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Barbecue sandwich spots in Cincinnati

You want your barbecue served between two slices of bread so you can eat it on the move.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bee's Barbecue image 1
Bee's Barbecue image 2
Bee's Barbecue image 3
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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.

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.

Bee Sting and Carolina Stinger sandwiches stand out for their strong flavors. Pulled pork sandwiches come in large portions but sometimes need more barbecue sauce to boost taste.

People are saying

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

"I've never had Mac and Cheese this creamy before."

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

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 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.

Brisket sandwiches stand out with pulled brisket that tastes rich and tender. Pulled pork sandwiches also deliver strong flavor alongside hand-cut fries.

People are saying

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

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

"The brisket sandwich is one of the best I've had."

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
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.

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.

Brisket sandwiches stand out with tender meat and good value. Pulled pork and chicken sandwiches come with mild smoke flavor and stay juicy, pairing well with toasted bread.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the brisket sandwich to be so good and melting perfectly."

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.

04
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.

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.

Pulled pork sandwiches come with generous portions and a great smoke flavor, often overflowing with meat and sauce. Smoked turkey sandwiches offer tasty, large servings that satisfy hearty appetites.

People are saying

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

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

"The pulled pork sandwich is huge with savory, plentiful meat."

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.

05
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 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.

Pastrami and brisket sandwiches stand out with rich, smoky flavors and tender meat. Brisket sandwiches come with pickles, but there is a desire for an option to remove them. Pulled pork sandwiches also feature as a solid choice.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the brisket sandwich; it's juicy with a deep, dark bark."

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.

06
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 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.

Hot honey chicken and steak sandwiches stand out with rich flavors. The ribeye sandwich cooks perfectly, offering a satisfying bite.

People are saying

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

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

"The hot honey chicken sandwich was amazing."

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.

07
Element Eatery image 1
Food court

Open food court with a spacious bar and plenty of seating suits large groups and casual hangouts. Live music and big TVs create a lively yet conversational atmosphere. Wide variety of food options and craft beers offer diverse choices for quick meals or social gatherings.

Fork-tender brisket and succulent pulled pork stand out with blackberry BBQ sauce adding a tangy twist. Smoked wings and a BBQ burger also offer solid options among a variety of food vendors.

Italian Beef and BBQ Beef sandwiches stand out with rich flavors. The grilled chicken and Cuban sandwiches offer solid, tasty options.

People are saying

"I found so many great food options to choose from."

"You have to try the blackberry BBQ sauce with the smoked wings."

"The BBQ chicken sandwich was excellent."

Good to know

1

Trivia night occurs every Monday night at 8pm.

2

Live music is featured every Friday and Saturday night.

3

Element Eatery hosts a Cars and Coffee meet every Saturday year-round.

08
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.

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

Variety of BBQ meats shines in the sandwich options. The brisket and pork BBQ sandwiches are tender and served in good portions. The hot chicken sandwich stands out as consistently really good.

People are saying

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

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

"The pork BBQ sandwich was tender and had a nice smoky flavor."

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.

09
RJ Craft BBQ (Inside RJ Cinema) image 1

Barbecue restaurant inside a cinema offers a casual, inviting atmosphere with smoked meats prepared fresh on site. The space includes many high chairs and tables, catering to families and groups. Drinks like well-made old fashioneds complement the menu, creating a relaxed vibe with quick service.

Barbecue features a spicy berry barbecue sauce that stands out, especially paired with brisket. The BBQ lacks traditional smokiness, but the side of barbecue sauce and side salad add notable flavor.

Brisket sandwiches come with very filling portions and rich flavor. Cuban sandwiches feature smoky pork with nice bark, but the buns soak up grease and get mushy, affecting texture.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and mouthwatering."

"The Barbecue Brussels sprouts were pretty good."

"This brisket sandwich is fall-apart tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is good parking conveniently located near RJ Craft BBQ.

2

The prices are reasonable, with a 2-for-1 brunch deal available.

3

All the meats are smoked in the back, ensuring freshness.

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Cincinnati, Ohio

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