>> BEST OF DAYTON: Best barbecue around town
THE BEST OF DAYTON
City Barbeque
www.citybbq.com | 2330 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-320-0000
5 E. Franklin St., Centerville | (937) 312-1350
City Barbeque is the reigning Best of Dayton winner for Best Barbecue, and for good reason. This restaurant serves up some nationally-recognized barbecue from pulled pork, to beef brisket and some tasty made-from-scratch sides. The beef brisket is not to be missed. City Barbeque offers dine-in, carryout and catering services and is a family friendly, affordable destination known for giving back to non-profits. Dayton has two local locations in Beavercreek and Centerville. View the menu here.
Hickory River Smokehouse
135 S. Garber Drive, Tipp City | 937-669-2271 | Website | Facebook
This casual family destination located just off Interstate 75 serves up award-winning Texas barbecue and hearty sides. Serves lunch and dinner and offers drive-through service.
>> Dining treasures to discover in Tipp City
Company 7 BBQ
1001 S. Main St., Englewood | 937-836-2777 | Website | Facebook
Dayton isn’t alone in its love for Company 7 BBQ. The restaurant has been named one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America" for the eighth consecutive year by the industry trade publication National Barbecue News. And it was the only restaurant in Ohio to make the list. In fact, Company 7 BBQ was one of only 28 restaurants in the country to make the magazine’s “Best of the Best” list.
>> Dayton-area restaurant among the ‘best of the best’ barbecue stops in the country
FOOD TRUCKS
Pa’s Pork
Facebook or (937) 508-1308
Credit: PA's Pork Facebook
Credit: PA's Pork Facebook
This food truck specializes in unique BBQ sandwiches. Top recommended dishes include pulled pork nachos, sauerkraut balls, The Pig Apple (smoked pork, braised cinnamon apples and sharp white cheddar on a toasted bun), and the schnitzel.
Smokin’ Barrels
Credit: Smokin Barrels
Credit: Smokin Barrels
This food truck is dishing out brisket, burgers and ribs. Need we say more?
BARBECUE MASTERS
Bullwinkles Top Hat Bistro
19 N. Main St., Miamisburg | www.bullwinklestophatbistro.com | (937) 859-7677
If you are able and inclined, ride the bike path out for some pre-rib exercise. The ribs are where it’s at when it comes to this popular Miamisburg staple, so look no further. Best to arrive hungry.
Fatback's Barbecue
1334 Linden Ave, Dayton | www.fatbacksbarbecue.com | (937) 254-7427
Smoked ribs, pork, brisket and chicken are cooked up low and slow until the meat is perfectly tender and then served up with Memphis-style sauces to accompany. The pig art surrounding the walls is fun and the owners are incredibly proud of what they are doing. It shows.
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Hickory Bar-B Que
1082 Brown St., Dayton | www.hickorybarbq.com | (937) 228-5252
This gem located down the street from The University of Dayton gets packed during the dinner hours, so expect a wait. The BBQ chicken dinner ($13.25) and rib dinner ($19.25) don’t disappoint.
KD's Kettering BBQ
3911 Marshall Road, Kettering
http://ketteringbarbequecarryout.com | (937) 293-3592
Spring for the broasted pork chops with broasted potato wedges, hot bacon slaw and corn casserole. You won’t be sorry.
Smokin' Bar-B-Que
200 E. 5th St., Dayton | (937) 586-9790 | www.facebook.com
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
You can’t beat this downtown spot that offers speedy take-out service and evening hours. It’s located at the grand entryway to the Oregon District near the Neon Movies. The portions are generous and the meat is tender and delicious. They also have a pretty tasty burger.
>> The most extraordinary burgers in Dayton
Star City BBQ
1015 S Main St., Miamisburg | (937) 530-2020 | http://starcitybbq.com
This unassuming, quaint stop filled with small town charm has a nice-sized menu that’s priced right. It’s a throw-back with solid food that satisfies.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Combs BBQ
2223 Central Ave., Middletown | Facebook
Located just outside downtown Middletown, we discovered this hidden gem barbecue restaurant by accident one night attracted by its massive collection of neon signs glowing warmly in welcome and beckoning us in.The collection taken as a whole feels like the appetizer to the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. The Combs family who owns it also owns a sign shop in downtown Middletown, according to one of the servers we chatted up during our visits. The business has a cool, nostalgic vibe with vintage and retro collectibles, instruments, art and signage adorning nearly every part of the walls.
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Have a BBQ joint we have to try? Let us know at contact@dayton.com
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