Set along the banks of the Maumee River, Toledo is a city known for its blue-collar spirit and a quietly impressive food scene.
Barbecue here is all about hearty portions, slow-simmered sauces, and a blend of Southern tradition with Midwest hospitality.
Whether you’re finishing a day on the lake or fueling up before a Mud Hens game, Toledo’s pitmasters bring genuine, unpretentious barbecue to the table—with inventive takes on sides and sauces adding local color.
Deet’s BBQ
A pillar of the Toledo BBQ community, Deet’s combines old-fashioned technique with creative spirit.
Their brisket is tender and juicy, best enjoyed with the house “Sweet & Smoky” sauce.
Their signature “BBQ Sundae”—a bowl layered with beans, pulled pork, slaw, and BBQ sauce—is a must.
Enjoy barbecue breakfast (smoked meats meet omelets!), meaty wings, and rotating daily specials.
Shorty’s True American Roadhouse
Shorty’s delivers big portions and big flavor in a classic roadhouse setting.
The St. Louis ribs and pulled chicken are perennial favorites, and they’ve been praised for loaded BBQ fries (topped with brisket, cheese, and jalapeños).
Their sauces cover a wide spectrum from sweet to spicy, and the sides—mac and cheese, smoked baked beans, and buttery cornbread—give Midwestern comfort food serious competition.
City Barbeque
A friendly counter-serve joint with a focus on authenticity, City Barbeque brings slow-cooked meats served fast and friendly.
The Texas-style brisket and hand-pulled pork are stars, finished with a variety of sauces from vinegary Carolina to thick Memphis molasses.
The banana pudding here is famous in its own right; grab a spoon!
Sabaidee Coffee & Crepes BBQ
Something different for the adventurous eater, Sabaidee fuses Laotian flavors with classic barbecue technique.
Try their smoked pork shoulder with sticky rice and spicy sauce, or go all in on a BBQ crepe stuffed with brisket, cheese, and pickled veggies.
It’s a testament to how cosmopolitan barbecue can get in hardworking, diverse Toledo.
Smokehouse Bistro
This downtown favorite is known for its cozy vibe and “meet you after work” feel.
The smoked wings and turkey breast draw locals, and the crowd-pleasing platters include all the best sides: tangy slaw, thick Texas toast, zesty beans, and even fried green tomatoes when in season.
They’re also known for specialty sandwiches—try “The Hog”—a towering combo of pulled pork, bacon, and sweet BBQ sauce.
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