Brian Nagele
It’s no surprise that Columbus has a wide variety of amazing restaurants. This Ohio city is full of life, and the restaurant scene has become a huge part of that. I don’t know about you, but when I’m traveling, I tend to have a hard time finding restaurants to try. So, to make it a little easier, let’s focus on one of my personal favorites: barbecue restaurants. With delicious ribs, sandwiches, sides, and more, it’s no wonder these spots are popular. I’ve put together a list of my favorite barbecues in town, so you can try them too.
From sit-down restaurants with liquor to food trucks you can grab a quick bite from, there’s a spot for every occasion on this list. Some spots even have family deals, so if you don’t feel like cooking, this is the perfect fix. Keep reading to learn a bit about each place!
Smoked On High BBQ
755 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone: (614) 754-9711
Visit Website
Though located in an old Victorian house, Smoked on High BBQ is actually a casual spot for some grub in Columbus. This local restaurant serves slow-smoked BBQ alongside craft beer. And with plenty of positive reviews, you can count on enjoying yourself here.
The menu at Smoked on High BBQ is fairly short but just as delicious. We recommend the brisket, pulled pork, chicken drummies, or if you can’t decide, the South high sampler. Be sure to accompany it will a beer or two!
B & K Smoke House
1114 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 252-7017
Visit Website
A simple yet amazing barbecue option in town is B & K Smoke House. This counter-serve restaurant serves smoked meat alongside complimentary side dishes. With a 4.6 star rating, it’s clear this spot is popular.
Choose between combos, dinner plates, and meat a la carte at B & K Smoke House. Be sure to try the brisket dinner, combo #3, chicken wings, or ribs. Don’t forget the mac & cheese or potato salad on the side and some pound cake for dessert!
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit Clintonville
2619 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Phone: (614) 753-1191
Visit Website
Looking for a quick spot to grab some barbecue? Ray Ray’s Hog Pit in Clintonville is great for a fast meal. This restaurant is actually a food truck serving hardwood-smoked meats and tasty sides. This spot is open Thursday through Sunday, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit’s menu is filled with delicious plates, so you really can’t go wrong here. Try out the Carolina chop pork, jerk chicken, beef brisket, or meatsweats. Make sure to order some cheesy potatoes on the side and stout brownies for dessert!
City Barbecue and Catering
2111 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Phone: (614) 538-8890
Visit Website
With over 1,600 reviews on Google, City Barbecue and Catering is certainly one of the most well-liked restaurants in town. This spot is also a counter-serve restaurant offering classic barbecue options. Housed in a homey interior, you’ll feel nice and comfortable here.
City Barbecue and Catering’s menu offers a vast array of delicious dishes. Be sure to try the the motherload, more cowbell, Nashville hot chicken, or beef brisket sandwich. Don’t forget the fried pickles or corn pudding on the side!
Iron Grill Barbecue & Brew
5295 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 885-4744
Visit Website
Another down-home spot for barbecue is Iron Grill Barbecue & Brew. This local joint serves slow-smoked meats including their famous pulled pork. And with daily specials and beer, you’ll have everything you need here.
You’ll find all sorts of great options on Iron Grill Barbecue & Brew’s menu including sandwiches, burgers, and wings. Try out the Texas burger, prime rib sandwich, boneless wings, or the Iron Grill combination platter. Make sure to check out the dessert options, too!
OD on BBQ
4462 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232
Phone: (614) 296-4157
Though it may be a little lesser known than other spots, OD on BBQ is a must-try barbecue place. This restaurant is also a food truck, so if you’re looking for something quick, this spot will work great. Serving classic barbecue and sides, this comfort food will have you feeling better in no time.
OD on BBQ offers sandwiches, platters, combos, and solo meat. We recommend the beef brisket, pulled chicken, rib tips, or pulled pork. Be sure to grab some corn pudding or potato salad to complete your meal!
Tennessee Pit BBQ Food Truck
1919 Brice Rd, Columbus, OH 43232
Phone: (614) 353-2173
Yet another food truck option for barbecue is Tennessee Pit BBQ Food Truck. This spot is another hidden gem you have to try while in Columbus. You’ll find a basic barbecue menu with tons of flavor here.
Tennessee Pit BBQ Food Truck’s menu is straightforward with plenty of smoked meats and sides. Be sure to try the pulled chicken sandwich, pork ribs, chicken wings, or smoked sausage. Don’t forget the corn bread or curry baked beans on the side!
Hoggy’s Restaurant and Catering
830 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 442-1800
Visit Website
Founded back in 1991, Hoggy’s Restaurant and Catering has been making customers (and their stomachs) happy for decades now. You’ll find delicious barbecue and complimentary sides at this little restaurant.
Though everything on the menu is tasty, Hoggy’s Restaurant and Catering has a few menu items that are well-known and even award-winning. Try out the pulled pork, 2 little pigs, pic mac, or BB bowl. Make sure to complete your meal with some banana pudding or a chocolate chip cookie!
The Pit BBQ Grille and Catering on Parsons
1542 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: (614) 824-1879
Visit Website
The Pit BBQ Grille’s menu offers sharable items, individual meals, and family options. We recommend the PIT fries, Polish girl, pulled pork sandwich combo, or PIT sampler. Be sure to grab some cornbread or Carmen’s candied yams on the side!
Completing our list of barbecue spots in Columbus is The Pit BBQ Grille and Catering on Parsons, right by the Scioto River. Established in 2016, this restaurant serves basic barbecue in addition to creative dishes you have to taste to believe.
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty blown away by all of the barbecue options in Columbus. With so many delicious places, I’m already planning my next meal out with friends. In fact, I might even go grab some barbecue tonight!
Looking for other something other than barbecue food? Check out our list of the best Thai restaurants in the area.
Which spot are you most excited to try? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you tell us about it and we’ll check it out!
