Delicious BBQ and Award-Winning Burgers at Smokin’ Hereford
With its free peanuts, large flat screen TVs, giveaways, and amazing smoked meats, Smokin’ Hereford has become a favorite among BVU students.
Located on the northwest side of Storm Lake, Smokin’ Hereford BBQ was established in 2015 and is known for its smoked meats, cold drinks, and locally-raised beef.
“We take great pride in being able to provide our guests with a farm-to-table process in order to ensure the freshest product possible,” said Natalie Schumann, one of the restaurant’s managers.
The restaurant’s beef is supplied by Coon River Farms Inc., which is a family farm located in nearby Nemaha that is owned and operated by Seth and Etta Smith. The Smith family has been in operation farming in Sac and in Buena Vista County for more than 130 years.
"We love that BVU students consider Smokin’ Hereford a top Storm Lake restaurant. We employ quite a few BVU students and love that they help spread the word about the restaurant."
-Natalie Schumann
“Because we are located in such a big farming area, we wanted to incorporate a local farm somehow,” said Schumann. “This led us to Coon River Farms since they raise Hereford cattle.”
With its free peanuts, six large flat screen TVs, giveaways, and daily specials, Smokin’ Hereford has become a favorite among BVU students.
“We love that BVU students consider Smokin’ Hereford a top Storm Lake restaurant,” said Schumann. “We employ quite a few BVU students and love that they help spread the word about the restaurant.”
Smokin’ Hereford also hosts a live radio broadcast in partnership with BVU every Monday evening throughout the academic year. The 30-minute broadcast, known as “Monday Evening Sports Talk,” features BVU students and coaches who discuss their respective sports teams. Anyone with a BVU ID who attends the show receives a 10 percent meal discount.
The restaurant, which smokes its meat daily using apple wood chips, has many notable menu items, including the Hereford Burger, which was named Iowa's Best Burger 2017 by The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
The Best of All World's sandwich is another top choice among customers. According to Schumann, the sandwich is served on a bun with “a little bit of everything,” including beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and bacon.
The restaurant’s wings, which are smoked and then fried, are also a fan favorite. “They provide the perfect amount of smoky flavor and crispiness,” said Schumann.