Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Columbus area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Columbus area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Columbus based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Columbus were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#23. Dickey's Barbecue Pit
- Rating: 2.8/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3915 Britton Pkwy Hilliard, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Smokey Bones Columbus
- Rating: 2.9/5 (222 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3939 Morse Crossing Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Smokey Bones Grove City
- Rating: 3.2/5 (205 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1615 Stringtown Road Grove City, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Barrel & Boar North Market
- Rating: 3.4/5 (152 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 59 South Spruce St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#19. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (106 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1742 Stringtown Road Grove City, Ohio
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (132 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4155 Parkway Centre Drive Grove City, Ohio
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#17. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.5/5 (123 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6035 Paul Blazer Pkwy Dublin, Ohio
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (218 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8440 Lyra Drive Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Iron Grill Barbecue and Brew
- Rating: 3.7/5 (248 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5295 North High St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Barrel & Boar Creekside
- Rating: 3.8/5 (384 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 121 Mill St. Gahanna, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Pecan Penny's
- Rating: 3.8/5 (350 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 113 East Main St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Cocktail Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp
#12. City Barbeque
- Rating: 3.9/5 (178 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 108 South Stygler Road Gahanna, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#11. City Barbeque
- Rating: 3.9/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 South State St. Westerville, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#10. City Barbeque
- Rating: 4.0/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2261 Stringtown Road Grove City, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#9. GOGI Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (350 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1138 Bethel Road Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. City Barbeque
- Rating: 4.1/5 (380 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2111 West Henderson Road Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Bristol Republic
- Rating: 4.1/5 (286 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1124 North High St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Bars, Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Hank's Texas BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (182 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2941 North High St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
- Rating: 4.3/5 (127 reviews)
- Address: 5240 Bethel Center Mall Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Hot Pot, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. So Gong Dong Tofu and Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (204 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2950 Hayden Road Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Ray Ray's Hog Pit
- Rating: 4.5/5 (487 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2619 North High St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Smoked on High BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (290 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 755 South High St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Ray Ray's Hog Pit
- Rating: 4.5/5 (111 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 424 West Town St. Columbus, Ohio
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
