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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Cincinnati

Ribs and mac and cheese

A plate of ribs paired with creamy mac and cheese is the only thing that will fix this mood. It is time for some serious comfort food.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

Mac and cheese comes hot and full of flavor. It stands out alongside collard greens and mashed potatoes as a delicious choice.

People are saying

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

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

"I'm telling you, the mac and cheese here is fire."

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.

02
Bee's Barbecue image 1
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.

Mac and cheese stands out with great flavor and an incredible texture. It pairs well with brisket and cornbread, making it a popular choice.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

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.

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.

Unique and exceptional mac and cheese stands out here, with fried mac and cheese balls also on the menu. Sides like mac and cheese and collard greens receive strong praise.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was delicious."

"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.

04
All In One Occasions image 1

Small restaurant with attached bar offers a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere and comfortable seating. Music plays to enhance the laid-back vibe where groups gather and chat. Known for expertly prepared soul food, especially standout mac and cheese and fried pork chops.

Ribs come with BBQ sauce and have a tender texture, though some find them less tender than expected. They taste like they were boiled but remain soft.

Mac and cheese comes creamy and rich, often paired with dishes like pork chops, salmon croquettes, and fried okra. It stands out as a comfort food staple alongside sides like yams and green beans.

People are saying

"I experienced some of the best food I have ever had."

"I loved the ribs with BBQ sauce."

"I ate the best mac and cheese I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for carry-out orders to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has been family-owned and operated for over 20 years.

3

Expect higher prices for individual sides compared to main dishes.

05
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar image 1

Large patio offers breathtaking river views and dog-friendly outdoor seating with fire pits. Energetic atmosphere fills the space, especially during sports games shown on wall-to-wall TVs. Seating is crowded and lively, creating an upscale yet bustling vibe for fans and diners alike.

KY Sticky Ribs offer a very tasty, sticky flavor and come with sides like seasoned broccoli for $8. The KY Bourbon ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful.

Offers very good mac and cheese with some dishes like the KY Hotbrown and Porkopolis featuring it as a standout. Opinions vary, but many find the mac and cheese comparable to Prime's quality.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the burgers and fries; they were cooked perfectly."

"The outdoor space here is beautiful with a great patio."

"The mac and cheese here was out of this world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during busy events.

2

Happy hour offers $2 off craft beers and $10 food specials.

3

Thursday Martini day features $6 martinis, a great deal for cocktail lovers.

06
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.

Mac and cheese stands out as the clear favorite side here. Options like the pastrami mac and cheese and brisket mac and cheese meet high expectations for flavor and texture.

People are saying

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

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

"The mac and cheese was the clear standout among the sides."

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.

07
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.

Loaded Mac and cheese comes with options like pulled pork and brisket, adding rich, flavorful layers. Sides like mac and cheese and baked beans are consistently delicious and satisfying.

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 Mac and Cheese here is delicious and flavorful."

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.

08
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.

Mac and cheese tastes like homemade by grandma, rich and comforting. It pairs well with sides like yams and cornbread, creating a hearty meal.

People are saying

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

"The Mac And Cheese tasted like homemade by grandma."

"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.

09
LongHorn Steakhouse image 1

Steakhouse offers cozy western decor with dim lighting and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It feels slightly upscale and less rowdy than similar venues, making it suitable for relaxed meals. The setting encourages lingering without rush, even with occasional large groups present.

Ribs come out hot and tasty with a parmesan crusted twist sometimes. They stand out as a top dish alongside other favorites like salmon and mac and cheese.

Mac and cheese comes as a fresh side often paired with steak or chicken dishes. It has a creamy texture and is recommended alongside Brussels sprouts or broccoli.

People are saying

"The steak here is always cooked perfectly and tastes amazing."

"The ribs here are outstanding, thanks to attentive service."

"The Mac and Cheese here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 to 6.

2

Tuesdays are slow and an excellent time to give them a try.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties.

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