Iowa is nowhere near Texas, but Ames’ many barbecue restaurants make up for the distance. Whether you want to splurge on a meal or are pinching pennies, one of these restaurants should satisfy your hankering for some good old-fashioned barbecue.

Tips for eating barbecue:

1. Don’t wear good clothes, you might get messy

2. Have plenty of napkins on hand

3. Toothpicks (if meat gets stuck in your teeth)

4. No silverware (eating with hands is a must)

5. A beverage to satisfy your thirst

Battle’s Bar-B-Q

218 Welch Ave.

292-1670

Try the ham and beef combo on an onion bun with hot or mild sauce, along with a cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, while listening to smooth jazz music.

Price: $5.50 + tax

Pay: Credit card, cash or check

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Buford’s Steak House & BBQ

2601 E. 13 St.

232-9260

Try the prime rib special available on Friday and Saturday. The meal also comes with two sides of your choice, including a baked potato, french fries and more.

Price: $15.95

Pay: Credit card, cash or check

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Hickory Park Restaurant Co.

1404 S. Duff Ave.

232-8940

Try their pork ribs. The dinner includes a roll and choice of two side orders, including mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn and more.

Price: Regular order: $13.50, full order: $17.95

Pay: Credit card, cash or check

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Smoke ‘n Antlers Bar-B-Q

Restaurant & Catering

4518 Mortensen Road #104

232-1799

Fax orders: 292-3163

Try the beef brisket dinner. This 1/2-pound meal comes with texas toast and choice of two sides including: BBQ beans, cole slaw, potato salad, mixed veggies or garden salad

Price: $11.99

Pay: Credit card, cash or check

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,

4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday,

4-9 p.m. Sunday