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 some of the best BBQ restaurants in Ohio.

1. Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)
Eli's BBQ - Riverside, 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
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.
2. Deet’s BBQ (Maumee)
Deet's BBQ, 1385 Conant St D, Maumee, OH 43537, USA
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.
3. The Boondocks BBQ & Grill (McConnelsville)
The Boondocks BBQ & Grill, 4651 OH-60, McConnelsville, OH 43756, USA
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.

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4. Seven Miles Smokehouse (Chillicothe)
7 Miles Smokehouse, 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
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.
5. Open Pitt Bar-B-Que (Cleveland)
Open Pitt Bar-B-Que, 12335 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44108, USA
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.
6. Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)
Boat House of Marietta (Boathouse BBQ), 218 Virginia St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
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.

Still hungry? Here’s where to find the best BBQ sandwiches in Ohio.

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best BBQ restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | November 29, 2020

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, including:

  • 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.
  • The Schoolhouse in Camp Dennison
  • Crabill’s Hamburger Shoppe in Urbana
  • Tom's Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville
  • Oler’s Bar and Grill in Findlay

 

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.

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