Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Indianapolis area by diners

Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.

American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.

Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.

Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.

If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Indianapolis based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Indianapolis were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!

1 / 20

#20. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.0/5 (137 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5910 East 82nd St. Castleton, Indiana
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

2 / 20

#19. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.0/5 (201 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9111 North Michigan Road Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

3 / 20

#18. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.1/5 (179 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1405 North Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

4 / 20

#17. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

- Rating: 3.2/5 (168 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3645 Vincennes Road Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American
- Read more on Yelp

5 / 20

#16. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.5/5 (122 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5840 West 86th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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6 / 20

#15. King Ribs BBQ

- Rating: 3.7/5 (181 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3145 West 16th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

7 / 20

#14. King Ribs Bar-B-Q

- Rating: 3.7/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4130 North Keystone Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

8 / 20

#13. Weber Grill Restaurant

- Rating: 3.8/5 (1015 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10 North Illinois St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp

9 / 20

#12. Bando Korean Restaurant

- Rating: 3.9/5 (258 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8015 Pendleton Pike Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

10 / 20

#11. City Barbeque

- Rating: 4.1/5 (276 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 621 West 11th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp

11 / 20

#10. Barbecue And Bourbon

- Rating: 4.1/5 (381 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1414 Main St. Speedway, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue, Cocktail Bars, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

12 / 20

#9. 317 BBQ

- Rating: 4.2/5 (228 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6320 Guilford Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

13 / 20

#8. Fat Dan's Deli

- Rating: 4.2/5 (551 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5410 North College Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Delis, Barbecue, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp

14 / 20

#7. Checkered Flag Tavern

- Rating: 4.2/5 (153 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5725 West Morris St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Pubs, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

15 / 20

#6. K Town Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

- Rating: 4.2/5 (222 reviews)
- Address: 9350 Michigan Road Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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16 / 20

#5. Eating Fresh

- Rating: 4.2/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6255 North College Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Vietnamese, Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

17 / 20

#4. Half Liter Beer & BBQ Hall

- Rating: 4.3/5 (623 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5301 Winthrop Ave. Ste 2 Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Bars, Breweries, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

18 / 20

#3. His Place Eatery

- Rating: 4.4/5 (719 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6916 East 30th St. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Southern, Soul Food, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

19 / 20

#2. Hanks Smoked Briskets

- Rating: 4.5/5 (253 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3736 Martin Luther King Drive Ste A Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

20 / 20

#1. Jamaican Style Jerk

- Rating: 4.6/5 (187 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7023 Michigan Road Indianapolis, Indiana
- Categories: Caribbean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.