Big Ben’s BBQ Station is a cornerstone of the Carthage, Missouri culinary scene, offering a true taste of the Midwest from its prominent location on The Loop. Known for its inviting, rustic atmosphere and a wide-reaching menu that spans traditional pit-smoked barbecue to hearty steaks and seafood, the restaurant has earned a reputation as a must-visit for travelers and locals alike. With its distinctive decor featuring automotive and military themes, it provides a cozy, family-friendly setting where the focus remains squarely on high-quality comfort food and generous portions.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms
Parking
Ample free parking lot including space for large trucks and RVs
Atmosphere
Casual, cozy, and family-oriented with rustic decor
Payments
Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments
Family Features
Kids’ menu and high chairs available
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Signature Smoked Turkey: Frequently cited by visitors as a standout menu item, described as exceptionally moist and flavorful.
Unique Sidewinder Fries: A customer favorite, these specialized fries are praised for their unique texture and excellent seasoning.
Addicting BBQ Sauces: The restaurant offers a variety of house-made sauces, ranging from sweet to hot, which are so popular they are available for purchase by the bottle.
Themed Rustic Decor: The interior features a charming mix of Chevrolet-themed signage and Marine Corps memorabilia, creating a unique and patriotic vibe.
Generous Sampler Platters: Perfect for those who want to try everything, the samplers provide large portions of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more.
Convenient Traveler Stop: Located right off the highway with dedicated truck parking, making it an ideal destination for road trippers and professional drivers.
Menu Offerings
Appetizers and Starters
Item Name
Description
Ben’s BBQ Nachos
Tortilla chips topped with choice of meat, BBQ sauce, nacho cheese, green onions, and jalapenos
Loaded Sidewinder Fries
Signature fries topped with choice of meat, mild BBQ sauce, cheese, green onions, and jalapenos
Fried Okra
Bite-sized breaded okra fried until crispy and served with ranch
Hand-Breaded Onion Rings
Thinly sliced, fresh hand-dipped rings served with ranch
Fried Pickles
Sliced dill pickles battered and fried, served with ranch
Fried Mushrooms
Whole mushrooms breaded and fried golden, served with ranch
Cheese Curds
White cheddar cheese curds breaded and fried
Loaded Potato Skins
Potato skins topped with shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions
House Made Chili
Hearty chili served by the cup or bowl
Signature Burgers
Served with one side.
Item Name
Description
Cowboy Burger
Topped with bacon, pickle, American cheese, onion rings, and mild BBQ sauce
All American Burger
Classic build with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle
Pig & Bull Burger
Swiss cheese, bacon, ham, onion, pickle, and topped with pulled pork
Big Ben’s Burger
American cheese, bacon, mild BBQ sauce, pickle, onion, and choice of smoked meat
Chili Burger
Topped with pickle, onion, and house-made chili
Beef it Up Burger
Hamburger patty topped with thinly sliced steak, Swiss cheese, and standard toppings
Pit-Smoked Sandwiches
Served with one side.
Item Name
Description
Pulled Pork
Available sauced or unsauced
Sliced Brisket
Chopped or sliced slow-smoked beef
Burnt Ends
Tender brisket points tossed in signature sauce
Hot Link
Spicy sausage link served on a bun
Sliced Turkey
Smoked turkey breast with lettuce and tomato
Sliced Pork Tenderloin
Smoked and sliced tenderloin served on Texas Toast
Fried Pork Tenderloin
Hand-battered and deep-fried pork tenderloin
Ribeye Steak Sandwich
Sliced steak with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion
Fried Catfish Sandwich
Breaded catfish fillet with lettuce, tomato, and onion
Dinner Combos and Platters
Served with two sides.
Item Name
Description
Big Ben’s Sampler
Three ribs, pulled pork, chicken thigh, hot link, brisket, and one meatball
Full Slab Dinner
A complete rack of pit-smoked ribs
Half Slab Dinner
A half rack of pit-smoked ribs
3 Meat Combination
Choice of any three signature smoked meats
Burnt Ends Dinner
A generous portion of sauced brisket burnt ends
Chicken Fried Chicken
Butterfly chicken breast battered and fried with Texas Toast
BBQ Spaghetti Dinner
Unique house specialty served with Texas Toast
Catfish Dinner
Three pieces of battered and fried crispy fish with hush puppies
Fried Shrimp Dinner
Eight pieces of battered and fried crispy shrimp
Steaks and Premium Entrees
Served with two sides and Texas Toast.
Item Name
Description
14 oz. Ribeye Steak
Thick cut ribeye cooked to order
Ribs & Steak
Half ribeye steak paired with three ribs
Catfish & Steak
Half ribeye steak paired with two pieces of fried fish
