Forget the Buckeye State—let’s call it the Brisket State!

Ohio’s hiding some seriously smokin’ BBQ joints, and I’ve sniffed out eight gems that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Grab your stretchy pants and let’s dig in!

1. Barabicu Smokehouse (Cleveland)

Nestled in a charming brick building, Barabicu Smokehouse is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret society of meat lovers.

The moment you walk in, that intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked goodness hits you like a friendly punch to the nose.

It’s as if the BBQ gods themselves decided to set up shop in Cleveland.

The name “Barabicu” might sound like a sneeze, but trust me, it’s music to a carnivore’s ears.

This joint takes its smoking seriously—so seriously that I half expected to see a “No Vegetarians Allowed” sign on the door.

(Don’t worry, plant-eaters, they probably have a salad… somewhere.)

2. Uncle Bo’s Slow-N-Low BBQ (Elyria)

If BBQ were a sport, Uncle Bo would be the MVP, the coach, and the entire cheerleading squad rolled into one.

This place is like the Disneyland of smoked meats, complete with a sign that could double as a BBQ bat signal for hungry heroes.

By day, it’s a bustling eatery.

By night, it transforms into a beacon of hope for those battling the munchies.

The flags flying outside aren’t just for show—they’re a warning to other restaurants: “Bow down to the BBQ king!”

3. Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)

Eli’s BBQ is the cool kid on the block who doesn’t need a flashy sign to get attention.

Just look for the building with the pig silhouette—it’s like a secret handshake for BBQ aficionados.

This place is so hip, I’m pretty sure the pigs volunteer to be smoked.

The riverside location adds a touch of romance to your meat feast.

Nothing says “I love you” like sharing a rack of ribs while watching the sun set over the Ohio River.

It’s basically the BBQ version of Lady and the Tramp, minus the spaghetti.

4. Old Carolina Barbecue Company (Massillon)

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is like that friend who always shows up to the party with the best snacks.

Except here, the party never ends, and the snacks are replaced with mouth-watering, slow-cooked meats that make you question why you ever ate anything else.

The pile of firewood outside isn’t just for show—it’s a promise of smoky delights to come.

Walking in feels like stepping into a BBQ time machine, where the past and present collide in a delicious explosion of flavors.

And boy, do they deliver on that promise!

The aroma inside is like a warm, meaty hug for your nose.

It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to bottle it up and wear it as cologne.

“Eau de Brisket,” anyone?

The decor is a charming mix of rustic and modern, like your cool uncle’s cabin got a makeover from a hip designer.

But let’s be real, you’re not here for the wallpaper—you’re here for the ‘cue.

And at Old Carolina, the BBQ doesn’t just meet expectations, it smokes them.

It’s so good, you might find yourself involuntarily doing a little happy dance in your seat.

Don’t worry, nobody’s judging.

We’ve all been there.

5. Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery (Loveland)

Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery is the superhero of restaurants, with a secret identity.

By day, it’s a mild-mannered BBQ joint.

But wait, there’s a plot twist—it’s also a creamery!

It’s like finding out your favorite uncle is actually Batman.

The sleek, modern exterior might fool you, but inside, it’s all down-home comfort.

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It’s the kind of place where you can have your pulled pork and eat your ice cream too.

Talk about having your cake (or should I say, your brisket) and eating it too!

It’s like the culinary equivalent of a mullet – business in the front, party in the back.

You walk in expecting some hipster joint with kale smoothies, and BAM!

You’re hit with the heavenly aroma of slow-cooked meats.

But wait, there’s more!

Just when you think you’ve reached peak deliciousness with your BBQ feast, they throw you a curveball with homemade ice cream.

It’s as if your taste buds won the lottery and then found out they also inherited a chocolate factory.

This place doesn’t just satisfy cravings; it creates new ones you never knew you had.

Who knew that what was missing from your life was a BBQ sundae?

6. Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)

Boathouse BBQ is like finding a treasure chest, except instead of gold, it’s filled with smoky, tender meat.

The bright red exterior is like a BBQ lighthouse, guiding hungry sailors to safe, delicious harbor.

And let’s be honest, that wooden bench outside isn’t for sitting—it’s for collapsing in a food coma after your meal.

With a slogan like “BBQ, Brews & Views,” they’re not just feeding your stomach, they’re nourishing your soul.

It’s the kind of place where you come for the ribs but stay for the river views and the realization that maybe, just maybe, you’ve found BBQ nirvana.

And boy, does this place deliver on all three fronts!

The BBQ is so good, it might make you consider moving to Marietta just to be closer to it.

The brews?

They’ve got a selection that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

And those views?

Well, let’s just say the Ohio River has never looked better than when you’re gazing at it over a plate of perfectly smoked brisket.

It’s like they’ve somehow managed to bottle up the essence of a perfect summer day and serve it alongside their pulled pork.

You half expect to see Norman Rockwell in the corner, furiously sketching this slice of Americana.

But trust me, no painting could capture the pure joy of sauce-stained fingers and the satisfied sighs of happy diners.

7. Omahoma Bob’s BBQ (Wooster)

Omahoma Bob’s BBQ sounds like a place where a cowboy poet would go to find inspiration, and honestly, that’s not far off.

This joint is serving up prose-worthy plates that could make even the toughest critic weep tears of smoky joy.

The brick facade and hanging flower baskets give it a quaint, small-town charm that belies the flavor explosions happening inside.

It’s like your grandmother’s house, if your grandmother were a pit master with a PhD in deliciousness.

Walking into Omahoma Bob’s is like stepping into a BBQ time warp, where the present meets the past in a delicious collision of flavors.

The aroma hits you like a friendly slap on the back, saying, “Welcome home, hungry traveler!”

It’s the kind of place where the sauce-to-napkin ratio is always in your favor, and where “diet” is a four-letter word best left at the door.

The menu reads like a love letter to smoked meats, each item more tempting than the last.

You might find yourself playing BBQ roulette, closing your eyes and pointing at random, knowing that whatever you choose, your taste buds are in for a treat.

It’s comfort food with a smoky twist, served up with a side of Midwestern hospitality that’ll warm your heart as much as the food warms your belly.

8. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit (Columbus)

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit is the rebel of the BBQ world.

With a name like “Hog Pit,” you know they’re not messing around.

This place doesn’t just push the envelope—it smokes it, sauces it, and serves it up with a side of attitude.

The outdoor setup gives it a “stumbled upon a secret BBQ club” vibe.

Those picnic tables aren’t just seating—they’re front row tickets to the best meat-based performance in town.

It’s the kind of place where napkins fear to tread and vegetarians convert on the spot.

There you have it, folks—eight reasons to embark on the most delicious road trip Ohio has ever seen.

Cravings are calling!

Use this map to steer your food journey in the right direction—and maybe discover a hidden gem or two along the way.

Your cardiologist might not thank you, but your taste buds certainly will!