Here in Northeast Ohio, Midwestern comfort food is the norm. Ethnic eats pair perfectly with treats like pasta or mac and cheese, but every so often, we crave a bit of a changeup. There are plenty of places to enjoy barbecue in Cleveland, but only so many prepare their meats by smoking them for hours. If you’re craving smoked meats with a Southern flair for the dramatic, look no further than these local taverns.

There's nothing quite as tantalizing as Southern-style BBQ, especially if you're dining in the Northern half of the country.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Facebook
Cleveland has plenty of great barbecue joints, but some rise above the rest for their attention to detail. Today we're going to visit a cozy pub in Chesterland where the focus is on Southern-style comforts.
Oak & Embers Tavern is a local pub with locations in Chesterland and Hudson, and they've become famous for their comfort food and bourbon selection.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Facebook
Located at 8003 Mayfield Rd. in Chesterland and at 7774 Darrow Rd. in Hudson, both locations are close enough to home for dinner.
The interior is cozy and welcoming, setting the perfect scene to cozy up with a beverage and a hearty, wood-smoked entree.
Ken H/TripAdvisor
This brick-walled pub is overflowing with friendliness, and it's the absolute coziest place to catch up over a few drinks. Craft beers and dark bourbons alike adorn the drink menu, and creative cocktails offer an interesting take on traditional flavors.
All of their meats are cooked low and slow, infusing them with smokey flavor before they're rubbed with a special blend of spices.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Facebook
The in-house smoked pastrami is melt-in-your-mouth good, and each smoked meat is flavorful and perfectly tender.

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The owners and masterminds behind this business developed a taste for great barbecue down south, and they spent years researching the best flavors.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Google
The flavor and texture of these Southern-style dishes will blow your mind. The authenticity is undeniable - your taste buds will truly believe you've traveled down south for dinner.
And their hard work has paid off, as Oak & Embers Tavern has been featured on several different television stations.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Google
From the local news to specials on The Food Network and The Cooking Channel, this local tavern has certainly earned its fair share of recognition. Their flavors are seriously out of this world, and some diners travel from all over the state for a bit of indulgence.
Though Oak & Embers Tavern is famous for their barbecue, the menu is diverse and full of choices that just might make your head spin.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Facebook
This meal of shepherd's pie with a serving of vegetables offers a unique contrast to their famous barbecue, but it's a dish that's just as delicious. You'll also love treats like cheese curds, crab cakes, flatbreads, and soup.
And, of course, this destination is also an awesome place to celebrate Taco Tuesday.
Oak & Embers Tavern/Facebook
In the mood for tacos? Choose from pulled pork tacos, smoked chicken tacos, or Cajun shrimp tacos. Queso dip and the Oak & Embers nachos have the power to complete your Southwestern-inspired meal, and an Oakheart Mojito is perfect to wash it down with.
This charming little tavern may look like any other from the outside, but unrivaled flavor awaits within.
Google Maps

Oak & Embers Tavern is a dream come true for barbecue lovers. What’s your favorite dish on their menu?

Looking for even more barbecue? You’re sure to love these delicious destinations in Cleveland.

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