13 Ohio BBQ Joints That Make You Come Back Just For The Sauce
Ohio takes its barbecue seriously, especially when the sauce is good enough to steal the spotlight.
Across the state, pitmasters guard secret recipes that balance sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy in just the right way.
Locals return again and again, not just for tender ribs or pulled pork, but for that unforgettable drizzle that ties every bite together.
Bottles get passed around tables, fingers get messy, and napkins disappear fast.
In Ohio, sauce is more than an accessory.
It is the reason plans change, detours happen, and cravings send people back through the door long after the last plate was cleared.
1. Eli’s BBQ — Cincinnati, Ohio
Smoke rolls out of the kitchen at 3313 Riverside Drive like a welcome sign for hungry diners.
The building sits right on the riverfront with a casual, open-air vibe that makes you feel like you are at a backyard cookout.
Eli’s has mastered the art of Carolina-style barbecue, but their sauce game is what keeps locals coming back week after week.
The vinegar-based sauce has a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of pulled pork and brisket perfectly.
Ribs are the star here, falling off the bone with just the right amount of char.
The menu also features smoked wings that get tossed in that signature sauce before hitting your plate.
People love the relaxed atmosphere where you order at the counter and grab a picnic table.
Bottles of sauce are available for purchase, and most folks grab at least two on their way out.
2. Montgomery Inn (The Boathouse) — Cincinnati, Ohio
Perched along the Ohio River at 925 Riverside Drive, this legendary spot has been serving ribs since 1951.
The Boathouse location offers stunning water views through floor-to-ceiling windows that make every meal feel special.
Founder Ted Gregory created a sauce recipe that became so famous, people started asking to buy it by the gallon.
Their barbecue sauce is thick, sweet, and slightly spicy with a tomato base that clings to every rib.
The signature dish is the fall-off-the-bone ribs that come slathered in that iconic glaze.
Saratoga chips served on the side provide the perfect crunchy contrast to tender meat.
The interior features nautical decor with dark wood paneling and brass fixtures throughout.
Gregory’s original sauce recipe remains unchanged, and you can find bottles in grocery stores across Ohio.
Most dinner guests end up ordering extra sauce on the side for dipping.
3. City Barbeque — Columbus, Ohio
Founded in Columbus in 1999, this chain started small but grew because of consistently excellent food.
Founded in Columbus at 2111 West Henderson Road, this spot keeps a clean, modern design with an open kitchen where you can watch pitmasters work their magic.
Hickory smoke fills the air from the moment you walk through the door, making your stomach rumble instantly.
City Barbeque offers multiple sauce options, but their original recipe is a balanced blend of sweet and tangy.
Pulled pork sandwiches are piled high and served with coleslaw that adds a cool crunch. Brisket burnt ends are another popular choice, especially when drenched in their signature sauce.
The restaurant operates with a fast-casual setup where you order at the counter and food arrives quickly.
Sides like mac and cheese and baked beans complement the smoky meats perfectly.
Bottles of all their sauce varieties are displayed near the register for easy purchasing.
4. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit — Columbus, Ohio
What started as a food truck has become a Columbus institution at 4214 North High Street.
Bright colors cover the exterior walls, giving the place a fun, laid-back personality that matches the food.
Owner James Anderson spent years perfecting his craft before opening, and the dedication shows in every bite.
The sauce here leans toward a vinegar-forward Carolina style with a subtle sweetness that does not overpower the meat.
Pulled pork is the specialty, smoked low and slow until it practically melts in your mouth.
Brisket also makes regular appearances on the menu, along with creative specials that change based on what is fresh.
Seating is mostly outdoors at picnic tables, creating a festival-like atmosphere even on regular weekdays.
The no-frills approach keeps the focus squarely on quality barbecue and amazing sauce.
Customers often buy extra containers to take home for future meals.
5. Mabel’s BBQ — Cleveland, Ohio
Celebrity chef Michael Symon brought his barbecue vision to life at 2050 East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland.
The space features exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, and communal tables that encourage diners to share the experience.
Symon’s reputation for bold flavors translates perfectly to the smoky world of barbecue.
Mabel’s offers house-made sauces that range from tangy mustard-based to rich tomato varieties.
Beef ribs are massive and messy, requiring a stack of napkins and zero shame.
The brisket gets rubbed with coffee and brown sugar before spending hours in the smoker, creating a crust that is absolutely addictive.
Sides like smoked carrots and baked beans show the same attention to detail as the meats.
The urban location makes it a popular spot for pre-game meals before sporting events.
Sauce bottles are available for purchase, and many guests stock up before leaving.
6. Old Carolina Barbecue Company — Massillon, Ohio
Authentic Carolina barbecue landed in Ohio at 2482 Lincoln Way East, bringing true Southern flavors to the Midwest.
The building resembles a country roadhouse with wooden siding and a welcoming front porch.
Inside, the walls display vintage signs and barbecue memorabilia that transport you straight to the Carolinas.
Vinegar-based sauce is the star here, made according to traditional Eastern Carolina recipes passed down through generations.
Pulled pork gets chopped fine and mixed with sauce right before serving, creating perfect flavor distribution.
Hush puppies and collard greens round out the menu, staying true to Southern roots.
The owners take pride in educating customers about regional barbecue differences and cooking techniques.
Meat is smoked over hardwood for hours, resulting in tender texture and deep smoke flavor.
Bottles of their signature sauce fly off the shelves faster than they can restock them.
7. Hoggy’s Restaurant & Catering — Columbus, Ohio
Located at 830 Bethel Road, this family-owned spot has been feeding Columbus since 1996.
The building is unassuming from the outside, but the aroma of smoking meat hits you in the parking lot.
Inside, the casual dining room features simple decor that puts all the attention on the food.
Hoggy’s makes their sauce in-house daily, creating a thick, sweet blend with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Baby back ribs are the most ordered item, arriving at the table glistening with sauce.
Smoked turkey and ham offer alternatives for those who want something beyond traditional pork and beef options.
The catering side of the business has made them a local favorite for parties and corporate events.
Sides like cornbread and potato salad are made from scratch using family recipes.
Customers can purchase sauce by the pint or quart to recreate the experience at home.
8. Fatback’s Barbecue — Dayton, Ohio
Tucked away at 1334 Linden Avenue, this Dayton gem serves up serious barbecue in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
The brick exterior and small patio give it a cozy, approachable feel that locals absolutely love.
Inside, the smell of hickory smoke mingles with the sound of friendly conversation and clinking silverware.
The sauce at Fatback’s strikes a perfect balance between sweet molasses and tangy vinegar notes.
Pulled pork sandwiches come piled high with meat that has been smoked for over 12 hours.
St. Louis-style ribs are another standout, featuring a dry rub that gets enhanced by their signature sauce.
The restaurant started small but has grown thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers.
Brisket is sliced thick and stays incredibly juicy thanks to careful temperature control during smoking.
Sauce is available for purchase, and regulars keep bottles in their refrigerators at all times.
9. Smok’n Jo’s BBQ — Sidney, Ohio
Small-town barbecue does not get better than what you find at 1951 West Michigan Street in Sidney.
The modest building has a hometown charm that makes every visitor feel like a regular.
Owners put their heart into every plate, treating customers like extended family members stopping by for dinner.
Their house sauce combines tomato, brown sugar, and a secret blend of spices that creates addictive flavor.
Smoked chicken is surprisingly popular here, staying moist and tender while absorbing all that smoky goodness.
Ribs come with a choice of dry rub or wet sauce, though most people choose wet to maximize that tangy glaze.
The menu is straightforward without unnecessary complications, focusing on doing a few things exceptionally well.
Homemade sides like baked beans and coleslaw provide classic accompaniments.
Locals know to call ahead on weekends because they often sell out of certain meats by evening.
10. Smokin Joe’s — Vermilion, Ohio
Right off the road at 4303 State Route 60 North, this Vermilion spot mixes comfort favorites with saucy, smoky cravings.
The location sits a short drive from Lake Erie, giving it an easy, casual stop-in feel.
Kitchen regulars talk up the BBQ ribs, especially when you are in the mood for something sticky, tangy, and bold.
Smokin Joe’s sauce has a slightly sweeter profile that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.
BBQ ribs are a go-to order here, and many diners add extra sauce for dipping.
Busy summer days bring a steady stream of locals and visitors, keeping the pace lively.
Bottles of sauce make great souvenirs that actually get used instead of collecting dust.
11. Shorty’s True American Roadhouse — Toledo, Ohio
American roadhouse vibes come alive at 5111 Monroe Street, where barbecue meets classic comfort food. The interior channels vintage Americana with license plates, old advertisements, and patriotic touches throughout.
Large portions and reasonable prices make it a favorite among families and groups looking for hearty meals.
Shorty’s serves multiple sauce varieties, including a tangy Carolina vinegar sauce and a sweeter Kansas City option.
Combo platters let you sample different meats like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket all on one plate.
Smoked wings have developed a cult following, especially when tossed in their spiciest sauce variety.
Live music on weekends adds entertainment to the dining experience.
Sauce bottles are sold at the front counter, and many customers buy multiple flavors to experiment with at home.
12. Pickles & Bones Barbecue — Milford, Ohio
The playful name at 877A Business 28 hints at the fun atmosphere waiting inside this Milford favorite.
Bright colors and whimsical decor create an upbeat environment that appeals to all ages.
The open kitchen lets diners watch as pitmasters slice brisket and toss ribs with sauce right before serving.
House-made pickles are served alongside barbecue, providing a tangy counterpoint to rich, smoky meats.
The sauce selection includes both traditional and experimental flavors, with a smoky signature option being particularly popular.
Pulled pork sandwiches get topped with crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
Baby back ribs arrive at the table practically glowing with sauce that has caramelized slightly during finishing.
The restaurant sources local ingredients whenever possible, supporting nearby farms and producers.
Sauce is bottled on-site, and the labels feature the same fun artwork that decorates the walls inside.
13. Barabicu Smokehouse — Parma, Ohio
Contemporary smokehouse style meets traditional barbecue techniques at 5767 Ridge Road in Parma.
The modern building features large windows that flood the dining area with natural light.
Clean lines and minimalist decor keep the focus on the food rather than flashy decorations.
Barabicu offers globally-inspired sauces alongside classic American varieties, including a Korean BBQ fusion option.
Smoked brisket tacos represent their creative approach to traditional barbecue ingredients.
The standard pulled pork and ribs remain menu staples, both executed with precision and attention to detail.
The restaurant name plays on the Romanian word for barbecue, reflecting the owner’s heritage.
Sauce flights let customers sample multiple varieties before committing to a favorite for their meal and potential purchase.