There’s certainly no shortage of good barbecue around central Ohio, but I’m always open to more.
I first started hearing about Legacy Smokehouse as a trailer popping up down South High Street at Whittier. A few publications reviewed them and gave them an enthusiastic thumbs-up. Fast forward a bit and they’ve moved into the old Banana Bean Cafe (RIP) space on Greenlawn AND opened a location in Old Hilliard.
We first tasted of Legacy’s work when they were briefly a tenant at the Short North Food Hall. There we tried the Two Step sandwich with pulled pork and chopped brisket topped with coleslaw and pickled onions. It was one of the highlights of the meal.
And then earlier this year we ventured out to their new Hilliard location for a birthday celebration. The restaurant is established in an renovated home right on Main Street in Old Hilliard. You walk in the front door and follow the line to the counter near the back; seating is split between a couple different rooms and a sizable patio out back.
We ordered the Lil’ Tex Sampler, a $25 platter with a 1/2 pound of brisket, 1/2 of pulled pork, half of a sausage link, three ribs, and two sides. We ordered another side of their baked beans, too.
The meal was certainly filling enough for 2-3 people, and we walked away pretty impressed with everything. Special kudos to the brisket and the sausage, as well as the baked beans mixed with shredded brisket.
The platter was a real winner. You can also order sandwiches, kid’s meals, dessert (the banana pudding was solid), or smoked meats by the pound.
My brother-in-law Chip and I poked our heads out back, where we watched the pit master at work.
He told us – and this was new info to me – that Texas barbecue pit masters largely use oak. Legacy uses all Ohio white oak.
We will most certainly be back! The location was fun, it was very family friendly, and the barbecue was on-point. And I didn’t even mention all the sauces!
Legacy Smokehouse
3987 Main St. (map it!)
Hilliard, OH 43026
(614) 541-9022
Open Tues-Sun, 11a-8p
Find them on Facebook and Instagram (@legacysmokehouse)
