I’ll admit it took me way too long to discover Squealer’s Barbeque Grill in Mooresville. For years, I’d drive past it without a second thought, assuming it was just another roadside spot.
But once I finally stepped inside and tasted that smoky, tender brisket, I realized I’d been missing out on something truly special. This unassuming restaurant on East High Street has quietly become one of Indiana’s best-kept secrets, serving up barbecue that rivals anything you’d find in Kansas City or Memphis.
The place doesn’t look like much from the outside, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. Inside, you’ll find a rustic, no-frills dining room where the focus is squarely on the food, not fancy decor or gimmicks.
If you’ve been searching for authentic, slow-smoked barbecue that’ll make your taste buds dance, this hidden gem deserves a spot at the top of your list.
The Brisket That’ll Ruin You For All Other Barbecue
Brisket can make or break a barbecue joint, and Squealer’s absolutely nails it. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why over a hundred reviewers specifically mention this dish.
The meat practically melts on your tongue, with a smoky flavor that’s been coaxed out through hours of patient smoking.
What sets this brisket apart is the perfect balance between tenderness and texture. You get that gorgeous smoke ring around the edges, a bark that’s flavorful without being overpowering, and meat so juicy it doesn’t need much sauce.
Though honestly, their house sauces are pretty fantastic too.
The pitmaster here clearly knows what they’re doing, keeping the temperature low and slow to break down all that tough connective tissue. Each slice showcases the kind of care that only comes from true barbecue expertise.
Whether you order it as a platter with sides or piled high on a sandwich, you’re in for something memorable.
First-timers often order a sampler to try everything, but many end up wishing they’d just gotten a full order of brisket. It’s that good.
The portions are generous too, so you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy the next day, assuming you can resist finishing it all in one sitting.
Pulled Pork That Proves Simple Done Right Wins Every Time
Sometimes the simplest dishes showcase the most skill, and that’s exactly what happens with Squealer’s pulled pork. With over a hundred mentions in reviews, this menu staple has earned its reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
The pork arrives at your table already seasoned perfectly, with just the right amount of that signature smoke flavor woven throughout.
What makes pulled pork tricky is achieving that sweet spot where the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily but still has some texture. Too dry and it’s sawdust.
Too wet and it’s mush. Squealer’s hits that Goldilocks zone consistently.
The shoulder gets smoked for hours until it reaches that magical point where you can shred it with just a fork. You’ll find crispy, caramelized bits mixed in with the tender strands, adding little bursts of flavor and texture.
Some folks eat it straight, while others pile on one of the house sauces.
Whether you’re getting it on a sandwich, as part of a platter, or loaded onto nachos, the pulled pork delivers every single time. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why barbecue became an American tradition in the first place.
No fancy techniques or weird fusion twists, just honest, expertly smoked pork done the way it should be.
The Secret Weapon Called Apple Butter
Here’s something you might not expect at a barbecue joint: apple butter that people rave about almost as much as the smoked meats. With dozens of mentions in reviews, this sweet, spiced spread has become something of a cult favorite among regulars.
It arrives at your table in a small dish, looking innocent enough, but one taste and you’ll understand the fuss.
The apple butter at Squealer’s has that perfect consistency, thick enough to spread easily but smooth as silk. The flavor balances sweetness with warm spices, creating something that complements the savory smokiness of the barbecue beautifully.
Many customers specifically request extra servings to take home.
What really makes this special is how well it pairs with their fried biscuits. Those warm, golden biscuits come out with a slight crispness on the outside and fluffy softness inside.
Slather on some of that apple butter and you’ve got yourself a side dish worth talking about. Some folks even use it on their pulled pork sandwiches for a sweet and savory combination.
Located at 390 E High St, Mooresville, IN 46158, Squealer’s keeps this homestyle tradition alive. The apple butter represents the kind of attention to detail that separates good barbecue joints from great ones.
It’s these little touches that keep customers coming back.
Nachos That Redefine What Loaded Really Means
Forget everything you think you know about nachos. Squealer’s takes this classic appetizer and transforms it into a serious meal that’s earned nearly thirty mentions from impressed diners.
We’re talking about a mountain of chips buried under slow-smoked meat, melted cheese, and all the fixings you could want.
The beauty of these nachos is the generous portion of actual barbecue meat on top. You’re not getting sad little sprinkles of protein here.
Choose pulled pork, brisket, or chicken, and watch as they pile it on thick. Every chip gets its fair share of toppings, so you’re not stuck with naked chips at the bottom.
The cheese melts into all those nooks and crannies, while fresh jalapenos add a nice kick that cuts through the richness. Sour cream, tomatoes, and other toppings round out the plate.
It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely worth every calorie. Many people order these as an appetizer to share, but honestly, they could easily be a meal for one hungry person.
What makes them special is how the smoky barbecue flavors meld with the traditional nacho elements. The combination shouldn’t work as well as it does, but somehow it creates something greater than the sum of its parts.
Fair warning though: you’ll probably need extra napkins.
Service That Makes You Feel Like A Regular From Day One
Great food only gets you so far if the service falls flat, but Squealer’s understands that hospitality matters just as much as what’s on the plate. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the bartenders and servers by name, which tells you everything you need to know about the staff here.
They’re attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely seem to enjoy their work.
Walk in for the first time and you’ll likely get menu recommendations tailored to your preferences. The staff knows which dishes are crowd-pleasers and which ones appeal to more adventurous eaters.
They’re happy to explain the different sauces, suggest sides, and help you navigate the options if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Regulars clearly have their favorite servers, and those relationships show in the easy banter and personalized service. But newcomers get treated just as warmly.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with none of that stuffy formality that can make dining out feel like a chore. You’re here to eat good food and relax, and the staff gets that.
Even during busy times, the service stays solid. Orders come out at a reasonable pace, drinks get refilled without asking, and someone’s always checking to make sure you have everything you need.
It’s the kind of service that turns first-time visitors into loyal customers.
The Breaded Tenderloin That Honors Indiana Tradition
Indiana takes its breaded pork tenderloin seriously, and Squealer’s delivers a version that respects this Hoosier tradition while bringing their own barbecue expertise to the table. Several reviewers mention this sandwich specifically, often with surprise that a barbecue joint does tenderloin so well.
The cutlet gets pounded thin, breaded perfectly, and fried until golden and crispy.
What you end up with is a piece of pork that extends well beyond the bun on all sides, as any proper Indiana tenderloin should. The breading stays crispy even as you work your way through the sandwich, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite.
The meat inside stays juicy and tender, never dry or tough.
Some people come to Squealer’s specifically for the barbecue and leave raving about the tenderloin instead. It’s become something of a sleeper hit on the menu.
You can dress it up with all the traditional toppings or keep it simple with just pickles and mustard. Either way works.
After trying the smoked meats, you might explore other parts of Mooresville. Pioneer Park at 1020 N Indiana St, Mooresville, IN 46158 offers a nice spot to walk off your meal.
The tenderloin represents Squealer’s ability to honor local food traditions while staying true to their barbecue roots. It’s this versatility that keeps the menu interesting.
Award-Winning Reputation That’s Been Earned, Not Bought
You’ll notice the awards displayed around the restaurant, but what’s more impressive is that customers mention them in reviews without any prompting. That tells you these accolades actually mean something.
Squealer’s has competed in barbecue competitions and brought home hardware, proving their skills against other serious pitmasters. These aren’t participation trophies.
The awards validate what regular customers already know: this place serves legitimately excellent barbecue. When you’re competing against teams from across the region, all bringing their A-game, winning requires both skill and consistency.
The judges at these competitions know their stuff, and they don’t hand out awards for mediocre work.
But beyond the formal recognition, Squealer’s has earned something even more valuable, a loyal following of customers who keep coming back. With over two thousand reviews and a solid rating, the restaurant has built its reputation one plate at a time.
Word of mouth has spread steadily, turning this little spot in Mooresville into a destination worth driving for.
If you’re exploring the area, McCloud Nature Park at 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem, IN 46165 makes a great stop before or after your meal. The awards on the wall prove Squealer’s can compete with the best, but the packed dining room proves they’ve won over the people who matter most: hungry barbecue lovers looking for the real deal.
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