5 Absolutely Delicious BBQ Spots in Cleveland
Did you know that of all the food in America, BBQ is very likely the only truly, uniquely American food? You can’t trace American style BBQ back to another country. It started here. What makes BBQ even better is that each region and area of America has its unique take on making it. While people may not think of Cleveland as a hotbed for BBQ, it still has its fair share of spots that will leave you happy and full. Next time you’re craving some real good BBQ in Cleveland, check out our list below to help you narrow down the search.
Landmark Smokehouse
11637 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 230-4040
Landmark Smokehouse is run by lifelong friends Jack Messer and Constantine Katsaros. They pride themselves on having something for everyone for all three meals of the day. People who live near Landmark always know when Messer and Katsaros are smoking meats on their Oyler 700 because the delicious smells permeate through the neighborhood. In addition to their BBQ, Landmark Smokehouse also offers up light fare such as salads and bowls. What’s really impressive is their painstakingly curated whiskey list which is bigger than the menu itself! No matter when you stop by, Landmark will have you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure to try their Montreal smoked meat! It takes 11 full days to prepare, and you can taste it!
Barabicu Smokehouse
5767 Ridge Road, Parma, OH 44129
(440) 481-3057
Barabicu Smokehouse is a unique weekend-only spot that serves a fast and simple BBQ experience that’ll fill you up real quick! The menu is short and unfussy. As far as meats go, you can order pulled pork, beef brisket, baby back ribs, cupcake chicken, or their daily sausage. They’ve only got five options for sides and two sauces, but just because it’s simple doesn’t mean anything lacks flavor. In fact, the menu is small so that the wonderful people at Barabicu can focus on taking their time preparing everything just right so that every bite you have makes your tastebuds dance with delight. Barabicu may be the only place on the planet that serves cupcake chicken, so you absolutely have to try it when you stop by!
Woodstock BBQ
13362 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 226-8828
Woodstock BBQ is a bit eclectic, and that’s exactly how owner Robert Togliatti likes it. The menu is only one page, and every time a menu item is added, one must be removed. You can find a mixture of Nashville and Memphis BBQ as well as Texas brisket. We recommend trying the jalapeno appetizers with whatever meal or plate you order. They come stuffed with smoked sausage and cheddar cream cheese and are topped with bacon.
Broncos Western BBQ
3765 Ridge Road, Cleveland, OH 44144
(216) 938-7200
Co-owner Gary Carrion is somewhat of a BBQ master. Prior to opening Broncos Western BBQ in 2021, he won the Great American Rig Cook-off six years in a row! After being so successful, he wanted to bring his award-winning flavors to your plate, and he’s done just that. Broncos has a western-style bbq that features ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken. All of it is smoked with cherry wood and red oak and served with Carrion’s award-winning sauce. If you want a taste of everything, we suggest the Giddy-Up Platter. It has brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, smoked sausage, and a side.
Boney Fingers BBQ
1800 Euclid Avenue #3, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 331-5252
Food doesn’t always have to be opulent and extravagant. Sometimes all you need is some filling, homemade food, and that’s exactly what you get here. Simple, delicious, and straightforward, Boney Fingers BBQ brings authentic smokehouse flavors straight to your palette. They smoke all of their meat fresh every day for up to 16 hours, and your tastebuds will be able to tell. You can’t go wrong with their Brisket or Pork Belly Sandwiches, but The CLE is a house specialty. It features chopped beef brisket, grilled peppers, and onions stuffed in a sausage roll and topped with cheddar cheese sauce. Boney Fingers is also close to Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before or after the game!