On a recent trip to Longview, I asked my client where I could find the best BBQ in town...I was directed to Carter's. If this is the best Longview has to offer, the bar must be set pretty low. Absolutely pedestrian, run-of-the-mill BBQ. I had sausage, sliced beef and ribs. The beef was pretty dry, the sausage pretty much like Hillshire Farms, and the ribs, very plain. Sorry, but true. The sauce was the standard, too sweet fare you get at most places. The restaurant was neat as a pin. The service very quick and friendly. read more

Restaurant is clean and country. The ribs were very small but tender and delicious. The brisket was blah. Not exactly full of flavor or tender. Potato salad and beans were also just blah. The sauce was also okay. It was very busy and I saw lots of hungry people coming in and out for takeout orders. I was passing through on my way back to Dallas and counted on yelp to guide me to BBQ heaven. This isn't it. It's good though. Nothing spectacular. It satisfied my hunger but I will not go out of my way to return. WEIRD: $0.50 for tap water, $0.25 for using a credit card to pay. All pies are manufactured offsite commercially (Sara Lee, Oreo, Reese's PB). WHAT?!? read more

I was in Longview for a wedding last weekend and a local recommended that we go to Carters to give the non-Texans a taste of real, authentic Texas barbeque. Turns out that Carters is in an old gas station and is the epitome of a dive, but they hauled out two racks of ribs, a tray of hot links and a whole chicken. We gorged ourselves and got hopped up on sweet tea while they put a sign out saying we'd eaten through their kitchen and they were closed for the day. Since we'd ordered too much, we flagged in any disappointed-looking potential customers and sent them away with free meat and baked beans. It rocked. What a meal. And good barbeque sauce to go with it. read more

This is where the locals go. Great bbq. Get there early (11:15) for lunch or be prepared to stand in line.

I got the meat plate, which includes three meats, I went with the brisket, ribs and boudain.....Smoke Boudain sausage was really good, The ribs were meaty and tasty, but I wasn't a fan of the beef brisket! But I think that's just me because I have yet to find and eat brisket that I have enjoyed but I would go back for the ribs and boudain. read more

Carter's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Longview, Texas

If you like over cooked dry meat then I guess it is ok. I had to smother the barbecue sauce all over it to get it down it was so dry. not a whole lot of extra flavoring either meaning no spices or anything added to the meat. see my picture it speaks 1000 words read more

Carter's Bar-B-Que - my overcooked dry meat - Barbeque Near Me - Longview, Texas

Found this place listed as an honorable mention in Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ joints. Read several of the Yelp reviews before dining here and decided to give the Carter's Special with boudain sausage a whirl. Not a bad decision, but I should've watched how it was going to be served a little more carefully. I had an understanding that the meats would all be served together, but I didn't full grasp they'd be dumping bbq sauce and beans on top of it. I fully realize it all ends up in the same place after consumption, but I prefer to taste the meat without sauce, y'know? Quality product though, no doubt about it. Ordered a side of ribs and was really please with how good they were. As for the dining experience...I easily saw 20 people come and go while I was there. Not a single person other than my Dad and I dined there. It's a dive that served great BBQ. If you're looking for a pleasant dine-in experience, this is not the place. Great food though. read more

We love to eat local whenever possible. Anytime we can avoid a chain, we do. Simply put, this is the best BBQ in Longview and ranks among the best in Texas. We always choose an assortment of meats, load up on the sauce - which can make it or break it (makes it here) - and love their sides. Never had anything that wasn't great. Do call before you go. They take a month off mid-year and tend to give their employees holidays at home. All reasons to support them - just call ahead so you won't be disappointed! read more

Great place to experience authentic barbecue. Order the Carter's special for a gastronomic overload of barbecue flavors, and mix it up with half sausage, half boudain. Try their ribs, which are great, and if you want to stay healthier, try their turkey, which is oustanding. For sweet tea lovers, you will enjoy the all you can drink igloo drink cooler they set up for refills inside, and an outstandingly sweet tea. Definitely a must visit in Longview for barbecue connoisseurs. read more

Lets just say like the Terminator "I'll Be Back ! What a pleasant experience from start to finish. So the story goes like this, I was going to cater in some food for a customer in Longview and asked about 5 guys what would you like me to bring in and it was unanimous CARTERS they say with a smile ! I call up on Monday and tell them I need to feed about 25 oilfield workers and the lady said no problem you need x amount of this that and this. Great I say you need a credit card ? Nope just pay us when you get here :) I get their about 10:30 on Thursday and a guy greets me with a hey will gitcha in a minute.Next thing I know he starts pulling brisket off the pit and starts to slice it up with a cleaver he walks over with a nice fat slice for me to taste , he walks back and asked how was it ? I giggled like a school girl and grinned . This was a perfect slice of brisket moist and full of flavor. Next came a fork full of sausage cheese jalapeño mouth watering to say the least. Mr Carter then set the HOOK by giving ME A RIB. I said you can throw 4 slabs on my order !!!! Kirk says you want these kept separate ? Yep those are making the trip back to Fort Worth ! The reason their is not more reviews is the LOCALS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THIS GEM ! Mr. Carter only has 2 pits and when it's gone it's gone. Get their early and git what ever you like. It's done right and you won't be disappointed. Thanks Kirk for keepin it the way it is suppose to be!!!!! read more

Carter's Bar-B-Que - Good lookin cap great BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Longview, Texas

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Carter's is the best BBQ in Longview, and that is not an easy thing to say. I have lived in Texas my whole life, and for 7 years in Longview. Carter's is a dependable, excellent tasting BBQ. Their chopped beef sandwich is better than most, and their boudin is amazing! Definitely a solid choice, every time. read more

BEST DANG BBQ THAT IVE EVER TASTED! I do truly believe god himself sends down the perfect meat to be BBQ'd to perfection at this place. The heavens open and the angels sing every time I take a bite. The ribs and the boudin are my favorites! You won't find anything better! Make sure you get there before they sell out!! read more

Every time I visit the city of Longview, Texas....Carter's Bar-B-Que has been a must. I've recently decided to try another BBQ joint in the local area and sorry to say, it really missed the mark. The other place didn't have ribs for two straight days in a row. So, naturally I came back to what I know. I always say when it comes to a BBQ joint, if you can't see and smell the smoke a block away, you should probably skip it. And Carter's you smell the aroma of smoke a few blocks away! Usually you won't go wrong with any BBQ in Texas, but something about this place just feels right...from the moment you walk or drive up to this place, you see an old gas station converted into a BBQ joint. Inside you're immediately greeted with Texas hospitality, you see a huge rustic looking blackened smoker, the walls are covered in memorabilia and photos. It just feels like and feels like what a BBQ joint should be. And I knew that Carter's would have perfectly smoked fall off the bone ribs, sultry smoked tender Turkey and Chicken, snappy sausage links, beautifully smoked beef brisket, perfectly pulled pork sandwiches, a great sauce to sop it all in and all of the down home fixin's ( Slaw, BBQ Beans, Potato Salad, Peppers) to accompany a BBQ plate...TEXAS STYLE! And I always get a HUGE cup of freshly brewed Texas Sweet Tea to wash it all down with...Whew! You might find yourself slipping into a food comma by the time you've eaten only half of your plate....when this occurs, please don't be alarmed...it's normal! read more

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Beef brisket was outstanding. Everything was freshly prepared and the meal was delicious. I got the three meat plate and had to take some of it with me to go, which made for a great snack about two hours later. The ribs were seasoned just right and very tender. Would definitely come back. read more

The owner really needs to work on his social skills. Commanding his customers like school children, and his pompous "know-it-all" attitude can only be tolerated if there is something gold-plated going on here. The fact is, he is clueless with respect to retaining moisture and smoke-flavor in his brisket. His ribs are okay, however, anyone can do ribs. He should make a trip to Elgin, Lockhart, Luling, Taylor, or any other barbecue mecca to understand what is expected in taste and texture of smoked brisket. Anyone can have a bad day. However, how someone responds and accepts that bad day separate the men from children. I suggest a Dale Carnege course for Mr. Carter before he runs further customers away. read more

Texas style bbq at its finest. Excellent chopped beef and they throw in sausage. For the ultimate experience get the Carter's special. Oh, if you go for lunch get there early because there will be a line and there is limited seating. read more

Carter's Bar-B-Que - Chopped beef meal - Barbeque Near Me - Longview, Texas

I love more of a smoked favored brisket and it was lacking that taste. The crew was nice and received a lot of beef which was a plus.

Longview TX is the type of town that you are there either for business or for family. Whatever the reason, stop by if you love BBQ. Came by at lunch time and the line was practically out the door. The owner is a riot and makes you feel welcome. He provided us with some free samples of his specialty, Boudain. Can't miss if you love BBQ. read more

Carter's meat is still great. I downgraded because they've transitioned to prepackaged potato salad, etc.

Despite getting there just before closing, the staff was friendly & informative as it was our first visit. Even though they were out of chicken, brisket, ribs & chicken we were shocked how good the jalapeño cheddar sausage, sloppy joe (chopped beef), coleslaw & potato salad were. On a return visit we will definitely try the brisket & ribs. If in Longview, don't sleep on this spot, definitely worth it. read more

Don't understand how this place gets overlooked by Texas Monthly and other guide magazines. This is the Best BBQ I have eaten. The sauce is incredible. They could bottle it and make big $$$. The employees and the owner are fast, helpful, and friendly. Get there early though, they do run out of some items by 2:00. Forget Lockhart... Been going since '03 when in the Longview area. read more

Very average BBQ that is no where close to the quality that you get at say Stanley's in Tyler or Riverport in Jefferson or the Bodacious on Mobberly (Probably better than the other Bodacious's in town but thats not saying much). You do get a good size portion for the price. The sauce is decent. Just go across town to the Bodacious on Mobberly. You won't be sorry you did. read more

By far best bbq ive ever had in my life. I live in Dallas but always a must stop when in Longview.

Where to start. I'm a bbq critic for sure and understand wood smoking meat. I ordered the basics......ribs and brisket. Ribs had a great flavor and were tender but had very little smoke color or flavor. The brisket was a complete disappointment. It barely had a visible smoke ring, no bark and tasted like crockpot roast beef. The potato salad, coleslaw and beans were run of the mill grocery store deli counter food. Then plan for a nickel and dime bill. .54 cents for each water cup, .25 cent charge to use a debit card and not to mention kids running the place that didn't seen very knowledgeable. Pretty sure this place doesn't deserve 2 visits. read more

This isn't easy for me to do because I am a lifelong bodacious BBQ fan. Stopped at Carter's today on the way back to big d from a camping trip and picked up some BBQ to go. Glad we did. The que was great. Brisket, ribs and hot links. We will definately go back when traveling through east Texas. Friendly staff, good food and very good prices. Probably the best hot link I've had. Love the sauce as well. I would say it tasted like bodacious tomato based mixed with salt licks mustard based. Good stuff! read more

Amazing sweet tea and way too much food for the price!! Love it!!!! Get there early lunch time they get crazy packed

I was so excited to try Texas BBQ while visiting for San Diego, CA. Carter's BBQ did not disappoint. My Daughter and I shared the brisket and pork ribs. Both were delicious and sauce was amazing. My son had the Sloppy Joe and he loved that too! Service was great and friendly, it was a perfect lunch. I will definitely be back when we come back to Longview. read more

Was in town from Chicago for work. As a native TX girl who misses BBQ, I was told to come here immediately. Had an amazing sliced beef sandwich...and they threw in some tastes of sausage and chicken on the house! Hospitable staff, great food (with very filling portions)....this hit the spot. I actually hope I have to comeback thru Longview so I can go back. read more

BEST be in the area! have had guess and fed them Carter's on more than one occasion. We love it !

Best Ribs, sliced Beef, Boudain. I've never been disappointed at Carters. I will drive 50 miles to eat at this place

Food is awesome.....gonna start with that. When they have it! They tend to run out of stuff a lot and have weird ish hours. High schoolers in sweaty T-shirts isn't the best in the food industry but they have a bunch else going for them. Great BBQ! read more

Very good BBQ. Stopped for lunch on the way home to Dallas. Had the chopped beef sandwich. Friendly service and reasonable prices. Brisket was lean and moist, good depth to the smoke. Evenly seasoned and not too heavy in either salt or pepper. Coleslaw was ok, too creamy and probably made a day or two earlier. Opt for the beans that my wife had. I had hoped for chicken but not on the menu today. Clean and neat with a good flow of customers. Definitely a place we'll stop in the future. read more

Very good BBQ, never had ate here before I had the sloppy Joe and it was delicious, my daughter had the turkey sandwich, and my friend he had the chopped beef sandwich we all enjoyed it and will be back, best BBQ I have had in a while. read more

Good bbq. Probably the best in longview. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area!

My biggest issue is not with the food, it's the lack thereof. They often run out of ribs and chicken,which are two of my favorite things to eat here. It's probably because it really is good barbecue, I would give it another star if they would be able to meet the supply and demand. read more

Maybe the best ribs in ET. Try the smoked turkey breast too, yummy. You have to wait in line to order and usually takes some time but worth the effort. The beans taste like Ranch Style beans out of a can, not so good. How about some good old fashion ET pintos? You can order meat by the pound to go. They do not weigh anything, just eyeball it, but you always get plenty more than you order. read more

Great local place with some of the best ribs around... Great staff and owner is very friendly.

I've been coming to Carter's for many years, and it is consistently great BBQ. The ribs are always amazing, the sausage is awesome, and the sides are top notch. Service is quick and friendly, and the portions are big. One of the top five BBQ places I've ever eaten at. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area. read more

This is the best BBQ place in Longview! The sooner in the day you can come, the better because they'll start to run out of stuff. Our personal favorites are the ribs and sliced beef but everything is good. Their friendly staff are the icing on the cake! read more

I've been eating here since I was little and it's always been the best BBQ in longview. Great sauce, I put it on everything.