Come see why folks are driving from all over for a taste of the West Side’s best.

You might detect influences from various barbecue traditions – a touch of Texas here, a hint of Carolina there – but what you’re really experiencing is Ohio barbecue, which has its own emerging identity that draws from multiple traditions while creating something distinctive.

WARREN, Ohio – Cockeye BBQ has been a staple in Warren since 2015. The restaurant is known for its traditional barbecue, with a menu that includes smoked turkey, chicken, ribs, sausage, brisket and pulled pork.

Watch as co-owner Erik Hoover plates a massive platter of meats with all of the fixings.

WARREN, Ohio – If you ever find yourself stepping into Cockeye BBQ, you’ll be greeted with an enthusiastic and unmistakable “Welcome to Cockeye BBQ!” from the staff. 

The greeting, often delivered in unison, is as much a part of the experience as the slow-smoked meats and house-made sauces. While it’s a charming touch, the real star at Cockeye BBQ is the food – a staple in Warren since 2015.

What’s particularly impressive about Cockeye is how they’ve maintained consistency – that elusive quality that separates the good from the great in the barbecue world.

WARREN, Ohio – Cockeye BBQ is celebrating 10 years in business this May. Known for its slow-smoked meats, the family-owned restaurant has expanded over the years with the addition of Cockeye Creamery and Franky’s Pizza and Delicatessen. Despite early uncertainty, the owners’ commitment to quality food and community has made Cockeye BBQ a beloved staple in the area.

Laid-back, rustic charm meets pitmaster swagger.

Wood-fired aromas hug you at the door, picnic tables invite messy feasts, and staff treat you like family.

Don’t miss the ceiling pipe draped in plants—it’s basically Instagram bait. 📸

Who knew Ohio was hiding a treasure trove of mouthwatering barbecue joints?

From hole-in-the-wall smokehouses to unassuming strip mall gems, these nine spots prove that sometimes, the best flavors come without the frills.

Let’s kick things off with a place that’s not afraid to tell you exactly what to do: eat meat here.

Big shoutout to the New Day Cleveland crew for being so welcoming to a hucklebuck from Warren and making our small business feel special. We’re all about keeping it real, feeding our community, and having fun while we do it.

Indulge In 14-Hour Smoked Meats And Made-From-Scratch Sides At Cockeye BBQ In Ohio

Cockeye BBQ in Warren, Ohio, is an award-winning barbecue restaurant known for its slow-cooked meats and made-from-scratch sides.

Do you have a go-to barbecue restaurant in the Buckeye State? If you don't, you're about to. Cockeye BBQ in Warren, Ohio is an award-winning barbecue restaurant that slow cooks meat to perfection and creates made-from-scratch sides that will make your tastebuds sing. Here's why you'll want to visit this exceptional BBQ restaurant in Ohio:

Welcome to Cockeye BBQ, a tiny but mighty restaurant that will change the way you think about barbecue.

Great barbecue takes a long time, and Cockeye BBQ’s 14-hour smoked pulled pork sandwich is an example of why it’s worth the wait. The lightly sauced pork shoulder is served with a dollop of creamy house slaw. If you’re willing to forgo the bun, the Mess Plate comes with the same pulled pork (this time topped with cheese and sauce) along with house-made macaroni and cheese, and onion rings. The Warren spot, which Erik and Stacey Hoover started in 2015, also has an outdoor seating option and on-site ice cream stand that make a visit all the sweeter.

We had a blast visiting and talking show with Casey and her amazing crew. BBQ, ice cream, pizza and so much more!

Cockeye BBQ and Creamery invited members of the press and community leaders to announce their renovated manufacturing plant located at 387 Chestnut Avenue Northeast.

“We love to sell food that people like to eat,” said Ben Hoover of Cockeye BBQ and Creamery.

That’s an understatement.

The Hoover family’s company is known for its delicious barbecue and ice cream. Soon, it will add pizza to that list.

A Warren-based ice cream business now has the room it needs to continue to grow its brand.

Cockeye Creamery’s new manufacturing plant on Chestnut Avenue is now producing the creamery’s ice cream.

Plant manager Max Hoover said it’s an exciting expansion for the company that has had great success since it opened five years ago.

Hoover said that in the last three years, they have seen substantial growth and demand for their products, and they were running out of space at their first location.

Second Harvest Food Bank received more than $1,000 through the program.

The Cockeye Cares Pint Program has collected money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

You really can't go wrong with ranch, cheddar, and bacon, and this chicken is no exception. We advise piling it high on potato rolls, but it'd also be great as a dip, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the Instant Pot; the possibilities are endless!