When I think about the best BBQ in Akron, OH, I get really excited! I’ve tasted so many delicious dishes, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you. Trust me, I’ve done my homework, and I’m here to help you find the tastiest spots in town.
So, what’s the best BBQ in Akron, OH? Well, it’s all about the amazing flavors and mouthwatering meats you can find at these local gems. From juicy ribs to smoky brisket, there’s something for everyone. You’ll definitely want to check out these places if you’re craving some seriously good barbecue!
Stick around, because I’m going to take you on a tasty adventure through Akron’s BBQ scene. You’ll learn about the best restaurants, what to order, and why each spot is special. Let’s dive in and discover some BBQ magic together!
Top 10 BBQ in Akron, OH
- Old Carolina Barbecue Company – Akron
- Best Damn Smoked Meats – BDSM BBQ
- Seasoning King Sports Bar & Grill
- City Barbeque
- Big Eu’es BBQ
- SPUDDY’S BBQ (FORMERLY COPLEY ROAD WINGS)
- Crave
- Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ
- Swensons Drive-In
- Seoul Garden Restaurant
1. Old Carolina Barbecue Company – Akron
Phone: (330) 665-4222
Menu: oldcarolina.com
Directions: Open on Map
Old Carolina Barbecue Company is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ in Fairlawn! When I walked in, I could smell all the yummy smoked meats, and it made my mouth water. The vibe is super chill, which is just perfect for enjoying some good food with friends or family.
What I really love about Old Carolina is their pulled pork. It’s so tender and juicy! They cook it for a long time, and you can really taste the love in every bite. Plus, they have these awesome sauces you can try, which makes it even better!
Oh, and don’t skip the St. Louis-style ribs! They’re so good and fall right off the bone. Trust me, you’ll want to order some sides too, like their mac and cheese. It’s all just so delicious!
2. Best Damn Smoked Meats – BDSM BBQ
Phone: (330) 696-4367
Menu: www.bestdamnsmokedmeats.com
Directions: Open on Map
Best Damn Smoked Meats, or BDSM BBQ, is one of my favorite BBQ spots in Akron! When I walked in for the first time, the smoky smell was so strong, and I just knew I was going to love it. The place feels cozy and welcoming, and the people who work there are super nice, which makes it even better.
What really makes BDSM BBQ special is their smoked brisket. Oh my gosh, it’s so tender and juicy! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “Wow, this is amazing!” They really know how to smoke their meats just right.
And you have to try the burnt ends! They’re crispy on the outside and so soft inside. Pair them with some creamy coleslaw, and you’ve got a meal that’s just perfect!
3. Seasoning King Sports Bar & Grill
Phone: (330) 974-5200
Menu: www.theseasoningking.com
Directions: Open on Map
Seasoning King Sports Bar & Grill
Seasoning King Sports Bar & Grill is such a fun place to eat in Akron! When I walked in, I could feel the happy vibe all around. There were lots of people laughing and enjoying their food, and the staff was super nice, which made me feel really welcome.
What I love most about Seasoning King is their BBQ chicken. It’s so juicy and tasty! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “Wow, this is the best chicken ever!” They really know how to make it just right with all the yummy seasonings.
And don’t forget to try their loaded fries! They’re covered in cheese and bacon, and they make the perfect side dish. Trust me, you’ll want to get these to go with your meal because they are so good!
4. City Barbeque
Phone: (330) 800-2532
Menu: www.citybbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
City Barbeque
City Barbeque is one of my favorite places to eat in Fairlawn! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoked meats made my tummy rumble. The place feels really cozy and relaxed, which is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
What I love most about City Barbeque is their pulled pork. It’s super tender and so full of flavor! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “Wow, this is amazing!” They really know how to smoke their meats just right, and it shows.
You have to try their mac and cheese too! It’s creamy and cheesy, and it goes perfectly with the BBQ. Trust me, you’ll want to get it as a side because it’s just so delicious!
5. Big Eu’es BBQ
Phone: (234) 706-6700
Menu: bigeues.com
Directions: Open on Map
Big Eu’es BBQ
Big Eu’es BBQ is one of my favorite places to eat in Cuyahoga Falls! When I walked in for the first time, the yummy smell of BBQ hit me right away, and I just knew I was going to have a great meal. The place feels super friendly and fun, which makes it a nice spot to hang out.
What I really love about Big Eu’es is their smoked ribs. Oh wow, they are so tender and juicy! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “This is the best rib ever!” They really know how to cook them just right, and you can taste the care they put into it.
And you have to try their BBQ sauce! It’s sweet and tangy, and it makes everything taste even better. Trust me, you’ll want to dip your meat in it because it’s just that good!
6. SPUDDY’S BBQ (FORMERLY COPLEY ROAD WINGS)
Phone: (330) 836-6400
Menu: www.spuddysbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
SPUDDY’S BBQ (FORMERLY COPLEY ROAD WINGS)
SPUDDY’S BBQ is one of my favorite places to eat in Akron! When I walked in, the yummy smell of BBQ made me so excited, and I just knew I was going to have a great time. The place is really lively, and the staff is super nice, which makes it feel like a fun hangout spot.
What I love most about SPUDDY’S is their smoked wings. Oh my gosh, they are so crispy and tasty! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “These are the best wings ever!” They really know how to make them just right with all the yummy seasonings.
And you have to try their BBQ platter! It has a little bit of everything, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends. Trust me, you’ll want to order this to taste all the deliciousness!
7. Crave
Phone: (330) 253-1234
Menu: www.eatdrinkcrave.com
Directions: Open on Map
Crave
Crave is one of the coolest places I’ve been to in Akron! When I walked in, I was blown away by all the colorful art everywhere. The vibe is super fun and lively, and it made me really excited to try the food. I couldn’t wait to see what yummy dishes they had!
What really makes Crave special is their mix of flavors from all around the world. I remember trying their BBQ pork tacos, and oh wow, they were so tasty! The pork was super tender, and all the fresh toppings made it even better.
You’ve got to try their crispy Brussels sprouts too! They are so delicious and make a perfect side dish. Trust me, you’ll want to order these because they are just that good!
8. Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ
Phone: (330) 349-6949
Menu: jimmysbackyardbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ
Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ is one of my favorite places to eat in Cuyahoga Falls! When I walked in, I felt so cozy and right at home. The smell of BBQ was so yummy, and I couldn’t wait to dig into their food!
What I really love about Jimmy’s is their smoked brisket. Oh wow, it’s super tender and so full of flavor! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “This is the best brisket ever!” They really know how to smoke their meats just right, and it shows in every bite.
You’ve got to try their BBQ chicken too! It’s juicy and delicious, and it goes perfectly with their tasty sides. Trust me, you’ll want to order this because it’s just that good!
9. Swensons Drive-In
Phone: (330) 928-8515
Menu: www.swensonsdriveins.com
Directions: Open on Map
Swensons Drive-In
Swensons Drive-In is one of my favorite places to eat in Akron! When I pulled up, I felt like I was in a fun old-school movie. The smell of burgers and fries was so yummy, and I couldn’t wait to order my food!
What I really love about Swensons is their Galley Boy burger. It’s super tasty with two juicy beef patties and their special sauce. I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “Wow, this is the best burger ever!” They really know how to make a burger that makes you smile.
And you have to try their fries! They are crispy and golden, and they are the perfect side. Trust me, you’ll want to get a big order to share because they are just that good!
10. Seoul Garden Restaurant
Seoul Garden Restaurant
Seoul Garden Restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in Cuyahoga Falls! When I walked in, I was so excited to see all the yummy Korean dishes on the menu. The place feels really cozy and nice, which is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
What I love most about Seoul Garden is their BBQ short ribs. Oh wow, they are so tender and full of flavor! I remember taking a big bite and thinking, “This is the best short rib ever!” They really know how to cook their meats just right.
And you have to try their kimchi pancakes! They are crispy and so delicious, making them a perfect side dish. Trust me, you’ll want to order these because they are just that good!
Map of BBQ in Akron, OH
Choosing the Right Restaurant for You
With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Restaurant | Price | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Old Carolina Barbecue Company – Akron | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Best Damn Smoked Meats – BDSM BBQ | – | Yes | Yes | No | – | – |
Seasoning King Sports Bar & Grill | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
City Barbeque | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Big Eu’es BBQ | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
SPUDDY’S BBQ (FORMERLY COPLEY ROAD WINGS) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Crave | Expensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
Swensons Drive-In | Inexpensive | – | Yes | Yes | Inaccessible | No |
Seoul Garden Restaurant | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Akron, OH?
There are some really great BBQ spots in Akron! My favorites are Old Carolina Barbecue Company, Best Damn Smoked Meats, and City Barbeque. Each place has its own yummy flavors that BBQ lovers will enjoy!
2. What types of BBQ can I find in Akron?
In Akron, you can find all kinds of BBQ styles! There’s Carolina-style pulled pork, Texas brisket, and St. Louis ribs. Plus, many places have tasty sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw that go perfectly with the BBQ.
3. Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants in Akron?
Yes, lots of BBQ places in Akron have vegetarian options! You can usually find salads, sides, and sometimes even veggie burgers. It’s always good to check the menu or ask the staff for what they have.
4. Can I get BBQ delivered in Akron?
For sure! Many BBQ restaurants in Akron offer delivery, so you can enjoy your favorite BBQ at home. Just check their websites to see if they deliver!
5. Do I need to make a reservation at BBQ restaurants in Akron?
Some BBQ places take reservations, but many are first-come, first-served. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check their website, especially if you’re going on a busy night!