5 stars all around! Our first time visiting Kiser’s in this location did not disappoint! From the time we walked in until we walked out, we felt welcome, comfortable, and appreciated. We ordered a variety to share. We ordered the individual sides, and they were VERY generous portions! More than enough for two to share! The meat portions on the sandwiches were also very generous, and the buns were toasty and warm, yet soft and delicious, the perfect kind of bun for good bbq! The flavor of the meat instantly hits in the first bite. Delish! The sweet sauce is very unique and flavorful…I picked up some appley (is that a word?) notes, which I absolutely loved. The stewed beans…holy moly! So so good with little chunks of bacon goodness (and sausage, I believe!) Again, like the sauce, very unique! Not the typical bbq beans. The cornmeal biscuits were fantastic, served with REAL BUTTER. The house made pickles and onions…YUM! Sweet tea…PERFECT! I can’t say a bad word about anything! I only wish we had enough room to eat every bite, but with the generous portions, we were filled to the brim! Can’t wait to try the house made smoke sausage next time! Super friendly, helpful, and attentive staff! Extra clean dining area and restrooms, and the kicker… ***BETTER THAN MYRON MIXON! We ate at the Myron Mixon restaurant in Gatlinburg several weeks ago, expecting to have the best barbecue ever. We couldn’t have been more disappointed. KISER’S blows that place out of the water!!! Meats, sides, service, the whole nine yards. Better BY FAR!!!
Overview
Kiser's Barbeque, located at 355 E State St, Athens, OH 45701, has built a reputation for serving some of the best slow-cooked barbeque in the region. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this family-owned gem offers a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with the smoky aroma of tender meats grilling to perfection, hinting at the flavorful dishes that await.
The menu at Kiser's Barbeque is a true testament to the art of barbeque. Offering a range of options from classic pulled pork sandwiches to juicy ribs, it’s clear that this place knows how to handle meat. The portions are generous, and the flavors? Absolutely mouthwatering. One popular dish, the brisket, is cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop into a rich, smoky masterpiece. Each bite is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. It's not just about the meat though; their sides, like coleslaw and baked beans, complement the main dishes with just the right amount of flavor balance.
Many people who’ve dined at Kiser’s rave about the homemade sauces that accompany their meals. These sauces range from tangy and sweet to smoky with a kick, offering something for every taste. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional vinegar-based sauce or prefer something spicier, you’ll find a perfect match for your meat.
In terms of ambiance, Kiser’s Barbeque offers a relaxed, casual vibe. The decor is simple, yet cozy, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. You’ll often see locals catching up over plates of barbeque, and the atmosphere is welcoming enough for newcomers to feel at home immediately. The friendly staff adds to the experience, always eager to offer recommendations and make sure you’re enjoying your meal.
What sets Kiser's apart is its dedication to quality and consistency. It's clear that they take pride in their work, sourcing only the finest cuts of meat and preparing everything from scratch. This attention to detail translates into consistently great food that customers can rely on. The secret to their success lies in their ability to maintain high standards while keeping the dishes approachable and satisfying for everyone.
For those looking for a quick meal, Kiser’s offers takeout options as well. Whether you're grabbing a sandwich on the go or ordering a full platter to share with friends, the food is just as fresh and flavorful as if you were dining in. Plus, the online ordering system makes it easy to place an order ahead of time, ensuring you get your food exactly when you want it.
When it comes to reviews, Kiser’s Barbeque consistently earns high praise from both locals and visitors. It’s not just the food that keeps people coming back, but the sense of community and the knowledge that you're supporting a family-run business. There are plenty of dining options in Athens, but Kiser’s stands out as a must-visit for anyone who loves barbeque.
One of the standout features of Kiser’s is how they blend tradition with innovation. While their menu features classic barbeque staples, they also experiment with unique twists. For example, their BBQ chicken is topped with a smoky chipotle glaze, adding a zesty depth to the flavor that’s different from the usual offerings. It’s this willingness to try new things while staying true to their roots that keeps diners excited to return.
The location in Athens is ideal for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re strolling through town or just looking for a great place to eat, Kiser’s Barbeque is within walking distance of many local attractions. The relaxed, down-to-earth vibe makes it a perfect stop for a hearty, delicious meal after a day of exploring the area.
Overall, Kiser’s Barbeque is more than just a restaurant; it's a true part of the Athens community. With its exceptional food, warm atmosphere, and commitment to quality, it’s easy to see why this place is so beloved. If you find yourself in Athens, OH, make sure to stop by and taste the barbeque that everyone is talking about.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Staff super friendly and attentive. Loaded fries where good made them better by adding my slaw from my chicken Sammy. The tenders are juicy could use some salt or flavor! The grilled cheese was the bomb..maybe less cheese as it took over the flavor of the brisket!! Would return!!
Order at the counter, and they will bring your food to your table. We grabbed a table, and the food was out in about 10 minutes. They do not serve any alcoholic drinks. I ordered the Polish Boy, and my wife had the half chicken. The Polish boy is covered with fries and slaw, and I also added pulled pork to my sandwich. They have different sauces you can also try, from mild to hot. Both meals were quite good.
Absolute must stop if you love BBQ and are visiting Athens! You can go in and grab your menu, seat your self and easily order using QR code on the table, if that’s not your style someone will come take your order but we honestly loved being able to talk and browse the menu and order on our own time. It smelled delicious and being able to see them make your food we instantly knew we were in for a treat. It was very clean all the staff was friendly! Our service was super quick and the food was as expected delicious! We had to sample both the fries and chips both were great choices so you can’t go wrong with either one. I opted for a pulled pork sandwich and got the slaw on the side and my daughter got the Mac and cheese topped with pulled pork. We both chose the sweet heat bbq which was delicious. The slaw was some of the best I have ever had and the pork was piled high and cooked to perfection. As an added bonus the restaurant is very nice with murals on the outside walls. I believe in nicer weather there is also outdoor seating (it was storming on our visit). Other positives are the super cute kids corner and love the fact that they donate 10% every Tuesday to local charities. I can’t say enough how much we enjoyed our visit and will most definitely be making many more return stops next time I’ll try to snap more photos!
Had an absolutely great experience here! Quick and easy access off of route 33. Staff were friendly. Ordering was easy. The restaurant and the bathrooms were very clean. Most importantly, the food was delicious! I will definitely be coming back.
Heading home from Athens and found this little place right passed all the hussel and bussel of the big stores. We were so glad we stopped because the food was so tender and tasty. Had the brisket, pork and the sausage and it didn't disappoint. Would highly recommend stopping here to eat if you're a smoked meat person.
Everything was great. Nice big portions. Brisket was juicy and tender. They leave some fat in it which i love. Most places cut it out and imo it ruins it