Nothing hits the spot like some good old fashioned barbecue. Thankfully, Ohio is home to several exceptionally delicious barbecue joints that surprise (and satisfy) visitors – and keep locals coming back for more. The following are just 10 of the best BBQ restaurants in Ohio.
- Route 62 BBQ (Johnstown)
Route 62 BBQ/Facebook
Route 62 BBQ/Facebook You’ll find some of central Ohio’s best barbecue at Route 62 BBQ, where the meats are smoked to perfection. It’s located at 580 W Coshocton St,, Johnstown, OH 43031. Check out Route 62 BBQ’s website to learn more.
- Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)
Jonathan R./Yelp
Jonathan R. /Yelp For the best BBQ, mac and cheese and jalapeño cornbread you’ll ever have, brave the possibility of a long line at Eli’s BBQ. Fortunately, the long lines do go fast, and going during the week is one simple way to avoid a crowd. Eli’s BBQ is located at 3313 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45226. To learn more, visit the website for Eli’s BBQ in Cincinnati.
- Deet’s BBQ (Maumee)
Dee’s BBQ/Facebook
Dee’s BBQ/Facebook This family-owned and operated barbecue joint also operates as a mobile catering company, based in Maumee. Some local favorite dishes include their sliced brisket sandwich, slow smoked pulled pork and St. Louis style ribs. Dee’s BBQ is located at 1385 Conant St., Suite D, Maumee, OH 43537. To learn more, visit the website for Deet’s BBQ in Maumee.
- Kiser’s Barbeque (Athens)
Kiser’s Barbeque on Court/Facebook
Kiser’s Barbeque on Court/Facebook With two locations in the college town of Athens, this family-owned and operated establishment features homemade family recipes and fresh, local ingredients. Kiser’s Barbeque is located at 1002 E State St. Athens, OH 45701 and 42 S Court St. Athens, OH 45701. For the latest information, visit Kiser’s Barbeque.
- The Boondocks BBQ & Grill (McConnelsville)
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill/Facebook
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill/Facebook This award-winning southeast Ohio barbecue joint features a diverse menu, from Louisiana crab cakes to slow cooked ribs and pulled pork. It is located at 4653 N State Route 60 NW, McConnelsville, OH 43756. Check out The Boondocks BBQ’s website to learn more.
- Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que (Canton)
Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que/Facebook
Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que/Facebook For an exceptional pulled pork or ham sandwich, head over to Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que, located inside Taggart’s at 1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, OH 44703 To learn more, visit the website for Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que.
- Seven Miles Smokehouse (Chillicothe)
7milessmokehouse.com
7 Miles Smokehouse/Facebook With slow, southern cooked meats and sides made from scratch every day, this family-owned and operated smokehouse serves up some exceptional barbecue. Pictured is “The Mad Dog” with pulled smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork, topped with grilled onions, sauce and creamy signature cole slaw. Seven Miles Smokehouse is located at 285 E 7th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. Visit the website for Seven Miles Smokehouse to learn more.
- Oak Hill Barbecue (Sunbury)
Oak Hill Barbecue/Facebook
Oak Hill Barbecue/Facebook This small, casual joint features delicious, authentic wood fired barbecue. Oak Hill Barbecue is located at 60 N Columbus St, Sunbury, OH 43074. Visit Oak Hill Barbecue’s website to learn more.
- Open Pitt Bar-B-Que (Cleveland)
Open Pitt Barbecue Carryout/Facebook
Open Pitt Barbecue Carryout/Facebook Since 1988 this local favorite barbecue joint has served up delicious soul food and mouthwatering chicken wings. It is located at 12335 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108. Check out Open Pitt Bar-B-Que’s Facebook page to learn more.
- Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)
Boathouse BBQ/Facebook
Boathouse BBQ/Facebook This family style barbecue joint along the Ohio River has received more than 12 awards for their exceptional ribs, wings and chili. Boathouse BBQ is located at 218 Virginia St., Marietta, OH 45750.
Have you ever been to any of the best BBQ restaurants in Ohio? Which one is your favorite? Share your experiences with us in the comments below! And if we happened to leave your favorite smokehouse off the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured in a future article.
Route 62 BBQ/Facebook
You’ll find some of central Ohio’s best barbecue at Route 62 BBQ, where the meats are smoked to perfection. It’s located at 580 W Coshocton St,, Johnstown, OH 43031. Check out Route 62 BBQ’s website to learn more.
Jonathan R./Yelp
Jonathan R. /Yelp
For the best BBQ, mac and cheese and jalapeño cornbread you’ll ever have, brave the possibility of a long line at Eli’s BBQ. Fortunately, the long lines do go fast, and going during the week is one simple way to avoid a crowd. Eli’s BBQ is located at 3313 Riverside Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45226. To learn more, visit the website for Eli’s BBQ in Cincinnati.
Dee’s BBQ/Facebook
This family-owned and operated barbecue joint also operates as a mobile catering company, based in Maumee. Some local favorite dishes include their sliced brisket sandwich, slow smoked pulled pork and St. Louis style ribs. Dee’s BBQ is located at 1385 Conant St., Suite D, Maumee, OH 43537. To learn more, visit the website for Deet’s BBQ in Maumee.
Kiser’s Barbeque on Court/Facebook
With two locations in the college town of Athens, this family-owned and operated establishment features homemade family recipes and fresh, local ingredients. Kiser’s Barbeque is located at 1002 E State St. Athens, OH 45701 and 42 S Court St. Athens, OH 45701. For the latest information, visit Kiser’s Barbeque.
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill/Facebook
This award-winning southeast Ohio barbecue joint features a diverse menu, from Louisiana crab cakes to slow cooked ribs and pulled pork. It is located at 4653 N State Route 60 NW, McConnelsville, OH 43756. Check out The Boondocks BBQ’s website to learn more.
Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que/Facebook
For an exceptional pulled pork or ham sandwich, head over to Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que, located inside Taggart’s at 1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, OH 44703 To learn more, visit the website for Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que.
7milessmokehouse.com
7 Miles Smokehouse/Facebook
With slow, southern cooked meats and sides made from scratch every day, this family-owned and operated smokehouse serves up some exceptional barbecue. Pictured is “The Mad Dog” with pulled smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork, topped with grilled onions, sauce and creamy signature cole slaw. Seven Miles Smokehouse is located at 285 E 7th St., Chillicothe, OH 45601. Visit the website for Seven Miles Smokehouse to learn more.
Oak Hill Barbecue/Facebook
This small, casual joint features delicious, authentic wood fired barbecue. Oak Hill Barbecue is located at 60 N Columbus St, Sunbury, OH 43074. Visit Oak Hill Barbecue’s website to learn more.
Open Pitt Barbecue Carryout/Facebook
Since 1988 this local favorite barbecue joint has served up delicious soul food and mouthwatering chicken wings. It is located at 12335 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108. Check out Open Pitt Bar-B-Que’s Facebook page to learn more.
Boathouse BBQ/Facebook
This family style barbecue joint along the Ohio River has received more than 12 awards for their exceptional ribs, wings and chili. Boathouse BBQ is located at 218 Virginia St., Marietta, OH 45750.
Still hungry? Here’s where to find the best BBQ sandwiches in Ohio.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 580 W Coshocton St, Johnstown, OH 43031, USAAddress: Eli’s BBQ - Riverside, 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USAAddress: Deet’s BBQ, 1385 Conant St D, Maumee, OH 43537, USAAddress: 1002 E State St, Athens, OH 45701, USAAddress: The Boondocks BBQ & Grill, 4651 OH-60, McConnelsville, OH 43756, USAAddress: 1401 Fulton Rd NW, Canton, OH 44703, USAAddress: 7 Miles Smokehouse, 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USAAddress: 60 N Columbus St, Sunbury, OH 43074, USAAddress: 12335 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108, USAAddress: Boat House of Marietta (Boathouse BBQ), 218 Virginia St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best BBQ restaurants in Ohio November 29, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio? Looking for the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio? You’re in luck! There are tons of amazing places that will whet your appetite. First, check out Schmucker’s in Toledo. This homey diner will make you feel right at home, and you’ll never want to leave. Be sure to order a slice of pie! This extraordinary place boasts over 20 different delicious varieties. Want to learn more about Ohio’s cozy eateries? Check out our full list of the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio. What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio? Fredneck’s Mini Mart, located in Bainbridge, is the definition of a hidden gem. This roadside eatery and convenience store may not look like much, but they just so happen to serve some of the best pizza in Ohio. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! After you’ve visited this unassuming eatery, check out Spillway Lodge in Clarksville. This restaurant, nestled inside a country cottage, serves some of the most scrumptious home-cooked meals in the entire state. What are the best comfort food restaurants in Ohio? Nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. We all need to treat ourselves to comfort food every once in a while, and there are loads of places to get it. First, check out the famous Schoolhouse Restaurant. This historic restaurant sits inside a restored 1860s schoolhouse in Camp Dennison, and people come from all around just to devour their delicious food.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best BBQ restaurants in Ohio
November 29, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio? Looking for the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio? You’re in luck! There are tons of amazing places that will whet your appetite. First, check out Schmucker’s in Toledo. This homey diner will make you feel right at home, and you’ll never want to leave. Be sure to order a slice of pie! This extraordinary place boasts over 20 different delicious varieties. Want to learn more about Ohio’s cozy eateries? Check out our full list of the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio. What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio? Fredneck’s Mini Mart, located in Bainbridge, is the definition of a hidden gem. This roadside eatery and convenience store may not look like much, but they just so happen to serve some of the best pizza in Ohio. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! After you’ve visited this unassuming eatery, check out Spillway Lodge in Clarksville. This restaurant, nestled inside a country cottage, serves some of the most scrumptious home-cooked meals in the entire state. What are the best comfort food restaurants in Ohio? Nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. We all need to treat ourselves to comfort food every once in a while, and there are loads of places to get it. First, check out the famous Schoolhouse Restaurant. This historic restaurant sits inside a restored 1860s schoolhouse in Camp Dennison, and people come from all around just to devour their delicious food.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Looking for the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio? You’re in luck! There are tons of amazing places that will whet your appetite. First, check out Schmucker’s in Toledo. This homey diner will make you feel right at home, and you’ll never want to leave. Be sure to order a slice of pie! This extraordinary place boasts over 20 different delicious varieties. Want to learn more about Ohio’s cozy eateries? Check out our full list of the best family-owned restaurants in Ohio.
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio?
Fredneck’s Mini Mart, located in Bainbridge, is the definition of a hidden gem. This roadside eatery and convenience store may not look like much, but they just so happen to serve some of the best pizza in Ohio. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! After you’ve visited this unassuming eatery, check out Spillway Lodge in Clarksville. This restaurant, nestled inside a country cottage, serves some of the most scrumptious home-cooked meals in the entire state.
What are the best comfort food restaurants in Ohio?
Nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. We all need to treat ourselves to comfort food every once in a while, and there are loads of places to get it. First, check out the famous Schoolhouse Restaurant. This historic restaurant sits inside a restored 1860s schoolhouse in Camp Dennison, and people come from all around just to devour their delicious food.
