The appeal of City Barbeque in Carmel is straightforward: smoked meats, homemade sides and a casual, down-home setting without a long sit-down meal. This branch of the smokehouse chain has outdoor seating and a listed $10–$20 price range, making it a practical option for a family lunch or an early dinner.
The chain describes brisket smoked for up to 18 hours and hand-seasoned pork shoulders pulled to order. Bone-in chicken gets a brush of Original sauce and a finish on the grill; St. Louis–cut ribs follow a similar smoke-then-grill approach. Texas-style beef sausage in a natural pork casing and hickory-smoked turkey breast broaden the choices beyond brisket and pork.
Sides deserve space on the tray: baked beans contain brisket, collards come with smoked bacon, and creamy slaw combines hand-diced vegetables with homemade dressing. Corn pudding offers another classic accompaniment. Diners repeatedly praise friendly service, and several mention quick orders and samplers suited to sharing. Reports on the meat are less consistent, with dry brisket and other dry cuts appearing among the complaints.
City Barbeque is at 1356 S Rangeline Road, Carmel. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Reservations are not accepted; takeout, delivery, party packs and catering are offered.
