Ben's BBQ Shack

124 E Main St, Westfield
(937) 823-0747

Recent Reviews

J Peters

Ben's is the best BBQ! My previous favorite is Oklahoma Joe's/Joe's in Kansas City.Similar origin stories.It starts with the smoker. Oklahoma Joe built his own and so does Ben. I was invited into the inner sanctum of the smoke house to see the "Red October" offset.All of the BBQ is smoked with local Indiana cherry.Ben's is located in an old used car lot in old downtown Westfield where parking can be very dear. Prime spots are located back by the picnic tables.If you don't preorder and walk up you will need to be there at noon if you want BBQ before sell out.I did a walk up visit on Saturday Apr 6 for brisket and pulled pork and returned Apr 7 Sunday for ribs, pork belly and turkey. The ribs are spare vs baby back so plenty of meat and finished with a rub. All meats are fork tender.My preference for pulled pork is Carolina style referred to as just BBQ in the Carolinas. Served family style in a bowl with finishing sauce choices of mustard or apple cider vinegar available if desired. Ben's serves his pulled pork chopped and lightly sauced, all good but not my preference. Ben would most likely indulge Carolina BBQ presentation if requested.Ben's is a BBQ shack but has picnic tables out back if you wish to eat while there.If you don't visit Ben's BBQ Shack you don't know what you missing and if you wait until next weekend you will only be a week older when you do.Parking: Parking in old downtown Westfield is dear.Arrived early at Ben's and park back by the picnic tables

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Pork Belly Sammich, Ribs, Brisket, Turkey Breast

Albert T.

I was researching restaurants to try while staying in Indy for a couple of days and came upon Ben's BBQ Shack. To be honest, I find the overall bbq quality in most places north of Kansas City or St. Louis is rather poor, but I was intrigued by the statement on Ben's website that they smoke their meats in an actual pit. That's a real rarity in this area and even in more BBQ-centric states, it's a tradition that's dying out. Adding to the authenticity is that Ben's is only open until they sell out of meat each day (which I understand can sometimes only take an hour). We were so intrigued that we decided to pre-order meat a couple of days in advance so we could try a bit of everything. As we arrived to pickup our meal right when they opened, we found a long line customers waiting to order. Seemed promising already! As we took a look around the exterior, I didn't notice any billowing smoke columns, couldn't detect any smoke aroma perfuming the air, nor did I see any space that could be used as a smoke pit. I was also surprised that the storefront was in the middle of a commerce area rather than in the middle of nowhere. I guess they don't smoke the meats on site and instead bring it in every morning from an offsite location. Pickup was pretty easy and quick. We were told by one of the customers in line to knock on the door and someone would arrive to help us quickly, and they were right. The door is right next to where Ben works, chopping up meats and prepping the food. Super friendly guy! I can see why people love him. In total, we got: Pork Belly Sammich ($9) - This included two super generously cut, 1 inch tall, tender slabs of pork belly. It's a great cut with both lean and fatty portions, creating a delectable bite. The interior is moist and the fat is well rendered and soft, not stringy or tough at all. The meat is dusted with seasoning salt and there's a good, noticeable smoke ring with a taste that permeates well into the meat. Some of the exterior portions show quite a bit of bark but it's all soft. I wonder if they transport the meat covered or in hot boxes from the smoke pits to the stand to sell, so it steams a bit and softens the crust. That's the one thing that needs improvement. On top of the meat is a pile of pickled jalapenos and sliced white onions that adds some acidity. Everything sits on a fluffy bun. There's bbq sauce on the side, but everything is moist and flavorful so it's not really needed. (5/5) 1/2 lb Brisket ($11.5) - The brisket is tender and easily comes apart even with a spoon. One piece is fattier brisket and the other is lean. The fatty piece is moist and delicious. The lean is obviously a bit drier, but still plenty juicy. Again, there's a pretty distinctive smoke ring and there is bark but it's not crusty. (5/5) 1/2 lb Pulled Pork ($9) - The pork is shredded well but not super chopped. The smoke flavor is quite apparent. It's overall a bit of a leaner cut, probably just pork shoulder and definitely not whole hog bbq. It's very meaty in general with no fat, gristle, or skin. It's overall quite uniform in texture and moistness. (4/5) Each meat order is accompanied by a single 2oz cup of bbq sauce. I do like how the sauce is all on the side so you can try the everything sauce-free to really enjoy the flavor of the smoked meat. The bbq sauce itself consists of a spiced sweet vinegar ketchup base that complements the meat well. Cole Slaw ($2) - This is a pretty small 6 oz cup of cole slaw veggies in a very thin and watery mayo dressing. Some of the seasoning salt used on the meat is also added in the slaw. There's a bit of acidity and sweetness and just a small bit of mayo creaminess. (4/5) BBQ Baked Beans ($2) - Another 6 oz styrofoam cup filled with beans cooked until tender. I found these to be too sweet for my tastes. Ben's doesn't really do anything interesting with their beans - it's literally just beans without any other vegetables or meat mixed in. (3/5) Bourbon Butter

Janet C.

Service and food is absolutely wonderful. Even though limited, the food is very good. It's best to order ahead to be sure you get what you want and to avoid them running out.

Adam Garrett

Went to Ben’s for the first time yesterday and met him personally- super friendly and even called me by my name when he brought my brisket sandwich out- was an awesome sandwich and I’ll definitely be back soon. Thanks for the friendly hospitality, Ben- it’s nice to know that it still exists at some places. Well done all around! Adam

Matt Muller

If you want great brisket, come here. Very tender and full of flavor. Them beans were fire also and that buttermilk pie was delicious. Fat man approved. They sell out really fast and are only opened for a short period two days a week. You can preorder to make sure you get your meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Michael M.

Best BBQ around. Owner is a hoot and fun to talk to. Go early to make certain they don't run out of what you want and need. Two thumbs up!

Dustin G.

Decided to try Ben's BBQ shack as I was in the area and they were open. It was about 1 PM on a Saturday and they were already about sold out. That tells you something (when they open at noon, I believe). I was lucky to be able to walk up and order a pulled pork sandwich. Put simply it was outstanding and I inhaled it in my vehicle as it was too cold to eat outside. Since I was eating in the car I only put a little sauce on the sandwich but it didn't really need it, which is when you know it's good BBQ. I would have liked to try the turkey but they were sold out. Would recommend ordering ahead on their website for pickup. I'll definitely be back if in the area and will order ahead. Prices were well within reason for what you get.

Katherine A.

Ben Hoffman is probably the happiest guy you'll ever meet. He must love his job. He makes the most amazing slow-cooked barbecue using only wood heat. He will proudly tell you that he doesn't use any electronics or technologies to prepare his barbecue. The first time, I met Ben, I had driven across town to try one of his pork sammiches. As we rolled in, we saw the cardboard sign saying, "Sorry, Sold Out". And there was Ben, sitting behind his little window in his tiny shack with a huge smile on his face. He belts out a laugh and tells us that we should preorder online. That's the best way to be ensured some of his coveted barbecue. Two weeks later we show up early and get in the line outside his little shack before he opens. Ben banters with the folks standing in the cold, telling them the food will be worth the wait. It was. I ordered the special grilled shrimp tacos (a Lenten special). We also ordered a Pork Belly Sammich. Food comes out in about 15 minutes. The tacos are good with big shrimp and Ben's cole slaw. The Pork Belly Sammich contains two strips of bbq pork that is topped with fresh sliced jalapeños and onions on a soft fresh roll. The meat is smoky, tender and juicy. The sandwich leaves me wanting to go back again the next day. The next time I will preorder. The parking lot is tiny with maybe 6 slots. People park across the street and walk. There are a couple picnic tables to eat at, weather permitting. Most people grab and go. As we leave the parking lot, the "Sorry, Sold Out" sign goes up and we hear Ben's gregarious laugh.

Adam Bernard

Good food and portions. Nice and friendly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Buttermilk Pie, Baked Beans, Pork Belly Sammich, Turkey Breast

Shannon Johnson

This is the best BBQ I've had since I was living and working in North Carolina and South Carolina in 2012. I hadn't found any truly good and satisfying BBQ here in Indiana, 'til today.I was extremely impressed and smiling as I was greeted before I even reached the order/pickup window/door of Ben's BBQ Shack - Westfield (north suburb of Indy) on my first-ever visit today, for the online pre-order I placed Wednesday (they sell out every day they're open – Fri-Sat-Sun – carry-out only, although there are several picnic tables for fair-weather dining).As I walked up, a team member stepped out of the doorway, with a big smile, a genuinely welcoming attitude, and asked if I was picking up.I gave him my name. HIs face lit up as he seemed to know my order. I had included a message, in the special notes section of my online order, mentioning that this was my first time and that I didn't see an option to specify sauces, if there were any available. I wrote, "First time ordering. If there are side BBQ sauce options I missed, a sweet / medium-heat variety would be the best fit for us. Otherwise, smokey-and-delish-as-they're-served is what we're looking forward to trying. See y'all Friday! Cheers!" (the sauce I described IS available and, Oh My! ... so, so good.)He said, "So this is your first time here!""Yeah!" I smiled back ...He ducked inside and soon returned with my bagged order and added, "Ben threw in a sample of pulled pork for you to try."Then, "Ben" looked out the window and offered an enthusiastic, "Hey! Thanks, bud! Thanks a lot!" ... Although obviously busy in the midst of rush work as folks were lining up for walkup orders, they had time to express appreciation and inspire smiles with their guests.Ben and his team get it. They are sincerely welcoming as they actively engage with and serve their customers. My spouse, sister-in-law, and I opened a restaurant just over a year ago. We also know how rewarding it is to engage with guests and deliver a truly enjoyable experience; and we do our best to inspire our team to "get it" too.It was still warm when I got home to stash it for reheating, later, when my spouse arrives home from work ... but there was that unexpected sample of pulled pork calling out to me. I opened up the trays and was very happy to find that the brisket was a very GENEROUS 2 lbs ... and the sample of pulled pork that I expected to be bite-size or, perhaps, a slider-size serving ... was also very generous – enough for a couple full-size sandwiches, or four or five sliders, at least!Anyway, since there was such an abundance and no one else home to see ... I sampled a serving of the beef brisket ... and made myself two pulled pork sliders ... and suddenly found myself in smokey BBQ bliss! Just-right smokiness, perfectly juicy, beautiful to behold, and oh-so-savory to taste!Ben's BBQ Shack is likely to become a monthly ritual ... or at least my go-to when the smokey BBQ cravings hit hard.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Brisket

Shannon J.

This is the best BBQ I've had since I was living and working in North Carolina and South Carolina in 2012. I hadn't found any truly good and satisfying BBQ here in Indiana, 'til today. I was extremely impressed and smiling as I was greeted before I even reached the order/pickup window/door of Ben's BBQ Shack - Westfield (north suburb of Indy) on my first-ever visit today, for the online pre-order I placed Wednesday (they sell out every day they're open - Fri-Sat-Sun - carry-out only, although there are several picnic tables for fair-weather dining). As I walked up, a team member stepped out of the doorway, with a big smile, a genuinely welcoming attitude, and asked if I was picking up. I gave him my name. HIs face lit up as he seemed to know my order. I had included a message, in the special notes section of my online order, mentioning that this was my first time and that I didn't see an option to specify sauces, if there were any available. I wrote, "First time ordering. If there are side BBQ sauce options I missed, a sweet / medium-heat variety would be the best fit for us. Otherwise, smokey-and-delish-as-they're-served is what we're looking forward to trying. See y'all Friday! Cheers!" (the sauce I described IS available and, Oh My! ... so, so good.) He said, "So this is your first time here!" "Yeah!" I smiled back ... He ducked inside and soon returned with my bagged order and added, "Ben threw in a sample of pulled pork for you to try." Then, "Ben" looked out the window and offered an enthusiastic, "Hey! Thanks, bud! Thanks a lot!" ... Although obviously busy in the midst of rush work as folks were lining up for walkup orders, they had time to express appreciation and inspire smiles with their guests. Ben and his team get it. They are sincerely welcoming as they actively engage with and serve their customers. My spouse, sister-in-law, and I opened a restaurant just over a year ago. We also know how rewarding it is to engage with guests and deliver a truly enjoyable experience; and we do our best to inspire our team to "get it" too. It was still warm when I got home to stash it for reheating, later, when my spouse arrives home from work ... but there was that unexpected sample of pulled pork calling out to me. I opened up the trays and was very happy to find that the brisket was a very GENEROUS 2 lbs ... and the sample of pulled pork that I expected to be bite-size or, perhaps, a slider-size serving ... was also very generous - enough for a couple full-size sandwiches, or four or five sliders, at least! Anyway, since there was such an abundance and no one else home to see ... I sampled a serving of the beef brisket ... and made myself two pulled pork sliders ... and suddenly found myself in smokey BBQ bliss! Just-right smokiness, perfectly juicy, beautiful to behold, and oh-so-savory to taste! Ben's BBQ Shack is likely to become a monthly ritual ... or at least my go-to when the smokey BBQ cravings hit hard.

Just A Guy Named Doug

A playhouse full of pork! We heard about Ben’s BBQ Shack and decided it was time to make the trip. It has a limited menu. It has limited hours of operation. And I would not change a single thing. Excellent food and the guys are not just nice, but entertaining when they wait on you. You will enjoy it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork 11b, Ribs

Abigale Gettinger

10/10 customer service. Food was amazing. We got the pork belly sandwhich, brisket, beans and pie. The beans were amazing. Smokey, sweet, tangy. Brisket was tender and flavorful. Best pork belly we've had at a BBQ joint. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork 11b, Baked Beans, Brisket

Justin B.

Best pork belly I’ve ever had. The owner Ben is the man!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Adam HIPPLER

Best BBQ around !!!You won’t be disappointed!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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