Iowans can now get a taste of Cheba Hut, the snacky marijuana-themed sandwich shop that just opened in Johnston. The home of toasted subs, food to quell the munchies and drinks to prevent cottonmouth opened on Monday, the first location for the franchise in the state.
Cheba Hut specializes in subs with a counterculture vibe, embracing the lifestyle with sandwiches served as Nugs at four inches, Pinners at eight inches and Blunts at 12 inches.
Diners order at the counter and receive a photo of an iconic figure from the world of weed — Shaggy from "Scooby Doo," Bender from "Futurerama" and the like. Orders come to the table in the dining room, which features a mural spanning one wall, concrete floors and wooden tables.
What to order at Cheba Hut
The restaurant specializes in around 30 subs in vegetarian and meat varieties named for strains of cannabis. Many come toasted, and all have the option for white, wheat or garlic herb.
Try the AK-47, a riff on a French dip with mushrooms and onions thrown in. The White Widow comes with grilled chicken breast topped with ranch dressing, mushrooms, bacon and provolone. The Chronic features roast beef, barbecue sauce, green peppers, mushrooms and cheddar. The Magic Mushroom combines pepper jack cheese, Portobello mushrooms, teriyaki glaze, green peppers and pineapples. The Dank features marinara, Genoa salami, pepperoni and provolone.
Many come with a "shake," a combination of Parmesan, oregano and a spice blend.
Munchies options include loaded not’chos; pretzel nuggets; Rice Krispie bars; Goo Balls with Rice Krispies, peanut butter, honey and cocoa; brownies; and French onion soup.
None of the food or drinks contains any cannabis.
What to drink at Cheba Hut
To the left of the front door, the restaurant offers a bar with alcoholic beverages such as the Hash Can with a mixture of rum, tequila, gin, vodka, blue curacao, house-made sour mix, and Red Bull. The Buzzed Bong Water uses Sailor Jerry spiced rum and blue curacao, lemon juice, and blue raspberry Kool-Aid, topped with lemon-lime soda. Dirty Hippie combines Deep Eddy vodka with muddled cucumbers, and lemonade, topped with lemon-lime soda.
Other options include Pepsi products and Kool-Aid in tropical fruit punch, blue raspberry lemonade, and grape flavors.
Happy hour at Cheba Hut
Every Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., get $1 off the bar menu. Daily specials include Tuesday Industry Night with 25% off alcohol, Friday Hash Can specials for $3 off, and Sunday Gin & Juice or Blazin Marys for $3 off.
The restaurant also offers a patio on the western side of the building.
Where to find Cheba Hut
Location: 5260 Merle Hay Road, Suite 6, Johnston
Contact: 515-415-9525 or chebahut.com
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
(This article was updated with new information.)
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 [email protected].