10 Best Ohio BBQ Joints You Should Try In 2026
Ohio might surprise you with its smoky, finger-licking barbecue scene that rivals the best in the nation.
From Cincinnati to Cleveland, pitmasters are serving up tender ribs, juicy brisket, and pulled pork that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Get ready to discover where the smoke meets the meat in the heart of the Midwest!
1. Pig Candy BBQ – Cincinnati
Sweet success meets savory perfection at this Cincinnati treasure located at 5901 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230.
The name alone hints at the addictive quality of their smoked creations, and locals can’t get enough of the rich, complex flavors that emerge from their smokers.
Every bite delivers that perfect balance of smoke, spice, and tenderness that separates good barbecue from legendary status.
Highly rated across review platforms, this spot has earned its reputation through consistent excellence and dedication to craft.
The meats practically fall apart before your fork even touches them, showcasing hours of patient smoking.
2. Eli’s BBQ – Riverside – Cincinnati
Nestled along the scenic riverside at 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, this beloved establishment has become synonymous with Cincinnati barbecue culture.
Generations of families have made Eli’s their go-to spot for celebrations, casual dinners, and everything in between.
The riverside setting adds an extra layer of charm to an already outstanding dining experience.
Classic barbecue techniques meet local passion here, creating dishes that honor tradition while satisfying modern palates.
Community support runs deep for this staple, and one visit explains exactly why residents keep coming back year after year.
3. Smoked On High BBQ – Columbus
Award-worthy excellence defines every plate at 755 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206, where smoke becomes an art form.
Columbus residents know this German Village location as their premier destination for competition-quality barbecue without the competition prices.
The pitmaster’s dedication shines through in every tender slice of brisket and every perfectly charred rib.
Recognition from food critics and everyday diners alike confirms what the locals already knew—this place serves the real deal.
High standards meet high flavor at this aptly named establishment that’s elevating Columbus’s barbecue reputation one plate at a time.
4. B&K Smoke House – Columbus
Classic barbecue tradition thrives at 1114 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43205, where tender pulled pork reigns supreme.
The ribs here have achieved near-legendary status among Columbus barbecue enthusiasts who appreciate old-school smoking methods.
Every dish reflects a commitment to doing things the right way, even when shortcuts might be tempting.
Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, while reasonable prices keep families coming back week after week.
The smoke house atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, like stepping into a friend’s backyard cookout—except the food is professionally perfected and consistently outstanding.
5. Barrel & Boar – Columbus
Market magic happens at 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, inside the bustling North Market where food lovers congregate.
This gem stands out even among the market’s impressive lineup of culinary vendors, drawing crowds with irresistible smoky aromas.
Rich smoked flavors define every menu item, from sandwiches to platters that showcase the pitmaster’s skill.
The North Market location means you’re surrounded by other food options, yet Barrel & Boar consistently draws the longest lines.
Urban convenience meets rural barbecue tradition in this perfect marriage of location and flavor that keeps Columbus foodies returning religiously.
6. Joe’s Barbecue – Kent
Northeast Ohio’s barbecue pride shines bright at 1293 Tallmadge Rd, Kent, OH 44240, where tradition never goes out of style.
Highly rated status comes from years of consistent quality and a refusal to compromise on ingredients or technique.
College town energy meets down-home cooking in a combination that appeals to students, families, and barbecue purists alike.
Traditional methods produce familiar flavors executed with precision and care that’s increasingly rare in modern restaurants.
Kent residents consider themselves lucky to have this caliber of barbecue right in their backyard, accessible and affordable.
7. Cockeye BBQ – Warren
Legendary smoking techniques have put 1805 Parkman Rd NW, Warren, OH 44485 on the map for serious barbecue enthusiasts.
Locals rave about the depth of flavor achieved through methods perfected over countless hours of practice and experimentation.
The name might raise eyebrows, but the quality raises expectations—and then exceeds them with every single order.
Warren’s barbecue scene revolves around this destination where smoke and skill combine to create memorable meals.
Word-of-mouth recommendations keep spreading because once you experience Cockeye’s approach to barbecue, you become an instant evangelist for their craft.
8. Mabel’s BBQ – Cleveland
Chef-driven creativity meets barbecue tradition at 2050 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115, creating something truly special.
Cleveland’s vibrant East 4th Street dining district provides the perfect backdrop for this elevated yet approachable barbecue experience.
The blend of professional culinary training with authentic pit smoking techniques produces dishes that surprise and satisfy simultaneously.
Favorite status among Clevelanders reflects both the quality of food and the restaurant’s contribution to the city’s dining renaissance.
Innovation never overshadows the fundamentals here—the meat remains the star, just dressed up with thoughtful touches that enhance rather than distract.
9. Fatback’s Barbecue – Dayton
Dayton’s top barbecue destination sits proudly at 1334 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410, backed by massive local support.
The name celebrates the rich, flavorful cuts that barbecue lovers crave, and the kitchen delivers on that promise consistently.
Community loyalty runs deep here because Fatback’s has proven itself worthy of that devotion through years of excellence.
Neighborhood charm combines with serious smoking skills to create an atmosphere that feels both casual and special.
Dayton residents don’t just recommend this spot—they brag about it, knowing their city’s barbecue scene stands tall thanks to establishments like this.
10. Road Hog Willy’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q – Mount Vernon
Down-home authenticity defines every aspect of 504 Harcourt Rd B1, Mount Vernon, OH 43050, where real pit barbecue reigns.
The name tells you everything—this isn’t fancy or pretentious, just honest-to-goodness barbecue done the traditional way.
Classic pit methods produce that unmistakable flavor profile that barbecue purists travel miles to experience.
Small-town hospitality enhances the dining experience, making visitors feel like regulars from their very first bite.
Road warriors and locals alike appreciate the commitment to real barbecue without gimmicks, just smoke, meat, and time working their magic together.