Barrel & Boar: Your Go-To for Authentic Ohio BBQ in Columbus's North Market

Barrel & Boar Photos

Barrel & Boar Introduce

For those in Ohio with a serious craving for authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, Barrel & Boar has established itself as a go-to destination in Columbus. Nestled within the bustling North Market, this establishment brings the rich, smoky flavors of traditional BBQ right to the heart of the city. While every dining experience can vary, Barrel & Boar is dedicated to serving up classic smoked meats and hearty sides that aim to satisfy the deepest of barbecue desires for locals and visitors alike.

Barrel & Boar has been a staple in the Columbus area since its inception in 1983, originally known as Holy Smoke BBQ, making it a seasoned veteran in the local culinary scene. Over the years, it has expanded to multiple locations, with the North Market spot being its longest-standing and a central hub for "Ohio BBQ countertop style." Customers often highlight specific triumphs, such as their "Burnt Ends" which have been described as "bangin!!" with "such tasty flavor!" and delicious "Brussels sprouts." While some feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in the dryness of meats or the perceived value of certain portions, the overarching commitment to slow-smoked perfection and flavorful sides aims to leave a positive impression. The essence of Barrel & Boar lies in its dedication to "high-quality smoked meats and traditional BBQ fare," emphasizing "fresh, daily smoked meats and homemade sides," providing a comforting and hearty meal in a lively market setting.

Barrel & Boar is conveniently located at 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This address places it directly within the iconic North Market Downtown, a vibrant and historic public market that serves as a culinary and community hub in Columbus. Its central downtown location makes it highly accessible for anyone working or living in the core of Columbus, as well as visitors exploring the city's diverse districts. The North Market is easily reachable by car, with numerous parking garages and lots available within a short walking distance, though parking can sometimes require planning, especially during peak market hours. Being situated inside the market means that patrons can enjoy their barbecue in a bustling, communal atmosphere, often with ample seating available throughout the market's common areas. This prime location allows diners to combine their barbecue experience with exploring other unique vendors and offerings within the North Market, adding to the overall convenience and appeal for Ohio locals.

Barrel & Boar offers a variety of services designed to cater to different dining and event needs:

Casual Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal at the communal seating areas available throughout the North Market.
Takeout Service: Conveniently order your favorite BBQ dishes for pickup.
Delivery Service: Available through various online ordering platforms for home or office delivery.
Extensive Menu: Offers a wide selection of smoked meats, sandwiches, hearty sides, and appetizers.
Catering Services: Provides full-service and do-it-yourself catering packages for weddings, corporate events, parties, and family gatherings, specializing in large orders of smoked meats and classic BBQ sides.
Varied BBQ Sauces: Offers a selection of house-made BBQ sauces to complement their smoked meats, including Smokey Original, Sweet & Smokey, Spicy Chipotle, and Carolina styles.

Barrel & Boar distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that define its approach to barbecue:

Slow-Smoked Meats: Their core offering revolves around meats "smoked low & slow" for up to 18 hours using shagbark hickory or cherry wood. This includes popular choices like "Signature Beef Brisket," "Burnt Ends," "Pulled Pork Shoulder," and "St. Louis Spare Ribs."
Standout Burnt Ends: The "Burnt Ends" are frequently highlighted by customers for their "tasty flavor," often being a highly sought-after item.
Delicious Side Dishes: Barrel & Boar is praised for its "homemade sides," with specific mentions of "Brussels sprouts" and "Mac & Cheese" (including a "Spicy Mac & Cheese" option) as crowd favorites. Other sides include collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Diverse Menu Beyond Meats: While BBQ is the focus, the menu also features items like "Smoked Wings," "Chicken and Waffles," "Blackened BBQ Salmon," and even "Catfish," providing a broader appeal.
Hearty Sandwiches and Platters: Offers a range of sandwiches like the Pulled Pork Sandwich and Brisket BLT, as well as "Pulled Dinner" and "Rib Dinner" meals that come with sides.
Established Local Presence: As an operation that began as Holy Smoke BBQ in 1983, Barrel & Boar has a long-standing history and reputation in Central Ohio, being a locally recognized and trusted brand.
North Market Location Vibe: Its spot within the bustling North Market provides a vibrant, casual atmosphere where diners can enjoy their food amidst the energy of a public market.

For those eager to savor the smoky flavors of Barrel & Boar, here's how to connect with them:

Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA (located within the North Market Downtown)

Phone: (614) 392-1079

For any local in Ohio, particularly in the Columbus area, Barrel & Boar offers a compelling option for authentic and satisfying barbecue. Its prime location within the iconic North Market makes it incredibly convenient for a quick, flavorful meal during a busy day or a casual dinner outing. What truly makes Barrel & Boar suitable for locals is its deep roots in Ohio BBQ, with a long history of slow-smoking meats to perfection. While individual experiences with certain dishes might vary, the consistent praise for standout items like the "Burnt Ends" and flavorful sides, along with their dedication to using high-quality ingredients, underscores its appeal. Whether you're craving a plate of tender brisket, savory pulled pork, or their popular mac & cheese, Barrel & Boar provides a genuine barbecue experience in a vibrant setting. For those looking to enjoy classic smoked meats right here in Columbus, this establishment is a solid choice, and a vital part of Ohio's local food scene.

Barrel & Boar Location

Barrel & Boar

Ohio Franklin County Columbus Short North Arts District Spruce Street

59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Barrel & Boar Reviews

I thought I was gonna be disappointed. Got here at 5 and a lot of the sides looked dried out. Ordered the Burnt Ends for $12 and a side of Brussels sprouts for $5. Ends were bangin!! Such tasty flavor! I may have gotten skimped a little since it was the last. Sprouts also so good. If they can make dried out old food taste this good, I’ll be back when it’s fresh!!
May 27, 2025 · S. P.
We spent $37 on one meal which was $17 and we asked for a side of brisket...they gave us 2 slices, I don't understand how 2 small slices of brisket was $20. The meal comes with 2 sides, I asked for greens and cornbread. The meat was super dry and hardly no flavor. Had to ask for extra seasoning on the meat and it didn't make it better. Asked for sides of sauce and I don't like how they fill the cups to less than half. This is the 5th time we've come and they finally had meat but everything was dried out with no flavor. I like the greens but my husband didnt. Definitely not our favorite BBQ location.
Jul 06, 2025 · OUT N' ABOUT
This is a popular place, with reason: the food is delicious and the portions are great. My teenage son had the macaroni and cheese with pork, while I had the BBQ bowl with smoked pork, plus the cornbread. Note that the cornbread is cold and on the sweet side and served along with butter. I used their sweet and smoky sauce, too, which was delicious. My bowl had rice, a variety of high quality beans, and Brussels sprouts, along with the meat; it was incredibly hearty. We ate our food in the dining room upstairs, which was a very nice space.
Jun 25, 2024 · Beth Cato
Had to share my recent experiences at this spot – definitely some room for improvement, and I hope they hear this.First day, I spent 20 minutes in line, only to find out at the very end that they were out of a bunch of popular items like ribs, rice, and even stuff for bowls. It's a real bummer when you invest that much time and then can't get what you came for. A quick heads-up about shortages would make a huge difference for folks waiting. Decided to give them another try the next day, and good news, they had everything! But after another wait, when I went to order a half slab of ribs, I was told it'd be a 30-35 minute wait. I could literally see the ribs waiting to be cut! It felt really inefficient to wait that long for something so straightforward. I get that employees have rules, but a policy that makes you wait half an hour for a simple item that's ready to go just doesn't make sense from a customer's perspective. They really could make things so much smoother for everyone.I won’t be visiting this place again. Two days in a row of inefficiencies….fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you.
Jun 20, 2025 · Kellen Taylor
Doordash delivered two rib dinners. The meat was dry, tasteless and it did not come with any sauce whatsoever. The side dish for the first dinner was a double order of the brussel sprouts which were mushy and cold. The second dinner had a double order of potato salad and it was okay. Extremely disappointed. 2 weeks ago I ordered the mac and cheese with barbecue brisket on top and it was amazing! The only thing I can think of is they were getting ready to close in 45 minutes when I place the order so evidently they didn't feel like they needed to do any more cooking. I wished they had said they were unable to take the order because I wasted all that money. I'm not sure if I'm going to order for again or not. It will all hinge on whether I get a refund or if they replace it with duplicate orders today.
Jul 21, 2025 · Andi Gainer