Tucked into the heart of Pendleton, Lucius Q is the kind of place that pulls you in before you even reach the door--the irresistible aroma of smoked meat drifting out onto the street is enough to make you stop in your tracks (and immediately start craving barbecue). Every visit feels like a treat, but lately they've taken things up a notch with a lineup of signature cocktails. I tried the espresso martini, and it was outstanding--smooth, balanced, and the perfect complement to the bold, smoky flavors coming out of the kitchen. As for the food, it's consistently excellent. The dry rub wings are my go-to: perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of heat and flavor, and even better when paired with their bama white sauce. If you're leaning sandwich, you can't go wrong with a pulled pork or pulled chicken sammy topped with their Carolina gold sauce--it's tangy, slightly sweet, and completely addictive. And the fries? Thick-cut, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside--exactly what great fries should be. Beyond the food and drinks, Lucius Q really shines as a place to gather. They have a fantastic event space that comfortably holds around 50 people--perfect for parties or private events. It's also one of the rare downtown spots with plenty of TVs, making it a great place to catch a game. Add in live music most Fridays and a great outdoor patio for those perfect Cincinnati weather days, and it's easy to see why this place is always buzzing. Lucius Q is one of those spots I simply can't walk past without slowing down and breathing it in. Whether you're a Pendleton regular or just passing through downtown Cincinnati, it's a must-visit that delivers every single time. read more

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Very sad. Was there many times when I lived in Cincinnati and it was the best OK? Went back there a few weeks ago and not happy at all Brisket was very dry and it's so-called burnt ends were like eating leather it has really gone downhill read more

Stopped by this restaurant on opening day. They had the door open so we went inside. We went to the bathroom and as we came at the bathroom one of the workers came out and said we shouldn't have came inside and he informed us that we weren't suppose to come in in the first place. It was very starling as we had came to use the bathroom and order food and we were greeted in that manner. I've never been confronted in that manner by someone for entering a restaurant when the door was open, showing that they were open. A really scary experience coming out of the bathroom. Be aware of this man. read more

Lucius Q - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Surprisingly quiet on a Saturday night, but that meant quick service for me! Went with the brisket sandwich and the Lucius Hot BBQ sauce paired with collard greens as my side. Food came out very quickly and was very good! The brisket was seasoned really well and I loved the sauce. It definitely wasn't hot though, but that's cool. read more

Lucius Q - Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Came for an event "The Cookout" and was not disappointed. The crowd was lively and the performers were on point! It was great mixed crowd of ages and races and I'm definitely going to stay on the lookout for other events here! Of course I had to sample the menu, and had a Long Island ice tea and smoked wings. All delicious. read more

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This place... Was a hidden gem we found while in town on a "Staycation" even though it's 4 hour away but the food is OUT. OF. BOUNDS.! 2 words... COME. HERE. There was a line for a reason. We found it by accident while wandering around. Relaxed BBQ spot... come as you are. Staff was all cool & helpful. read more

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De-Lucius! We loved everything we had at Lucius Q yesterday. Hubs chose this as his birthday lunch spot and we approve the choice! We started with shared smoked chicken nachos. Amazing. Then we had: Carlson sandwich, two orders of the Pitmaster including brisket, pulled pork and sausage meats -- all superb. And I had an order of the brisket chili fries, which I was forced to allow others to taste but didn't want to -- so good I didn't want to share. Sides were broccoli salad and macaroni and cheese - all devoured. Our server Jacob was friendly and attentive. We sat at an indoor picnic table in the warehouse-y space. Parked in the big lot in back. Overall a great experience and we'll easily be back for more. read more

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We ordered Lucius Q for our graduation celebration and it did not disappoint. The brisket is a must, the pulled chicken was fantastic, the broccoli salad was a sleeper hit, the wings were delicious, and the burnt tips... let's just say I'm a fan now. read more

One of my favorite places to eat around the casino. The drinks were great and so was the food. Staff was friendly and made me want to return in the future. I also loved the multiple levels and interior. read more

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We loved it. The 3way was great and rib tips were good too. The service was great and the bar was very nice. I will definitely be back. Saw the DDD video and wants to try it out. read more

Lucius Q - 3way and a side of rib tips - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

BBQ / Brisket tasted like it had sat overnight. Brisket was dry. The sides were not fresh. Bring your CC, it's expensive. Value is not there. read more

Without a doubt one of the better barbecue restaurants in Cincinnati. 2 of us had the pulled pork sandwiches, one the ribs and the other the wings...so a good cross-section. All very, very good. The sides just ok. The coleslaw was pretty good but just a small, small cup. The fries weren't too bad. The broccoli salad wasn't bad but the side my wife had pretty much no broccoli. Thus the 4 stars. We went on a Friday night and not too crowded so the service was VERY GOOD. Both gals who waited on us kept checking in and were extremely nice. Unfortunately the band that they had playing made it difficult to have any conversation. It was too cold so we couldn't go outside. (Disappointed no space heaters). They wouldn't let us go upstairs which overlooked the band and would have been a bit easier to chat. BUT the band was VERY GOOD. read more

I was just in Cincinnati for one night...just traveling through, really. During my travel preparation, I bookmarked this "DDD" location. My wife and I often eat at DDD locations, but we are often underwhelmed. This was not the case yesterday. I arrived about 3 o'clock to a practically empty restaurant, which worked out perfectly. My server, Jacob, got to take his time... talk about the show... And point out on the menu what Guy ate. I had what Guy had - the Pendleton Porker (with the jam on the side). Jacob is a cool dude. Wow! What a sandwich! At first, I didn't think I would be able to eat it all. Silly me! I thought it was great! The meat was tender and juicy, there was just the right amount of sauce, and the sandwich itself was not too messy and/or unmanageable. Lastly, the price point was right on; it did not leave me feeling "cheated". Let's just say I'm glad this restaurant is in Cincinnati, and not in San Antonio! I absolutely loved the atmosphere, too! The "garage door"/open air vibe was just the best. It was the perfect day to have the doors open... My only reason this is a four star review were the fries! French fries are one of my favorite things, and unfortunately, these came out overly salted and way too crispy. If I had stayed in Cincinnati one more day, though, you can guarantee I would be getting those fries another shot! I already told my wife Cincinnati needs to be on future trip radar... read more

Lucius Q - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Love that I was able to split the order of six wings and that I could get a bit of sauce on the side to try. The mild bbq didn't work well on the smoked wings imo and the dry rub seemed to have been simply sprinkled on top of the wings and not applied before they were cooked which I find confusing. The Mac and cheese was surprisingly pretty good but the greens were not. They supposedly had turkey in them and I swear I didn't taste a bit of it. The turkey sandwich was pretty good. I got it simply because I love smoked Gouda and the smoked turkey was a wise edition though I think the extras should be different. Unfortunately the restaurant has only bench seating (which I hate) and bar top seating (which I hate even more). The service was also nothing to write home about. I'd definitely eat here again but I'd carry out. read more

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Meats were dry. Did not like their BBQ style. I felt rushed trying to order and didn't feel like they wanted me there.

Great food & awesome atmosphere! Service was amazing! You definitely won't regret visiting Lucius Q!

I had a work meeting at Lucius Q this week. When I walked in, the staff greeted me warmly. They were super kind and attentive during my whole visit. I got iced tea and the pulled pork nachos. They were okay, but I wouldn't get them again. I got my husband a Pendleton Porker (sandwich) to go. He ate it hours later and said it was one of the best sandwiches he has ever had. My business partner ordered wings and loaded chili fries, which both looked super good. I love the vibe of the dining room. It's open and spacious with two levels and a little stage. There is also a patio out back you can eat on. read more

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Dried out over smoked Brisket- so dry you could not eat it.Burnt ends were burnt beyond the name of the product- they need to change to charred ends. the soft drinks were good and I loved the ribs last visit but they were out tonight. read more

I love Lucius Q. Even having been months since I last went, I stand by my statement that Lucius is tied as my #1 BBQ joint in Cincy/Northern Kentucky area. Lucius is awesome value and kind service. I thought the food was delicious! The server recommended a hack for even better value to order the "Pack" (a meal for multiple people) and bring it home to your fam for the best value. Two things I appreciate the most about this place are that it feels like no-frills you pay for what you get! And for once at a barbecue joint, they have sides other than just mac & cheese-- there's variety across fries, corn, coleslaw, etc. Can't wait to go back! read more

Lucius Q - Ribs and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Delicious! Some of the best bbq I've had! Collared greens were fantastic and the cheesy corn was so good... I could have sat and ate their sides all day. The service was average. We had to wait a little longer than should have a few times as the waitress was chit chatting with the other workers... But everyone was friendly and since we weren't in a hurry didn't mind to much... If you are allergic to nuts the broccoli salad has some so be careful as it wasn't listed on the menu. The atmosphere was cute and perfect. We were on a business trip so we aren't locals but I sure wish I could go back! read more

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Writing this as i eat.. food was absolutely delicious. So seasoned and flavorful!! 10/10 Service was awesome as well, super friendly. read more

Terrible. Was told this place was good. They must not know good what bbq is. Brisket was super dry and flavorless.

My daughter took us to here for Father's Day. The food was really good. I'm not a huge fan of bbq restaurants in general, but Lucius Q had some very original and tasty items on their menu. I had the Carlson Sandwich, which was great! (Smoked Turkey, Smoked Gouda, Bacon Onion Jam, Granny Smith Apple slices, Gold Aioli) The atmosphere was bright and fun...more like a brewery than a bbq joint. Unfortunately, the day we went, the service was bad. They were only about half full, so they weren't slammed, they were just very unorganized. We didn't get everything we ordered and there were bill mixups at several tables around us, including ours. I can highly recommend the food, so I'm hoping for their sake it was just an off day. read more

Lucius Q - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Their food taste like paper and their drinks like garlic water. The service was the worst I've ever experienced and management is a joke. DO NOT EAT HERE. Your stomach will hurt for days. Disgusting. read more

Some of the best brisket I've had in Cinci, tender, smoky, and full of flavor. The sides were all solid, especially the mac and cheese. The place has a relaxed vibe and the staff was friendly and quick. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area and craving good BBQ. read more

The BBQ here is not good at all. Ownership does not care. Pulled pork sandwich was dry. How that's even possible is beyond me.

This may be my quickest turn around between seeing a restaurant on Triple D and visiting the place. Saw their triple d on Friday and was able to check it out the following Monday. Really liked both dishes I had, BBQ 3 way and red beans and rice. Can't wait to come back to try more. read more

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Hadn't eaten in this location since before Covid. Went down on Sunday afternoon for lunch with family. Restaurant clean, inviting and not to busy (Bengals play away this week). Many tvs with various NFL games playing. Upstairs loft area offers space for large group. Today staff offered nacho chip bar for free to patrons. Ordered pull pork sandwich, Mac n cheese, and 3 individual rib bones. Mac n cheese was delicious! Pull pork sandwich was tasty. Ribs dry, little tough, not meaty. Service was good and friendly. Definitely a must try if in the area. Also checkout location at Factory 52 in Norwood. read more

In the hope of finding more yummy places to get brisket I chose to try this place. I tried to order the pulled chicken, but after I put it in my cart it didn't let me order it, so we ordered 2 1/2 lb of beef brisket and a side of fried. The brisket came with a few pieces of onions and pickles. I was not a fan of the meat, it was okay but not too tasty and mostly dry. Also for the price, the amount was not ideal. Maybe if it came with a side of something. However the fried were super tasty. Might go in to try their chicken! read more

Lucius Q - Beef Brisket (1/2 LB) - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Incredible food! Every bite was a delight, with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. A must-try! read more

Lucius Q - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Went here due to this place being on DDD so I expected it to be great. It was a7/10. I had the spaghetti which was great but it's not Cincinnati chili. Ambiance was very neat and it seems there might be live music here at times. read more

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I stopped by Lucious Q during Bockfest Weekend and sat at the bar. The bartender was so courteous and when I asked for a mocktail, she made this delicious concoction. The food is delicious. They seemed to be short handed but did handle the ongoing line of folks. They were part of Bockfest but saw several patrons unhappy that they did not have any Bockbier. Definitely stop by and give them a try!! read more

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Eh... it was ok but nothing great. Many better places for a better price. I'd rather eat at Dickeys than this place again and anyone who knows bbq knows that's says something. It was a one and done for moi. read more

We were visiting friends in Ohio, and they wanted our opinion on a local BBQ joint and came to Luscious Q. Probably the most overrated BBQ I've ever had. I'm from Texas, where BBQ is done right. The burnt ends had a horrible smell, taste, and texture. The brisket was dry and tasted microwaved. All the sides were dismal except for the corn muffins. The place was nice on the inside, but I couldn't care less about that. I'm here for the food. I've eaten at complete dumps of restaurants that had bomb food, and I had no digestive issues after eating their food. Service wasn't anything outstanding, so no points for them there. In the middle of the night after eating here (this was the only thing we ate all day), we were awakened with the bubble guts and explosive diarrhea. Hard pass for me to ever eat here again, especially given the fact that one of the owners supports political violence. read more

I personally didn't enjoy the food. The burnt ends were pretty fatty with a good amount that was just fat cubes. Service was a little slow but pleasant. The space wasn't too shabby either, I just felt food itself was a let down and the prices only hurt the experience further... read more

Stopped here for the first time for a friend's birthday. I got the crispy pork belly and fries and my husband got the brisket sandwich. The Crispy Pork Belly was too die for. I will come back just to get it. I got the spiked hot chocolate to drink and it was yummy. Server was friendly and food came out fast. read more

Lucius Q - Crispy Pork Belly and Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Great Pork BBQ sandwich and Mac n cheese! Neat part of town. Clean and renovated.......... read more

Good beer, nice atmosphere, delicious wings, and extremely friendly service. Great neighborhood pub.

Find another bbq joint. Brisket was dry. Sides were luke warm. Overall, overpriced for what they offered.

Worst barbecue I've ever eaten in my life. I'll never return to this location. Brisket was tough menus overpriced to my opinion.