Smitty's Tenderloin Shop · Family‑run since 1966 (515) 287-4742
Best Sandwich in Iowa – People Magazine

The Original
King Tenderloin

Since 1966

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?

Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM • Sun 11AM-3PM
★ Best Sandwich in Iowa People Magazine
★ Featured on Man vs. Food National Recognition
★ 60 Years Strong Since 1966
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Been serving the Des Moines metro for generations. Our tenderloin's still too big for the bun, and that's how we like it.

— Smitty

What Folks Are Saying

Real reviews from real customers

What Folks Drive Across Town For

Three things you gotta try

King Tenderloin
👑 King

King Tenderloin

The big one. Yeah, it hangs off the bun. Order it with everything.

Full Diner Spread

The Full Experience

Burgers, fries, onion rings, and all the classics done right on the flat-top.

Real ice-cream shake in a cup

Shakes & Ice‑Cold Sodas

Real ice‑cream shakes, malts, and fountain sodas served up ice‑cold the old‑fashioned way.

Smitty's Tenderloin Shop building

A South‑Side Staple Since 1966

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.

Counter Seating Old-school diner vibes
Free Parking Front & back lots
Smitty running