Bar-B-Q Heaven

Barbecue restaurant · United Northwest

Bar-B-Q Heaven

Barbecue restaurant · United Northwest

1

2515 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

Photos

Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by Eater - Lists + Maps
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null
Bar-B-Q Heaven by null

Highlights

Classic BBQ institution with tender ribs & Southern sides  

Placeholder
Placeholder

2515 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA Get directions

barbqueheaven1952.com
@barbqheavenindy

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

2515 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA Get directions

+1 317 926 1667
barbqueheaven1952.com
@barbqheavenindy

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Sep 18, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

The 38 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana | Eater

"When 11-year-old Ronald Johnson opened a barbecue shack in 1954 so he could buy a bicycle his parents couldn’t afford, little did he know that he would become the standard-bearer for ribs in Indianapolis, if not the state. More than seven decades later, he still uses his grandmother’s hickory-smoked secret recipe, which she bequeathed to him when she loaned him 75 cents to buy a crate of ribs, jumpstarting the entrepreneur. Legions of fans, locally and regionally, make a pilgrimage here by following the neon sign of a pig. Must-try dish: The smoked turkey ribs are considered the best in the city." - Brian Garrido

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-indianapolis
View Postcard for Bar-B-Q Heaven

Creme Brelee

Google
First time I’ve had this since I was a kid. Fatty tips, overcooked baked beans. The pecan pie and sweet potato tasted very “eggy” as well.

Nemaa K.

Google
I would like to start off by saying..”I love this establishment but will not come here anymore!” Due to the treatment I received today. I came in to order as usual but it was a long line. I waited because I love the food. But YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BAD. The cashier comped an attitude with me because I said I wanted a “Turkey Tip Dinner w/HOT SAUCE” instead of a Turkey Rib Dinner. Honest, mistake but as She “so called tried to correct me. She got any attitude and everything afterwards was rude. After I placed my order.. she proceeded to Talk to the cook/Prep person about me. Like I was a problem. Saying “Everything its supposed to be hot even tho she said mild.” And continued to talk crap where I could barely hear the foolishness. & Barely wanted to say have a great day. Tossed my food at the window and went back to the prep table. Due to that I WILL NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS AGAIN. Won’t recommend people to come here either like I used to!

Ashley Marie

Google
I come here exclusively for the house made sweet potato pie 🥧😮‍💨 it’s AMAZING! The meat falls off the bones, the cornbread I eat alone because it’s just so good! Everything on this plate was less than $20 and I ate twice!

Tim Kaminske

Google
Great food, nice staff. The ribs were huge and tender with plenty of their house sauce, sides were A+.

Kevin Kennedy

Google
FOOD IS TERRIFIC, GREENS ARE BEST IN THE WORLD IN MY OPINION. SERVICE PROFICIENCY COULD BE BETTER,, AT LEAST TWO CASHIERS ARE NEEDED AT BUSY TIMES. ONE HOUR WAIT IN LINE IS UNSATISFACTORY.

Brad Cheaney

Google
The absolute best barbecue dive in Indy!! Make sure to get the sweet potato pie! You will not be disappointed.

Earnestine Davis

Google
Always loved this place since I was a kid. It had never let me down. Haven't eaten here in 22 years so I will update you on the quality of the food. Congratulations to 71 years in business. The sides have lost their touch the Mac and cheese was bland the baked beans came straight out the can the green beans are ok. But the BBQ turkey ribs were on point. Tighten up yall.

Kenneth Miller

Google
Went there for lunch and offered two small rib tip dinners. One spicy one mild and sizes were green bean and Mac n cheese/ potato salad and baked beans. Oh and a slice of chess pie. The rib tips were plentiful and nice size. The sauce was spicy but not overly. Mac and cheese was creamier than cheesy. I liked it my girl said it tasted like stovetop. The green beans were alright could have had a lil bit more seasoning tho. Baked beans were out the can with some brown sugar. The chess pie was good but I'm used to sweeter versions. All in all 40 bucks spent well.

Keegan L.

Yelp
I got the tip dinner, with Mac n cheese and baked beans. And when I tell you I'm a seasoned white I know a thing or two about some spices but DAYUM does this shhh hit a spot. Best bbq near the north side of Indy I've had.

terry c.

Yelp
This place has been around since I can remember. I don't know how it's still holding on because their food is straight garbage, from the ribs to the baked beans and corn on the cob where they use margarine instead of real butter. The ribs were overcooked and nasty. If I could give them a zero I would. I have given on good barbecue here. I'll have to go to Texas in order to get some real good barbecue because this place ain't where it's at. Don't waste your time going there. Food is overcooked, bland and just plain nasty.

Diane W.

Yelp
The turkey ribs are good. I don't care for the Mac and cheese, and when asking for extra greens instead of the other sides they said you can't do that. If I'm paying for it, why does it matter? The women's attitudes Are terrible. No one said you had to work there. soul food means food for the soul. Not that negative attitude for the soul.
google avatar

Jessica L.

Yelp
If you have not stopped in and grabbed an order of ribs yet, what's stopping you? I decided to finally stop in on a Friday evening to try Indy's popular BBQ hub, to my surprise the staff was very friendly and the wait was quick! The interior set up reminded me of Chicago, small but you get to smell the deliciousness cooking in the kitchen! I had an order of the rib tips, macaroni and greens - I didn't care for the cornbread that it came with but everything else was delicious! I was surprised to see individual size bags of Grippos, so I had to take two!
google avatar

George R.

Yelp
Amazing ribs, rib tips, and corn on the cob. Significantly better than Eli's BBQ in Cinci and Bogart's in Saint Louis. Right here in Indy. Wow. Other sides are really good - including the greens and macaroni salad.

Erica B.

Yelp
do not use your debit card they steal then when u call them on it the owner says go to the bank and get a statement he dont trust phones ... his daughter lied said it didnt go thru on my debit card she claimed the machine went blank so i used tap the second time but with my cash app card both transactions went thru friday 6-6 he just called today after i called 8 times that same day and his daughter called the police and hes not givin me my money the bank will but its the point....
google avatar

Gyamfua G.

Yelp
So here's the thing...I really want to give BBQ Heaven a 3.5 and here's why. First let me say Bar-B-Q Heaven is a mainstay of the black community. It is a legend and I appreciate the family keeping their spot within the black neighborhoods despite its growth. So here's my take on the food though... Our order was rib tips with large side of green beans, corn, a large mac and cheese with cheesecake and chess pie for dessert. The rib tips were good but a bit fatty and short on the meat. The pieces that was meaty was good and the sauce (a mix of sweet and hot) was excellent. The mac and cheese was cheesy but bland. A couple cranks of salt and pepper and a healthy dose of hot sauce pumped it up to acceptable level. The green beans were cooked in meat but it was still bland. Once again salt and pepper with a couple dashes of hot sauce made it acceptable for consumption. Finally the desserts were awesome. The service for being a wet cold rainy Friday night was awesome. The ladies were super nice and I got my food quickly. I will still be back...this time I'll try the ribs!
google avatar

Ashley R.

Yelp
Terrible customer service. Had a few questions & all 3 workers kept their head's down. Had to repeat myself 4 times for an answer.
google avatar

Sarah D.

Yelp
I popped in here with my kiddo after school day to pick up some food for dinner. I hadn't checked the menu beforehand, so we made a snap decision and ordered some mac n cheese, a smoked half chicken, a chicken BBQ sandwich, and a tiny sweet potato pie. The food was out within 3 minutes, and the order was perfect for our family of 4. We were offered a few sauce options, and because I was feeding kiddos I opted for sweet sauce -- next time I'll make a different choice because it was sweet. The BBQ sandwich was amazing, and memorable. We'll get that again! The mac n cheese was on point. Creamy and made with the real stuff, not the can of cheez whiz from GFS. The smoked chicken was okay, and I'd like to order it again with a different sauce. I wish it was a bit crispier, but I think thats the nature of smoked meat versus grilled or fried. And...the pie...holy cow it was good. It was a real crust in a real tiny little pie pan, so my kiddos loved the fact that I was able to cut them a tiny quarter of pie (which was like 2 bites, but so cute!). I'm already planning my next visit, which is a good sign...and this time I think it'll involve chicken with a different sauce, some greens or green beans, and possibly another pie. ;)
google avatar

Wanda M.

Yelp
When a business has been in the same location and open since 1952 you know they've been doing something right. Ronald Jones, Barb-B-Q Heaven President, spent his youth learning the business and in 1975 purchased the business from his parents. Now with a career of almost 65 years, he's still providing excellent customer service and wonderful smokey meats, delicious sides and desserts to all who walk through his door. Ribs, rib tips, chicken, pulled pork, BBQ turkey ribs, greens (Thurs. - Sat. ONLY), mac & cheese, green beans, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, sweet potato pie and peach crisp are a few of the highlights. The meat is tender with a nice smokey flavor and the meat can be dressed with sauce or on the side. If you have far to drive, I recommend sauce on the side so the sandwich bun doesn't get soggy. Both my son and I had the delicious pulled pork sandwich with mac & cheese, green beans and baked beans. All the sides are good but the green beans were exceptional today. The tender pulled pork was wonderful with the hot sauce. The sauces have a tendency to be on the sweet side but the hot sauce isn't quite as sweet. Several folks mix half hot and half mild. The interior has a small footprint with carryout only. The menu board is located on the wall across from the counter where you order. One person takes the orders while another person prepares the orders. They move quickly, be prepared and your order is ready in no time. You pay at the counter and they accept debit and credit cards. The building is starting to show signs of age but don't let the building, or neighborhood, keep you away. We experienced great service and wonderful food with easy street parking.

Cliff S.

Yelp
Today is November 18,2023 I'm new to Indy and wanted to compare barbecue heaven to KING RIBS, I will NEVER return to BH The young man KNEW DAMN WELL he'd placed the shortest order of tips in what was SUPPOSED to be A large order $20 for 1/2 of A order he knew he'd shorted me, & I didn't realize why he kept looking at me & laughing along with the young lady that also worked there. KING RIBS KING RIBS FUCK BARBECUE HEAVEN!!!!
google avatar

Cierra L.

Yelp
I use to be a frequent visitor.. but slowed ALL the way down. I just eat the turkey ribs from here! They're always so nice and tender when they're in! They're definitely a HOT seller. I was just glad to catch them while they were available.
google avatar

Amber C.

Yelp
Indy's BEST kept BBQ secret! Full disclosure - I've been coming to Bar-B-Q Heaven since I was a kid. I'm not kidding, there's a photo of me with a rib bone from here when I was about 5 years old. If you know my age, you can do the math ;-) Bar-B-Q Heaven is one of those quiet little spots that the locals keep local. We know how delicious the slow-smoked meats and awesome sweet treats that come out of here taste, and we want to keep it all to ourselves! My favorite menu item is the turkey ribs. I'm not even sure I considered turkeys HAVING ribs, but not only do they exist, they're delicious. Everything here an be served plain, or with one of the company's signature sauces. I'm a fan of the "Mild" sauce, myself, but you may hear the pro's ordering a Sweet/Hot combo. The restaurant is located on the MLK corridor, on the North side. Don't be deceived by it's unassuming appearance; the real treasure is what lies inside.

Theo B.

Yelp
Food was Delicious. Customer Service was Terrible. Stopped in on 4/10/2024 around 8:45pm and observed customers ahead of me being treated rudely. There is No excuse for this but I chalked it up as maybe a bad Moment but I experienced the same Rude and dismissive Treatment when it was My turn as well. This was the Location on MLK.

Chelsa M.

Yelp
I was so disappointed. I purchased a bbq pork on bun with sweet sauce. The meat and buns were dry but the sauce was good. I also purchased baked beans which were straight out the can mixed with BBQ sauce along with Mac and cheese that had been watered down probably for stretch. I had not been to BBQ Heaven in years and I won't be going back.
google avatar

Julie M.

Yelp
My husband brought me a smoked pork chop with Mac and cheese and green beans tonight. I made some gravy and simmer the chop for an hour. It was delicious. Very, very tender and excellent smoke flavor! He had rib tips and said they were great. The whole to-go container was packed full of them. Not sure where the low reviews come from because our dinner was off the hook!
google avatar

Lam S.

Yelp
Bar-B-Q Heaven located at 2515 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St, Indpls, IN is the best Rib & Dinner plus much more food items in Indiana!! Their food is cooked like your great grandma & pa and your grandma & grandpa use to cook back in the day. Hands down! They have been established in Indianapokis since 1952, that is 71 years as of May 2023. LSykes

Felix B.

Yelp
This place is hyped up, the food was super bland and didn't taste like anything they just threw bbq sauce on it.
google avatar

Sharmistha D.

Yelp
They have pluses and minuses. Ribs... don't get. Not sure what happened they used to be good about a year ago. Now they are in a saucy mess without any flavor for the ribs. Their chess pie and sweet potato pie are good

Michelle G.

Yelp
This place has been around for many moons, the food tastes the same and is still the best BBQ in the city. Friendly service and plentiful portions, the ribs are tender and delicious, the sweet potatoes pie is so refreshing and delicious. The ambiance is of a family environment, comfortable place to dine outside in the summertime. They also have firewood you can purchase; my family purchased the cherrywood and our BBQ was that talk of the neighborhood, the smell alone passed through the air, and we had a lot of people asking where we got our wood from.
google avatar

Danielle A.

Yelp
This place is fire. Wish I would've got some baked beans but she misunderstood me and gave me green beans instead which would've been really good if I didn't get a side order of green beans with my meal. The sauce is great and the spicy is REALLY spicy. I liked dipping my Mac in there. The ribs were good as fuck too. No place to sit inside which I'm not tripping about but I was hoping to. I think it would help business but they do have outdoor seating, not great for winter but it looked nice.
google avatar

Lorena Z.

Yelp
First time I've been here and the line was long. I knew it had to be a good sign. While ordering the rib tip dinner you have an option for sauce: sweet, mild, and hot. Bread options of white,wheat, or cornbread. And of course the different options for sides. While ordering the cashier was super nice and was quick at helping me order while also making sure everyone got their food out in a timely matter. The ribs were amazing I got the sweet bbq. There was a lot of meat on them. The green beans were tasteful and the Mac and cheese was low in flavor in my opinion. But when I dipped it in the bbq it makes up for it. The cornbread also was missing some flavor. However, overall I would come again. It was amazing! There's a reason they've been open for so long!
google avatar

Tanya T.

Yelp
We happened upon this place while traveling from Chicago to KY for Father's Day/ Juneteenth weekend with 2 young kids (ages 5 & 7) , mom and dad, and grandfather. We were HUNGRY and needed to find something that satisfied everyone. The listing says dine-in but be warned, all seating is outside and the bathroom is too. Nevertheless, we experienced beautiful service once we got to the window to place our order. Though courteous, the establishment would benefit from a PA system for taking orders. Currently, they lean against the bullet proof glass struggling to hear customers. But it did not diminish their courtesy. These folks know several things well. Among them? Good customer service and making delicious food. Kid favorites were the hot dogs, mac n cheese, giant pickles and sweet potato pie. The adults loved the rib dinner, a 1/2 rack, and a barbecue sandwich respectively. In short, we devoured them. Meat cooked to perfection. Sides delicious. I was apprehensive after stopping along a 7 hour drive and noticing the seating and the unisex bathroom were outside. But the bathroom was very clean and the rain held off so we could sit on the very pleasant and comfortable patio. The kids loved the mural! Note: there are no pitchers of water and no ice. Be sure to bring your own drink unless you want to purchase a can or a bottled water. No alcoholic beverages allowed on the patio, though. 100% recommend.
google avatar

Jackie E.

Yelp
Not a fan y'all! 3 reasons: Bad cuts of meat - tough and mostly bone Portion size - a laugh I needed. The large tip filled the contain about 3/4 of the way. Price - WAAAAY overpriced. The sides aren't anything worth mentioning one way or another...and I did't even get my bread. On the plus side: Staff was friendly and the tough bone chunks had a decent flavor!
google avatar

Tylor S.

Yelp
I love this business. It is blacked owned, which is amazing. The food is priced really well. My only complaint is the efficiency. The business is actually rather popular and during it peak hours it takes a really long time to place and obtain an order.
google avatar

Erin D.

Yelp
If you're wondering, the meat tastes as good as it smells... maybe even better. I got a combo with chicken and ribs, mix of sweet and hot bbq sauce. I need to try all the meats but both of these (ribs and chicken) were fall of the bone, moist, and flavorful. I had the beans, potato salad, and cornbread. Sides were good, but my next visit will be more meat, extra sauce, white bread, and a piece of pie because I have regrets about not getting pie. Also, no photos because after standing in line smelling that goodness I couldn't wait and then the next thing I knew it was gone.

Maria G.

Yelp
A dump good service food horrible dry old some meat is out of a can I remembered why I stopped eating here so no coming back for me now.

Alfred M.

Yelp
The food is fantastic service fast and friendly ambiance is down home I highly recommend
google avatar

Phyllis H.

Yelp
We have so many bbq places here in the city but found i really like bbq heaven this day i had a bbq on bun, in the last year or so they have changed their meat and its bigger, meatier and taste so much better and it's plentiful....for around $5 i also like the small end ribs....my choice of sauce is sweet with a little hot

Valara A.

Yelp
Food is still great as it was when I was a little kid!! The chicken was great and the Ribs were excellent!!
google avatar

Andrew N.

Yelp
I eat here for lunch semi-regularly and can honestly say their food always satisfies my craving for BBQ! My go to choices are the BBQ Bun Dinner (BBQ sandwich with two sides) or the Pork chop Dinner. Their sides include mac & cheese, green beans, (GREAT) potato salad, occasionally greens and baked beans. You can always tell that this place cooks their food from their heart and soul and takes no shortcuts. If food is art, BBQ Heaven is the Louvre!
google avatar

Ashley D.

Yelp
So, yesterday June 12th I was craving some ribs decided to go to Bar- B- Q Heaven right after work. Luckily, it didn't take me long time to get there from downtown. The restaurant have been around since 1952 same location, small BBQ restaurant, a lot of regulars that go there quite often, and it's that good comfort foods. I ordered a larger tips with sweet sauce, and a side of extra sweet sauce. I didn't wait long for my ribs at all, it was only a few people inside during my purchase, and the lady who taken my order was very nice as well as knew her regular customers. When, I ate my ribs at home it was still very hot & fresh, ribs so juicy & tender. As, I'm writing this I want more. Lol. The last time I was at that restaurant was around 2-3yrs. Bar-B-Q Heaven does have a nice patio for those who want to eat there, cameras inside, in MLK neighborhood, black owned restaurant, and down the street from Cleo's Bodega Grocery and Cafe.
google avatar

Daniel H.

Yelp
Omg. I had the turkey ribs. Hot. Never had this before but super delicious, tender and I will be having this delicacy more often. Friendly fast service. Family atmosphere and though the hot sauce isn't as hot as I usually get, it was delicious. The corn bread matches traditional recipes. I can't wait to come back to Indianapolis to eat there again.

Joann C.

Yelp
I want to give more stars because the sauce was pretty good and the meat tender. HOWEVER, the coleslaw was bad. It didn't just taste bad but it was actually sour/had a chemical taste to it. After taking a bite of this I couldn't finish the rest of my food. When we took the coleslaw back, they said they "didn't know what it was supposed to taste like", which was also unsettling. Also, the ribs are pretty small and half a rack not worth $15.99. Super disappointing
google avatar

Gelone B.

Yelp
I always forget about this hole in the wall and I think I know why. I ordered the rib tip dinner with mac and cheese and green beans. The rib tips were tender but fatty and they were drowning in greasy oil so I fished them out of the oil and put them on a plate. I ordered mild sauce but the ribs were still bland. The green beans were perfect but the mac and cheese was also bland until I added salt and pepper. The staff was very friendly and service was fast and efficient. I guess I should have read the Yelp reviews before stopping. Lesson learned
google avatar

Erica S.

Yelp
Only carryout, but there is a deck and restroom outside for nice days! I ordered the turkey ribs small potion, which comes with 3 ribs and let me tell you...ORDER THE LARGE! I wasn't sure how I'd like them but they tasted FANTASTIC! They were so moist and the mild bbq sauce was fantastic . Great combo of spicy and sweet. The owner told us the story of how he was introduced to turkey ribs and how it's actually the neck through shoulder of turkey. You won't be disappointed! By the time we left, we had ordered another order to dine on the deck and two more orders to go!

Morgan M.

Yelp
HORRIBLE! Mac was bland and didn't even taste like cheese was an ingredient, the baked beans were cold and the rib tips tasted like 3 day old barbecued fat. Can't believe I paid $26 for that crap! Never again in life! So disappointing!!!!!!

L W.

Yelp
I've eaten At BBQ heaven for 30 years. I do take out and haven't had to many issue! I drive some distance to eat here! Sometimes I have a craving for Bar-B-Q Heaven and no other Que will do! It's a most try! Thanks for your service to the Comunity! You are very much appreciate!!!

Lorenzo P.

Yelp
I had a terrible experience at this place last week. I've been going there many times and ordering foods, but if you make a large order, you'd better check it before you leave and if you do find a mistake expect to be treated like dirt when you bring it to their attention. I had a $50+ order recently and found items missing, but instead of apologizing and correcting my order they immediately acted like I was attempting to steal food. They ordered me to bring back the whole order to check it themselves, treating me like it was my fault that it was wrong. These are black folks! And I'm black too. Apparently, it doesn't matter. If you call them out, expect some revenge. They never apologized for the mistake and made me feel like I did something wrong for checking my purchase. The food was for my family. But you know, we can find a better place to eat. They have NO CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS!!!
google avatar

Jon A.

Yelp
This smoke-stacked riverboat of a smokehouse queen of King Blvd has been on my radar since I settled back into Naptown over a year ago. Finally, finally, I made it. It took a nudge-nudge from two other hog-smoke hunters, and it happened -- and Kyle H brought wet wipes (way to be)! I knew it was cash only, but I did not know it was take out only. Fair enough, we'll find a curb. Kyle H had BBQ on a bun for $4.55. The size of this "sandwich" (spork necessary) makes it a value. You'll see the half slab listed at $11.13, and wonder if it's worth it -- size and sauce wise, it most definitely is. Those were the largest 6 ribs that've been plated in front of me. I gotta get this outta the way before I wrap this up: the ribs could've been better. I was pulling the meat with my teeth off the bone, they weren't all that moist and were a bit tough. That said, the outer layer of the meat (slightly crusty on the edges) and the sauce kept me having at it. I dig their menu: there's a whole & half chicken -- that's really my wheel house, I'll be back for this. Now, I don't know what "American" means to you... but to me... a BBQ lunch in a park (just down the street at Walton park there's a picnic table) at said picnic table, children playing in the background, noshing on the most american cuisine with a man with a beard, on Martin Luther King Blvd, WITH a blue angel flyover -- that's American. Yes, a Blue Angel flyover.
google avatar

Thu N.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite places to get rib tips! It's a scary area as there is always something involving the police going on around it, but the rib tips are AMAZING! Do not let the location scare you. It's a must venture to place in Indy. King Ribs use to be my go to place for rib tips in the city but after discovering this place I definitely say this is number 1 place in Indy for barbecue. Plus, we take a lot of friends here and love it that we can introduce them to Heaven itself :) I usually get my sauce on the side so I can taste the scrumptious meat that has been grilled perfectly. The people are really nice. The way to spell it could be barbecue, bbq, or their official way: Bar-B-Q Heaven They sell lottery tickets here too which is kind of weird. There is only a small area to stand to order behind what looks like bulletproof plastic. They only take cash and it is a little pricey but so worth it. They also sell neck bones, pigs feet, chili, bologna, chicken, rib, sandwiches, sides(collard greens, corn on the cob, baked beans, mac and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad) and dessert (sweet potato pie, chess pie, pecan pie, cheesecake). The meal comes with 2 sides and bread. Their hot bbq sauce is very tasty too! Corn is just frozen on the cob and they heat it up for you as you order, so nothing special. This location is open late night til at least 1am but 2 or 3:30am some nights!
google avatar

Tracy A.

Yelp
I believe Bar-B-Q Heaven started serving open pit in Indy in 1952. They are still here with more locations, so that should count for something. Try whatever you want, but I'm going to say their rib tips are their forte. I find them to be some of the most tender, meatiest, and least fat and full of flavor in Indy. Even the small dinner is a generous portion. If you are into the turkey, it's pretty good. The sides are hit or miss depending on your taste, and there may be different offerings depending on what day you go. The greens and the corn and the baked beans have been good. You can opt for sweet potato pie or chess pie or some others for dessert. There are a couple of soda machines for canned beverages. They have added a nice deck with music on the speaker for patio dining. Cash only.
google avatar

Laura H.

Yelp
I was so excited to try their ribs!!! But nobody social distanced waiting to order/ received their food. Also, none of the employees wore masks. I had to go elsewhere. :(
google avatar

Ieachea T.

Yelp
The rib tips were very tender and delicious. But the sides were very bland. Mac had no flavor and baked beans tasted like ketchup and vinegar. The turkey ribs were actually turkey wing flats.
google avatar

Rachel J.

Yelp
What a great visit we had to Bar-B-Q Heaven! Heard about this place from a fellow Yelper at an event tonight and so glad we did! The customer service was some of the best I've seen in a long time, and the smoked meats are really good. The mild sauce was a too sweet for my taste. The hot sauce had a good kick to it, but nothing too crazy. Doing it again, I'd follow the lead of another patron and get my sauce on the side. The street parking out front was easy, and the patio area was really nice. Plus, this place has been here since 1952, which is just cool. Stop by - well worth a visit!!
google avatar

Rohini T.

Yelp
I like BBQ Heaven. The operative word being 'like'. I find myself going back for the turkey ribs alone. Not many places offer that as an option and theirs are really good. Super tender, juicy and big. However, the rest of the menu, to me, is just 'Ok.' It's hard to get excited about their food when just a few blocks down the road you have Hank's, which has, in my opinion, the best BBQ in that area and surrounding. Aside from the food, their hours are unreliable. They don't adhere to the hours that are posted on their building or online. They come close, but not all of the time. That can be frustrating as a customer. So as not to bash them nor glorify them too much, I think that they are a solid 3 stars.
google avatar

Tony A.

Yelp
Family members were in Indianapolis over the weekend and we drove to the Bar-B-QHeaven.The service was fast and efficient ,great pricing .More meat on the plate would have been great .Got some rib tips and Turkey tips .
google avatar

Ashley S.

Yelp
So, I went to the post office across the street on Dr. MLK and saw this BBQ place and I had a little time before I had to get back to work. I came in and ordered the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with mild and sweet sauce combined. I also got a mac and cheese side with potato salad. The actual building was a little run down but I honestly loved the "hole in the wall" feel. The women who took my order was very nice and helpful. I loooove pulled pork so the sandwich was tasty! I do wish I got mild and hot BBQ, the sweet sauce was really sweet and the potato salad was not sweet enough. Lastly, I didn't really like that my bottom bread slice was sopping with BBQ but I ended up eating the entire sandwich with a fork and honestly it was pretty good! Overall good customer service, quick service, and good food. I will definitely be going back!
google avatar

Thom C.

Yelp
This one of my two favorite bbq places in Indianapolis (king ribs other). BBQ heaven has a great selection of choices. My go to is Ribs tips. The really don't need any sauces, but the sauces are good. I also got the Mac and cheese which was very good. I also ordered sweet potato pie Yummm!!! If you have never tried it you must give it a try. BBQ heaven has really did a nice job on the outside and patio. The inside ordering area could use some work