CarterQue Barbeque & Grilling Co.

I must admit that I’m writing this review due to Backstopbob89’s scathing review of the establishment. I have eaten at Carterque Barbeque on about a half dozen occasions. Frankly speaking, I really enjoy their barbeque. (I’ve been a fan of barbeque for a very long time and this place ranks right up there.)

I’ve had their pulled pork, their brisket, and their Chef’s salad w/pulled pork. From a sides perspective, I’ve had their beans, potato salad, and their corn bread. All of which are pretty solid – Nothing over the top, but certainly a fine accompaniment to their meats. I’ve also had their Cue Balls (meatballs in black raspberry bbq sauce).

The staff is friendly and efficient and the food, as noted above, is top notch. Some suggestions that I would make to Carterque would be to make their own meatballs. These appear to likely be a pre-purchased meatball. Also, they should add some of their delicious pork bbq to the beans. That said, the barbeque is very, very good. My whole family enjoys it, as do the coworkers that have gone there with me.

Don’t let one bad review turn you off from enjoying a very good establishment – and meal!

I wanted to also respond to Backstopbob’s review.

How can you go to a BBQ joint and not try the ribs?

The food here is great and the service is also. The owner and his wife are incredibly friendly as well as the staff.

Everything here is really good but try the pulled pork sandwich. Its so tender, it’ll melt in your mouth.

If you look at Backstopbob’s other reviews, he has reviewed KFC, Quiznos and Burger King. Um….ok.

I’m not sure if these folks who are complaining really know anything about BBQ. I am a member of the Kansas City BBQ Society and an active competitor in BBQ competitions. I made a point to get to the new Caterque BBQ restaurant to sample the food. I was extremely impressed with the restaurant, the food, and the service. The pulled pork was tender and had a nice hickory smoke flavor. It was good by itself, but top notch with the black raspberry bbq sauce. I also tried the sweet & tangy bbq sauce and also enjoyed it. In addition, I had the beef brisket which was just right. This is one of the hardest items to BBQ. CarterQue’s had a nice smoke ring, tender but not falling apart, and had an excellent flavor. This is the only BBQ restaurant in this area that I would have considered for writing a review. I recommend buying some of the black raspberry bbq sauce to take along home. My final test with any authentic bbq is the burp test. The after dinner belches had a wonderful smokey flavor. My 14 yr old daughter, who is a burger expert, thoroughly enjoyed the CaterQue burger. She thought it was an excellent combination of flavors. I have 2 suggestions, spice up the baked beans, and for cole slaw in the state of Maryland, I suggest making it a little creamier and a little sweeter. Can’t wait to try the ribs…..I’ll let you know how they are soon.

I found the restaurant’s BBQ to be very good. The place is casual and the staff is VERY friendly and helpful. I got a combo platter to try the pulled pork and baby back ribs. Both were above average and very plentiful. The cornbread was excellent – very moist and slightly sweet, like I prefer it. The mac & cheese was good but not memorable. I got the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce on the side and it was thinner than I prefer but had a good taste. My friend got the raspberry BBQ sauce which she really liked and I tasted – very sweet and fruity. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and go there again happily.

I began eating at CarterQue’s before they had opened at the new location on the advice of a friend. I have never looked back. It was a small place that was always packed. It has not changed with a bigger location.

I have traveled quite a bit and have sampled BBQ of all types from around this country and I always have CarterQue at the top. I can’t relate to what BackstopBob had to say. I have never had a bad meal and I have eaten at least one of everything on the menu.

Being that my wife is from Europe, it is had for me to find places to eat that she enjoys, but she loves it.

The staff is very friendly and continually checks on you. The prices are fine for the amount of food you are served because believe me, I have never left with an ounce of room left to fill.

I am sorry to say I agree with BackstopBOB. I have been there three times and have not had a good meal yet. The first time I had the chicken which looked like it could have been pigeon by the size of the pieces.It was dried out and stringy. My daughter had the sausage which was ok, but still very small portion. Sides were nothing special either. Second time I had the ribs again dried out, the sauce was pretty good. The last time I had the brisket, again small portions and dried out. I doubt I will be back either.

I recently visited with a friend who is also in the restaurant business without saying anything about my bad experiences with the food. The folks that are giving the BBQ here glowing reviews are either family friends or have never eaten decent BBQ. My friend said he thought the brisket was the worst he’d ever eaten…dry and tough. I concur.

I’ve given them 4 tries now and had one adequate meal. I won’t be back.