There’s nothing like the mouthwatering smell of a smokehouse on the sidewalk to draw you in. Here in the Buckeye State, there are several local smokehouses and barbecue joints that will do just that if you happen to walk by during the lunch or dinner rush. From small town legends to big city restaurants, the following are 9 of our favorite places in Ohio to indulge in some hearty barbecue and perfectly smoked meats. They’re arguably the best smokehouse restaurants in Ohio.

See how many you’ve been to before and which ones you need to add to your dining bucket list:

1. Eli's BBQ (Cincinnati)
Eli's BBQ/Facebook
Eli's BBQ/Facebook
Brave the possibility of a long line at Eli's BBQ. The Rib Tips (pictured) alone are worth it. Fun fact: In 2016, Business Insider ranked "The 50 best barbecue joints in America," and Cincinnati’s very own Eli’s BBQ came in at #3 on that list.
2. Deet’s BBQ (Maumee)
Deet's BBQ/Facebook
Deet's BBQ/Facebook
This family owned and operated barbecue joint has multiple locations and also operates as a mobile catering company, based in Maumee. Some local favorite dishes include their sliced brisket sandwich and slow smoked pulled pork. Pictured is the Big Pete, which features both a quarter pound of pulled pork and a quarter pound of chopped beef brisket. Come see why Deet's BBQ is one of the best smokehouses in Ohio.
3. B & K Smoke House (Columbus)
B&k smokehouse/Facebook
B&k smokehouse/Facebook
You'll encounter the most mouthwatering chicken wings and ribs at this humble smokehouse. For lunch, you can't go wrong with the brisket sandwich, pulled pork and even smoked turkey sandwich at B & K Smoke House.
4. 7 Miles Smokehouse (Chillicothe)
cjhahn107/TripAdvisor
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. The sandwiches here are massive and mouthwatering. (If you're feeling ambitious—and pretty hungry—ask about the "I Ate All 8 Challenge.") Pictured is "The Mad Dog" with pulled smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled pork, topped with grilled onions, sauce and creamy signature cole slaw. 7 Miles Smokehouse is the perfect place to satisfy your hunger cravings.
5. Rudy's Smokehouse (Springfield)
Checkmate75/TripAdvisor

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Rudy's Smokehouse/Facebook
A popular go-to for Rudy's Smokehouse regulars is the pulled pork sandwich. Really, this tasty meal is out-of-this-world good. Pro tip: If you don't have time to linger for awhile, ask about the boxed lunch option. It's convenient, delicious and filling.
6. Company 7 BBQ (Englewood)
Company 7 BBQ/Facebook
Company 7 BBQ/Facebook
Founded by a family of firefighters, this unique restaurant showcases fire awards and memorabilia. The slow-cooked pit style barbecue is truly exceptional here. For 8 years in a row now, National Barbecue News has deemed Company 7 BBQ "one of the 28 Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America."
7. Millstone BBQ (Logan)
viajandosequiensoy/TripAdvisor
hamamama/TripAdvisor
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Hocking Hills, you'll find this award-winning restaurant that specializes in southern smoked barbecue. On the menu, you'll find everything from mouthwatering pork sliders to a full rack of ribs—and the sides do not disappoint. FYI: Wing Night is Monday and Tuesday and features discounted nachos, potato skins and pork sliders. There's so much to love about Millstone BBQ
8. Kennedy's Bar-B-Que (Canton)
GlassFamilyFun/TripAdvisor
Diane B/TripAdvisor
A tiny but mighty restaurant, Kennedy's Bar-B-Que is a force to be reckoned with in the barbecue world. The Pulled Pork Sandwich is a must-try. (You can also get a slider for just a few bucks more.) Additionally, we highly recommend trying their famous Bean Soup as a side to whatever you end up ordering. (You're welcome.)
9. Old Canal Smoke House (Chillicothe)
usa_banjo/TripAdvisor
johndwilliams/TripAdvisor
Nestled along the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal in the state's first capital, this smokehouse is one of the best places to eat in town. The smoked brisket, pulled pork and homemade barbecue sauce is truly exceptional. You'll have a hard time choosing your sides as well—but really, that's a great problem to have. Chow down on scrumptious meals at Old Canal Smoke House.

Have you been to any of the best smokehouse restaurants in Ohio? What other BBQ joints would you add to this list? Share your thoughts, experiences and recommendations with us! And if you know another incredible place to eat in the Buckeye State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Hungry for more epic eats? Check out the ultimate Ohio pizza bucket list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best smokehouse restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | July 29, 2020

Where can I find the best BBQ in Ohio?

Not many people realize that there are actually tons of places to get amazing BBQ in Ohio. For some perfectly smoked ribs and pork, visit Bill's Real Pit Bar-B-Q in Nashport. This family-owned eatery isn’t fancy, but the dishes can’t be beat. Gather up your loved ones and enjoy a hearty meal together. Open Pitt Bar-B-Que, located in Cleveland, is also known for their magnificent meats. Be sure to try their chicken wings! This place has served happy customers since 1988, and people keep coming back for more.

Who makes the best southern food in Ohio?

Surprisingly, there are several delicious southern restaurants in Ohio. If you really want to savor the flavors of the south, visit La Soul Authentic Soul Food in Akron. These comforting dishes will make you feel right at home. Everyone raves about their fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and catfish sandwiches. But you can’t neglect the sides! You’ll love their creamy mac and cheese, fluffy mashed potatoes, and tasty creamed corn.

What are the best small town diners in Ohio?

For a truly tasty meal, journey off the beaten path and visit one of the small town diners in Ohio. The Spot To Eat, located in Sidney, is an iconic eatery known for its excellent hamburgers. Savor the flavors of the good ‘ol days at this charming diner. For more classic meals, visit Carl's Townhouse in Chillicothe. You’ll love the nostalgic 1950s atmosphere and friendly service.

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Featured Addresses
Eli's BBQ - Riverside, 3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Deet's BBQ, 1385 Conant St D, Maumee, OH 43537, USA
B & K Smoke House, 1114 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
7 Miles Smokehouse, 285 E 7th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Rudy's Smokehouse, 2222 S Limestone St, Springfield, OH 45505, USA
Company 7 BBQ, 1001 S Main St, Englewood, OH 45322, USA
Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ, 12790 Grey St, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Kennedy Barbecue, 1420 7th St NW, Canton, OH 44703, USA
Old Canal Smoke House, 94 E Water St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA