At the former location of Cedar River Landing, a brand new barbecue restaurant from Newbo will take its place. If one loves barbecue cuisine, this will be a must-eat. This larger and more expansive area will allow the restaurant to broaden its offerings and keep the same high-quality and authentic barbecue that made it a local sensation at its previous location.
The main inspiration behind this locally owned restaurant was “a love for cooking and a desire to bring great barbecue to Cedar Rapids,” said Greg Stoll, owner of the new barbecue joint. The desire and need for high-quality smoked meats in Iowa, though a simple idea, wasn’t without its challenges. Stoll said, “The biggest challenge we faced was deciding what to feature on our menu since we were so small at Newbo.” With the extra space and more populated area, they can become bigger and more popular while staying grounded to their roots.
Something that sets those at CR Midnight BBQ apart is their commitment and focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients. “We get shipments once or twice a week, and everything is made fresh in-house, including our sauces and rubs,” said Stoll. Everything down to even the sauces comes with great care. Their homemade sauce was originally crafted to accommodate family members with food allergies, and as a result, all their sauces and rubs are gluten-free, corn-free, and free from honey and peanuts.
At CR Midnight BBQ, their signature brisket is the star of the show. This beef brisket is slow-smoked to absolute perfection, which gives it that bold and smoky flavor with every bite. To anyone who wants to try something unique and different, this restaurant also offers specially made Moink Balls. This is a tasty creation of bacon-wrapped meatballs that have swiftly become a fan favorite.
The restaurant’s menu includes many classic and delicious dishes such as pulled pork, baby back ribs, and smoked mac & cheese. Their side dishes are also just as delicious, offering homemade potato salad and smoked beans. The establishment’s main philosophy is to keep it classic, make it fresh, and serve it with a smile.
CR Midnight BBQ is much more than just a simple restaurant, it’s a place where people can socialize, have fun, enjoy great food, and soak in the memories. “We want our guests to feel comfortable and have fun, enjoying good music and good people,” Stoll said. The restaurant’s casual and welcoming atmosphere mirrors this philosophy, making it a must-go spot for any barbecue lover.
The Cedar Rapids community has already shown much love towards the BBQ. “The response has been beyond our dreams. At NewBo, we could barely keep up with demand. With this new location, we hope to continue satisfying everyone’s appetites,” said Stoll. While there aren’t any current plans to expand beyond the Cedar Rapids location, CR Midnight Smoker will continue to bring their food truck to local events, ensuring that even more people get a taste of their delicious barbecue cuisine.
