Did you know that May is National BBQ Month? Who doesn't love BBQ, right? Historically speaking, humans have cooked meat over a fire seemingly forever, and some say that the first Europeans who arrived in the Americas found that many of the native tribes roasted meat over the fire using unique wooden grills. This gave the meat a delicious smoky flavor as it cooked.
The evolution of BBQ and smoked meats has continued throughout the ages and we can't think of a better time to celebrate that tradition than the month of May. The timing is perfect to welcome the beginning of summertime activities and those fantastic flavors, but you don't need to do all the work yourself!
Let us tell you all about where to find amazing, (even award-winning!) BBQ in Morgan County. We recommend you sample them all, then let us know which is your favorite!
Ready? Here we go...
Squealers Barbeque Grill
First up is Squealers Barbeque Grill in Mooresville. A longtime Indiana favorite for authentic smoked barbeque and signature sauces, the first Squealers dine-in restaurant opened in Mooresville in May of 2001, they truly did it up right. The Mooresville location boasts a full bar, comfortable dining area and even a banquet facility for groups up to 125! (You can also find Squealers at the Indianapolis location on West 86th Street, opened in 2004, but we always recommend checking out the original Mooresville location, which is featured on the statewide Indiana Foodways Alliance culinary trails.)
No strangers to the barbeque competition circuit, Squealers Barbeque Grill has taken home top honors at barbeque competitions nationwide for more than 20 years, often claiming the title of Grand Champion or People’s Choice in assorted national, world and Rib Fest events throughout the south, east and Midwest – while traveling in style with their branded, can’t-miss Squealers RV. In recent years, Squealers Barbeque Grill has secured an award in the Top 10 at nearly every event they entered, and earned a spot at the prestigious 2015 American Royal Invitational competing with upwards of 600 teams nationwide in Kansas City. Additionally, Squealers Barbeque Grill has competed twice as the only team from Indiana at the invitation-only Jack Daniel’s event held in Lynchburg, Tenn.
Proud to support the local community through fundraising programs that help raise money while providing an opportunity to share a meal, Squealers Barbeque Grill’s Dine to Donate initiative has helped benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (helping to raise more than $5,000!), and multiple programs at Pike High School as well as dozens of other high schools, elementary schools and churches in Monrovia, Martinsville, Mooresville, Pike and greater Marion and Morgan counties. Squealers Barbeque Grill is certified by Indiana Grown, a statewide branding initiative encouraging Hoosiers to buy, sell, and share food and products made in Indiana, and is a member of Indiana Originals, on a mission to simplify the process of buying, using and supporting local in Indiana. 85% of Squealers Barbeque Grill pork is raised in Indiana. Additionally, Squealers Barbeque Grill has catered events large and small for dozens of corporate entities, nonprofit organizations and beyond in a variety of professional industry settings.
View the Squealers menu, catering options and a full list of their more than 100 awards at squealersbarbeque.com.
Find the original Mooresville location at 390 East High Street, Mooresville, IN 46158.
Find them on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Gather Around BBQ
If you're looking for a great barbeque option in the southern part of Morgan County, look no further than Gather Around BBQ in downtown Martinsville. A family-owned and operated business that started out in 2011 with a mobile food truck, Gather Around BBQ has quickly become a local favorite! Owners Kevin and Melissa Greene have created a winning combination of tasty food and impeccable service in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Kevin is a KCBS award-winning pit master (and the Chief of the Martinsville Fire Department, so you know he can handle the heat). They've been serving up quality BBQ from their mobile truck, which still makes appearances around the region and now, their "worried over, hard-won, only-the-family-knows-the-recipe" BBQ is available at a brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Martinsville.
You'll find them right on Main Street with a great view of the courthouse square in Martinsville. The restaurant location boasts a comfortable dining room, a sizeable covered, heated (and pet-friendly) patio and extensive menu. Opened in July of 2020, the restaurant has fast become a downtown staple and will soon make its own appearance on the Indiana Foodways Alliance statewide culinary trails! Keep your eyes open for that mobile food truck, too - they're frequently spotted at area festivals, and other spots around the area. Whether you visit the food truck or the dine-in location, you'll want to sample that candied bacon for sure, and don't miss signature dishes like the Gabby Mac and the BBQ Nachos (available on chips, tater tots or fries).
Gather Around also supports local causes through their fundraising program that helps raise funds for a wide variety of area teams, clubs, school and church groups. Catering options are available as well.
Find more information on Gather Around BBQ, including their menu, and online ordering options at gatheraroundbbq.com.
Find the restaurant location at 43 South Main Street, Martinsville, IN 46151.
Find them on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Hoosier Que
Morgan County's newest BBQ "hot spot" (see what we did there?), Hoosier Que is located at the beautiful Foxcliff Golf Club, just north of Martinsville. Locally owned and family operated, this eatery got its start as a food truck, then opened up as a brick-and-mortar location when the Foxcliff Golf Course was purchased by new owners and were looking for a great on site food option. Specializing in slow smoked craft BBQ, they serve up tasty specialties with all the fixin's, plus sandwiches, and more. Be sure to try their giant pretzel - it's perfect to share! Their on site bourbon bar features 500 different bourbons and other whiskeys, and over 70 varieties of Indiana craft beer, with 10 on tap.
Hoosier Que and Foxcliff Golf Club always have something happening, even if you're not a golfer. Regular events include karaoke on Friday evenings, live music on Saturday evenings, a cornhole league and more! Live music takes place on the outdoor patio when weather permits and all ages are welcome.
Catering is also available for all sorts of events, including parties, family get togethers, lunches and more.
Find more information on Hoosier Que, including their menu, and online ordering options at hoosierque.com.
Find the restaurant location at 1970 Maple Turn Road, Martinsville, IN 46151.
Find them on social media: Facebook | Instagram
