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Local restaurant wins top prize for BBQ | Taste: Dayton food and restaurants
 

Home > Blogs > Taste: Dayton food and restaurants > Archives > 2009 > August > 27 > Entry

Local restaurant wins top prize for BBQ

For the second consecutive year, Brad and Krista Bowman’s Hickory River Smokehouse pulled pork has captured the Grand Champion top prize at the Ohio State Fair’s “Pork Rib-Off” competition.

The Bowmans own the Hickory River Smokehouse restaurant on 135 S. Garber Drive in Tipp City, which opened in 2006. They had never entered a food competition until the 2008 Ohio State Fair, where they also won the pulled-pork competition, and returned in 2009 to successfully defend their title in the competition held earlier this month.

Brad Bowman told my Dayton Daily News colleague Nancy Bowman, who covers Miami County for the newspaper, that the secret behind his barbecue is a simple process of using hickory smoked meat with a rub made fresh every couple of days, and topped with the Bowmans’ Hickory River barbecue sauce.

For winning, Hickory River received a $1,000 prize, but the publicity for being grand champion is the biggest payoff, Bowman said. “It puts us on the map,” he said.

Thanks to Nancy Bowman for the news tip and the reporting help!

Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: Local restaurant news

Comments

By Christopher Sirman

March 21, 2010 9:44 PM | Link to this

I live just outside of Tipp City, and would recommend Hickory River to anyone, being from South Texas I know Texas BBQ. My one caveat is, “leave the cornbread alone”.

By Brad

August 30, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

Thank you very much to everyone who commented on us and thanks to all of our great customers. Krista and I appreciate it very much. Mention this article from 08-30-09 to 09-15-09 and we will buy you a sandwich. Thanks Toolman.

By Joe G

August 28, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

Congratulations on another well deserved win. We had given up on BBQ in this area until Hickory River arrived. Not just GREAT food and service but also a GREAT family that gives a lot back to the community. Thanks Brad and Krista.

By Tipp Food Expert

August 28, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

Hickory River BBQ is the real deal. This BBQ is not like any you have ever tried. Tipp City is only 30 mins from the Dayton Mall on a bad day. It takes me sometimes 30 mins to get from one side of Cville to the other. Beavercreek is just as bad. Montgomery Countians need to venture north and savor the hidden gems outside of your comfort zone. There is a world outside of Dayton.

By Ronald

August 27, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

If you haven’t tried Hickory River, it is well worth the drive to Tipp City. I will be there in a couple weeks after my daughter’s soccer game. In my opinion, it blows City BBQ out of the water. I like it better than Hickory House. I know that BBQ tastes range as wide as the Mississippi. This is just my opinion. I think if you haven’t tried it you should give it a try.

By Howie

August 27, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

Well deserved! We stop by every time we’re passing by on 75, and not only is the food great, the service is the best around. Always friendly!

By Mike

August 27, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

Love Hickory River, but beyond the food, have always had great service. The employees take bbq seriously. Tipp City foodie, I will always have a place in my heart for Paddies.

By Kevin J

August 27, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

I love how everyone’s a food critic, so I will be also. I think City BBQ is well above average. And judging by their steady and vigorous business, I’m not the only one. Old Hickory BBQ, great steaks, the BBQ - not so much.. Montgomery Inn, overrated. I will definitely give the Hickory River Smokehouse a try.

By ed

August 27, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

City Bar b que ain’t all that great. The meat many times is tough and stringy. I grew up in w. dayton and I know good Bar b que when I taste it. City ain’t it. Hickory River is a whole diff situation. That is good cooking

By City BBQ=Fine

August 27, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

City BBQ, a small Ohio chain, is fine for what it is. The brisket and smoked turkey are quite good, actually. Speaking of the guy on a street corner, just down the street from Rudy’s in Springfield a guy sets up and the food is great. You can find some good eating at a couple street corner places on Gettysburg here in Dayton, too.

By heymom

August 27, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

Rudy’s in Springfield is the BEST!!!!

By RM, Miamisburg

August 27, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

CityBBQ Rules? What! Try the Mom and Pop places. City BBQ doesn hold a candle to them. I rather buy BBQ from a guy on a street corner then City BBQ. Try the many in Dayton, Cincy. The Mom and Pop places. Walts BBQ on Colerain in Cincy area. Stay away from Montgomer Inn. Ribs are just OK, There its the suace. Old hickory in Dayton. Great place. City BBQ. Pleasssseee.. Gag me

By Vince Staten

August 27, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Hmmm. That BBQ smell will have me headed to Tipp. Congrads to the Bowmans. Hope some dweeb lawyer doesn’t try to make you change your menu because the BBQ sauce smells like something on another menu.

By Monica

August 27, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

We are foodies in our family and will definitely travel to Tipp City from the “south” to try that.

By fenwah

August 27, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Please expand to the Beavercreek area. I have a feeling you would have a lot of lunch visits from WPAFB. Just visit City BBQ during lunch…it’s a zoo.

By kelz

August 27, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

I was first introduced to this bbq at the Troy Strawberry Festival my mom and I had their pulled pork sandwich. It was delicious and have since been to the restaurant with the rest of my family. We have always had a good experience. The bbq is the best around.

By Toolman

August 27, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

Congradulations Brad & Krista thanks for bringing a great resturant to Tipp City! For anybody who hasn’t tried it, Brad says you shouldn’t deny yourself good barbeque and he is right!

By Nicola

August 27, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

I have been to this restaurant a few times and it is quite delicious. Worth checking out!

By tbill

August 27, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

Mark: go up there and try the food. Give us a full report! Tipp is a long drive for some of us in the south ‘burbs where City BBQ reigns. We’ll look for your review.

By Tipp City foodie delight

August 27, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

This is actually well-earned. Hickory River has never disappoined. For such a small town, Tipp City has some excellent dining choices, from the casual family atmosphere at Tipp of the Town to the upscale and eclectic Coldwater Cafe, there is some great dining to be had in Tipp. Harrison’s is my favorite.

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