Imagine a journey where the air is thick with the aroma of smoked meats, and your taste buds dance with anticipation.

That’s exactly what awaits on this mouthwatering BBQ adventure across the Buckeye State!

1. Barabicu Smokehouse (Cleveland)

Nestled in the heart of Cleveland, Barabicu Smokehouse is a hidden gem that’s about to become your new obsession.

The moment you lay eyes on that bright red sign against the cream-colored brick, you know you’re in for something special.

As you step inside, the intoxicating scent of slow-smoked meats envelops you like a warm, meaty hug.

The rustic charm of the place, with its arched windows and exposed brick, makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret clubhouse for BBQ aficionados.

Now, I’m not saying the owner made a deal with a smoky deity, but the flavors coming out of this joint are downright supernatural.

The brisket? So tender it practically slices itself.

And don’t get me started on the ribs – they’re the kind of good that makes you want to cancel your plans and spend the rest of the day in a meat-induced euphoria.

2. Uncle Bo’s Slow-N-Low BBQ (Elyria)

Cruising into Elyria, you might think you’ve taken a wrong turn and ended up at a pirate-themed amusement park.

But fear not, matey – those flags fluttering in the breeze belong to Uncle Bo’s Slow-N-Low BBQ, a treasure trove of smoky delights.

This place is like the Disneyland of BBQ, minus the long lines and overpriced mouse ears.

By day, it’s a carnivore’s paradise bathed in sunshine.

By night, it transforms into a neon-lit beacon of hope for those suffering from acute pulled pork deficiency.

Uncle Bo clearly takes the “slow” part of “slow-n-low” seriously.

I’m pretty sure their smokers have their own zip code.

But trust me, the wait is worth it.

One bite of their fall-off-the-bone ribs, and you’ll be ready to swear allegiance to the BBQ flag yourself.

3. Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati)

Tucked away by the riverside in Cincinnati, Eli’s BBQ is the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about pulled pork.

The unassuming red building with its quirky pig sign is like a beacon of hope for the BBQ-deprived.

Inside, it’s as if your cool uncle decided to turn his man cave into a restaurant.

The vibe is laid-back, the music is on point, and the smell… oh, the smell.

It’s like they’ve figured out how to bottle happiness and smoke it.

Their pulled pork sandwich is so good, it should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous happy dances and involuntary mmm-ing.”

And don’t even get me started on their jalapeño cheddar grits.

They’re so creamy and flavorful, they could make a Southerner weep with joy.

4. Old Carolina Barbecue Company (Massillon)

Rolling into Massillon, you might think you’ve accidentally teleported to the Carolinas.

But no, this is the Old Carolina Barbecue Company, bringing a taste of the South to the heart of Ohio.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of smoky goodness that’s so potent, you half expect to see a “No Lifeguard on Duty” sign.

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The decor is simple and unpretentious, letting the food take center stage – as it should.

Their pulled pork is so tender, it practically pulls itself.

And their selection of sauces? It’s like a flavor rainbow, each one more delicious than the last.

Pro tip: try the mustard-based sauce.

It’s so good, you might be tempted to drink it straight. (Don’t do that. Or do. I’m not your mom.)

But wait, there’s more! The atmosphere at Old Carolina is like a warm, smoky hug for your soul.

The staff moves with the precision of a well-oiled BBQ machine, yet they’re as friendly as your favorite neighbor.

It’s the kind of place where you walk in hungry and leave with a full belly and a silly grin.

The cornbread? It’s not just a side dish, it’s a revelation.

Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside – it’s the Goldilocks of cornbread, just right.

And don’t even get me started on the mac and cheese. It’s so creamy and indulgent, it should come with its own cardiologist’s number.

But hey, life’s too short for bland food, right?

5. Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery (Loveland)

Loveland might sound like a cheesy romance novel setting, but trust me, the only thing you’ll be falling in love with here is the BBQ at Midwest Best BBQ and Creamery.

And maybe the ice cream. Okay, definitely the ice cream too.

This place is like the superhero of restaurants – by day, a mild-mannered BBQ joint; by night, a crime-fighting ice cream parlor.

(Okay, maybe not crime-fighting, but definitely fighting against boring desserts.)

Their brisket is so tender, it makes you wonder if they’ve been reading it bedtime stories.

And just when you think you can’t possibly eat anymore, they hit you with their homemade ice cream.

It’s a one-two punch of deliciousness that’ll knock your socks off and possibly your belt too.

6. Boathouse BBQ (Marietta)

Perched on the banks of the Ohio River, Boathouse BBQ in Marietta is the kind of place that makes you want to quit your job and become a professional BBQ taster.

(Is that a thing? If not, it should be.)

The bright red exterior is like a siren call to meat lovers everywhere.

And that bench out front? It’s not just for sitting – it’s for recovering after you’ve eaten your weight in smoked goodness.

Their slogan, “BBQ, Brews & Views,” is like the holy trinity of dining experiences.

The BBQ is so good it should be illegal, the brews are cold and plentiful, and the views… well, let’s just say the Ohio River has never looked better than when you’re gazing at it through a haze of BBQ-induced bliss.

7. Omahoma Bob’s BBQ (Wooster)

Nestled in the charming town of Wooster, Omahoma Bob’s BBQ is like finding a unicorn – if unicorns were made of smoked meat and covered in delicious sauce.

The name alone is enough to make you do a double-take.

Omahoma? Is that even a word? Who cares when the BBQ is this good!

The brick building with its classic signage looks like it could be the set of a feel-good movie about a small-town BBQ joint that saves the day.

And in a way, it is – saving the day, one rack of ribs at a time.

Their menu is a love letter to all things smoked and sauced.

The brisket is so tender, it practically melts on your fork.

And their pulled pork? It’s the kind of good that makes you want to hug the chef.

(Please don’t actually do this. They’re probably very busy and covered in sauce.)

8. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit (Columbus)

Last but certainly not least, we arrive at Ray Ray’s Hog Pit in Columbus.

This place is proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages – or in this case, in food trucks parked outside of cool bars.

The setup is simple – a food truck, some picnic tables, and a whole lot of amazing BBQ.

It’s like a backyard cookout, if your backyard happened to produce some of the best smoked meats in the state.

Their ribs are the stuff of legend – smoky, tender, and so flavorful they’ll make you forget your own name.

And don’t even get me started on their brisket.

It’s so good, it should come with its own warning label: “May cause extreme happiness and the sudden urge to move to Columbus.”

There you have it, folks – a BBQ journey across Ohio that’ll make your taste buds sing and your belt beg for mercy.

Let the feast begin!

This map is your guide to every flavor, dish, and unforgettable bite ahead.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy some stretchy pants and plan my next road trip!