Here Are The 5 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In Ohio, According To Our Readers
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 11, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The Buckeye State has many tricks up its culinary sleeve, with dishes such as goetta, Lake Erie perch, Cincinnati-style chili, Columbus-style pizza and other iconic Ohio foods. But barbecue… and Ohio? That’s not a pairing most foodies would consider. Our readers, however, know better. Our readers know that Ohio has some truly top-notch barbecue restaurants, and are always happy to nominate these BBQ joints so we can share them with the masses! We present to you the top five reader-recommended, finger-licking-good BBQ restaurants in Ohio that are worth tracking down.
There's pretty much nothing better than a day spent exploring the caves and waterfalls of Hocking Hills -- except, perhaps, ending such an excursion with a meal at Millstone BBQ. This beloved barbecue hotspot in Logan, Ohio is famous for its Southern-style smoked meats that cook low 'n slow for no less than 15 hours. The result? Impossibly wet and tender, moist-as-it-gets BBQ that could rival anything from Texas or Kansas City.
A BBQ force in the Buckeye State, Eli's is that rare combination of a restaurant that's both critically acclaimed and locally loved. You won't go wrong with anything on the menu; from the hickory smoked pork sandwiches to a big, ole plate of rib tips and smoked wings, everything at Eli's BBQ is worth writing home about!
3. Pickles and Bones Barbecue - Milford
Pickles and Bones Barbecue, 1149 St, 1149 OH-131, Milford, OH 45150, USA
Pickles and Bones Barbecue is an award-winning catering and carryout joint in Milford, Ohio whose humble digs belie true BBQ greatness. Barbecue traditionalists will be delighted by the offerings here: brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, slaws, collard greens, and bourbon sweet potatoes, and to-die-for peach cobbler and banana pudding. Don't be afraid to order a little bit of everything -- that's the beauty of this a la carte style BBQ joint!
4. Mabel's BBQ - Cleveland
Mabel's BBQ, 2050 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
Is there such a thing as Cleveland BBQ? Absolutely there is! Inspired by his respect and passion for regional barbecue, chef Michael Symon aimed to create a style that Clevelanders can call their own by incorporating Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard into the barbecue sauce, using Eastern European spices, and slow-smoking meat over local fruitwood. The result is Mabel's BBQ, a taste sensation wholly unique to The Land, and your best bet is to sample it all with a BBQ platter full of brisket, kielbasa, pork ribs, and a variety of eastern European inspired sides, coupled with locally made Cleveland kraut and pickles. Is your mouth watering yet?
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5. Smoked On High BBQ
Smoked On High BBQ, 755 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
You won't find BBQ in Ohio that's more tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious than what comes out of the smoker at Smoked On High. You also won't find a more delightfully unique location for a BBQ joint in Ohio -- Smoked On High is located in a Victorian house with a charming little courtyard and is known for delicious BBQ sandwiches, killer craft bear, and unbeatable ambiance.
So tell us: did your favorite BBQ restaurant in Ohio make the list? If not, please head over to our nominations page and tell us about your favorite barbecue restaurants in Ohio.
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