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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Cincinnati

Ribs and barbecue

Made for those who judge a barbecue joint solely by the quality of its ribs and refuse to settle for anything less than a dedicated smokehouse.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bee's Barbecue image 1
Bee's Barbecue image 2
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Barbecue restaurant

Small, quaint barbecue spot with outdoor picnic tables on a semi-level stone area and smoky atmosphere that lingers on clothes. Loudspeaker calls names for orders, and seating is limited to outside with no indoor options. The vibe is relaxed with a real smoker adding authentic flavor to the food.

Ribs come with a great dry rub and fall off the bone with tender, meaty texture. They hold up well without sauce but pair nicely with a flavorful one.

Barbecue here is consistently great and tasty, drawing people from other cities. Catering options are available and well received, with amazing service accompanying the food.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket and ribs, is amazing."

"I thought the barbecue here was the best I've had in a while."

"These ribs fell off the bone and didn't even need sauce."

Good to know

1

Carry-out only with limited outdoor seating available when weather permits.

2

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early as they sell out quickly.

3

The restaurant operates for only 5 hours a day, so plan accordingly.

02
Kitty's Sports Grill image 1

Divey sports bar with an old-fashioned, charming interior and massive smoker outside creates a warm, welcoming vibe where fans in competing jerseys mingle comfortably. Multiple TVs surround the space, though not all are always in use, and the game volume stays low in dining areas. Known for best wings in Cincinnati and excellent BBQ, it balances cozy atmosphere with lively energy during games.

Smoked ribs fall off the bone with tender meat. Wings and ribs stand out as best I've had in a long time and are a must-try when available.

Smoked meats come off a genuine Lang BBQ Smoker with a focus on smoked wings and barbecue. The BBQ meets solid standards and offers a satisfying flavor profile.

People are saying

"The food here is so good it makes you question everything."

"I thought the ribs were the best I've had in a long time."

"I found the wood-smoked wings and home-cut fries to be phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arrive early to secure a spot on game days.

2

The bar has a maximum capacity, ensuring a comfortable experience without overcrowding.

3

The menu features a variety of BBQ options, all smoked on a genuine Lang BBQ Smoker.

03
Eli's BBQ โ€‹- Findlay image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small carryout-only barbecue spot with generous portions and phenomenal ribs featuring amazing BBQ sauce. Atmosphere is friendly and chill, with limited seating inside and some public tables outside. Menu is limited but offers standout items like pulled pork sandwiches and smoked turkey.

Ribs come tender with excellent smoky flavors that often don't need extra sauce. Options include rib tips and slabs, both praised for being phenomenal and sometimes considered the best in Cincinnati.

Smoked meats carry a perfect smoked flavor with savory shredded and pulled pork. The BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and often not even needed on ribs. Hot dogs come topped with pulled pork, slaw, and sauce for a unique twist.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The ribs here have excellent smoky flavors and tender meat."

"I found the ribs here to be the best I could find anywhere."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers carryout; there is no dine-in option.

2

Expect limited menu choices at this location.

3

There is no seating inside the restaurant, but outdoor seating is available nearby.

04
Sweets & Meats BBQ Restaurant - Avondale image 1

Barbecue restaurant offers a clean, spacious setting with comfortable seating and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The vibe is inviting and homey, with bright, well-maintained decor. It draws people looking for scratch-made barbecue and a relaxed dining experience.

Ribs come out tender and perfectly cooked, with rib tips that fall off the bone and have great seasoning. The smoke level stays balanced, keeping the ribs juicy without overpowering.

Great BBQ served by wonderful owners and staff creates a fantastic experience. The barbecue stands out as high-quality and impresses even those skeptical about BBQ.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and full of flavor."

"This barbecue is amazing, juicy, and tastes smoked."

"The rib tips were perfectly seasoned and fell off the bone."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7 PM and turns off their grills before 6 PM.

2

Catering services are available for events like weddings.

3

Expect large portions that justify the pricing.

05
Good Thangz Cookin image 1

Open kitchen reveals fresh soul food preparation in a clean, orderly space with a homey, backyard barbecue vibe. Mostly takeout with limited seating and parking, it draws a steady lunchtime crowd. Signature dishes include collard greens, salmon fries, and hot honey chicken sandwich.

Ribs come extremely tender and falling off the bone. Options include rib tips and boneless ribs smothered in sauce, often paired with sides like garlic mashed potatoes and macaroni cheese.

Ribs fall off the bone with a hot BBQ sauce that stands out. Friendly staff create a vibe like a backyard barbecue with music and a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"The apple cobbler here is amazing, not too sugary."

"The Barbecue here is amazing; the ribs just fell off the bone."

Good to know

1

Order ahead to avoid a wait.

2

The parking lot can get limited around the lunchtime rush.

3

The restaurant is small with limited seating, so it's not really a place to eat in.

06
Pigskins Bar and Grill image 1

Bar and grill with live music and multiple big TVs creates a lively, sports-focused atmosphere. Decor is trendy and newly remodeled, featuring a large wooden bar. Outdoor area offers a children's play space, making it welcoming for families.

Full slabs of ribs come in large portions. The ribs pair well with brisket and a variety of sides for a hearty meal. Sampling multiple dishes is common to cover different flavors.

Pulled pork comes with three BBQ sauces: sweet, spicy, and mustard-based tangy. Pork rinds dusted with Grippos and BBQ sauce serve as a popular dipping snack.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the brisket and pulled pork, is delicious."

"I really enjoyed the ribs here; they were so good."

"The pulled pork barbecue is tender, juicy, and perfectly smoked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited during peak hours.

2

The kitchen may run out of popular items like steak and brisket.

3

Expect a surcharge for credit card payments; cash may offer discounts.

07
Just Q'in BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers a stylish, modern dining room inside a classy old building with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Neo-Soul music plays softly, and a back patio provides space for gatherings. The place is known for exceptional brisket and a community-centered vibe.

Ribs have a well-seasoned bark that stands out without needing extra sauce. The meat is consistently delicious and tender, matching the quality of the brisket and sides.

Ribs and brisket stand out with unreal flavor and tenderness. The BBQ sauce and sides like greens and baked beans deliver high quality and bold taste.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the brisket, is amazing."

"I thought the barbecue here was the best I'd ever had."

"The ribs here are delicious, especially with the greens."

Good to know

1

They often run out of ribs and chicken by evening.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours.

3

There is extra parking available in the back.

08
Montgomery Inn The Boathouse image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant sits right on the river with stunning riverfront views and a relaxed atmosphere. The space includes a balcony for smoking cigars and offers live music that enhances the vibe. Guests often enjoy strong bourbon cocktails and highly praised ribs in a setting that balances casual comfort with scenic beauty.

Ribs come out legendary and exceptionally tasty, often served with potatoes as sides. Staff help with rib bibs to keep the meal neat.

Barbecue sauce stands out as rich and flavorful, complementing the tender ribs well. The coleslaw plays a key role, enhancing the overall barbecue experience.

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, tender, and juicy."

"The ribs here have a gorgeous view of the Ohio River."

"The barbecue here has a beautiful river view."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining.

2

Happy hour offers specials on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Cigar Night occurs every Thursday with a relaxed atmosphere.

09
Just Cookin BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small interior showcases positive Black culture and honors community memories, creating a nostalgic, friendly vibe. The space feels chill and welcoming despite being warm inside. High demand leads to early sellouts, with generous portions and soul food reminiscent of Chicago or Detroit spots.

Turkey ribs stand out for their tenderness and flavor. Rib tips and beef ribs also come out perfectly cooked and very tender.

Barbecue features on-point sauce and a clean, comfortable setting. Expect a 45-minute wait for food during busy times.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the turkey ribs and mac and cheese, was delicious."

"The barbecue here is excellent, especially the tender turkey ribs."

"The beef ribs were good, if a tad salty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is take-out only on Sundays due to high customer volume.

2

Expect long wait times between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on weekends.

3

The portions are generous, often enough for two servings.

10
City Barbeque image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Smoked barbecue aroma fills a spacious, comfortable setting with outdoor seating and cool blues music playing softly. Energy feels down-to-earth and inviting, with a drive-thru adding convenience. The atmosphere balances lively and relaxed, making it easy to enjoy conversation while dining.

Ribs come out exceptionally good and often paired with baked beans or sausage. Large platters mix ribs with pulled chicken and green beans, and Rib Bone Tuesdays highlight the rib offerings.

Pulled pork and brisket stand out with rich, smoky flavors. The barbecue features smoked meats that deliver a satisfying, authentic taste.

People are saying

"I found the BBQ here to be outstanding and the menu great."

"I experienced true barbecue here; it was outstanding."

"The ribs here are tender and really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only for payments.

2

Parking is available behind the restaurant.

3

Rib Bone Tuesdays offer special deals on ribs.

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Cincinnati, Ohio

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