Barbecue restaurant · Mason City, IA · reviewed since 2023
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%84+53.4Reliability 28%80+22.6Replies to reviews 8%72+5.9Experts Score= 82Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.82SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#54 of 110 wedding caterersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 51%
4.9★★★★★103 Google reviews · 23 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.81★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Dandy's BBQ & Catering 4.9 out of 5 based on 103 reviews, frequently praising the quality of ribs, brisket, and sides like cheesy potatoes. Customers highlight friendly staff, prompt service, and flexible communication for catering events, including food truck operations. A recurring criticism involves inconsistent food quality between visits, with some noting that meat can be tough or tasteless, while others mention minor issues with packaging or condiment flavor profiles.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 103 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 103 Google reviews (85 with written comments, 11 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 61% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 16, 2026.
Service: Wedding Caterer serving Mason City, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other wedding caterers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.
Dandy's BBQ & CateringWedding Caterers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Dandy's BBQ & Catering: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
84
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Dandy's BBQ & Catering: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
80
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Dandy's BBQ & Catering: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Dandy's BBQ & Catering: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 40.B
72
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
103 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars9592%
4 stars44%
3 stars22%
2 stars11%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 85 written reviews
100%praise
Praise71100%
Complaints00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3042%
Quality & results1318%
Would recommend1318%
Speed & response1014%
Price & value34%
Communication11%
Honesty & trust11%
What customers talk about
We read 85 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Corn: sweet, not too flashy, doesn’t stray from the beaten path and that’s how I like it.”
“The attention to detail, care and craftsmanship that goes into the homemade sides is fabulous.”
“Anyone who gives this less than 5 stars is simply unamerican 😂 I’m not even huge on BBQ but every single menu item we ordered was out of this world.”
“Get there early now that the secrets out they sell out quick.”
“The price was reasonable, and the taste, temperature, delivery, and set up were terrific!”
“Mandy was great and easy to work with!”
“Honestly, the best ribs I’ve ever had + the cheesy potatoes and sweet potato casserole 🔥”
People customers mention
Ribs3 reviews
Mandy3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Annie5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
The food was phenomenal! Very friendly staff and fast service. Honestly, the best ribs I’ve ever had + the cheesy potatoes and sweet potato casserole 🔥
Mike6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
You won't find better BBQ anywhere close. Loved it so much we had them cater our wedding. It's so good and they are super friendly! Never been disappointed! Def my fav!
sue3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★
We ate at the food truck in Clear Lake's Thursdays on Main. Food was excellent, service was fast and friendly. The only reason I give it a 4 instead of a 5 was the lack of napkins and silverware available without having to ask for them. We'll definitely eat there again.
sylviaLocal Guide · 158 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
The ribs, pulled pork and corn souffle was great! I will definitely return. Also, great customer service.
Katie2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
From their catering to their nightly specials, it is always a treat! Have had everything on their menu and it is always a delicious. Way better than any big brand BBQ. Everything tastes homemade. All their sides feel like they belong. Dandy’s will continue to have my support!
TaliaLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Anyone who gives this less than 5 stars is simply unamerican 😂 I’m not even huge on BBQ but every single menu item we ordered was out of this world. PHENOMENAL.
Meats:
Pork burnt ends: deliciously smoky, tender (like butter, no fuss) and perfect flavor. I’m obsessed.
Ribs: fell off the bone, juicy, perfectly…
The food was phenomenal! Very friendly staff and fast service. Honestly, the best ribs I’ve ever had + the cheesy potatoes and sweet potato casserole 🔥
Response from the owner · a week ago
Annie, “the best ribs I’ve ever had” is a HUGE compliment! 🧡 We’re so glad you loved the ribs, cheesy potatoes, and sweet potato casserole. Thank you for the kind words about our crew, too—they mean so much to us! We hope you stop in again soon! 🐷🔥
Trevor DeckerLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Trevor has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
You won't find better BBQ anywhere close. Loved it so much we had them cater our wedding. It's so good and they are super friendly! Never been disappointed! Def my fav!
We ate at the food truck in Clear Lake's Thursdays on Main. Food was excellent, service was fast and friendly. The only reason I give it a 4 instead of a 5 was the lack of napkins and silverware available without having to ask for them. We'll definitely eat there again.
Order type: Take out
Price per person: $10–20
Noise level: Moderate noise
Group size: Suitable for all group sizes
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review, Sue! We're so glad you enjoyed the food and had a great experience overall. Thank you also for pointing out the forks and napkins—we appreciate the feedback and will make sure our team is handing them out with every order at future events. We look forward to serving you again soon!
sylvia panosLocal Guide · 158 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews sylvia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The ribs, pulled pork and corn souffle was great! I will definitely return. Also, great customer service.
Order type: Take out
Price per person: $10–20
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork
Wait time: No wait
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much, Sylvia! It was a pleasure meeting you. We're so glad you enjoyed the ribs, pulled pork, and our corn bake!
Thank you for your kind words about our customer service as well. We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review, and we can't wait to welcome you back to Dandy's BBQ! 🧡
Katie D2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Katie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
From their catering to their nightly specials, it is always a treat! Have had everything on their menu and it is always a delicious. Way better than any big brand BBQ. Everything tastes homemade. All their sides feel like they belong. Dandy’s will continue to have my support!
Order type: Take out
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Cheesy Potatoes, Full Rack of Ribs
Reservation: Reservations not required
Talia JohnsonLocal Guide · 24 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Talia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Anyone who gives this less than 5 stars is simply unamerican 😂 I’m not even huge on BBQ but every single menu item we ordered was out of this world. PHENOMENAL.
Meats:
Pork burnt ends: deliciously smoky, tender (like butter, no fuss) and perfect flavor. I’m obsessed.
Ribs: fell off the bone, juicy, perfectly cooked. The flavor was out of this world. Paired with the jalapeño bbq sauce, a great blend of savory and hot. 10/10.
Sides:
Corn: sweet, not too flashy, doesn’t stray from the beaten path and that’s how I like it. I’m a big fan.
Potatoes: The right texture! So may cheesy potatoes are too stiff and these are melty and salty and DELICIOUS!
Order type: Dine in
Price per person: $40–50
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Cheesy Potatoes, Full Rack of Ribs
Reservation: Reservations not required
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Talia — this absolutely made our night 😂🔥
It was so great meeting you both tonight while you were down from the Cities picking up your puppy! Thank you for taking the time to leave such an amazing review. We’re glad you loved the burnt ends, ribs, corn bake, and cheesy potatoes. Hope the new pup survived the ride home… and we hope you make another trip back to North Iowa soon! 🐶❤️
Jim ChristLocal Guide · 157 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First time here and all I can say is WOW! The brisket melts in your mouth and the ribs fall off the bone! You can’t go wrong with either BBQ sauce, both absolutely amazing! If you haven’t been here yet, you are missing out!
Order type: Dine in
Price per person: $10–20
Recommended dishes: Ribs Baked Beans Coleslaw
Noise level: Quiet, easy to talk
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Aryka, this made our day!! 🙌🔥
Melt-in-your-mouth brisket + fall-off-the-bone ribs is exactly what we’re going for!
Appreciate you taking the time to share this — come hungry again soon 😏
