Finding your favorite tender-to-the-bone barbecue ribs may be is as easy as heading to the rustically decorated shack by the railroad tracks in Lizton, Indiana. Rusted Silo Southern BBQ and Brew House, a converted package liquor store located off I74, boasts a rotating smoker filled with hickory and cherry wood that transforms meats like ribs, brisket, chicken, pork and sausage into mouthwatering barbecue masterpieces. 

Rusted Silo’s owner and pitmaster, Rob Ecker, worked over 25 years as a chef for The Walt Disney Company in Paris and Orlando. A native of Florida, Ecker is not only a master of upscale cuisine, he’s perfected old-fashioned Southern barbecue as well.

Although the open pit smoked meats take the center stage at Rusted Silo, don’t overlook the side dishes at this rustic farm-to-table restaurant. The mac-n-beer cheese puts a unique spin on this classic dish with three cheeses, a splash of beer and a sprinkling of Goldfish crackers. The stone-ground yellow corn grits get a sharp cheddar cheese flavor boost. Collard greens, zucchini and tomatoes, cole slaw, potato salad and ranch beans round out the “sides” offerings. 

Save room for dessert too. The peach cobbler, banana pudding, and bourbon pecan pie all get rave reviews. And, consider ordering from the massive selection of craft beers to cool down from the summer’s heat. 

Ecker is a strong community advocate and he supports those in need as well as local students heading to college through the Rusted Silo Fund. Since the restaurant ensures its employees are fully compensated for their work, patrons’ tips are earmarked for philanthropic causes through the fund. So, not only can you get your fix of tasty barbecue and brew when visit Rusted Silo, you can support a local eatery and help others, too. 

If you go …

Rusted Silo Southern BBQ and Brew House
411 N. State St., Lizton, IN 46149-9226
317-994-6145
rustedsilobrewhouse.com
Normal hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday