Crane’s Craft BBQ at the Wagon Wheel Dance Hall — Restaurant in Tye

I just wanted to start by saying the owners, Erika and William are two of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.

Back in February of 2025 my then fiancé, now wife, Juliet and I, started searching for catering services in the Abilene area for our wedding we had scheduled in August. I came across Cranes Craft BBQ online and emailed them. Erika responded within 24hrs. I told her what Juliet and I were looking for and she sent me a detailed proposal. Erika was the only catering service out of the few that we contacted that responded promptly to our inquiries. She communicated directly with us and made booking their services so easy. She also invited us for a tasting of their full menu after their proposal was accepted. When we arrived for the tasting they had the full spread. I can honestly say William and his crew do an amazing job. All of the food was absolutely amazing and unique. The brisket and jalapeño/cheddar sausage were my favorite proteins. And their potato salad was the best I’ve ever had. They also offered a pineapple casserole that I was skeptical about at first but after trying it we picked it as one of our two sides for the wedding it was so good! Juliet and couldn’t help but dine at the restaurant each of the three times we passed through Abilene leading up to the wedding! On the wedding day knowing Erika and William were in total control of the food helped relieve a lot of stress from Juliet and I. The reception was amazing and went so smooth and all of the guests loved all of the food!

I can’t say thank you enough to William and Erika and the entire Cranes Craft BBQ crew for making our special day that much more special!

We consider Erika and William apart of our family now and we can’t wait to see yall...

A MUST VISIT SMOKEHOUSE. Everything here from sauce to sides are made in-house. Good people, good humor, and good food.

Passing through from Dallas, I had a recommendation to stop here. As soon as you walk in you can feel the character of the place; an old-school dance hall and the spectacular owners William & Erika greet you.

Meats:

The standards are all there: Brisket, Pork, Ribs, and 3 types of sausage, and other meats fill the menu. My wife and I tried the four mentioned here, and all were fantastic; the pork was moist but maintained its integrity. Although it could have a more prominent smoke ring, the brisket was flavorful and cuts with a fork. The ribs were some of the best western ribs I have had, a clean bite, and tender. The sausage (I had the house sausage) had impeccable flavor and a gorgeous snap to the casing that left me wondering why I didn't order more.

Sides:

We had the Vaqueros Beans, Mac n Cheese, Loaded Potato Salad, Chips n Queso, and Pineapple Casserole.

The beans are a Mexican-style that avoids the typical mushiness of an overcooked, over-sweetened batch of beans. The Mac and cheese provided a wonderful, bready contrast to the tender meats. The loaded potato salad stole my heart; creamy, tangy, and not too soft. The chips and queso tasted just like Aunty would make up. The Pineapple Casserole was novel to me, a savory cobbler that balances a sweet, acidic pineapple with smoky spicy jalapeno. A MUST TRY!

The vibes here are effortlessly balanced with food, decor, and hospitality. You feel like you're a friend when you eat here. It is apparent in each bite that there is a lot of love and respect here. The Cranes are good people serving...

Hidden Gem for BBQ Lovers!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this hidden gem of a BBQ restaurant near Dyess AFB, TX, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and exceptional service.

The food at this place is nothing short of amazing! Every bite of their BBQ dishes was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The smoky aroma that fills the air as you walk in instantly sets the mood for a delightful meal. From the tender and juicy ribs to the mouthwatering pulled pork, everything on the menu is a BBQ lover's dream come true.

What makes this restaurant even more special is the fact that it is run by a veteran and American hero, William. It is truly inspiring to see his dedication and passion in every aspect of this establishment. Not only does he serve incredible food, but he also goes above and beyond to make every customer feel welcomed and valued.

The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with a rustic charm that adds to the overall dining experience. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem of a BBQ restaurant. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and the support for a veteran-owned business makes it a truly special place. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

I am grateful to have discovered this BBQ haven and will definitely be coming back for more. Keep up the fantastic work, William, and thank you for your service to...