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Unforgettable Food
MEATS, EATS & TREATS
Get ready for bold flavors and an unforgettable dining experience at The Beast & Bird—Vinton, Iowa’s rising star in the BBQ scene. Our beautifully renovated restaurant and speakeasy is quickly becoming Iowa’s most talked-about BBQ destination.
Savor award-worthy smoked meats in a rustic-modern setting, where every bite tells a story. Whether you're enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at the intimate bar, pouring from our self-serve tap wall featuring specialty and local beers, or grabbing mouthwatering takeout, we bring authentic, made-from-scratch BBQ to your table.
From tender pulled pork and perfectly smoked brisket to our famous smoked mac & cheese, BBQ lovers from Waterloo to Cedar Rapids and beyond can’t stop raving. Explore signature sandwiches, secret sauces, and elevated Southern flavors that set us apart.
Dine in, order to go, or stop by and experience the magic yourself.
Catering & Events
FINE DINING OR CASUAL CROWDS
Bring the Beast & Bird experience to your next event with our award-winning BBQ catering out of Vinton, Iowa. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, our made-from-scratch smoked meats—brisket, pulled pork, and more—wow guests with Texas-level flavor.
Pair it with our high-end cocktails and rustic charm for a speakeasy-inspired affair. Book our private rooms or huge backyard area for an unforgettable event. Serving Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and beyond—contact us to craft your custom menu today.
The Mac
The Meats
HAND SELECTED, SLOW SMOKED TO PERFECTION
We take no shortcuts when it comes to creating the perfectly finished meat entree. Whether it's for nightly service or a private event, every piece of meat is carefully selected and inspected to ensure only the highest quality of meats make it to our smokers.
All cuts of meat are treated to a custom blend of flavor-enhancing seasonings and rubs. From tender brisket to juicy pulled pork, every bite is a masterpiece, earning rave reviews from BBQ experts nationwide. Pair it with our high-end cocktails, like the Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, crafted with a speakeasy flair. Dig into signature sides like smoked mac & cheese or build a bowl with hidden toppings. Explore our menu and taste why Iowa’s best BBQ is in Vinton
The Sauces
Electrify your tastebuds with our signature BBQ and accent sauces. Our Beast & Bird fan favorites,Tart & Tangy, Iowa Gold & Sweet BBQ are always available. Custom sauces available for private events.
Grab & Go Beast & Bird bottled sauces
coming soon.
The Spices
No store bought pre-mixes used here! All of our hand-selected cuts are rubbed down with top secret, house-crafted seasoning blends before entering our private smoke house.
Grab & Go Beast & Bird bottled spice blends
coming soon.
The Man Behind the Meat
MEET PITMASTER LOGAN MERCHANT
Logan's many years of and love for backyard grilling and barbecuing has resulted in his own “non-traditional” cooking style, combining craft rubs, marinades, injections, smoke, cast iron, flame and infusions to get the most flavorful outcome possible.
Logan enjoys perfecting his versions of BBQ classics such as pulled pork, BBQ ribs, beef brisket and of course THE MAC, but he is also always testing new flavors and recipes for features, catering and just for fun! His friends and family are eager to volunteer as B&B guinea pigs in his test kitchen.
Motivated by pleasing his patrons"nailing it" every time, Logan sets a high bar for culinary excellence. There is no argument - this man has it figured out when it comes to OMG good food!
Private Rooms
Unlock the secret to unforgettable gatherings in our private dining rooms. Perfect for meetings, parties, or special occasions, these exclusive spaces blend rustic modern charm with a speakeasy allure. Savor our smoked BBQ masterpieces and high-end cocktails while enjoying top-notch service in a hidden retreat. Our private dining areas features two private rooms that can be combined for larger groups.
Opt for an in-room tap service, full wait service or self service as the rooms are conveniently located just off our Speakeasy bar.
Have a large group that just wants to have dinner together on a random Friday night? Inquire about our private rooms, we will hook you up if we can!
The Bull Pen
Discover Vinton’s Best-Kept Secret
Step outside and uncover The Bull Pen—a hidden gem where summer nights come alive. This expansive backyard patio is the perfect spot to gather with friends, sip craft cocktails from our outdoor bar, and relax under twinkling Edison lights. Settle in at our spacious communal tables, warm up by the fire pits, and let the music set the mood for an unforgettable evening.
Whether you're celebrating, unwinding, or just soaking in the atmosphere, The Bull Pen is where backyard charm meets speakeasy magic.
Join The Yogi Insider Club
EXCLUSIVE & FIRST ACCESS
Be the first to know about public events, music
and pre-order opportunities! Members also receive cooking tips, techniques and recipes to master at home!
Members have the opportunity to participate in exclusive Taste Kitchen Social Events where Logan shares new items for the club to enjoy and provide feedback! It's how the Yogi was invented!
