, hearty and you get about 2.5 pounds with an order! Take the best ribs you’ve ever had and now slow cook them for a day, sauce them and pack ‘em in foil. The meat falls off the bone when you look at it and the whole thing is cooked long enough that you can get at the marrow from the bones — worth trying. The sauce is amazing and the flavor is spot on!
This spot goes on my list of my try places in the state of Iowa. It’s a memorable location in a tiny town and serves up some of the best ribs I’ve ever had!

We go here on Friday nights for their beef ribs. It seems like people come from all over the area for the same. The staff is very friendly and you’re bound to hear a joke or two. It’s a bit of a dive bar but that’s usually where you find the best food around these parts. Bottom line go here for fall off the bone beef ribs! Best ones I’ve had in Iowa.