Amazing spot with cozy vibes, top-notch bourbon, and seriously good BBQ, this place hits every note. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. A good selection of bourbon and cocktails that are just as delicious as their BBQ. Combine that with friendly service and a chill ambiance you will want to come back. read more

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Pretty solid 'que, but room for improvement. Came here a while back (with my wife) for a weekend BBQ meal. We were seated on the cute little back patio. We ordered beers and as luck would have it, I was able to order their last available rack of ribs for the evening (my go-to barbecue item)! We also got some beef brisket and a few sides to share. Overall the meats were tasty, but there were a few issues with the meal. The ribs had a nice dry rub seasoning on them and were quite tender. The brisket also had a good bark, but was a tad dry. In terms of available sauces, the Kansas City sauce was thick and tangy, but the Proof sauce was not good at all...I just could not put my finger on what about it I didn't like n its flavor profile. The coleslaw was shredded with vinegar and quite dry, the mac-n-cheese was only semi-gooey and the fries (although tasty) were limp from being undercooked. Bottom line was thumbs up on the meats and thumbs sideways (or down) on the sides. Wil most certainly give them another try as I am a BBQ junky, hoping the outcomes are slightly better. read more

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I had heard that Proof has the best BBQ in Cleveland and I would say it lives up to the hype! It's reasonably priced and the meat is so good -- the brisket is tender and falls apart and none of their BBQ is dry. The Mac and cheese is to die for, I would go just for that! They also have house-made barbecue sauces that are unique, tangy, and flavorful. As an added bonus, Proof is a great spot to visit in the summer because their patio has awesome vibes. Highly recommend!! read more

proof - Brisket, mac and cheese, Cole slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Great server who was timely with the drinks and orders and friendly. I'm picky about barbecue since I'm from Kansas City. The KC style sauce they have is thick and sweet yes, but also has a little spicy kick I wasn't a fan of. It has hints of smoked cherry or maple. The white sauce is very vinegary and not my fave either. The brisket had a nice fat cap on the thick slices but the meat itself was dry unfortunately. The macaroni looked well topped but somehow lacked flavor which was unexpected given that it had a great appearance. The honey corn muffin it came with was moist, sweet, and delicious however! The pulled pork on the salad was pretty decent- not flavorful particularly but a good mix of moisture and fat. The salad was good sized with smoked tomato pieces which were really smokey and sadly yet again not to my liking. The cider vinaigrette was good and thick but very sweet. Overall not a terrible place for barbecue but definitely not good barbecue either. read more

proof - Dinner plate w brisket and honey corn muffin - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Hip little bbq restaurant in downtown Cleveland. Restaurant was clean, and nicely decorated. Menu was simple and prices were reasonable. I ordered 2 brisket tacos. My wife and son shared the pulled pork plate. As much as I wanted to love the brisket tacos, this didn't hit well. The brisket itself was a nice slice of tender meat, but it was drowned in sauce and had a weird raw carrot/slaw concoction that didn't really add anything to the taco. I ate one as served, then scraped everything off the second taco and ate it plain, this was better. In retrospect, I should have ordered the brisket plate. My wife and son's pork was also tender and well cooked, but was missing flavor. Maybe it isn't rubbed before smoking? They have a selection of sauces they seem proud of, and if you like BBQ sauce this will serve you well. The plate came with a side of fries and a cornbread muffin. Both were ok. We ordered an additional 1/2 pound of pulled pork to finish the meal. While I wasn't impressed personally, the food was cooked well. If I was in Cleveland again, I would consider trying the brisket plate. read more

Unfortunately I feel like this place has gone down hill. The first time I came here last year, I had a great experience with food, drink, and staff. On my second visit I came and it was meh, but figured it was an off night. My most recent visit was the worst of the 3. They are open until 10PM and I visited around 8:20PM. I figured it was enough time to still get fresher food. The brisket was very fatty, and gray (no smoke ring, indicative of quality barbecue). Both the brisket and Mac and cheese were cold further leading me to believe neither were made fresh. The plate claims to be served with garlic toast and pickles/onions. The toast was plain toast, and I had 3 shreds of pickles that were limp. Too bad the taste of the pickles were the best part of the meal. The drink I had was good (hence the 2 stars), but wouldn't bring me back. The next day I felt pretty sick (food poisoning symptoms) and Proof was the only thing I had all day. Given the cold food, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't kept above the "danger zone". Not sure if it was a change in management/ownership, but I hope this place gets back on track. read more

proof - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

There's a reason this place is closing. We got the smokehouse wings and the 2 meat platter. We got our food surprising quick. The flavor of the wings were good but we noticed the wings were uncooked. We mentioned it the server who insisted we were wrong all while barely looking at the wings. My sister who's a well respected sous chef in the city and knows how the smoking process is done agreed a chicken bone shouldn't be bleeding after cooking and smoking. The chef dissected the wing but didn't find it to be undercooked in his opinion. No apology for was offered. I'm not sure if he thought we were trying to get free food but we paid for the food and didn't even ask it to be removed from our bill nor was it offered. Not to mention that the brisket was mostly fat and the mac & cheese was flavorless. Good riddance read more

Been to proof when in tremont and always liked it. First time at this location. I had the burger- which I really loved- probably one of the best smash burgers I have had out in a while. My wife had a taco- again good. Here is what I liked the best though, my wife ordered a beer- the waitress forgot to bring it, but when the food came, we asked about it, and she brought it and said it was in the house. Old school service- thanks proof. Well done. read more

Great food! Wonderful atmosphere. The service was excellent. The bar is beautifully designed and built.

I was thrilled to see Proof reopen, and it's truly better than ever. Chef Brandon Lassiter is so, so talented, and it was an honor to write about him and his food in a recent issue of Cleveland Magazine. The BBQ is great -- obviously. The pork nachos are decadent and massive (though they now helpfully come in a half-size), and the brisket tacos are juicy and flavorful. But for me, it's the smashburger that truly stands out. It's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten, and it's easily one of my top three favorite burgers in Cleveland. (Top two, maybe? In contention with only Cordelia and maybe Bearden's.) The vibe is laid-back and casual, like a nice, new version of a neighborhood dive -- and with much better food and liquor than most. The stuff is super friendly, and the back patio is perfect on a sunny day. Make this your new favorite spot! read more

proof - Pork nachos - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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This place has the best ribs and brisket. The service is always delightful but the chairs on the patio were not comfortable. They have so many different types of yummy bbq sauces to add to your meal. The only thing that falls short here is the cornbread, it's very dry and lacks flavor. However the fries and vinegar aioli are to die for. read more

Wonderful food! Nice patio. Always treat their customers well. I can always count on a solid experience.

Heard good things about this spot, so we had to check out this little BBQ spot. I'm not a huge BBQ lover but my husband is and he always wants to try new spots. We started with the street corn popcorn, I absolutely loved it!! My husband got the pulled pork, fries & coleslaw. I got the brisket & fries. The fries were really probably the best fries I've had in years! Also my friend got the Mac & Cheese, I tried some and thought it was pretty good too! Very happy with our selections. The Kansas City BBQ sauce was awesome as well. I would definitely recommend this spot if you're craving some really tasty BBQ! And remember this is coming from someone who isn't a fan of BBQ in general. I would definitely go back! Our server was excellent and handled our bigger table of 7 very well! read more

Wow that was some bad brisket...like there's no way anyone would consider what I got decent bbq. It was so incredibly dry and old, all the marbling and fat had solidified a firm opaque white and was stiff as cardboard when I picked it up. I did order delivery, but this was most definitely not because of the delivery time, this was definitely leftovers or sitting out for a while. To give the benefit of doubt, I probably got a bad, leftover bunch and may not represent what others seemingly got in the reviews. But to allow such a quality pass and be served tells me all I need to know about the place and what corners it's willing to cut. read more

Food was epic. The ribs weren't ready when I arrived so I got some wings as appetizers. These were excellent. Cooked perfectly with a delicious Buffalo sauce. I then ordered the pork ribs which were delectable fall off the bone tender with delicious sides. Completely recommend Proof. They also have a very nice drink menu as well. read more

We've been here twice and enjoyed both visits. Pork belly appetizer is very tasty. Love sitting on their patio. We'll definitely go back again. read more

proof - Smash burger - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Gave this new place a try. We ate inside but I see they have a nice patio too. Bar is cool and small and has all the touches of a new startup. Nice drink selection but beer taps are sparse. Food was average at best. Small menu didn't offer too much of a choice either. Staff were nice and responsive. read more

Always greeted with a smile, and it makes a joy to visit. Today there was a live band that sounded amazing. The overall vibe was jovial. I had the best bbq sauce ever I tried them all. Our food was delicious, and I can't wait to be back soon. read more

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Found this place via Yelp! after a trip to the Cleveland Zoo. Food was amazing. Definitely a hidden gem and worth checking out!

Cool atmosphere, great menu, and even better food. Brisket was great came with well seasoned fries. Wings may have been the best part

DELICIOUS food and top notch service! My family enjoyed a little bit of everything on the menu, and each dish was not only spectacular, unique, and generously portioned, but reasonably priced too. The entire staff was kind, knowledgeable, and attentive (without being clingy). The sign out front said Proof had the best bbq in the land...and they're absolutely right. Can't wait to come back. read more

The brisket and ribs were delicious. Everyone was nice when we walked in and they can accommodate kids. Not too noisy and great location will definitely be back soon. read more

Dad and I visited after the Guardians game. Food was great and everyone was so nice! We sat on the patio and had a good post game dinner. read more

proof - Island vibes - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

The only downside: it was to go. The steam when it's closed, softens the nachos. The toppings melt into your mouth like a good bbq should read more

2$ a bone ribs are unbeatable. Great smoked wings! Homemade Bleu cheese. Outatating prices for happy hour drinks. Fast and attentive service

Even though I loved the ambiance and felt the sangria was great, the ribs were tender but a bit dry at ends.

I ordered takeout for the first time from Proof, and I want to be honest. The restaurant itself is gorgeous. The decor and ambiance was amazing! Had I stayed in and got a drink I am sure I would've enjoyed my time there. As far as food, I had a smash burger with a side of Mac and cheese. The burger was delicious, but the bun was too dry to eat. Without the bun, the burger was perfect. The Mac n cheese looked great, but the flavor was just not there. It more creamy than cheesy and had green onions on top, which made it taste more like a macaroni salad. I just feel like it needed more cheese and a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors. My partner had the brisket plate with a side of baked beans. The brisket looked really good, but was a bit dry. The beans were more tangy than sweet, which may be more popular for others. The service was quick and pleasant which I appreciated. I just wish that I had enjoyed the flavors of the food more. read more

Phenomenal spot! Exceptional service, we felt so welcome. Met the owner, who was passionate about what he does and made some great Cleveland recommendations. Highly recommend the fried green tomatoes and smoked wings w/their house-made sauce. read more

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Had the nachos and burnt ends. First, service was great. Everyone would stop and make sure things were great. The food was favorable. The burnt ends glaze was had a very sweet flavor without being overpowerful. The crema for the noxious had a citric twang. Lived the smoked meat on the nachos. read more

We stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and shared the hot honey gochujang wings and the nachos. Both were 10/10. The wings were cooked perfectly and piping hot. The manager was super attentive and cool af. We can't wait to go back and try the pineapple upside down bread pudding. read more

Saw them advertised on TV awhile back and finally made it there. Was not disappointed. The pulled pork and brisket was delicious. Try the Brussel sprouts and bread pudding. Amazing. Looking forward to having a drink on the outdoor patio. Waiter was helpful and the decor was comfortable. read more

So far I've eaten barbecue twice since moving to Cleveland, and both times it has been at Proof. Considering my efforts to try new places and knowledge of two other barbecue places within walking distance, that's saying something - the food quality is well above what I'm accustomed to for barbecue in Ohio, and competitive with the best I've had overall. Pork, brisket, or ribs? It depends on which employee you ask as to which one is best, which means they're all really good. Having tried the first two, I think the brisket are the ones that stand out the most. But make sure you get a side as well. The baked pinto beans are way more flavorful than most baked beans, and the mac and cheese - with scallions - is even better. It's a great atmosphere as well. Slightly dim lighting, quality paneling, a patio that I'll have to try out next time - it's casual but commiserate with the quality of the food. You can swing by after a Guardians game and fit right in, yet it will still feel classy. Service is good. The guys in the kitchen are upbeat and efficient. Taylor is "there in spirit even when she's not there" to quote one of the guys in the kitchen, and seems to be the one really running the show, but Eric does a great job too, even if he's not as confident yet. The manager guy seems to just walk around and ask them to do things, my one suggestion would be that he could make the other employees' lives easier, and improve service, by occasionally running food out to tables or pouring a beer. So far, I've yet to have the pleasure of meeting the real man behind the show, Brandon Lassiter, but he clearly knows what he's doing when it comes to barbecue. Try it out, you won't regret it. read more

Awesome atmosphere and food! Had previously been in Tremont and Just went to the new location. Same great foot but the space is way nicer

Oh my gosh. This place rocks it. The mac and cheese is so cheesy good it's a sin. The ribs and pulled pork were phenomenal. Smoky good, meaty and good sauce selection. Excellent portion size. Staff was friendly and did a great job. We sat outside in a little area in the back. The reviews here were spot on. Delicious. Would def come back the next time I come to Cleveland. read more

the exterior is done well and it's nice to see this area develop. interior also nicely done with exposed brick wall and minimal decor. a small space. it wasn't busy when we were there. good service at the bar. saw the owner about but no acknowledgement from him. small menu featuring their special sauces. the menu we had didn't describe them. also different menu from what ive seen online. excellent fries and pulled pork. the moroccan cauliflower steak was just ok, served with a cornbread muffin and your choice of sauce. food served on tin trays, same as banter. the spaces are so similar and after seeing the trays, i asked if they were affiliated, but they are not. we left with a neither here nor there impression. we liked banter much better. read more

proof - moroccan cauliflower steak, cornbread muffin, cucumbers, onions, proof sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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The sign advertised themselves as the best barbecue and at first I thought this was a big truck compensation strategy. I was pleasantly surprised with how wrong I was, they had a game day special of 6 wings for 10 dollars and we got one of every sauce they had available. Some sauces were better than others (the Carolina barbecue being liquid gold) but all of them had their own merits. The real reason I'm writing this is for the pork belly bites. It's rare I find a dish that I not only fight my partner over the last bite but romanticize about after eating. They were one of the best things I've put into my month in ages. Proof has an almost perfect menu where my only complaint is the macaroni and cheese tastes more like butter noodles. Ultimately this is a hidden gem on Lorain and I'll be taking my family here next. read more

Great space, great service, great food! Really solid on all levels. Very enjoyable experience. Tried the half slab of ribs, 3 sauces, Mac and cheese, Cole slaw and salad. Everything was perfect. read more

I still miss Nick's Diner (same spot), but Proof has done a beautiful refurbishment, beautiful wood tables and comfortable seating, great job on patio. Brisket was awesome, good staff. Ask for manager Jay, great guy! read more

Went after Guardians game. They stay open later than most places. Food and service wad great.

Smash Burger, Mac and Cheese, Brisket, Ribs - All Excellent. Great relaxing atmosphere on the back patio.