Get Lost with Lisa

Are you ready for the most delicious Bar-B-Que in Indiana? If you are, then get ready to head to the smallest dot on the map. Greencastle, Indiana may not have much but what it does have is the best southern sauce in the state and the friendliest and most welcoming owners you could ever meet. You’re not going to want to miss out on Olde Union Bar-B-Que the next time you’re in Indiana…

The Best BBQ Ever?

Who says delicious food has to be in the big city?  No one who’s ever been to Greencastle and tasted Olde Union Bar-B-Que’s mouther watering flavors and recipes.  Though that might not be too many people considering the little establishment has only been open a handful of weeks (respective to when I visited in April of 2021).

Owners Craig Allison and his wife Tara, and Matt and Angela Silbert run the restaurant together; the two men having been long-time friends.  Though the concept had started earlier back, August of 2020 was when things really got rolling. Matt and Craig were throwing around ideas about a BBQ restaurant when it all came together.

“I’d  been doing catering for about 7 years and Matt helped out sometimes when needed and everyone always asked, “Where is your brick and mortar at?” Craig tells me.

“The name came from the history of the location.  The location of the restarurant is in the old downtown of Greencastle. The building at the turn of the century was a grocery store on one side and a smokehouse butcher on the other.  The railroad used to come into town just south of our building,” he explains.

Ambitious in their quest to produce good food, this is their first restaurant endevour and they are very anxious to get the accolaids they so genuinely deserve.

Making everything fresh and from scratch daily, when they run out of food – that’s it. There aint no more. Though you’ll want more. Lots more. I actually got mad at my stomach for being full, because I wanted to continue putting more things in it. The food was that good. Like, sincerely, not just the best BBQ I’ve ever had, but the best food I’ve had in Indiana.

And since we’re on the subject of food, let’s just dive right on in it. And swim around in that sweet, spicy, mustardy, Kentucky bourbon glazed sauce.  Because there’s a lot of it, and it needs to be talked about.

There’s nothing quite like Bar-B-Que, right? But Bar-B-Que isn’t always that great. And you have to make sure you have just the right finesse, just the right skill set and just the right ingredients to make it what it is.

Craig, affectionately referred to as the “pit master”, explained his pork belly burnt ends, which were hands down my absolute favorite thing that I had that evening. Which is saying a lot considering I couldn’t stop eating anything I ordered. And I ordered a lot. As usual. But I’m getting off subject now.

Let’s Talk Food

1-inch cub pork belly, smoked for three hours, with their house sauce and rub, he jokingly refers to them as “meat vitamins”.  He says himself, “they are so delicious, they just melt in your mouth”. And how true the latter statement is.

But of course no one goes to a Bar-B-Que joint without trying the ribs. And you would be sinning against God and man if you didn’ t try Olde Union’s ribs. They are absolutely phenominal, and fall right off the bone. You almost have to hang on to the meat as you’re lifting it up to  your mouth, as it might just come off before you have a chance to bite into it. That’s how tender it really is.

And the sauces? Well, they might end up being the icing on the cake so to speak. No, no cake, and no dessert in fact (at least not for a while – though I did encourage them to put blackberry cobbler on the menu and name it after me. We’ll see if that happens. And if it does, I might just have to make a special return trip just for that reason).

But the most spectacular thing that is not a food, which stole the show for me was their Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade. Oh sweet Lord, this drink is something out of this world that I have never tasted before in my life. You literally do not taste the alcohol, and nothing but fresh blackberries and fresh lemonade flavor. However, about 5 minutes into the drink, and about 20 sips later, you definitely do feel that bourbon kick in. So prepare yourself for quite the ride.

The sides? Yes. You must try them. Absolutely everything. From their mac n’ cheese, to their incredible potato salad, to their special homemade collard greens, to even their hand cut fries with seasoning – everything is exceptional and truly delicious.

Craig tells me, when asked what sets them apart from other restaurants in the area,

“The one thing that sets us apart from everyone else is how we try to make sure we put out bbq that we would put in a box for a competition.  If the food is not up to that level, it won’t be served.”

“Folks should come to visit us because of the fun time and good food.  We try to make everyone feel like family because, in a small town, that is huge.  One other reason folks should come out to see us is how we have included other local businesses in this restaurant.  All of our meat is sourced from Myers’ Market and our bread and buns are made locally at BreadWorks by Bridges.”

And speaking for myself, Craig and Matt really did make me feel appreciated, and like an old friend, rather than a brand new acquaintance. They are welcoming, down to earth, friendly, always in good spirits, and that makes the experience all the better – not just the food that much more tasty!

In addition to all the great food, and the atmosphere, you don’t want to miss out on some inexpensive swag before you leave. T-shirts, hats, and even novelty items for kids are all apart of their souvenirs that you’ll want to check out! 

A Must Visit

The restaurant is also ideally located for those who are in the southern part of the state. Located exactly in between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, it makes for an easy scoot from either big city.

There is truly nothing like finding a diamond in the ruff, and this place is just that. Olde Union Bar-B-Que may not sound like it’s the greatest place, and it may not even look like it on the surface. But it’s the quality of the food, the people who run it and treat it with love – and everything else in between – which make it the greatest place I’ve visited thusfar here in Indiana. I will definitely be back in the future and can’t wait to see what additions they’ve added to their menu by then. It was truly a pleasure discovering this little stop over in Greencastle and everyone should have the good fortune to check  out it as well!

With prices very reasonable, a delicious menu and beyond friendly staff, there’s nowhere else you will want to retreat for some great southern BBQ!  Just make sure that when you do stop in you let them know that Lisa sent you!