At first glimpse , it may seem as though Cleveland is severely lacking in character BBQ options , specially when compared to our protagonist down south . And that ’s because … well , we kind of are . Luckily , the allurement of delicious , behind - smoked meats and stick - to - your - ribs side of meat seems to be catching on up north , thanks to a smattering of establishments doing it right . Here are nine of the best BBQ blot in Cleveland ( plus one coming soon ):
Hot Sauce Williams
There is perhaps no name more synonymous with Cleveland barbecue than Hot Sauce Williams . This Cleveland mental hospital first gained home notoriety when Anthony Bourdain and Michael Symon natter for an episode ofNo Reservations . Since then , it ’s made rounds on national TV , with appearances onMan vs. Foodand a nod onThe Today Show . apart from the barbecue , do n’t miss the celebrated Polish Boy , a kielbasa sausage balloon shroud in small fry and coleslaw , stuffed in a bun , and douse in savory barbeque sauce .
Doc and Lennies
Behind Cleveland Clinic ’s gigantic campus , it ’s easy to miss Doc and Lennies , but it sure is a pity if you do . It ’s quietly pump out superb homestyle meals with southerly flair , including dripping smokehouse ribs . The lot are huge and the stave is first-rate favorable . This is one of Cleveland ’s best - kept saucy secrets .
Angry Barbeque
Pitmaster William Boyd has a rage for fresh solid food , and that cacoethes is plain in most everything that come forth from Angry Barbeque ’s kitchen . Friendly faculty are felicitous to walk you through a protracted chalkboard menu , featuring all of the common meaty suspect , each cut smoked in its own undercover marinade , plus creamy mack and cheese ( that you may and should get top with brisket and BBQ sauce ) , and kick - rear end cornbread .
The Brew Kettle
Let ’s face it : the primary allure of The Brew Kettle is , well , the brews . But if you give a homo a beer , he ’s run low to ask for a plate of food for thought … eventually . Luckily , The Brew Kettle make standout pulled pork and barbecued ribs , alongside all the remainder of its bar - food staples . Those who are feeling brave should try the barbeque spaghetti , pasta cast away with slow - smoked pork and mystical sauce , topped with cheddar high mallow and scallions , and served with a side of coleslaw . It ’s like Cincy - style chili , but way , way better .
The Rib Cage
Small and radical welcoming , The Rib Cage could easily swear out as every local ’s favorite neighborhood bar . But it ’s the food for thought – locally source , sustainable , St. Louis - elan smoked heart looker , plus a bevy of side , including bourbon baked beans and crunchy , sweet corn on the cob – that tempt you to stay around for much more than the strong drink ( meaning bourbon ) . And do n’t put across up on an order of the feel - packed wings , easily some of the honest in Cleveland .
The Gorilla
This tiny takeout place is seasonal and principally known for its spicy wiener and deoxyephedrine cream . But bank us : you ’ll require to waive those in favor of the perfectly yummy barbecue . Strap on your bib and tuck into a messy Jimbo sandwich – slow - smoked beef brisket , lead with horseradish sauce , Gorilla BBQ sauce , mozzarella , and pickles . Or try the Bird Town sandwich , which is smoke chicken tit with chipotle American cheese cheese sauce and pineapple .
La Soul
All of the elements are in lieu here to be everyone ’s favourite barbecue restaurant : a clean , well-situated air , favorable faculty , and most importantly , some damn fine barbecue . prefer for the attender beef brisket and a sampling of sides , including rich mac and cheese and crispy fried lady’s-finger . Whatever you do , do n’t pretermit out on a gigantic slice of the peach cobbler , which you definitely wo n’t require , but certainly must have .
The Proper Pig Smokehouse
Since launching a food truck more than two years ago , owner Shane Vidovic and Ted Dupaski have quickly pull in ill fame for their legit behind - smoked , Texas - style barbeque ( justlookat the charred impudence on that brisket ) , so much so that right Pig is set to open its own shop in Lakewood this spring . That ’s dandy intelligence for those who prefer their barbecue stationary , with a cool side of beer , or bacon on a stick .
Lager Heads Smokehouse & Brewery
At first glance , this meat house and microbrewery may appear to be imbed in the eye of nowhere . However , the hickory - fume kernel and privy formula barbecue sauce , splendid craft brews ( mostly made on localization ) , and some disturbed serious wings ( really , though , do n’t miss those flank ) , make Lager Heads well worth the trek .
Mabel’s BBQ
OK , so this is more of an honourable mention , since Mabel ’s does n’t open until April 11 . But since pretty much everything local renown chef Michael Symon touches turns to gold , we ’re sure this will be no different . Therefore , no “ Best BBQ in Cleveland ” one shot - up would be complete without mention of one of this year ’s most predict eatery openings . We ’ll be first in line .
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Beth Phillipsis a Cleveland - area writer who argue vehemently in favor of wet barbeque ( with extra sauce on the side ) . you may follow her on Twitter:@CraveableCLE .
Paul Binet/Shutterstock
Courtesy of Angry Barbeque
Courtesy of The Brew Kettle
The Gorilla
Courtesy of Proper Pig/Indie Foundry
Courtesy of Mabel’s
