Barabicu Smokehouse
Why we love it: Inspired by the
indigenous Caribbean word for barbecue, this weekend-only spot is committed to the tradition of low and slow. Try this: Barabicu might be the only place on earth serving cupcake chicken ($4), a crispy ball of chicken thigh. 5767 Ridge Road, Parma, 440-481-3057, barabicubbq.wixsite.com/smokehouse
Boney Fingers
Why we love it: Birthed in the food court of the Cleveland Arcade, this family-run downtown campus joint runs two electric cabinet smokers for 16 hours a day. “If it's not up to our standards, we won’t sell it,” says co-owner Christian Huff. Try this: Forget Philly. The CLE ($9) is a smoked spin on a cheesesteak. 1800 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-5252, boneyfingersbbq.co
Bronco’s Western Smokehouse
Why we love it: Before opening in 2021, co-owner Gary Carrino won the Great American Rib Cook-Off six years in a row. Now, his Western-themed brick-and-mortar is serving up all of his award-winning greats. Try this: The Giddy-Up Platter ($27) is a bit of everything: brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, smoked sausage and a side. 3765 Ridge Road, Cleveland, 216-938-7200, broncoswesternbbq.com
Goodfella’s BBQ
Why we love it: Darryl Rugley is building a new smoker room to meet demand. “Every day we cook more ribs than the day before,” he says, “and every day we still run out.” Try this: The crispy rib tips ($6) are tossed in a sweet sauce and served with fries. 5156 Wilson Mills Road, Richmond Heights, 440-421-9640, instagram.com/goodfellasbbq
Joe’s BBQ Kent
Why we love it: Joe Menendez moved back to Kent from Austin, Texas, ready to revolutionize local barbecue. Now, his roadside smoker, Big Smoke, cooks up to 40 salt-and-pepper briskets a day. Try this: When Menendez pulls his Central Texas-style brisket ($22) off the smoker, "it almost smells like chocolate,” he says. 1299 Tallmadge Road, Kent, 330-552-8295, joesbbqkent.com
Landmark Smokehouse
Why we love it: At almost any hour, lifelong friends Jack Messer and Constantine Katsaros are smoking meats on their all-wood-burning Oyler 700. “People in the neighborhood always say, ‘You guys are cooking late. We can smell you!’” Messer says. Catering to all, the offerings are split between barbecue and lighter fare, like salads and bowls — and the whiskey list is longer than the food menu. Try this: The Montreal smoked meat ($16), a peppery, dry-rubbed cousin of pastrami, takes a full 11 days to prepare. 11637 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland, 216-230-4040, landmarksmokehouse.com
Miega Korean BBQ
Why we love it: Miega’s vast menu encompasses multiple cuisines but, as its name suggests, Korean barbecue stars. Choose from 10 meat options, served raw and cooked on tabletop hot plates. They all come with banchan, a series of small sides delivered and refilled throughout the meal, like seaweed salad, braised black beans and kimchi. Try this: The LA Gal Bi ($32.95), a plate of short ribs, is a Korean barbecue staple. 3820 Superior Ave. E, Cleveland, 216-432-9200, miegakorean.com
Oak and Embers Tavern
Why we love it: Extensive travel through the American South-inspired co-owners Gretchen and Marc Garofoli and Chris Pauley's Northeast Ohio menu. The result is a refined, contemporary barbecue experience with classic, downhome taste. Try this: Create the combo of your culinary dreams with the mix-and-match Smokin’ Bowls ($16), your choice of starch, meat and sauce. 7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056; 8003 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, 440-729-4030, oakandembers.com
Ol’Chefskis BBQ
Why we love it: Once a roadside barbecue shack, this rural spot expanded in 2020 to a more permanent locale on the grounds of the lusciously green Aurora Country Club. Limited indoor seating means it’s best on sunny days. Try this: Say buh-bye to buns and order your pulled pork served atop a bed of ooey-gooey smoked mac and cheese ($9/$12). 15 Trails End, Aurora, 330-356-1106, clevelandsbestbbq.com
Open Pitt Barbeque Carryout
Why we love it: Get in line. There’s almost always a bit of a wait at this no-nonsense, carryout joint. It’s worth it for huge portions and fall-off-the-bone ribs and Southern-style sides. Try this: Collard greens ($3.50) are slowly simmered with pork and turkey just like down South. 12335 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-851-7709, restaurantji.com/oh/cleveland/open-pitt-bar-b-que
Mabel’s BBQ
Why we love it: As chef Michael Symon’s only remaining restaurant, Mabel’s has a lot to live up to — and it’s up to the task. It’s also the only spot laying claim to “Cleveland-style” barbecue thanks to a special sauce made with local Bertman Ball Park Mustard. Try this: The name “giant beef rib” is no exaggeration of marketing. Rubbed with coriander, black pepper and mustard seed, each 1.5-pound, pastrami-spiced beef rib ($52) easily serves two. 2050 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-417-8823; 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, mabelsbbq.com
Proper Pig Smokehouse
Why we love it: Take your mouth down South at this small but mighty Lakewood locale, which started as a food truck and expanded its brick-and-mortar in 2020. The menu is chockablock with Texas favorites such as Central Texas-style chopped beef brisket, hot links, hatch chile queso, Lone Star beer and sweet tea. Try this: Want a side of meat with your meat? The bacon on a stick ($5) is a sweet, smoky appetizer that’s worth the indulgence. 17100 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 440-665-3768, properpigsmokehouse.com
Proof Bar-BQ and Cocktails
Why we love it: Can’t decide between pizza and BBQ? Michael Griffin's Tremont hotspot pulls double duty with Crust, his pizza joint upstairs. “It’s the best of both worlds,” he says. Try this: The mile-high pork nachos ($13) are dressed with chipotle queso, salsa and barbecue sauce. 2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-583-0551, proofcleveland.com
Real Smoq’ed BBQ
Why we love it: Nav Singh's Ohio City BBQ opened in 2017 and recently changed its name, but its philosophy remains. “Our menu is simple, fresh and to the point,” says Singh. Try this: The Polish Girl ($10) levels up the Polish Boy — kielbasa, French fries, tangy slaw — by adding pulled pork. 3829 Lorain Ave., 216-417-5987, ohiocitybbq.com
Rising Grill Korean BBQ
Why we love it: With huge portions and nearly 15 sides, it’s impossible to leave hungry. Try this: Every authentic Korean barbecue spot needs bulgogi ($31.99), thin slices of tender, soy-marinated ribeye cooked on your tabletop. 3709 Payne Ave., Cleveland, 216-465-3561, risinggrill.com
Smokin’ Q’s BBQ and Beer House
Why we love it: Are tacos and barbecue the best match-up of all time? Chef Zachary Ladner makes the argument for this perfect pairing with a taco menu featuring wood-smoked meats and fresh, funky accouterments. It’s the consummate combo, especially when you factor in a refreshing booze list that plays homage to Central Texas. Try this: In the PB+J tacos ($13), pork belly is paired with house-made jalapeno jam. 718 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, 440-646-0429, smokinqbbq.com
Woodstock BBQ
Why we love it: Rather than sticking with a specific style, owner Robert Togliatti went the eclectic route. “It’s a mixture of Nashville and Memphis barbecue, with Texas brisket thrown in,” he says. He carefully curates a single-page menu, with a rule that any time he adds something, he must remove something, too. Try this: The jalapeno appetizers ($6) are stuffed with smoked sausage and cheddar cream cheese, then topped with bacon. 13362 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-8828, woodstocksmokejoint.com
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