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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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No-nonsense counter serve preparing NC-style BBQ chicken & classic sides since 1953.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 17365 Cool Springs Rd, Cleveland, NC 27013
Phone: (704) 278-3048
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Melonie Thompson
I really love the barbecue. It has a great taste. Do not go there thinking it is best service because you will most likely wait. I placed an order in the to go Wyndham and there was only three people in front of me and it took about 45 minutes to get my order. As long as you know, it’s not fast you were really enjoy the food.
… moreJared Richey (Jared1970Monte)
Finally made it back to eat here after my friend took me in like 2012. The chicken whatever they do to it us unlike any chicken you will ever eat. Even the skin is good. Potato salad and beans were good too
… moreCurtis Foster
We’ve been going here for more than thirty years. I like the hot, my wife likes the mild. I always get a extra cup of dip. Delicious chicken and an experience you’ll never forget. Old time southern atmosphere. We love this place.
… moreDr. Ken King
I was visiting from Virginia when I came across a post about Keaton’s on Facebook and decided to take a detour to give it a try. As a BBQ fanatic, I often travel to explore different spots, and I’m primarily a fan of deep-fried chicken dipped in BBQ sauce—my favorites being B&M BBQ and Kim’s Wings in Cleveland, Ohio.
I arrived early, thinking they opened at 4 PM, only to find out they actually open at 5 PM. I waited in the parking lot and ended up being their first customer of the evening on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The ladies at the counter were incredibly kind and welcoming. Keaton’s has an authentic down-home feel—nothing fancy, just a place that’s all about the food.
I ordered three half-chickens with mild sauce and picked up two bottles of their BBQ sauce to go. When I got back to my hotel about an hour later, I heated one of the chickens and took a few bites, trying to wrap my head around the flavor. It was much spicier than I had anticipated! That’s when I recalled the lady at the counter mentioning that the BBQ sauce is concentrated and needs to be mixed with water to adjust to taste.
Overall, it was an experience I won’t forget, and the ladies at the counter were exceptional.
v/r, Dr. Ken King
… moreI arrived early, thinking they opened at 4 PM, only to find out they actually open at 5 PM. I waited in the parking lot and ended up being their first customer of the evening on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The ladies at the counter were incredibly kind and welcoming. Keaton’s has an authentic down-home feel—nothing fancy, just a place that’s all about the food.
I ordered three half-chickens with mild sauce and picked up two bottles of their BBQ sauce to go. When I got back to my hotel about an hour later, I heated one of the chickens and took a few bites, trying to wrap my head around the flavor. It was much spicier than I had anticipated! That’s when I recalled the lady at the counter mentioning that the BBQ sauce is concentrated and needs to be mixed with water to adjust to taste.
Overall, it was an experience I won’t forget, and the ladies at the counter were exceptional.
v/r, Dr. Ken King
Buford Arning
Alway great to get Chicken to go. They do a fantastic job of wrapping and baggng up your order Mar 6 2026. Also got a fresh MENU and am posting it as well.
… moreFriedChicken
In the middle of nowhere you will found this restaurant that is known for their hot dip chicken and that’s like the only thing people order. You will see plenty of people drive from Statesville or nearby to dine here during lunch.
I usually don’t get very spicy chicken, mild is spicy enough. Everyone is freshly made so the chicken is juicy and hot and plenty of flavor.
… moreI usually don’t get very spicy chicken, mild is spicy enough. Everyone is freshly made so the chicken is juicy and hot and plenty of flavor.
Rick Butler
Step back in time for hot dip chicken that was the best chicken I’ve ever had, bar none. Cooked to order and served too hot to touch. In the middle of actual nowhere but not far from I-40, Keaton’s has been serving up unique, delicious chicken and outstanding sides for over 70 years. The mild chicken had a nice level of heat for me; hot and extra hot is available. The red slaw was a pure Southern classic.
… moreElsa Lou
What a hidden gem. I probably wouldn’t have stopped here unless my friend made us stop here. This is some of the best chicken I’ve ever had. The chef cooks the half chicken in a cast iron skillet to perfection and then adds the bbq sauce. The chicken was moist and flavorful. We asked for medium spice, and there was great heat. The spicy coleslaw and green beans were a great side. The ice tea was great as well. We came towards the end of the lunch hour and received our food right away. The decor is simple but this restaurant is super clean. You can eat in the dining room or get your order to go. It’s definitely worth the trip!!
… moreJoshua Burt
Great bbq .. great customer service .. was one of the nicest hole in the wall with best food places you can find. Secluded enough to feel peaceful even. Highly recommend ! I grabbed the BBQ pork sandwich with most of their sides and the hot vinegar slaw did not fail.
… moreRandy ASHLEY
Was the best chicken i have ever eaten, bbq was a 10 also sides homemade. And you have to have the country water. Prices are great also.
… more