When Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que reopened on May 14 in its new location, it felt less like a comeback and more like the return of a neighborhood institution. For more than 20 years, Le’s has been synonymous with Cantonese barbecue in the Des Moines metro, with its lacquered whole ducks hanging by the cash register and barbecue pork ready to be chopped.
Owners Thanh Le and Loan Le helped the restaurant rise to cult status from its longtime Second Avenue location, which they closed in 2024, promising customers they were looking for a new home.
Le’s has always been more than a takeout counter. For many in Des Moines’ Asian community — and for anyone who craves authentic Cantonese barbecue — it has been a cultural anchor. The Second Avenue shop was known for its no‑frills setup, its steady stream of regulars and its signature aroma that drifted into the parking lot. When it closed, customers mourned the loss of a place that felt irreplaceable.
The new location on Douglas Avenue just off Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Des Moines brings back some of the favorites on a tight menu.
Since reopening, the Le’s Bar-B-Que Facebook page has touted whole ducks, which sell out quickly, and has posted availability reminders.
What to order at Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que
With the smaller space, with only four tables, the restaurant focuses on a smaller menu that starts with roast barbecue duck, roast pig and barbecue chicken. Here’s a look at some of the dishes customers love.
Any of these options can be served as a meal with rice for $11.99 to $13.99, or with two or three meats for $15.99 to $17.99.
Any of these meats can be served in noodle soup for $11.99 to $13.99, or as a vegetarian option for $10.99.
The restaurant also offers bánh mì for $5.99 to $7.99.
Pork offal goes for $12.99 per pound, duck wings and feet for $4.50 a box and pork feet for $7 each.
Fried or steamed dumplings, egg rolls and crab Rangoon round out the menu for $2.99 to $7.25.
Who are Thanh Le and Loan Le?
The couple immigrated from Vietnam to Des Moines in 1992. A decade later, in 2002, they opened Le’s Chinese Bar‑B‑Que, offering flavors few Iowans had experienced at the time.
The new location on Douglas Avenue carries its own history: a revolving door of restaurants such as Babylon Grill, Gyro’s & Grill and Acropolis, along with a cigar shop and even a home‑construction office once occupied the tiny standalone building.
Where to find Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que returns to Des Moines with Cantonese dishes
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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