Authentic BBQ Delights in Indiana
What’s better than barbecue? Juicy, savory, saucy goodness! From brisket to ribs and pulled pork to chicken wings, it’s one of the heartiest and satisfying meals you can have. Indiana is home to some authentic barbecue options that will keep you coming back for more. Here are the best finger-licking good barbecue joints in Indiana!
Hawg Heaven, Kokomo, IN
For the best barbecue in Kokomo, be sure to visit Hawg Heaven! Located on the corner of South Webster and Boulevard, their motto is “Once you try it, you will be back.” Their Cuban sandwiches are moist, juicy, and piled high with ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard served on Hawg Heaven’s own Panini bread. The ribs are tender and delicious, and Hawg Heaven even has some unusual side items as well that one would not expect to find at a barbecue joint, such as cottage cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Hickory Hills Barbeque, Edinburgh, IN
In business since 2004, Hickory Hills Barbeque in southern Edinburgh is the perfect to stop along US 31 if you are craving barbecue. Though the location may be small, Hickory Hills is southern Indiana food at its finest. It’s a hole in the wall kind of place but the food is amazing. Everyone from owners to wait staff are examples of true southern hospitality. The Cajun slaw is incredible, and they have some of the best brisket. The portions are generous and you’ll most likely want a take-out bag!
Bombers BBQ, Munster, IN
Bombers BBQ is a fairly new place in Munster. Open since 2013, Bombers BBQ prides themselves in their low and slow smoke process and sides. Not only do they offer the traditional barbecue items such as ribs and brisket, they also offer items such as lake perch, shrimp, and chicken. There are six different buns to choose from and a unique selection of appetizers, such as fried pickles, bacon jalapeno bombs, Mississippi won tons, alligator eggs, and even calamari.
Big Hoffa’s, Westfield, IN
Big Hoffa’s in Westfield is all about high standards of excellence, from the atmosphere of Big Hoffa’s to the food and to the service. Owner and founder Adam Hoffman strives for perfection when it comes to creating delicious, one of a kind barbecue recipes. What makes Big Hoffa’s unique is its pirate-style menu and pirate-themed selections. Try the Captain pulled chicken or the El Segundo. The Davey Jones is creamy macaroni and cheese topped with chicken and ranch dressing (homemade buttermilk to be exact). No matter what you choose at Big Hoffa’s, it’s all delicious!
Jefferson St. BBQ, Converse, IN
Jefferson St. BBQ is in the small town of Converse. Open since 2012, owner and chef Lindsay Dingman Sheffield focuses on the local mindset. Everything is local, whether it’s chicken, strawberries and pumpkins, tomatoes and other vegetation. It’s farm to table here at Jefferson St. BBQ! Be sure to try their Delaney Nachos or the delicious jalapeno cornbread muffins. If you’re wanting something a bit healthier to go with your ribs and brisket, try the Farmer’s Salad!
Bo Doogie’s BBQ, Auburn, IN
From delicious slow-smoked beef brisket, chopped pork, and chicken wings, everything at Bo Doogie’s BBQ in Auburn is enough to make your mouth water! The brisket burnt ends and rib tips come highly recommended, as are the baked beans and mac and cheese! Traditional Southern comfort is Bo Doogie’s specialty!
B3Q Barbecue, Corydon, IN
Down home Southern cooking is B3Q Barbeque. The recipes have been passed down through several generations with strong roots in the south. B3Q has a down home, small town feel to it and the food is excellent, as is the service. The ribs are fall off the bone tender, and the baked potato salad tastes like your grandmother made it. No matter what you choose, there is always something delicious at B3Q!
Smokey’s Southern Barbeque, Chesterton, IN
After spending a day up at the Dunes in northern Chesterton be sure to stop at Smokey’s Southern Barbeque. It’s a roadside smokehouse and offers a variety of delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and desserts. Everything is homemade, all the time, every day. Be sure to try a bowl of their homemade chili and soup with a signature beef brisket sandwich!
Key Insights at a Glance
- Indiana is home to some authentic barbecue joints that offer juicy, savory, and saucy goodness.
- Hawg Heaven in Kokomo offers delicious Cuban sandwiches and tender ribs.
- Hickory Hills Barbeque in Edinburgh is known for its southern hospitality and amazing brisket.
- Bombers BBQ in Munster offers a unique selection of barbecue items and sides, as well as appetizers like fried pickles and alligator eggs.
- Big Hoffa’s in Westfield has a pirate-themed menu and delicious barbecue recipes like the Captain pulled chicken.
- Jefferson St. BBQ in Converse focuses on local ingredients and offers dishes like Delaney Nachos and Farmer’s Salad.
- Bo Doogie’s BBQ in Auburn serves slow-smoked beef brisket, chopped pork, and chicken wings, along with traditional Southern comfort sides.
- B3Q Barbecue in Corydon offers down home Southern cooking with fall-off-the-bone ribs and delicious baked potato salad.
- Smokey’s Southern Barbeque in Chesterton is a roadside smokehouse that serves homemade barbecue and desserts, including beef brisket sandwiches and homemade chili.