Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about barbecue, but locals know better.
Tucked into neighborhoods across the state, from Columbus to Cleveland to Cincinnati, you will find smokehouses that put national chains to shame with their slow-cooked meats and made-from-scratch sides.
These family-run spots and chef-driven concepts have earned fierce loyalty from Ohioans who refuse to settle for corporate BBQ when the real deal is right down the street.
1. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit — 4214 N High St, Columbus
Hardwood smoke billowing from the pits at Ray Ray’s has become a north Columbus landmark that locals follow like a delicious beacon…