A Popular NewBo BBQ Joint Has Officially Opened Their Cedar Rapids Restaurant

If you're looking for delicious BBQ this weekend, we know where you can find it! CR Midnight Smoker BBQ is now officially open at their new Cedar Rapids restaurant.

Where is Midnight Smoker BBQ?

Back in late December, it was announced that Cedar River Landing, aka CRL, would be closing its doors at 301 F Ave NW on Christmas Day. At the same time that we found out about the closure, we also found out what would be taking over the space... CR Midnight Smoker BBQ!

Where Was the Restaurant Located Before?

CR Midnight Smoker BBQ first came on the local restaurant scene when it opened at NewBo City Market in October of 2022. According to NewBo's website, the business is owned and operated by Greg Stoll, who had been hosting neighborhood BBQs and testing out recipes for around two decades! He then decided to share his delicious food with the rest of the community, and now, just a few years later, that dream has become even BIGGER.

When CR Midnight Smoker BBQ announced their relocation on social media in December of 2024, they initially said that they hoped to start renovations in January and open in mid-to-late February. Although that timeline didn't work out as planned, the business did start serving up BBQ via their food truck in the parking lot of their new restaurant on February 21st. They continued to open up the food truck with a limited menu on Fridays and Saturdays in March and April, eventually adding in some live music and other local food trucks for "Food Truck Jams." The last event was held April 12th.

When is CR Midnight Smoker BBQ Open?

The soft opening for CR Midnight Smoker BBQ was the weekend of April 24th, with the grand opening on May 2nd and 3rd. A comment on the restaurant's Facebook page says that the current hours at the new location are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or until they sell out of food), but they noted that, "we will expand hours as soon as we can."

What's on the Restaurant's Menu?

CR Midnight Smoker's menu has all the classic BBQ meats: pulled pork, brisket, pork belly, ribs, chicken, and more. But, there are lots of other options, too. Appetizers include Sgt. Pepper's Jalapeño Poppers, Brisket or Pulled Pork Egg Rolls, and something called the "Moink Ball," and items like the Brisket Chili Bowl, Candied Bacon, and Midnight Nachos are listed under the "Specials" category. And, of COURSE, it wouldn't be BBQ without the sides! Potato salad, mac & cheese, coleslaw, beans, and baked potatoes are all on the menu. You can check out the full menu on their website HERE.

For the latest updates from CR Midnight Smoker BBQ, you can check out the Facebook page HERE. We can't wait to try it!

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