King Tenderloin
The big one. Yeah, it hangs off the bun. Order it with everything.
On Des Moines' South Side since 1966
Hand‑breaded, fried golden, hanging off the bun. The same flat‑top, the same family recipes, the same "if you know, you know" tenderloin locals grew up on. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?
Been serving the Des Moines metro for generations. Our tenderloin's still too big for the bun, and that's how we like it.
Real reviews from real customers
"I was visiting from Mississippi and learned that tenderloin was a big deal in this area. I was on a mission to find the best and I really believe I found it. Love the old diner vibe and the friendly staff. That King tenderloin sandwich is definitely hitting!!!"
"Grew up in Iowa, moved away after college but flew into Des Moines to visit parents. Off the plane 20 minutes and picked up a king tenderloin. Gentleman behind me doing the same after flying in. Great sandwich, huge. Classic diner feel."
"Nice quaint little restaurant. The waitstaff were awesome, very friendly. They gave great recommendations. I ordered the queen tenderloin with chili and onions and a side of onion rings. Food was on point and would definitely recommend!"
"The staff here was great and attentive. The tenderloins are HUGE!! and taste awesome. The onion rings are the thinly sliced ones and taste great!"
"Just had lunch at Smitty's having driven from Lincoln Nebraska. Great breaded tenderloin sandwich and onion rings. Mindy and the fry cook were both great, the atmosphere is a throwback to the 50s and prices are very reasonable."
"Friendly and fast service at Smitty's! Connie ordered regular tenderloin and I ordered large with onion rings and fries. All was tasty! You could tell it was popular by the many people stopping and getting pickup orders to go."
"This is a must stop for anyone who loves tenderloin sandwiches as much as I do! They have been around for decades, which shows that they do it right. I have never had a bad meal here!"
"I got a cheeseburger with bacon and a chocolate shake and it was amazing and the deep fried onion rings were very good as well. Thanks Smitty's!"
Three things you gotta try
The big one. Yeah, it hangs off the bun. Order it with everything.
Burgers, fries, onion rings, and all the classics done right on the flat-top.
Real ice‑cream shakes, malts, and fountain sodas served up ice‑cold the old‑fashioned way.
Smitty's Tenderloin Shop has been a Southside of Des Moines staple since 1966. What started as a small family restaurant founded by Bill "Smitty" Smith quickly became a place where great food and familiar faces came together. In 1983, Greg and Cheri Smith proudly took over the shop from Greg's dad and continued the tradition of serving the community with the same care and dedication.
In September 2019, the next generation stepped in when Ben and Crystal Smith took over the family business. For Ben, Smitty's has always been home—he's been working there since he was just 10 years old. Today, he still hand‑makes the famous tenderloins and onion rings from scratch every single day, just like the generations before him.
Over the years, Smitty's has become more than just a place to grab a great meal. It's a gathering spot where neighbors meet, families return for generations, and where "everyone knows your name." We're proud to continue serving the Southside community and carrying on a family tradition that's been built one tenderloin at a time.