Smoke curls over historic downtown Chillicothe, Ohio 🔥, and your nose follows it straight to an old forge turned barbecue headquarters.
The Old Canal Smoke House has been feeding hungry locals and road-trippers since 2004.
This family-owned restaurant earned its fan base one tray of hickory-smoked meat at a time. 🍖
How Old Canal Smoke House won Chillicothe’s hearts
It all started in 2004, when Dane and Jodie Straub opened the Old Canal Smoke House in a newly renovated 1850s forge on East Water Street. 🏛️
The brick-lined space gave the town a place that felt like it had always been there.
Word spread, and in 2017 the spot even landed a “Best Bite” feature on ABC 6’s Good Day Columbus.
Locals kept coming back because the place keeps its roots local. 🤝
Ryan Muncy grew up in Chillicothe, graduated from Chillicothe High School, and now runs the restaurant as owner and operator.
The kitchen also prepares its smoked meats fresh daily, and the Ohio barbecue menu stretches from ribs and brisket to steaks, burgers, and even a creamy chicken pasta. 🍝
Platters come with your choice of two sides and cornbread, so nobody leaves wondering where the rest of dinner went.
Add catering and private dining areas, and the restaurant has become the default answer to “where should we celebrate?” 🎉
Food Highlights
- Smoked Prime Rib: Slow-smoked prime rib is prepared with a fresh garlic rub, and served only Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after 5 PM. 🥩
- Smoked Brisket and Ribs Combo: Certified Angus Beef smoked brisket arrives alongside a half rack of St. Louis ribs. 😋
- Hand-Pulled Pork: Hickory smoke does the heavy lifting here, and the pork is then hand-pulled until it turns tender and juicy. 🐖
- Smokehouse Burger: A thick, juicy burger wears Swiss cheese, a sliced pickle, bacon, and onion rings. 🍔
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Smoked Brisket Sandwich: Certified Angus Beef is slow-smoked for that great hickory taste and piled onto a bun, served with a side.
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Smoke House Filet: This USDA Choice filet comes with a side of mushroom and onion demi-glace. 🥩
- Grilled Shrimp: A dozen shrimp are seasoned with Caribbean jerk and fresh lemon, then served on a bed of rice. 🍤
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Center Cut Sirloin Strip: The sirloin is grilled and sliced thin, topped with a mushroom and onion demi-glace, then served with two sides and cornbread.
Atmosphere
The vibe is cozy, brick-lined, and unfussy inside a renovated 1850s forge. 🧱 Service is friendly, and the room feels like a neighborhood hangout rather than a stage set.
Families, couples, and big groups all fit comfortably. Leave the fancy shoes at home and bring your appetite. 🍻
Bottom Line
Come for smoky ribs and pulled pork, stay for the historic forge setting, and love the friendly hometown service.
Families get kids’ meals, groups get private dining, and everyone gets cornbread. 🌽
Address:
94 East Water Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601
📞 (740) 779-3278
🕔 Open 11 AM–8 PM