Think you’ll only find proper barbecue joints down South? Think again. The pitmaster scene in Ohio is strong, with particularly delicious BBQ in Cleveland.
From cosy local grills to more upscale and innovative barbecue restaurants, here’s where you’ll find the tastiest smoked meats and succulent sides in the city.
Best BBQ In Cleveland
How do these rankings work?
1. Mabel’s BBQ
Mabel’s is a fantastic place from celeb chef Michael Symon, and serves some of the finest BBQ in Cleveland offering giant beef ribs, lamb ribs, chicken wings, and pork spare ribs, along with ½ pound meats and steaks rubbed with Eastern European spices. In a nutshell, it’s a meat-lover’s dream come true.
2. Boney Fingers BBQ
This fun barbecue joint strives everyday to bring authentic smokehouse flavors to Cleveland. Boney Fingers smokes their pork, brisket, chicken and ribs for up to 16 hours. The tenderness and taste of the meat speaks for itself…
3. Ohio City BBQ
If you love intensely smoked BBQ, then this restaurant is a must-visit! Ohio City BBQ has all sorts of loaded meat platters, overflowing with brisket, BBQ ribs and pulled pork. If you can handle some heat, try a splash of their “Hotter Than Hell” barbecue sauce.
4. The Rib Cage Smokehouse & Bar
The family-owned restaurant has authentic barbecue and delicious homemade sauce that it adds to the BBQ. The Rib Cage slowly smokes all their meats all day (24 hours!) inside a custom-built brick smokehouse. It also has a great bar and hosts several small music events from time to time.
5. The Proper Pig
As a winner of the Best BBQ in Cleveland, it’s no surprise that The Proper Pig has a great BBQ menu that and an amazing service. It’s a must-eat spot in Lakewood, with fun vibes and tender meats. Order a half slab or The Proper Slopper for a scrumptious feast.
6. Open Pit Bar-B-Que
Open Pit Bar-B-Que is a no-frills take away spot that you’ll find yourself going to without even thinking – their droolworthy smoked meats pull you in. They serve up proper barbecue fare that can rival any of that in the South, with a mac n cheese that locals rave about.
7. Barabicu Smokehouse
The casual barbecue shack has a great variety of BBQ fare, including its wonderfully tender beef brisket and its pulled pork. The meat is fresh outta the smoker and full of flavour. This is real melt-in-the-mouth barbecue, with incredible sides too (try the coleslaw).
