These Ohio Restaurants Always Run Out Before The Dinner Rush Ends
Ohio has some incredible barbecue spots that locals can’t get enough of. The thing is, they get so busy that if you show up too late, the good stuff is usually gone.
It’s the kind of place where people line up early, and once the smoker’s empty, that’s it for the day. If you want to try the best Ohio barbecue, it definitely pays to plan ahead.
It’s worth it, though, once you’ve had it, you’ll understand why everyone rushes to get there first.
1. Smoked On High BBQ, Columbus
This Columbus favorite has built a reputation for tender brisket that disappears fast. They smoke their meats low and slow, which means there’s only so much they can make each day.
Regulars know to arrive early or call ahead to reserve their order. The pulled pork sandwiches go just as quickly, especially on weekends.
People drive from surrounding counties just to taste what they’re making. Once the smoker’s empty, that’s it for the night.
2. Book’s BBQ, Wadsworth
Wadsworth residents consider this place a hidden treasure. The burnt ends here are legendary, but they make limited batches that vanish before most people finish work.
Weekends bring crowds from nearby cities, all chasing those perfectly charred pieces of brisket. The staff posts updates on social media when items run out, and it happens almost daily.
Chicken quarters are another hot item that doesn’t last long. Smart diners place orders in the morning for evening pickup.
3. The Proper Pig Smokehouse, Lakewood
Lakewood’s barbecue darling keeps things simple but exceptional. They focus on a few items done right, which means smaller quantities of each.
The pork shoulder gets smoked for fourteen hours, creating meat so tender it shreds with a fork. That lengthy process limits how much they can produce, leading to frequent shortages.
Locals have learned to check their inventory before making the trip. Weekend evenings are especially risky if you’re hoping for a full menu.
4. Combs BBQ Central, Middletown
Middletown folks know this spot as the place where everything tastes like it came from a backyard cookout. The pitmaster uses old family recipes that can’t be rushed.
Smoked turkey breast is a specialty that brings people back weekly, but it sells out faster than anything else. They also make phenomenal beef ribs that are gone by early evening.
The small kitchen can only handle so much at once. Calling ahead is practically required if you want a complete meal.
5. Dave’s BBQ, St. Marys
This small-town favorite has a loyal following that spans generations. Dave himself still runs the smoker most days, keeping portions manageable and quality high.
The beef brisket sandwich comes piled high on a toasted bun, but you need to arrive early to claim one. Their potato salad is another item that disappears before closing time.
St. Marys residents consider it a point of pride to have such authentic barbecue nearby. Out-of-towners who discover it quickly become repeat visitors.
6. Sweet Pork Wilson’s, Cleveland
Cleveland’s east side can’t get enough of this pork-focused joint. The name tells you what they do best, and their pulled pork nachos are worth the trip alone.
Everything centers around perfectly smoked pork shoulder, which takes all day to prepare. Once the evening rush hits, supplies dwindle fast despite their best planning efforts.
The owner started this as a food truck before opening a permanent location. Even with more space, they still run out nightly during busy seasons.
7. Martiny’s BBQ, Lewis Center
This family operation treats barbecue like an art form. Everything gets smoked fresh daily, and when it runs out, they close up shop.
The baby back ribs practically fall off the bone, which explains why they sell out by eight most evenings. Their mac and cheese sides go almost as fast since people order extras to take home.
Summer months are especially busy when outdoor seating fills up quickly. Arriving after seven thirty often means facing a limited menu.
8. Joe’s Barbecue, Kent
Located in a college town, this spot has perfected the art of hickory-smoked ribs. Students and families alike line up for plates piled high with meat and sides.
The owner limits daily production to maintain quality, which means sellouts happen often. By seven o’clock on busy nights, half the menu might be unavailable.
Their homemade sauces are another draw, but you can’t enjoy them without the meat. Getting there before six gives you the best selection.
9. Bee’s Barbecue, Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s southside treasure has been serving up smoky goodness for years. Their brisket develops a crust that people crave, but there’s never enough to meet demand.
They prep everything fresh each morning, refusing to compromise on quality for quantity. By the time the dinner crowd arrives, popular items are already running low.
The collard greens and cornbread are perfect accompaniments, assuming you get there in time. Late arrivals often find only a few menu options remaining.
10. Sweets & Meats BBQ, Cincinnati
This Cincinnati spot combines traditional barbecue with house-made desserts. The smoked chicken wings are addictive, with a spice rub that keeps people coming back.
They smoke ribs in small batches throughout the day, but demand always exceeds supply. The peach cobbler dessert pairs perfectly with savory meats, when both are still available.
Weeknight dinners are slightly easier to navigate than weekends. Even then, showing up after seven means you might miss out on the best selections.
11. Ol’ Chefski’s BBQ, Aurora
Aurora’s barbecue specialist treats smoking meat like a science experiment. Temperature and timing are carefully monitored to achieve consistent results every single time.
The tri-tip steak is a customer favorite that rarely makes it past seven thirty. They also offer smoked salmon on Fridays, which sells out even faster than the beef.
The small dining room fills up quickly with devoted fans. Takeout orders placed in advance are the safest bet for guaranteed satisfaction.