Memphis, Tennessee – North Carolina – Kansas City – Texas… and Cincinnati.

While Cincinnati might not have national recognition as a “barbeque town”, there is no shortage of quality barbeque in Porkopolis.

Barbeque, or barbecue (as spell check keeps insisting) is a term with varied meanings, but understood by many to mean the “low and slow” cooking of meats. It is also widely known as a vinegar- or tomato-based sauce the meat is cooked, slathered or dipped in.

Personally, I’m very particular about my barbeque and our local establishments don’t disappoint. Here are some of the top local spots for barbeque in the area. Are there any local BBQ places you would add to the list?

Alabama Que
2733 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH

Open since 2008, Alabama Que is owned and operated by former firefighter and UC graduate, Dwan Ward. Ward launched a food truck in May of 2014 to keep up with the growing demand for his food around the Cincinnati area.

Big Art’s BBQ
2798 Struble Rd, Cincinnati, OH

No website. No Facebook page. When word-of-mouth keeps you open you must be doing something right. Big Art’s has a reputation as one of the best BBQ places in the area.

Eli’s BBQ
3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH | 133 West Elder Street, Cincinnati, OH

Named the #5 best BBQ joint in America by The List, Eli’s BBQ has become a Cincinnati staple. CityBeat readers voted Eli’s as the #2 overall restaurant in the city for 2016.

Goodies Barbeque
7440 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH

Goodies has been in Cincinnati for over 20 years. Their menu offers a full array of Southern-style sides and desserts.

Jim Dandy’s Family BBQ
2343 E Sharon Rd, Sharonville, OH

Jim Dandy’s Family BBQ has been slow cooking never-frozen pork, chicken and beef for over 30 years. They are happy to announce their new upcoming restaurant in Monroe, Ohio.

Just Q’in
6901 Valley Ave, Newtown, OH | 975 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH

The folks at Just Q’in began as a competition team in and around Greenville, South Carolina. They moved back to Cincinnati, Ohio and started a catering service that evolved into one of the city’s premiere food trucks. They just opened their second location June 17, 2016.

Montgomery Inn
The Original | The Boathouse | Ft. Mitchell, KY | Dublin, OH

Montgomery Inn is well known for their delicious barbeque sauce that they’ve been making since 1951. Montgomery Inn sauce and other products are available at local stores and by mail through CincyFavorites.com.

Pit To Plate BBQ
8021 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy, Ohio

They have a restaurant. They have a food truck. They cater. They also do a smoked turkey drop off/pick up for Thanksgiving. They do it all… deliciously.

Pontiac
1403 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio

One of the newest BBQ-centric restaurants in Cincinnati (they opened in January 2015). Their wings, specifically, have received great reviews and they have a great bourbon selection.

Ron D’s BBQ of Madisonville
6105 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio (near Mathis St.)

The outdoor grill is set up outside for ribs, chicken and pulled pork and southern cooking! No website – the above link is to a rating’s website. Here’s the phone number: 513-390-8270. Yum. Yum.

SmoQ
275 Pictoria Dr, Cincinnati, OH

From their website: “SmoQ was designed with an emphasis on the smoker because the smoker was designed with an emphasis on slow cooking. Coupling that, is a desire to create southern food with a flair while holding true to the values that make southern cuisine special.”

Velvet Smoke BBQ
10515 New Haven Road; Harrison, OH

Velvet Smoke BBQ is a four-time Grand Champion competitive cooking team founded in 2009. You can taste their award-winning pork, brisket and chicken at their Harrison, OH restaurant or at a variety of area events, festivals and competitions.

Webb’s BBQ
115 East 9th Street, Newport, KY

On the menu is pull pork, ribs, brisket and smoked turkey! There are plenty of delicious sides.  The restaurants is open every Friday from 11:30am – 8pm.