10 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants In Indiana You’ll Want To Try

Indiana’s barbecue scene is full of small places that quietly serve standout meats, sides, and hospitality. These spots are easy to miss from the road, yet locals return for consistent smoke, careful seasoning, and friendly service. If you enjoy relaxed spaces with serious pit craft, the Hoosier State has plenty worth a detour. Here are 10 highly-rated BBQ joints in Indiana that fit the “hole-in-the-wall” or “hidden gem” description and are currently open.

1. Smok-N-Crew BBQ, Mooresville

On a side street in Mooresville, Smok-N-Crew BBQ channels Texas techniques while leaning into Indiana sensibilities. A father and son team runs the pits, focusing on steady heat, clean smoke, and simple rubs that let the meat lead.

Brisket slices show a defined bark and soft interior, and the pork ribs carry a balanced smoke that does not overpower. Reviewers consistently mention tender brisket with well-rendered fat, a sign of patient cooking. The menu rotates enough to keep regulars interested, and service feels neighborly, not rushed. Seating is modest, so many visitors pack orders to go, though a quick stop is easy with nearby parking. Portions are straightforward, and staff will answer questions about wood choice and timing without fuss.

If you are mapping a central Indiana BBQ crawl, this is a practical first stop: approachable, steady, and focused on craft rather than flash. It is a clear example of how small-format barbecue can translate Texas ideas into a Hoosier context while honoring local taste.

2. Ben’s BBQ Shack, Westfield

Ben’s BBQ Shack operates as a carryout-only spot in downtown Westfield, and it often sells out, which reflects steady demand rather than hype. The hickory-smoked pork belly sandwiches draw frequent praise, but the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork also earn consistent marks for texture and flavor.

Staff moves quickly during peak hours and keeps the line informed on remaining items, which helps manage expectations. Limited outdoor seating makes a quick street-side meal possible on mild days, but most customers take their food to go. The smoke profile leans clean, and seasoning favors balance instead of heavy sweetness. With a compact menu, the team concentrates on core meats and a few sides done carefully.

Westfield’s walkable center makes pickup simple, and parking is typically manageable. For travelers exploring Indiana’s north-suburban corridor, Ben’s adds a reliable stop where precision and sell-out momentum suggest careful production planning. If you prefer straightforward barbecue with minimal frills, this small shack lines up well with that preference.

3. Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brew House, Lizton

Rusted Silo in Lizton sits along State Street with a rustic exterior that hints at the open-pit approach inside. The team smokes brisket and pulled pork to a tender finish, often cited for moisture and clean bark. Local ingredients show up in sides and specials, aligning with central Indiana farms and producers.

The space feels relaxed and community-centered, and staff can explain cuts, smoking times, and wood types without jargon. An open-pit smoker and visible prep add transparency that barbecue fans appreciate. Seating is casual, and the overall setting works for families or small groups looking for an unhurried meal.

Parking is straightforward along the main drag. While the drink selection includes many options, the core draw remains the meat and scratch sides. If you plan a route between Indianapolis and western Indiana, Rusted Silo provides a well-executed stop with thoughtful details. It shows how technique and local sourcing can work together in a small-town Indiana setting.

4. Hanks Smoked Briskets, Indianapolis

Hanks Smoked Briskets operates from a compact storefront on Martin Luther King Drive and focuses on carryout. Regulars praise the brisket and smoked corned beef for consistent tenderness and balanced seasoning. The family-run team greets newcomers with a welcoming tone, and first-timers sometimes receive small samples to guide their choice.

The menu is concise, which helps maintain quality in a high-turnover setting. Portions are generous, and orders are packed securely for easy transport. The corned beef, in particular, highlights a distinct smoke that complements the spice. Street parking is usually manageable, and the pickup process moves quickly at lunch.

This is a practical option for travelers moving through central Indianapolis who want a dependable, no-frills stop. It reflects a style of Indiana barbecue that values substance and clarity over presentation, and it delivers that approach consistently.

5. Bar-B-Q Heaven, Indianapolis

Bar-B-Q Heaven has served Indianapolis since the early 1950s and remains focused on smoked ribs and straightforward sides. The building on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Street projects history with a simple facade and a steady pace of to-go orders.

Customers often note tender ribs with a clean pull from the bone, along with friendly, efficient service. This is a cash-only spot, so plan accordingly before you arrive. The experience is uncomplicated: place your order, verify your selections, and be on your way in minutes. The longevity speaks to consistent methods rather than trends.

Parking along the corridor is typically available, and the location works well for downtown visitors seeking a quick barbecue stop. For those mapping a heritage-driven route through Indiana’s capital, this long-standing kitchen is a meaningful anchor. It offers a direct line to decades of local barbecue practice without distracting extras.

6. Double D’s Southern BBQ, Clayton

Double D’s Southern BBQ sits along US-40 in Clayton and leans into Memphis-style cues with Indiana pacing. The brisket and pulled pork show careful attention to moisture and texture, while house sauces range from tangy to sweet.

The building looks modest from the highway, yet the parking lot tells you when the smoker has been busy. Inside, service is friendly and conversational, with staff offering guidance on cuts and sauce pairings. Portions are sensible and travel well for those continuing across Hendricks County. The smoke profile remains sturdy without harshness, and sandwiches arrive neatly assembled.

Because it is not a chain, the menu reflects the team’s preferences rather than a template. Travelers who want a calm, unpretentious stop will find it fits a low-stress itinerary. It is a solid entry in Indiana’s small-town barbecue circuit with a focus on consistency.

7. Jefferson Street BBQ, Converse

Jefferson Street BBQ in Converse works from a compact downtown address and smokes meats over local hickory. The kitchen produces handmade sausages and brisket-based hot dogs, which give the menu an uncommon twist for a small town.

Sides like pork belly baked beans and loaded bacon mash are scratch-made, and the staff offers clear descriptions for first-time visitors. Seating feels comfortable but not formal, and the service maintains an easy rhythm. The smoke carries a wood-forward aroma without bitterness, and meats arrive with a well-set bark. This is a good waypoint for travelers exploring north-central Indiana who prefer smaller communities.

Parking along the street is usually straightforward, with a short walk to the entrance. The combination of traditional cuts and housemade links keeps repeat visits interesting. It is a confident, community-minded shop that shows careful technique and local sourcing at a modest scale.

8. Checkered Flag Tavern, Indianapolis

Checkered Flag Tavern looks like a neighborhood pub from the outside, yet its barbecue program has earned steady word-of-mouth in Indianapolis. The brisket sandwich is a frequent highlight, with slices that hold shape but remain tender.

Service is friendly and direct, and the dining room keeps a casual, unhurried pace. While the broader menu covers familiar tavern fare, the smoked items stand out for clean seasoning and careful slicing. Parking near the building is typically manageable, which makes it a convenient stop for a relaxed meal. The setting is approachable, with televisions and a comfortable layout suited to small groups.

For visitors touring Indiana’s capital, this is a useful option when you want a single stop that pleases mixed tastes. It shows that good barbecue can surface in unexpected places, provided the kitchen respects time and temperature.

9. Soul Pig BBQ, Decatur

Soul Pig BBQ in Decatur, Indiana, has earned a devoted following for its bold flavors and heartfelt approach to classic comfort food. Known especially for its smoked ribs, pulled pork, and Nashville hot chicken, this local favorite blends traditional slow-cooking methods with a modern appreciation for craft and consistency.

The ribs, in particular, stand out as the star of the menu. They are slow-smoked until exceptionally tender, allowing the meat to pull cleanly from the bone while still maintaining a satisfying bite. Each rib holds a deep, smoky richness that reflects hours of careful preparation and an unwavering dedication to quality. Guests also appreciate the way Soul Pig BBQ pairs its proteins with thoughtfully prepared sides that round out the experience, emphasizing freshness and balance rather than overwhelming heaviness.

Whether someone prefers the gentle sweetness of pulled pork or the spicy kick of Nashville hot chicken, the menu offers something memorable for every palate. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and unpretentious – an ideal setting for enjoying hearty plates that feel both familiar and elevated. For many, a visit to Soul Pig BBQ is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to savor craftsmanship rooted in tradition and community pride.

10. T. Allen’s King Gyros, South Bend

T. Allen’s King Gyros in South Bend, Indiana, may be best known as a classic Greek and gyro destination, but locals and travelers alike quickly learn that its menu extends well beyond Mediterranean staples. This long-standing establishment has built a reputation for delivering generous portions, dependable flavor, and a nostalgic, old-school charm that keeps visitors returning year after year.

Among its many offerings, the BBQ rib tips have become an unexpected standout. These rib tips are praised for their rich seasoning, satisfying texture, and bold, savory flavor that sets them apart from typical quick-service fare. Each order feels intentionally prepared, with the seasoning complementing the natural juiciness of the meat to create a deeply enjoyable bite. The combination of Greek favorites alongside hearty rib tips gives the restaurant a unique identity, making it a destination where diverse cravings can be comfortably satisfied in one stop.

Guests frequently highlight the friendly service and the consistency with which the kitchen delivers well-prepared meals, regardless of how busy the dining room becomes. For those seeking classic comfort dishes with character, T. Allen’s King Gyros offers a memorable blend of tradition, flavor, and local personality that resonates strongly within the South Bend community.