Chef Erik Hoover spent National Brisket Day on WFMJ talking brisket, trimming, and the art of real barbecue. At Cockeye BBQ, brisket isn’t a gimmick — it’s a craft built on patience, fire, and doing things the hard way.

Three area establishments are spotlighted in the new book “Unique Eats and Eateries of Ohio.”

Cockeye BBQ and Creamery in Warren, Casa di Canzonetta in Youngstown and Peter Allen Inn in Kinsman are among more than 80 Ohio dining spots included in the book written by Brandy Gleason, who is the author of three other books, including “100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die.” She also is the chief writer for Gleason Family Adventure and founder of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook page.

We found the most iconic or beloved barbecue joints in every state, from nationally known institutions like Franklin Barbecue in Austin to side-of-the-road smokehouses that have become local legends.

Chef Erik (Cockeye) Hoover returns to Valley Spotlight’s Quick Cook with another budget-friendly family dinner — this time tackling hearty Italian beef sandwiches that come together for about $25.

Chef Erik Hoover joins Valley Spotlight’s new “Quick Cook” series, showing how to make a family meal with locally sourced ingredients for under $25 — simple, practical cooking you can actually do at home.

Cleveland.com’s dining team spotlighted Cockeye BBQ as a must-stop for Southern comfort food in Northeast Ohio — from fried green tomatoes and smoky barbecue to a sweet scoop next door at Cockeye Creamery.

Cockeye BBQ isn't just serving up food that's described as nothing less than glorious, but it's also the kind of place where staff remember your order, charity dinners and fundraisers are on the schedule, and when it comes time to say thank you to hard-working community volunteers, Cockeye is there. Some of the meat here is sourced from local 4-H farmers, and it's turned into something outstanding: The pulled pork and brisket are fan favorites, and there's an adjoining creamery, too. Don't skip the ice cream!

You can’t have a BBQ festival in Warren without a little Cockeye showing up. We tasted, we talked, we brought the ice cream.

Some of the best food in the Mahoning Valley was enjoyed recently at the Eastwood Event Centre and it was all for a good cause.

Supporting Trumbull County 4‑H, one bid at a time.

Come see why folks are driving from all over for a taste of the West Side’s best.

You might detect influences from various barbecue traditions – a touch of Texas here, a hint of Carolina there – but what you’re really experiencing is Ohio barbecue, which has its own emerging identity that draws from multiple traditions while creating something distinctive.

WARREN, Ohio – Cockeye BBQ has been a staple in Warren since 2015. The restaurant is known for its traditional barbecue, with a menu that includes smoked turkey, chicken, ribs, sausage, brisket and pulled pork.

Watch as co-owner Erik Hoover plates a massive platter of meats with all of the fixings.

WARREN, Ohio – If you ever find yourself stepping into Cockeye BBQ, you’ll be greeted with an enthusiastic and unmistakable “Welcome to Cockeye BBQ!” from the staff. 

The greeting, often delivered in unison, is as much a part of the experience as the slow-smoked meats and house-made sauces. While it’s a charming touch, the real star at Cockeye BBQ is the food – a staple in Warren since 2015.

What’s particularly impressive about Cockeye is how they’ve maintained consistency – that elusive quality that separates the good from the great in the barbecue world.

WARREN, Ohio – Cockeye BBQ is celebrating 10 years in business this May. Known for its slow-smoked meats, the family-owned restaurant has expanded over the years with the addition of Cockeye Creamery and Franky’s Pizza and Delicatessen. Despite early uncertainty, the owners’ commitment to quality food and community has made Cockeye BBQ a beloved staple in the area.

Laid-back, rustic charm meets pitmaster swagger.

Wood-fired aromas hug you at the door, picnic tables invite messy feasts, and staff treat you like family.

Don’t miss the ceiling pipe draped in plants—it’s basically Instagram bait. 📸

Who knew Ohio was hiding a treasure trove of mouthwatering barbecue joints?

From hole-in-the-wall smokehouses to unassuming strip mall gems, these nine spots prove that sometimes, the best flavors come without the frills.

Let’s kick things off with a place that’s not afraid to tell you exactly what to do: eat meat here.

Big shoutout to the New Day Cleveland crew for being so welcoming to a hucklebuck from Warren and making our small business feel special. We’re all about keeping it real, feeding our community, and having fun while we do it.

Indulge In 14-Hour Smoked Meats And Made-From-Scratch Sides At Cockeye BBQ In Ohio

Cockeye BBQ in Warren, Ohio, is an award-winning barbecue restaurant known for its slow-cooked meats and made-from-scratch sides.

Do you have a go-to barbecue restaurant in the Buckeye State? If you don't, you're about to. Cockeye BBQ in Warren, Ohio is an award-winning barbecue restaurant that slow cooks meat to perfection and creates made-from-scratch sides that will make your tastebuds sing. Here's why you'll want to visit this exceptional BBQ restaurant in Ohio:

Welcome to Cockeye BBQ, a tiny but mighty restaurant that will change the way you think about barbecue.