11 Ohio BBQ Spots You Can’t Leave Without Trying (Seriously)
Ohio might not be the first place that pops into your head when someone mentions barbecue, but this state is smoking up some serious competition that’ll have you licking your fingers and asking for seconds.
From Cincinnati to Cleveland and everywhere in between, pitmasters across the Buckeye State are perfecting their craft with slow-smoked meats, mouthwatering sauces, and sides that deserve their own standing ovation.
Whether you’re a lifelong Ohioan or just passing through, these barbecue joints are absolute must-visits that’ll change the way you think about Midwest cuisine.
Get ready to loosen your belt and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable smoky adventure through Ohio’s best BBQ destinations.
1. Eli’s BBQ – Cincinnati
Nestled along the scenic Riverside Drive and in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, Eli’s BBQ has become a Cincinnati institution that barbecue lovers travel miles to experience.
Founded by Elias Leisring, Eli’s BBQ began as a passion project dedicated to authentic, slow-smoked meats that would make any pitmaster proud.
The restaurant operates from two fantastic locations: 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, and 133 W Elder St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, giving you twice the opportunity to grab some seriously good grub.
Their pulled pork practically melts in your mouth, and the brisket has that perfect smoke ring that shows they’re doing things right.
The ribs fall off the bone with barely a tug, and their housemade sauces range from tangy to sweet, complementing every protein beautifully.
Don’t sleep on the sides either, the mac and cheese is creamy perfection, and the coleslaw provides that crispy, refreshing contrast your palate needs.
The casual, laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for families, friends, or solo diners who just want exceptional barbecue without any fuss.
Eli’s proves that Cincinnati can hang with the best BBQ cities in America, one delicious bite at a time.
2. Mabel’s BBQ – Cleveland
Celebrity chef Michael Symon brought his A-game to Cleveland when he opened Mabel’s BBQ, naming it after his beloved aunt who clearly knew a thing or two about good food.
Located at 2050 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115, this spot sits right in Cleveland’s bustling downtown entertainment district, making it the perfect stop before or after catching a game or show.
Symon’s dedication to quality shines through every menu item, from the perfectly charred burnt ends to the succulent smoked chicken that’s brined to juicy perfection.
The restaurant’s industrial-chic design features exposed brick and communal tables that encourage conversation and community.
Their brisket gets smoked for hours until it reaches that ideal balance of crusty bark and tender interior that barbecue dreams are made of.
The sausage selection rotates regularly, giving repeat visitors something new to discover each time.
Sides like smoked deviled eggs and bacon burnt end baked beans take traditional accompaniments to extraordinary new heights.
Mabel’s has quickly become a Cleveland landmark where locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate exceptional barbecue done with both respect for tradition and creative innovation.
3. Smoked on High BBQ – Columbus
Located in Columbus’s Brewery District, just south of German Village, Smoked on High BBQ serves up some of the capital city’s finest smoked meats with a side of genuine hospitality.
You’ll find this gem at 755 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206, where the aroma of hickory smoke greets you long before you reach the door.
The owners take their craft seriously, starting their smoking process early each morning to ensure everything reaches peak flavor by lunchtime.
Their turkey breast surprises first-timers who didn’t know smoked poultry could be this incredible—moist, flavorful, and anything but boring.
The pork belly burnt ends are dangerously addictive little cubes of smoky, sweet perfection that disappear from your plate faster than you can say “more, please.”
The menu also features loaded baked potatoes piled high with your choice of meat and toppings, creating a meal substantial enough to fuel you for hours.
Their homemade pickles add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully.
The casual counter-service style keeps things moving quickly without sacrificing quality or friendliness, making Smoked on High a neighborhood favorite that punches well above its weight.
4. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit – Columbus
What started as a food truck operation has evolved into one of Columbus’s most celebrated barbecue destinations, proving that quality always finds its audience.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit operates multiple locations across Central Ohio, including its Clintonville brick-and-mortar at 4214 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, while retaining the down-home, no-frills vibe that made it famous.
Founded by pitmaster James Anderson, the restaurant’s dedication to wood-fired barbecue shows in every bite.
The pulled pork here sets the gold standard, smoky, tender, and seasoned so perfectly that it barely needs sauce, though their homemade options certainly don’t hurt.
Their ribs have won numerous awards and competitions, earning recognition far beyond Ohio’s borders.
The rib tips offer a more affordable way to experience their smoking expertise without compromising on flavor one bit.
Banana pudding provides the perfect sweet finish to your savory feast, offering cool, creamy comfort after all that spice and smoke.
Ray Ray’s commitment to authentic, wood-fired barbecue without shortcuts or gimmicks has created a loyal following that continues growing with every perfectly smoked rack they serve.
5. Pickles & Bones Barbecue – Milford
Sometimes the best barbecue hides in unexpected places, and Pickles & Bones in Milford definitely fits that description perfectly.
Located at 877A Business 28, Milford, OH 45150, this spot might require a little GPS guidance, but your taste buds will thank you for making the journey.
The playful name hints at the fun, friendly atmosphere you’ll encounter the moment you walk through the door.
Their smoked wings have developed a cult following among locals who appreciate the perfect crispy skin and juicy interior that most restaurants struggle to achieve.
The brisket gets the low-and-slow treatment it deserves, resulting in slices so tender they practically fall apart when you look at them.
Their signature sauce selection includes everything from Carolina-style vinegar-based options to thick, sweet Kansas City varieties, ensuring every preference gets satisfied.
The corn pudding side dish is a revelation, sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible in ways that’ll have you considering ordering it as your main course.
Pickles & Bones proves that you don’t need to be in a major metropolitan area to serve world-class barbecue that competes with anywhere in the country.
6. Oak & Embers Tavern – Chesterland
Combining the comfort of a neighborhood tavern with serious barbecue credentials, Oak & Embers delivers an experience that’s both refined and relaxed.
You’ll discover this treasure at 8003 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026, where the rustic-elegant decor creates an inviting space for everything from family dinners to celebrations with friends.
The name perfectly captures their cooking philosophy, oak wood smoking that creates those beautiful embers responsible for their incredible flavor profiles.
Their smoked salmon might surprise barbecue purists, but one taste will make believers out of skeptics who thought BBQ joints only excel at traditional meats.
The beef ribs are massive, meaty masterpieces that require both hands and a healthy appetite to conquer properly.
Their pulled chicken offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing any of the smoky goodness that makes barbecue so addictive.
The loaded fries topped with smoked meat, cheese, and all the fixings create an indulgent appetizer that could easily become your entire meal.
Oak & Embers manages to feel both upscale and approachable, proving that excellent barbecue can thrive in any setting when the fundamentals are executed with skill and passion.
7. Fatback’s Barbecue – Dayton
Dayton’s barbecue scene wouldn’t be complete without Fatback’s, a spot that’s been keeping locals satisfied with honest, delicious smoked meats for years.
Located at 1334 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45410, this neighborhood joint has that authentic, lived-in feel that immediately puts you at ease.
The name alone tells you they’re not messing around—this is serious barbecue for serious appetites, no apologies necessary.
Their St. Louis-style ribs showcase the perfect balance of meat, fat, and seasoning, with a bark that crunches satisfyingly before revealing tender meat underneath.
The hot links pack some serious heat for those who like their barbecue with a spicy kick that builds with each bite.
Their greens are slow-cooked to silky perfection, providing that essential soul food accompaniment that rounds out any barbecue plate.
The sweet potato casserole walks the line between side dish and dessert, offering comfort in every creamy, cinnamon-spiced spoonful.
Fatback’s keeps it real with generous portions, reasonable prices, and consistently excellent food that’s earned them a devoted following throughout the Dayton area and beyond.
8. Hickory Bar-B-Q – Dayton
When a barbecue joint has been around long enough to become part of a city’s fabric, you know they’re doing something right, that’s Hickory Bar-B-Q in a nutshell.
Located at 1082 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409, this longtime favorite has weathered changing food trends by sticking to what works: quality ingredients, proper smoking techniques, and recipes that don’t need reinventing.
The hickory wood they use imparts a distinctive flavor that’s become synonymous with Dayton barbecue in many people’s minds.
Their half-chicken comes out of the smoker with crispy skin and meat so juicy you’ll wonder how they manage it every single time.
The beef brisket shows proper respect for this notoriously difficult cut, with slices that hold together just enough before melting on your tongue.
Their barbecue beans are cooked with bits of meat mixed in, creating a hearty side that could honestly stand alone as a meal.
The onion rings provide that perfect crunchy contrast to all the tender, smoky proteins on your plate.
Hickory Bar-B-Q represents old-school barbecue done right, where consistency and quality trump trends and gimmicks every single day.
9. Old Hickory Bar-B-Q – Dayton
Despite the similar name to another Dayton spot, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q has carved out its own identity with a loyal customer base that spans generations.
You’ll find them at 241 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45431, where families have been gathering for decades to enjoy honest barbecue in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about their ability to deliver consistent quality year after year, regardless of what’s happening in the broader culinary world.
Their pork chops get the smoke treatment before hitting your plate, creating a unique twist on this classic cut that you won’t find everywhere.
The pulled pork sandwich comes piled high with tender meat that’s been kissed by smoke for hours, creating layers of flavor in every bite
Their potato salad offers that creamy, tangy balance that makes it the perfect companion to rich, smoky meats.
The fried okra provides a Southern touch that complements the barbecue beautifully, with a crispy coating that stays crunchy.
Old Hickory proves that sometimes the old ways are the best ways, especially when it comes to slow-smoked barbecue that brings people together around a shared table.
10. Old Carolina Barbecue Company – Alliance
Bringing authentic Carolina-style barbecue to Ohio might seem ambitious, but Old Carolina Barbecue Company pulls it off with impressive authenticity and flavor.
Located at 900 W State St, Alliance, OH 44601, this spot transports you to the Carolinas without requiring a road trip across several states.
The owners clearly studied their craft, understanding that Carolina barbecue isn’t just about the meat, it’s about the whole philosophy, from the vinegar-based sauces to the traditional side dishes.
Their Carolina-style pulled pork showcases the heart of the tradition, delivering tender, smoky meat balanced by tangy vinegar-forward sauces.
The Brunswick stew is a hearty, tomatoey concoction packed with vegetables and pulled meat that warms you from the inside out.
Their hush puppies are golden, crispy orbs of cornmeal goodness that disappear almost as fast as they arrive at your table.
The banana pudding dessert provides a sweet Southern ending that’s become just as anticipated as the main course.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company proves that regional barbecue styles can thrive anywhere when executed with knowledge, respect, and genuine passion for the craft.
11. Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ – Logan
Tucked away in Logan, Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ brings Southern hospitality and authentic smoking techniques to Ohio’s Hocking Hills region.
You’ll discover this hidden gem at 12790 Grey St, Logan, OH 43138, where the small-town setting adds to the charm and authenticity of the entire experience.
The location makes it an ideal stop for folks exploring the beautiful natural areas nearby who’ve worked up a serious appetite from all that hiking and sightseeing.
Their smoked brisket tacos offer a creative fusion that respects both barbecue traditions and modern food trends, with tender meat tucked into soft tortillas and topped with fresh ingredients.
The baby back ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender while maintaining enough structure to pick up and eat properly, which is harder to achieve than most people realize.
Their collard greens get slow-cooked with smoky seasonings that complement the barbecue perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
The cornbread comes out warm, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up any sauce or juices left on your plate.
Millstone proves that exceptional barbecue can flourish anywhere passion meets skill, even in places you might not expect to find world-class smoked meats.