It's Tuesday. It's me and the kid. Mom is out of town. Dad (me) can't cook anything that wasn't frozen or canned at one time. It's dinner time. I've got a hankerin' for wings. Checked out the prices at the closest wing joint. That plus a burger would be quite a chunk of change! Hmm... time to Yelp it up! I'm glad I did, because I found Carson's. It's in a strip mall that doesn't necessarily see a lot of drive by traffic, and because it points away from the main road, there is no road sign to spot it by. If you're familiar with the west side, think of the strip mall by Big Lots that also has Square Donuts. The space is very small, and highly decorated. Literally! The highlight for me was the vintage phone booth that Superman would have loved. The kid was positive there were at least a hundred pigs to spot. She may have been right! For dinner I had the pulled pork and mac and cheese. Kid had the burger and fries. The pulled pork was PHENOMENAL. Great portion, nice and meaty, and the sauce was excellent. They offered a bottle of regular and a bottle of hot. I wasn't brave enough to try the hot. The kid gave the burger a thumbs up, and I'll vouch for the fries. The mac and cheese was .... not good. The flavor wasn't great and it was definitely watery. I mentioned it kindly when we were asked how things were. The lady took it in stride and offered to replace it, but I declined. The sandwich was so big, that turned out to be plenty! In the end, we saved a nice chunk of change versus going to a big chain place, and the food was definitely better, if you don't count the mac and cheese. I hope I just got them on an off night. I love a good homemade mac and cheese, and this .... I just don't have words. Go for the meat. Go for the fries. Go for the ambiance. At least give them a try. Great family business serving great family food. Super casual. Oh - for first timers - go to the counter, order, and sit. This is the second place I've been where you don't quite know what to do when you walk in. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - That's a lot O meat on that sammich! - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

If I could give this place a -100 review I absolutely would. Carson's was supposed to cater my daughter's wedding and never showed up! He will lie to you on the phone and say that he is 5 minutes out when he actually has no intention of coming! He ruined her special day and will be sued! read more

The owners hospitality and positive attitude really made our day! I can see why this is so popular for catering - everything was well made, most likely ahead of time and heated up. Our food came out quick. Great portions! Not necessarily the barbecue that we prefer, but enjoyable nonetheless. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - pulled pork and mashed potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

See all

Great food! Cant go wrong with any of their bbq. The interior had that fun bbq ambiance and lots of cute nick knacks. I got the fries with bbq. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - Bbq fries - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Food was very good and served piping hot. The woman working was always checking on us to see if we needed anything. Pulled pork fries and the Bacon sandwich which has one pound of bacon on it. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - Bacon sandwich/ BLT with one pound of Bacon. - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

See all

This place is the real deal folks. I'm originally from SC and it doesn't get more down home cookin than this. And during the time of coronavirus, I can say it's a real treat that this translated in their takeout stuff - enjoyed at home 40+ minutes after it was hot off the press. We got way too much food bc we couldn't make up our minds. We got: - smoked chicken wings (a dollar a piece for the best wings I've had is a small, worthwhile price to pay) with hot bbq sauce on the side, - a cheeseburger that was old school in just the right way, - a ribeye sandwich that can be sandwich free if you just wanna get straight to the good stuff, - brisket (I don't even like brisket and this stuff was delicious) - turkey wings (these were a little dry to be fair but they're also dry rub and wet ribs are more my bag so I'm leaving this as the 5 star review Carson's deserves), - sweet tea (thank the lord I finally found sweet tea like back home), And 3 sides - baked beans + a pint each of the green beans and potato salad. As you'd expect, between 2 adults, a 5 year old, and a baby, there's a ton left over. I'm salivating dreaming of my leftovers lunch tmrw with the beautifully seasoned wings and green beans. There are other leftovers too but those ones stole my heart. Friendly service (one of the owners wore a mask, brought the food out to our car, and both of them helped us through our order on the phone like we were old friends) + amazing food + great prices = Is it too soon to order again? read more

I'm a Texan and my wife is from Kansas City--so we are SERIOUS about our BBQ! This place is the real deal, to echo another reviewer! The sauce is fantastic and the sides are exactly what you want/need to accompany your entree. We loved the pulled pork sandwich (Bella's), the ribs, and the brisket! On top of the delicious food, they also make Gluten Free accommodations for those with allergies! We will absolutely be back to this wonderful establishment! read more

The food was nowhere near what was expected. 80 percent of a pound of rib tips were dry, burnt, and unedible. What they served as brisket was shredded pot roast from the oven, no smoked flavor at all. The nachos with pulled pork were ok, but I guess chips from a bag is kinda hard to mess up. And the "catfish" I think not. Definitely will not eat there again. Everyone with all these good reviews got lucky and caught them on a good day. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Drove 40 minutes to try Carson's BBQ and when we arrived at 1:55 pm, there was a handwritten note on the door that says "We will open later this afternoon due to a catering event". There was another printed sign that said "Due to staffing issues, our new hours are..." I talked to some people that had been there before, and they said they always seem to have a sign on the door about being closed for maintenance issues or staffing issues or catering events, etc. Those people also said I wasn't missing much. So that was our first and last trip to Carson's, and from the other reviews, I'm glad it turned out that way. Shame. read more

Ken Carson knocks it out of the park in regards to service and quality. You will not find better chicken ANYWHERE. My guests, who visited from all over the country, (family reunion of 65 people,) have never had better open pit cooked chicken in their lives. The macaroni and cheese was also the best catered of this dish any of them had encountered. Ken will go above and beyond to make sure your event goes smoothly, and his family business praises itself and the quality of food he puts in your table. This is not just a business to him, this is his livelihood, and the pride is in his product. If you have the opportunity to use his services, you will not be disappointed. read more

Living in Texas changed me - that's no lie. Growing up my favorite food has always been BBQ. In Texas you can get BBQ easier than you can get the Cowboys to win a football game. When I moved back to Indiana I was sullen with defeat because I realized that the good old days of brisket BBQ eating were behind me for the foreseeable future. That was until I tried Carson's. I'll admit, my family had been trying to come by for some time, but the hours seemed a bit wonky. On a spur-of-the-moment trip we headed towards the restaurant for some much-needed protein consumption. The inside of the restaurant was about what you'd expect. However, it does have some neat decor. Honestly it's roomy enough that I'd be surprised if local music hasn't played there already or will be at some point. For the family we grabbed a pound of pulled pork, a pound of brisket, some coleslaw, fries, green beans, and cornbread. Immediately I knew we'd made the right choice as soon as the food came to the table. It smelled delicious. Let me break it down for you: Conbread - light, fluffy, full-flavored, yet not dry Green Beans - cooked to perfection, tons of flavor with a smoked bacon taste Coleslaw - very saucy, a good balance between sweet and savory, very fresh and filling French Fries - crispy, almost diner-esque, very fresh Pulled Pork - TONS of smoked flavor, tender, great with or without sauce, only issue was that the smokiness was a bit overpowering Brisket - THE SHINING STAR OF THE MEAL, tender to the point of falling apart, nice balance of meat and fat to get a solid smoked taste that isn't overpowering My little Bacon Bit had the kid's cheeseburger and fries and claimed it was very delicious. The portions were generous, and the meal was filling several times over. The staff was talkative, personal, and helpful. It's a nice BBQ gem in the middle of Indiana, and I recommend this place several times over Smokin' Jack's. read more

Seriously- the best barbecue I've ever had! I could live on this stuff! The cornbread and potato salad are so good as well.

My boyfriend and I were excited to try Carson's seeing as how we are from NC and BBQ is something we know well. Unfortunately, even though the place was completely empty to the point we weren't sure they were even open when walking in, we were immediately made to feel unwanted and a nuisance. My boyfriend tells her we have never been here before and the response was a dull "oh". Then he proceeds to ask the difference in size for a lunch of 1/4 or 1/2 of pulled pork approximately, which she laughs at and shakes her head saying "i don't know i just weigh it".... Ideally we were just looking for some feedback, recommendations, and maybe a hand gesture to show an approximation. We left because we were excited to try something new and the energy we received killed our excitement. Maybe we will try again on a day when other staff is working. read more

Everything was amazing! This little BBQ gem hidden in a plaza strip exceeded all expectations and set new ones. From the get go the owner was genuine and the environment was enjoyable. We had a sampler platter. Everything was amazing. The ribs were so good we ended up buying a full slab! Amazing! read more

We got Carson's for takeout tonight and it was fantastic! We will definitely be back. When I opened the BBQ nachos, I actually gasped out loud. The nachos are completely covered with SO MUCH pulled pork, tomato, onion, lettuce, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream. We also go the brisket sandwich, and it was delicious. It came with hot and mild sauce. I mixed them both on top of nachos too. Probably the best BBQ I've had in Bloomington. Next time, I'll remember to take pictures before we dive in. read more

RED FLAGS EVERYWHERE - STAY AWAY Starting with the Very Rude Older worker behind the counter. Absolutely no filter on this lady - super rude. We called several times to place an order ahead and no one picked up the phone. We get there thinking they must be really busy, not one order ahead of us. There were no customers anywhere. When we said something about calling ahead, she rudely snapped saying "I can't get to every call". They had no customers and the place was a mess. This lady has no filter at all and it seemed as though she hated her job and it was a true bother to be waiting on us. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE, I've had in a long while. As for the food it was about as good as the service. If I could give it NO STARS I would. Seriously "STAY AWAY" read more

Food is great. Tried a couple of things with some friends. Wings, ribs, and brisket. All 3 were great. The owner is a cool guy and the restaurant is nice and clean. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - Slab of ribs, pound of brisket, and order of 8 wings. - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Hubby and I visited this place on a Sunday night. We were trying not to get our hopes up because ribs and Bloomington just don't add up. However, much to our surprise, we turned out LOVING the food we ordered- waffle fries, ribs, turkey ribs and Brisket. They were served dry rub, the way we like our ribs to be. Meat so soft that it falls off the bones and bones so soft that you had no idea you accidentally ate them! 2 kinds of sauces available which is a milder BBQ and a spicy one. The owner is extremely friendly and they are open on a Sunday!! We ended up leaving the place smelling like BBQ but with a happy stomach! read more

This meal was unreal!! The entire experience at Carson's was amazing, from the fresh food to the service. We meet Jeff Carson himself and he was so nice and genuinely cared about his customers. The wings were the freshest wings I ever had and I am a wing enthusiast!! This is a must try if you live in Bloomington. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - Too good for words - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

The best BBQ pulled pork sandwich I've ever had. Next time I think I might try the chicken because it looks delicious. Definitely going back. read more

See all

Outstanding pulled pork and he ain't stingy with the portions. Beans need no additional sauce or seasonings -- they are already delicious. Corn bread melts in one's mouth. Perfect pregame stop! read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - That pig is going down! - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Meat: Brisket: Nice meat flavor. There was no pink smoke ring on any of the meat which is odd for good brisket. My top piece was tender. As I worked through 1/2 pound I got to some fairly tough meat. Bark was nice. I know many cooks leave the fat on for flavor but this serving had too much fat for me. Would I order again? - probably, but I've had better in Memphis and Nashville. Pulled pork. Not as much wood flavor as I prefer. I have a friend ( not a restaurant) who smokes meat and his product has much more flavor. Same with BBQ places in the south that I go back to. Meat was tenser and just a tiny bit dry. Sauces are good. Yet good Q should be great without sauce. Ambiance: this place really needs a make over. I understand when you start out there may not be much cash flow but this place really needs work. I read the reviews here and I was surprised by my visit. I hope this guy makes it. I really do. Yet I can't brag about what I ate and certainly not about atmosphere. I thought about a lower rating but I will likely try it again. I hope this is helpful - I know it is my true opinion. read more

Some of the best ribs I've had in a long time (all other barbecue reviews I've done are now obsolete). They have a dry rub on them, fell off bone and you can add as much sauce as you want at your table. A last minute addition to our order of pickle fries was not regretted either, those damn things were good. Only thing I'm sad about is we didn't order the bigger meal. read more

Carsons Bbq & Catering - Split the Mama C's rib platter between two, perfect amount of food to get us both full - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Maybe I'm on crazy pills because everyone else seems to love this place. When I visited, they were out of 2 of 3 sides we wanted on a Friday during dinner (not because it was busy). One of which, they told us that a customer pointed out to them that their potato salad had gone bad. The food we actually did have wasn't terrible, but the quality just wasn't there for the price. It tasted like a church potluck but for $15. read more

Twice we have been here and twice we have been impressed. Everything is good. I love the pulled pork burrito. Best collard greens I've ever eaten. Fair prices, outstanding service, and just genuinely nice folks here. read more

The brisket and pork ribs were tender and the dry rub spices they use on their meat is tasty for sure. They aren't afraid to throw a few extra tea bags in the pot. I hate weak tea so that was a big plus. We walked into the place a few minutes before closing time. They could've told us the kitchen was closed but it was like we were long lost family. People, don't ever barge into a restaurant at closing time and plop your butt down like you own the place, it's just rude. But we were hungry for ribs and such and broke that rule in a big fat way. Speaking of fat, I asked for a whole lot of fat on my brisket and they served it up nicely. And, they did it without all the guff I sometimes get just for asking. Why? Why do so many BBQ joints give me hell about wanting to buy some of their beloved brisket fat?!?! I'll never understand why. They're my dang arteries and if I want to plug them up with brisket fat...it's none of their business! In any case, doc says I have the circulatory system of a spring chicken and I attribute my outstanding arterial blood flow to mountains of brisket fat I have eaten over the last few decades. Seriously, Google it! So, thank you Carson's BBQ for treating us right. read more

My son used to live in Austin, Texas where there was Franklins and other world class barbecue places, so we feel like we've had some of the best. Brisket is our thing, so stopped in just to get some brisket to go and sample it. This is some high level brisket! We haven't been able to find brisket this lean and tasty since Austin. Looks like they're still moving in, but can't wait to go back and try everything else. read more

This place was amazing, not only for its food but Jeff Carson and company. The hospitality has been put on another level. You knew walking in that it would be great from the atmosphere alone. Jeff was not only an amazing, award winning chef, but also an incredible and personable man. Came around and asked everyone's name, jokes with us, came out and continuously checked on us. It was something I wish happened elsewhere. I can't wait to go back. read more

The food at Carson was great. They are family owned restaurant. They have anything that is BBQ. But they have the best brisket that I have. They have great sides. So if you are in the mood for BBQ they are the place to go. read more

Carson One of the BEST BBQ around , I have stoped to pick up a meal many time, it fact I have gone way out of my way to get one more than once. you will not be disappointed steve dodds read more

My first experience was a salad that had shredded meat on it and pieces of brisket. The brisket was amazing but the shredded meat tasted like wet dog. So I had to throw away 90% of my meal. On 10/29 I bought brisket and Cole slaw and it was great. The brisket juice was very salty and I was only able to eat half, but the part that wasn't salty tasted great. Wish they would have sent silverware, napkins, or a small container of bbq sauce. read more

Stopped in a couple weeks back because I was craving some authentic barbecue, and this place was fantastic! Got their brisket and chicken, both were marvelous. The staff was friendly and hospitable as well... thankful for the experience! read more

I needed to feed a group of 25 high school basketball players and Carson's delivered in a big way. The customer service was awesome and it was perfect for hungry boys! We orders pulled pork, beef brisket, mac n cheese and baked beans. The pulled pork was the perfect balance of lean and flavorful and the brisket had great smoke rings to eat and was seasoned exceptionally well. Both the mild and hot sauces were excellent compliments. Will absolutely be back on the next trip to Bloomington! read more

Have you ever had a plate of food that just made you feel deeply loved? I have a time or two, and yesterday at Carson's was one of them! This is a new discovery for me, and I'm excited to be back again and again. Their menu keeps things simple, which is great for me as someone with many dietary restrictions. The meat was perfect, and the BBQ was fantastic! Highly recommend. read more

Has anyone else found that the quality of their food has gone down? We ordered the ribs and they were extremely dry and overcooked. They almost tasted like they were left over from the day before. Too bad cause we use to like them. read more

I came here for lunch on a Friday with a colleague. We saw all of the great ratings and thought we would give it a shot. We were the only two there. That was a red flag but we sat down anyway. I ordered the rib plate with potato salad and baked beans. The side dishes were good but the ribs were clearly from the day before and tasted like they had been cooked in a house fire. It was a sooty flavor I couldn't wash out of my mouth. My colleague ordered a pulled chicken sandwich with mashed potatoes. They brought him a pulled pork sandwich (at least I hope it was pork). He shrugged it off and started eating it anyway. He let me try it and it was worse than the ribs. I know good bbq and this isn't it. read more

Pulled pork sandwich and bbq sauce were both delicious. The green beans were very bland, the Mac and cheese was okay. Service was great. A little over-priced! read more

Do not let the looks of the place make you turn around. It's in an old bar now, I remember when he was in the old gas station across the street. Yeah it's not the prettiest looking place, but doing a full remodel is an expensive undertaking. The food is amazing, I had the brisket and would not put any sauce on it. My mom had the pull pork and she loved it. The hot bbq sauce has a nice flavor kick, it's not over powering heat. The chief is very personable, he comes out after you've tried your food and checks himself. read more

Absolutely the best brisket I've ever had! It's always nice when the owner comes around and welcomes you to the restaurant. The wife and I ordered a pound of brisket and I had to fight her for my half! I will definitely be back! read more

Camping at McCormicks creek and stopped here for dinner last night. Well worth the trip into Bloomington! Had the pulled pork, amazing! Wife had the pulled chicken, amazing! Son had the brisket, amazing! Baked beans and pickle fries are good too. Owner was very nice and pleasant to talk with. read more