Cleveland has always had a good number of places to get some delicious smoked ribs, chicken, brisket and other goodies. And recently, we’ve seen a wave of new barbecue places open, from the burbs of Aurora to the near west side. So if you’re looking for something new or want a little more familiarity, we’ve got the recommendations for you.

Mabel’s BBQ 2050 East Fourth St., Cleveland Michael Symon knows meat. In fact, he wrote the book on it when Carnivore came out a few years back. So if anybody could lend credence to the concept of Cleveland-style barbecue, it’s Symon, who also happens to be a great student of all regional forms of barbecue. Thanks to the low-and-slow ‘cue at this East Fourth Street hotspot, Cleveland finally has earned its way onto the national barbecue scene. Photo via Scene Archives
Big B’s Barbeque 115115 Puritas Ave., Cleveland The ribs just fall off the bone at this hidden gem of a barbecue joint. Throw some sweet barbecue sauce on the thick-cut fries for a true taste of Cleveland-style barbecue. Photo via Al & B’s Barbeque/Facebook
Beckham’s B&M Multiple Locations Beckham’s B&M has been in the Beckham family since 1958, when Eddie Beckham from Georgia teamed up with his wife from Virginia and partner James Mitchell decided to open a barbecue joint in the Hough area of Cleveland. Beckham’s son Greg and his wife Sonya still own the restaurant today, which has expanded into six locations and a food truck. Photo via Beckham’s B&M/Facebook
Mr. Brisket 2156 South Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights For roughly 40 years, Mister Brisket has been Cleveland’s finest purveyor of beef, veal, lamb, pork and poultry products. In 2006, the shop began making in-house versions of corned beef and pastrami for sale by the pound and in sandwich form. Since then the menu has expanded to include barbecue beef brisket, beef salami, turkey and Ruebens. While not a traditional barbecue joint, the brisket is so good we had to include it. Photo via Mr. Brisket/Facebook
Smokin Q’s BBQ 718 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield Carl Quagliata knows a thing or two about opening successful restaurants, having operated Giovanni’s in Beachwood since 1976. Smokin Q’s opened in 2017 and has been rolling ever since. Try the BBQ brisket poutine for a twist on traditional barbecue. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Al & B’s Barbeque 115115 Puritas Ave., Cleveland The ribs just fall off the bone at this hidden gem of a barbecue joint. Throw some sweet barbecue sauce on the thick-cut fries for a true taste of Cleveland-style barbecue. Photo via Al & B’s Barbeque/Facebook
Woodstock BBQ 13362 Madison Ave., Lakewood If you love barbecue, this is another spot that is definitely worth checking out. The smell of smoke wafts into your nose as you enter this place. They really have all the staples of barbecue, including delicious ribs, wings, pulled pork, brisket, cornbread and much more. Photo via @FabulousKevin/Instagram
Maple City Taps 11095 Chardon Rd., Chardon Country folk need barbecue too. Chardon may be a trek, but they have some good eating out there. The ribs are fantastic, the wings are on point and the maple barbecue sauce is really special. Photo via Maple City Taps/Facebook
The Butcher’s Pantry 33475 Station St., Solon A tiny shopping plaza off of a main street in Solon isn’t where you’d expect to find amazing barbecue, but the Butcher’s Pantry defies expectations. They’re more of a butcher shop, as the name suggests, and you can get some meaty, tasty ribs or sausages to grill up at home. But the hot offerings, especially the brisket, are to die for. Photo via The Butcher’s Pantry/Facebook
Fat Heads 17450 Engle Lake Dr, Middleburg Heights The massive brewpub operation in Middleburg Heights is pumping out not only some of the best craft beer you’ll find in Northeast Ohio but some of the best barbecue as well. From smokehouse wings to ribs and porkchops, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a pint. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Mabel’s BBQ 2050 East Fourth St., Cleveland Michael Symon knows meat. In fact, he wrote the book on it when Carnivore came out a few years back. So if anybody could lend credence to the concept of Cleveland-style barbecue, it’s Symon, who also happens to be a great student of all regional forms of barbecue. Thanks to the low-and-slow ‘cue at this East Fourth Street hotspot, Cleveland finally has earned its way onto the national barbecue scene. Photo via Scene Archives
Brew Kettle Multiple Locations Casual, inexpensive, and family-friendly, this little brewpub that has expanded now to four locations dishes up a big assortment of smoked and barbecued meats, along with homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Pulled pork is a particular fave — for a change of pace, try it in the barbecued spaghetti! There’s also a rotating selection of 24 beers on tap. Photo via Scene Archives
The Proper Pig 17100 Detroit Ave., Lakewood Barbeque has taken over Cleveland in the last few years and the Proper Pig really stands out amongst the different smoked options in town. From their meats by the half pound, to their ‘Texas-sized’ sandwiches to their bacon on a stick, you really can’t go wrong. Finish it all off with some banana pudding with Nilla Wafers if you still have room for dessert. Photo via @ProperPigBBQ/Instagram
The Rib Cage 2214 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights and 1830 West 25th St., Cleveland This barbecue joint serves some of the meatiest wings around. Go for the ‘Carolina Mustard Vinegar’ for one of the most unique and delicious flavors in town. They’ve been open in the Heights since 2012 and expanded to West 25th in 2018. Photo via The Rib Cage Smokehouse/Facebook
Lager Heads Smokehouse 2832 Abbeyville Rd., Medina A brewery and barbecue joint is the perfect combination at this Medina spot. They take whole wings, rub them in their signature dry rub and smoke them and then add one of 13 sauces. Try the ‘Asian Sesame’ for something unique and tasty. Photo via @OhioBeerReview/Instagram
Boney Fingers 401 Euclid Ave. #54, Cleveland If you’re looking for a heartier lunch, look no further then this barbecue joint in The Arcade for some delicious 16 hour smoked brisket and one of the best Polish Boys in town. Photo via Boney Fingers BBQ/Facebook
Oak and Embers 311 Park Ave. Ste. 133, Orange Village, 8003 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland and 774 Darrow Rd., Hudson Since opening in Chesterland in 2014, Marc and Gretchen Garofoli have been going full tilt with this barbecue joint. In 2019, a third Oak and Embers opened, this one at Pinecrest, the development currently taking shape in Orange Village. Their apple slaw was featured on Burgers, Brews and Que and the chorizo meatloaf is the star of the show here. Photo via Scene Archives
Ol’Chefskis BBQ 1199 E. Garfield Rd., Aurora Head out to the far eastern suburb of Aurora and you’ll find a little shack serving some of the most scrumptious barbecue in Northeast Ohio. The pulled pork is the go-to item here but you really can’t go wrong with whatever option you choose, but be sure to pair them with some fresh cut fries. They only make ribs once a week so make sure you go on a Friday if you want to try them – they’re worth it. Photo via Ol’Chefskis BBQ/Facebook
Ohio City BBQ 3829 Lorain Ave., Cleveland The brisket, the star of Texas barbecue, which is what this Ohio City spot is going for, is tender and delicious with a mild smoke flavor here. Ohio City BBQ also sells a delightfully old-school Polish Boy, a no-frills Cleveland pileup of smoked sausage, fries, chip-chopped slaw and sauce. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Sides To Go BBQ 9828 Valley View Rd., Macedonia Like its name suggests, this fast-casual place has all the sides you can imagine. From collard greens and fried green tomatoes to hush puppies and fried okra, they’ve got it. The meats, and especially the pulled pork, are really good as well. Photo via Sides to Go BBQ/Facebook
Barabicu Smokehouse 5767 Ridge Rd., Parma The brisket at this Parma barbecue spot is up there with the best – not only in this town, but anywhere. It’s a limited menu, but when you make food as tasty as this place does, focusing on a few items to perfect is a good thing. They also have delicious specials most of the time. Photo via Barabicu Smokehouse/Facebook
Open Pitt Barbeque 12335 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland This hidden gem is one of the best barbecue spots around. Ask for extra sauce on everything and you won’t be disappointed. We recommend calling ahead with your order at this take-out spot. Photo via Open Pitt Barbeque/Facebook
Proof
Proof 2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland A sturdy Southern Pride smoker planted on the rear patio turns out meats like brisket, pulled pork, pork belly and chicken, all slow-smoked over fruit wood. In true smokehouse fashion, those items are sold by the pound and half-pound and paired with pickles, onions, cornbread and a choice of sides. But those foods also arrive in the form of nachos, steamed buns, tacos and sandwiches. Photo Courtesy Proof

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