Home » USA » Ohio » BBQ in Cincinnati, OH

Best BBQ in Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, Ohio, is such a cool place for BBQ lovers like me! There are so many amazing spots here that serve up delicious smoked meats and tasty sides. I’m excited to share my favorite places with you, so you can dive into the yummy world of Cincinnati BBQ.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Cincinnati, OH? Well, the best BBQ here comes from a bunch of awesome restaurants that really know how to make mouthwatering food. You’ll find everything from classic smokehouses to fun food trucks, and each one has its own special vibe and flavors that make it unique.

I can’t wait for you to join me on this tasty adventure! We’ll explore all the best BBQ joints, check out their standout dishes, and see what makes each place a must-try for anyone who loves BBQ as much as I do.

Top 10 BBQ in Cincinnati, OH

  1. Just Q’in BBQ – Walnut Hills
  2. Pig Candy BBQ
  3. Eli’s BBQ – Riverside
  4. Lucius Q
  5. Bee’s Barbecue OTR
  6. Bee’s Barbecue
  7. Montgomery Inn The Boathouse
  8. Just Cookin BBQ
  9. Sweets & Meats BBQ Catering & Food Truck – Mt. Washington
  10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

1. Just Q’in BBQ – Walnut Hills

Just Q'in BBQ - Walnut Hills

975 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206, USA
Phone: (513) 477-6322
Menu: justqin.com
Directions: Open on Map

Just Q’in BBQ in Walnut Hills is one of my favorite places to grab some BBQ! When I walked in, it felt so cozy and welcoming. The staff was super nice, and I loved that I could sit inside or outside, depending on my mood.

What makes Just Q’in really special is how they cook their food. The meats are smoked just right, and you can really taste how fresh everything is. I totally recommend the brisket—it’s so tender and juicy! And don’t forget to try the mac and cheese; it’s creamy and goes perfectly with the BBQ.

If you want a yummy BBQ meal, Just Q’in BBQ is the place to be! You’ll leave happy and full, trust me!

2. Pig Candy BBQ

Pig Candy BBQ

5901 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA
Phone: (513) 231-0378
Menu: www.eatpigcandy.com
Directions: Open on Map

Pig Candy BBQ is one of the coolest places I’ve been for BBQ! When I got there, the atmosphere was super chill, and I loved that I could pick to sit inside or outside. The staff was really nice and made me feel so welcome right away.

What makes Pig Candy BBQ really special is their fun flavors! They have some unique dishes that you won’t find everywhere. I totally recommend the pulled pork—it’s so tender and smoky, just perfect! And you have to try their Pig Candy, which is bacon with a sweet glaze. It’s like a yummy treat that you’ll remember!

If you’re looking for a great BBQ spot, Pig Candy BBQ is the place to go! You’ll leave happy and full, and I bet you’ll want to come back for more!

3. Eli’s BBQ – Riverside

Eli's BBQ - Riverside

3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Phone: (513) 533-1957 ext. 1
Menu: elisbarbeque.com
Directions: Open on Map

Eli’s BBQ in Riverside is one of my favorite places to grab some BBQ! When I went there, it felt so relaxed and homey, like a fun backyard hangout. I loved sitting outside in the nice weather, and the staff was super friendly, which made me feel really welcome.

What makes Eli’s BBQ special is their classic barbecue dishes. I totally recommend the pulled pork—it’s so juicy and full of flavor! And the ribs? Oh my gosh, they’re so tender and just fall off the bone. You can really taste the smoky goodness in every bite, and it’s just amazing!

If you’re in the mood for some yummy BBQ, Eli’s BBQ is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

4. Lucius Q

Lucius Q

1131 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Phone: (513) 421-4227
Menu: www.luciusq.com
Directions: Open on Map

Lucius Q is one of my favorite BBQ spots! When I went there, the place was buzzing with energy, and I loved the cool vibe. I found a nice spot on the patio, enjoying the sunshine and listening to some live music. The staff was super friendly, which made me feel right at home.

What really makes Lucius Q special is their delicious smoked meats and awesome craft beer. I totally recommend the brisket—it’s so tender and full of flavor! And you have to try their smoked wings; they’re crispy and just bursting with smoky goodness. You can really taste how much love they put into their food.

If you want a fun place to enjoy BBQ with great food, Lucius Q is the spot for you! You’ll have a great time and leave with a big smile!

5. Bee’s Barbecue OTR

Bee's Barbecue OTR

1403 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Phone: (513) 721-2337
Menu: www.beesbarbecue.com
Directions: Open on Map

Bee’s Barbecue OTR is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ! When I went there, the vibe was super fun and lively. I loved sitting outside and enjoying the city while I ate. The staff was really friendly, which made me feel so welcome right away.

What makes Bee’s Barbecue OTR really special is their yummy flavors and fresh ingredients. I totally recommend the pulled pork—it’s so juicy and full of flavor! And you have to try their mac and cheese; it’s creamy and goes perfectly with the BBQ. You can really taste how good everything is!

If you’re in the mood for some delicious BBQ, Bee’s Barbecue OTR is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

6. Bee’s Barbecue

Bee's Barbecue

5910 Chandler St, Cincinnati, OH 45227, USA
Phone: (513) 561-2337
Menu: beesbarbecue.com
Directions: Open on Map

Bee’s Barbecue is one of my favorite places to enjoy BBQ! When I went there, it felt so cozy and welcoming, like visiting a friend’s house. I loved sitting outside in the nice weather, and the staff was super friendly, which made me feel right at home.

What really makes Bee’s Barbecue special is their yummy flavors and fresh ingredients. I totally recommend trying their ribs—they’re so tender and smoky, just amazing! And you have to get their coleslaw; it’s crunchy and really refreshing, which goes perfectly with the BBQ. You can taste how fresh everything is!

If you’re in the mood for some delicious BBQ, Bee’s Barbecue is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

7. Montgomery Inn The Boathouse

Montgomery Inn The Boathouse

925 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Phone: (513) 721-7427
Menu: www.montgomeryinn.com
Directions: Open on Map

Montgomery Inn The Boathouse is one of my favorite BBQ spots! When I went there, the view of the river was just beautiful, and the whole place felt so nice and relaxed. I really enjoyed sitting outside, soaking up the sun while I ate. The staff was super friendly, which made me feel right at home.

What makes Montgomery Inn special is their classic BBQ dishes and yummy sauces. I totally recommend trying their famous ribs—they’re so tender and covered in their special sauce that’s just amazing! And you have to get their BBQ chicken; it’s juicy and full of flavor. You can really taste how good everything is!

If you want a great BBQ experience, Montgomery Inn The Boathouse is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

8. Just Cookin BBQ

Just Cookin BBQ

1144 California Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA
Phone: (513) 641-3663
Menu: justcookinbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map

Just Cookin BBQ is one of my favorite places to enjoy BBQ! When I went there, the atmosphere was super friendly and cozy. I loved that I could sit inside or outside, soaking up the nice weather while I ate. The staff was really nice, which made me feel right at home.

What makes Just Cookin BBQ special is their yummy flavors and fresh ingredients. I totally recommend trying their smoked brisket—it’s so tender and full of flavor! And you have to get their baked beans; they’re sweet and smoky, which makes them the perfect side. You can really taste how much love they put into their food!

If you’re in the mood for some delicious BBQ, Just Cookin BBQ is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

9. Sweets & Meats BBQ Catering & Food Truck – Mt. Washington

Sweets & Meats BBQ Catering & Food Truck - Mt. Washington

3440 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
Phone: (513) 888-4227
Menu: sweetsandmeatsbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map

Sweets & Meats BBQ Catering & Food Truck in Mt. Washington is such a cool place for BBQ! When I went there, I was super excited to see the food truck and smell all the yummy food cooking. The staff was really friendly and made me feel so welcome right away, which was awesome!

What makes Sweets & Meats stand out is their tasty flavors and fun menu. I totally recommend trying their smoked brisket—it’s so tender and juicy, just perfect! And you have to get their mac and cheese; it’s creamy and cheesy, which makes it the best side ever. You can really taste how much love they put into their food!

If you’re looking for some delicious BBQ on the go, Sweets & Meats BBQ is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

5901 E Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236, USA
Phone: (513) 888-7879
Menu: www.gyu-kaku.com
Directions: Open on Map

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is such a fun and different place to enjoy BBQ! When I went there, I loved how I could grill my own food right at the table. It felt like a little cooking adventure! The staff was super friendly and helped me pick out some really tasty dishes, which made everything even better.

What makes Gyu-Kaku special is their yummy Japanese BBQ style. I totally recommend trying the beef tongue; it’s so tender and full of flavor! And you have to get the garlic shrimp; it’s grilled just right and super delicious. You can really taste how fresh everything is!

If you’re looking for a fun BBQ experience with a twist, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is the place to be! You’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy, and I know you’ll want to come back for more!

Map of BBQ in Cincinnati, 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
Just Q’in BBQ – Walnut Hills Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Pig Candy BBQ Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Eli’s BBQ – Riverside Moderate Yes Yes Yes No
Lucius Q Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Bee’s Barbecue OTR Moderate Yes Yes No Accessible No
Bee’s Barbecue Moderate Yes Yes No Accessible No
Montgomery Inn The Boathouse Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Just Cookin BBQ Moderate Yes Yes Yes No
Sweets & Meats BBQ Catering & Food Truck – Mt. Washington Moderate No No Yes Accessible No
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best BBQ restaurants in Cincinnati?
    There are so many great BBQ places in Cincinnati! Some of my favorites are Just Q’in BBQ, Pig Candy BBQ, and Eli’s BBQ. Each one has its own yummy flavors and a cozy vibe that makes them super fun to visit.

  • Is there BBQ catering available in Cincinnati?
    Yes, you can totally find BBQ catering in Cincinnati! Places like Sweets & Meats BBQ offer catering for parties and events, so you can treat your guests to some delicious BBQ.

  • What types of BBQ styles can I find in Cincinnati?
    Cincinnati has a mix of BBQ styles, which is really cool! You can find traditional American BBQ, Japanese BBQ at Gyu-Kaku, and even some unique twists at local favorites. There’s something for everyone!

  • Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants in Cincinnati?
    Yes, many BBQ spots have vegetarian options! You can usually find things like grilled veggies, salads, and tasty sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw. Just ask the staff for their recommendations!

  • Can I get BBQ delivered in Cincinnati?
    Absolutely! Lots of BBQ places in Cincinnati, like Montgomery Inn and Just Cookin BBQ, offer delivery. It’s super easy to enjoy your favorite BBQ right at home!

Scroll to Top