There are few foods I love as much as great barbecue. Smoky, tender brisket, sweet and slightly spicy BBQ sauce, and all the classic sides—just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

So I was thrilled when I found out that my Southwest-sponsored trip to Cincinnati included a stop at Just Q’In BBQ, located in the Walnut Hills neighborhood.

If you’re exploring the Cincinnati BBQ scene, this spot delivers everything you want from a classic barbecue restaurant.

Just Q’In

Classic BBQ Favorites at Just Q’In

Just Q’In offers all the traditional BBQ staples, including:

• Ribs

• Brisket

• Pulled chicken

• Creamy mac and cheese

• Cornbread

The menu focuses on bold flavors and comforting sides that pair perfectly with slow-smoked meats.

BBQ Platter

The Brisket: A Must-Order

The standout dish of the meal was easily the brisket.

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It was incredibly tender—truly melt-in-your-mouth good. The smoky flavor was rich without being overpowering, and the meat had that perfect balance of bark on the outside and juicy texture inside.

If you visit Just Q’In, ordering the brisket is an absolute must.

Brisket

Pulled Chicken with Smoky BBQ Sauce

We also tried the pulled chicken, which was another excellent choice.

The chicken was moist and flavorful, and it soaked up the BBQ sauce beautifully. The sauce itself had a sweet, smoky flavor that complemented the meat perfectly.

I found myself going back for bite after bite.

Pulled Chicken

Honey Drizzled Cornbread

Of course, no BBQ meal is complete without cornbread, and the version at Just Q’In did not disappoint.

It was served with a drizzle of honey that made the cornbread sweet, sticky, and incredibly satisfying. The sweetness paired perfectly with the savory meats and smoky BBQ sauce.

Honestly, it’s some of the better cornbread I’ve had.

Cornbread

Creamy Mac and Cheese

We also sampled the mac and cheese, and it was everything you want from this classic comfort food.

The pasta was coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that was perfectly gooey. The best bites were when you combined brisket, BBQ sauce, and mac and cheese all together.

Even thinking about it now makes me hungry again.

Mac and Cheese

Pairing BBQ with Kentucky Bourbon Ale

Because all great food deserves an equally great drink, we paired our barbecue with Kentucky Bourbon Ale.

This beer is brewed in bourbon barrels and comes in at around 8% ABV, making it a bit stronger than your average beer. The subtle bourbon notes and malty sweetness made it a fantastic match for the smoky BBQ flavors.

Kentucky Bourbon Ale

Final Thoughts on Just Q’In BBQ

If you’re visiting Cincinnati and craving barbecue, Just Q’In BBQ in Walnut Hills is definitely worth a stop. Between the smoky brisket, flavorful pulled chicken, and classic sides like cornbread and mac and cheese, it’s a satisfying introduction to the Cincinnati BBQ scene.

Just Q’In is located at 6901 Valley Ave, Cincinnati

Looking to visit another under the radar city – here’s where I ate in Williamsburg, VA.

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While this trip was paid for by Southwest Airlines, all views stated here are my own.

While this trip was paid for by Southwest Airlines, all views stated here are my own.