Ohio’s BBQ scene has grown impressively over the past decade. From family-run smokehouses to innovative pitmasters, the state offers flavors and techniques that rival any southern BBQ destination. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 BBQ spots in Ohio for 2025.
Founded by Bill and Mary Grilliot, Company 7 BBQ has been a Dayton-area staple for years. What makes it unique is the firehouse theme — honoring local firefighters — and the family-run approach. It has earned national recognition, appearing in lists of America’s best BBQ joints.
Menu & Specials:
Brisket: Slow-smoked for 12–18 hours using a traditional oak-fired smoker.
Ribs: St. Louis style, glazed with a house-made sauce.
Pulled pork & sausage: Smoked low-and-slow; available by the pound or as sandwiches.
Firehouse Stew: Hearty blend of smoked meat, vegetables, and barley.
Sides: Mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
Cooking Techniques:
Company 7 uses large offset smokers, maintaining low-and-slow temperatures to infuse meats with deep, smoky flavor. Their rubs are proprietary, blending sweet and savory notes.
Customer Experience:
Dine-in or carry-out options.
Drive-thru service for convenience.
Loyalty program rewards frequent visitors.
Recognized for quality by National Barbecue News.
- Address: 1001 S Main St, Englewood, OH 45322
- Website: Company 7 BBQ
2. Uncle Beth’s BBQ (North Lewisburg, OH)
Beth White and her family transformed a historic cabin into this charming smokehouse. The restaurant has a devoted following, and its St. Louis-style ribs are consistently praised by locals and visitors.
Menu Highlights:
Ribs: Sweet or spicy options, slow-cooked to perfection.
Pulled pork: Served as sandwiches or over baked potatoes.
Smoked wings: Signature weekend favorite.
Sides: Cornbread pudding, spiced apples, creamy coleslaw.
Desserts: German chocolate brownies and five-layer cookie bars.
Cooking Techniques:
Traditional wood smoking with hickory and oak.
Rubs and sauces made in-house, balancing sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
Customer Experience:
Tiny, cozy dining area with picnic tables outside.
Friendly, family-run atmosphere.
Carryout-friendly; call-ahead orders recommended.
- Address: 131 E Main St, North Lewisburg, OH 43060
3. Pickles & Bones Barbecue (Milford, OH)
Known for all-wood smoking, Pickles & Bones has earned acclaim among Ohio BBQ aficionados. They focus on authenticity, using only red and white oak for smoking.
Menu Highlights:
Brisket: Thick-cut, smoked for hours, with a rich smoke ring.
Pulled pork & chicken: Slow-smoked for tenderness and flavor.
Sausage: House-made, smoked on-site.
Sides: Scratch-made coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, and seasonal specials.
Cooking Techniques:
All-wood smoking, no gas or electric shortcuts.
Consistent low temperatures (225–250°F) for 8–12 hours.
Rubs are proprietary, with natural spices to enhance meat flavor.
Customer Experience:
Carryout-focused; limited seating.
Popular with locals and visitors for authentic BBQ experience.
Check website for weekend specials and brisket availability.
- Address: 1070 State Rte 28, Milford, OH 45150
- Website: Pickles & Bones
4. Midwest Best BBQ & Creamery (Loveland, OH)
Midwest Best BBQ has been recognized statewide for its quality, including accolades from 24/7 Tempo. Unique to this spot is the combination of BBQ and creamery-style desserts.
Menu Highlights:
Pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches.
Smoked and fried chicken wings.
Creamery-style sides and desserts like ice cream floats and milkshakes.
Seasonal BBQ specials and platters for groups.
Cooking Techniques:
Traditional smoking combined with deep-frying for chicken wings.
Fresh ingredients for sides and sauces, made on-site daily.
Customer Experience:
Casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Dine-in or carry-out options.
Consistently high ratings on Yelp and Google.
- Address: 10235 Loveland-Madeira Rd, Loveland, OH 45140
5. Woodstock BBQ (Lakewood / Cleveland, OH)
A local gem in the Cleveland area, Woodstock BBQ is loved for its smoked meats and community-driven vibe. Highly rated on both Yelp and Reddit, it’s known for generous portions and high-quality ingredients.
Menu Highlights:
Three-meat sampler (brisket, pulled pork, ribs).
Smoked pastrami — house specialty.
St. Louis-style ribs.
Classic BBQ sides: baked beans, coleslaw, mac & cheese.
Cooking Techniques:
Traditional smoking methods using wood-fired smokers.
Focus on flavor, tenderness, and authentic BBQ taste.
Customer Experience:
Rustic, laid-back environment.
Ideal for families and BBQ enthusiasts exploring Cleveland.
Sampler platters make it easy to try multiple dishes.
- Address: 15300 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
- Website: Woodstock BBQ
6. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit (Columbus, OH)
Ray Ray’s is a favorite in Central Ohio for its Southern-style barbecue and casual, family-friendly vibe. Known for slow-smoked meats and bold sauces, it’s a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
Menu Highlights:
St. Louis-style ribs, smoked to perfection.
Pulled pork sandwiches with signature BBQ sauce.
Brisket and smoked wings.
Southern sides: baked beans, collard greens, mac & cheese.
Customer Experience:
Friendly, casual dining atmosphere.
Carry-out and catering available.
Regularly featured in local food blogs and “best BBQ in Columbus” lists.
- Address: 1955 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
- Website: Ray Ray’s Hog Pit
7. Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati, OH)
Eli’s combines classic BBQ with a modern twist. Their smoked meats are complemented by creative sauces and inventive side dishes, making it one of Cincinnati’s top BBQ spots.
Menu Highlights:
Slow-smoked brisket and pulled pork.
Burnt ends — a Kansas City-inspired specialty.
Specialty sandwiches: BBQ pulled pork melts, brisket sliders.
Sides: creamy coleslaw, smoked gouda mac & cheese, cornbread.
Customer Experience:
Trendy, casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
Known for quality and consistency, featured in Cincinnati Magazine and local foodie guides.
- Address: 3230 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
8. KD’s Kettering BBQ (Kettering, OH)
A long-time Dayton-area favorite, KD’s is beloved for its hearty portions, friendly service, and authentic BBQ flavor.
Menu Highlights:
Pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken.
House-made sauces: sweet, spicy, and vinegar-based.
Sides: baked beans, cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad.
Customer Experience:
Dine-in or carry-out options.
Popular with families and regulars for over 20 years.
Known for generous portions at reasonable prices.
- Address: 3600 Shroyer Rd, Kettering, OH 45429
9. Smoky Bones Bar & Fire Grill (Various OH Locations)
Smoky Bones is a larger chain but offers consistently solid BBQ across Ohio. Their menu combines classic barbecue, rotisserie, and grill items with modern flair.
Menu Highlights:
Baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs.
Pulled pork, brisket, and smoked wings.
Rotisserie chicken and steak options.
Extensive sides: mac & cheese, fries, baked beans, and onion rings.
Customer Experience:
Casual dining with sports-bar atmosphere.
Large seating, ideal for groups.
Known for consistent quality and nationwide recognition.
- Address: 6700 Perimeter Loop Rd, Dublin, OH (example location)
10. Hometown BBQ (Cleveland, OH)
Hometown BBQ is a Cleveland gem known for authentic southern-style barbecue and friendly, community-oriented service.
Menu Highlights:
Smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.
Signature sauces: sweet, spicy, and vinegar-based options.
Sides: cornbread, mac & cheese, baked beans, and collard greens.
Sandwiches, platters, and catering options available.
Customer Experience:
Cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a local vibe.
Featured in Cleveland food guides for “must-try BBQ spots.”
Great for takeout or casual dine-in experiences.
- Address: 15301 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
Final Thoughts
Ohio’s BBQ scene is diverse, flavorful, and full of character. From small family-run smokehouses to acclaimed regional favorites, there’s something for every BBQ lover. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring the state, the 10 spots highlighted above offer authentic smoked meats, inventive sauces, and a welcoming atmosphere.
When planning your BBQ tour: check opening hours, consider ordering sampler plates to try multiple meats, and don’t forget to bring a cooler if you’re picking up large quantities. Each restaurant has its own signature style, so take the time to explore, savor, and enjoy the rich barbecue traditions Ohio has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What type of BBQ is Ohio known for?
Ohio doesn’t have one single BBQ style — it’s a mix. You’ll find St. Louis-style ribs, Kansas City-inspired brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and more. Each BBQ spot often has its own signature sauces and rubs, adding a unique local twist.
2. Are these BBQ spots family-friendly?
Yes! Most of the restaurants listed, like Company 7 BBQ, Uncle Beth’s, and KD’s, are very family-friendly with casual atmospheres, kid-friendly sides, and seating options suitable for groups.
3. Can I order BBQ to-go or for delivery?
Absolutely. Many spots, such as Pickles & Bones and Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, offer carry-out or curbside pickup. Some restaurants also partner with delivery apps, but check their website for current availability.
4. What are the best meats to try at these BBQ spots?
Brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken are staples across Ohio. Specialty items like burnt ends, pastrami, or sampler platters are great for tasting multiple flavors in one visit.
5. Do these BBQ spots offer catering for events?
Yes! Many restaurants, including Midwest Best BBQ & Creamery and Hometown BBQ, provide catering services for parties, corporate events, and special occasions. Contact the restaurant directly for menus and pricing.
