Forget white tablecloths and fancy silverware.
In Ohio, the best BBQ comes with a side of paper towels and a healthy dose of finger-licking goodness.
Let’s dive into the smoky, saucy world of the Buckeye State’s top BBQ spots!
1. Uncle Bo’s Slow-N-Low BBQ (Elyria)
Picture this: a rustic red building with flags fluttering in the breeze, beckoning you like a carnivorous siren call.
That’s Uncle Bo’s, folks!
By day, it’s a BBQ lover’s paradise.
By night, it transforms into a neon-lit beacon of hope for those suffering from acute meat withdrawal.
The name says it all – “Slow-N-Low” is the mantra here, and boy, do they stick to it.
The pitmasters at Uncle Bo’s treat their meat with more patience than a saint in a DMV line.
The result? Tender, juicy goodness that’ll make you want to hug a pig (before eating it, of course).
Don’t let the no-frills exterior fool you.
Inside, it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds doing the cha-cha.
From fall-off-the-bone ribs to brisket so tender it practically melts on your fork, Uncle Bo’s is serving up some serious BBQ magic.
2. Barabicu Smokehouse (Cleveland)
Nestled in a charming brick building, Barabicu Smokehouse is like that quiet kid in class who suddenly reveals they’re a BBQ prodigy.
The name might be a tongue-twister, but trust me, your mouth will be too busy watering to care about pronunciation.
This place is so dedicated to the art of smoking meat, I’m pretty sure they have a PhD in Porkology.
The aroma wafting from their smokers could probably be bottled and sold as Cleveland’s signature perfume.
“Eau de Brisket,” anyone?
While the decor might be simple, the flavors are anything but.
Each bite is like a little meat symphony in your mouth, conducted by a maestro wielding a BBQ fork instead of a baton.
And let’s not forget their sides – they’re not just playing second fiddle here, they’re full-on flavor rockstars in their own right.
3. Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)
Eli’s BBQ is the cool kid on the Cincinnati block.
With its riverside location and laid-back vibe, it’s like the BBQ joint equivalent of that friend who always knows where the best parties are.
Except here, the party is in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.
The exterior might be unassuming, but don’t let that fool you.
Inside, it’s a flavor fiesta that’ll have you doing a happy dance in your seat.
Their pulled pork is so good, it might just make you consider a life of vegetarianism… and then immediately abandon that idea because, well, pulled pork.
What really sets Eli’s apart is their sauce.
It’s not just a condiment, it’s a flavor explosion that should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous outbursts of ‘Mmm’ and ‘Oh my god.’”
Pair that with their hickory-smoked meats, and you’ve got a combination more perfect than peanut butter and jelly.
4. Old Carolina Barbecue Company (Massillon)
Old Carolina Barbecue Company is like that friend who went on vacation to the Carolinas once and came back with a life-changing BBQ epiphany.
Except these folks actually know what they’re doing.
The restaurant might be in a strip mall, but don’t let that deter you.
Inside, it’s a BBQ oasis that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Carolinas.
Their pulled pork is so tender, it practically pulls itself.
And their brisket? It’s got more bark than a dog park on a Saturday afternoon.
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But the real star of the show here is their sauce selection.
With options ranging from sweet to tangy to “Is my mouth on fire?”, it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but for your taste buds.
And trust me, every adventure ends with a happy, sauce-stained smile.
The beauty of Old Carolina’s approach is that it caters to every BBQ enthusiast’s palate.
Whether you’re a sauce purist who believes meat should speak for itself, or someone who likes their ribs swimming in a flavor tsunami, you’ll find your happy place here.
It’s like a United Nations of BBQ sauces, bringing together diverse flavors in delicious harmony.
And here’s a pro tip: don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Creating your own signature sauce blend is half the fun.
Who knows?
You might stumble upon a combination so good, it’ll make you want to bottle it up and start your own sauce empire.
Just remember to invite me to your sauce launch party, okay?
5. Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery (Loveland)
Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery is the overachiever of the BBQ world.
Not content with just serving up mouth-watering meats, they decided to throw ice cream into the mix.
Because why choose between dinner and dessert when you can have both?
The exterior is sleek and modern, like a BBQ joint from the future.
But inside, it’s all about that down-home, stick-to-your-ribs goodness.
Their brisket is so tender, it practically surrenders at the sight of your fork.
And don’t even get me started on their ribs – they’re meatier than a bodybuilder’s Instagram feed.
But the real genius move? The ice cream.
After you’ve stuffed yourself silly with BBQ, you can cool down with a scoop or two.
It’s like a built-in palate cleanser, except instead of clearing your palate, it just makes you want more BBQ.
Clever, Midwest Best. Very clever.
6. Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)
Boathouse BBQ is the kind of place that makes you wonder why all BBQ joints aren’t on the water.
With its bright red exterior and riverside views, it’s like a BBQ beacon calling all meat lovers to come and feast.
Their slogan, “BBQ, Brews & Views,” is less of a tagline and more of a life philosophy.
The BBQ is smoky and delicious, the brews are cold and plentiful, and the views… well, let’s just say they pair perfectly with a plate of pulled pork.
But don’t let the laid-back, riverside vibe fool you.
These folks take their BBQ seriously.
Their meats are smoked with the kind of patience usually reserved for fishing or waiting for your favorite TV show to come back from hiatus.
The result? Flavor that’ll make you want to kiss the pitmaster (but don’t, that would be weird).
7. Omahoma Bob’s BBQ (Wooster)
Omahoma Bob’s BBQ is like that quirky uncle who tells the best stories at family gatherings.
From the punny name to the eclectic decor, this place oozes character.
It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.
Nestled in a charming brick building, Omahoma Bob’s looks like it was plucked straight out of a BBQ lover’s dream.
The smell alone is enough to make you salivate like Pavlov’s dog at a bell factory.
And the food? Let’s just say it lives up to the aroma’s promises.
Their menu is a carnivore’s playground, with everything from pulled pork to beef brisket.
But the real star? Their ribs.
They’re so tender, they practically fall off the bone if you look at them funny.
Pair that with their homemade sauces, and you’ve got a combination more perfect than peanut butter and jelly.
8. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit (Columbus)
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is the rebel of the BBQ world.
Operating out of a food truck, they prove that great BBQ doesn’t need a fancy building – just a whole lot of passion and a smoker that works harder than a caffeinated squirrel.
Don’t let the casual setup fool you.
Ray Ray’s serves up some serious BBQ magic.
Their brisket is so tender, it practically melts on your tongue like meaty cotton candy.
And their ribs? They’re the kind of good that makes you forget about table manners and embrace your inner caveman.
But the real genius of Ray Ray’s?
Their rotating specials.
It’s like BBQ roulette, except every spin is a winner.
From smoked turkey to beef ribs, there’s always something new to try.
Just be prepared to wait in line – good things come to those who queue.
There you have it, folks – eight BBQ joints that prove Ohio is more than just the birthplace of aviation.
It’s a smoky, saucy paradise waiting to be explored.
So grab a bib, loosen your belt, and get ready for a flavor adventure.
Your taste buds will thank you!