Cleveland Cuisine: Blazin Bills Barbeque

During my travels, I make it a point to eat at places that are unique to the city I'm in. I can eat at an Applebee's, or God forbid a McDonald's anytime. Cleveland Ohio is a city that hangs high on the rust belt, and isn't normally associated with finer cuisine. Cleveland is however known for its blue collar fare, and Blazin Bills BBQ makes it clear that you can be the best without trying to be fancy. Be sure to stop by Blazin Bills after your trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I first ate at Blazin Bills BBQ on a trip to Niagara Falls when I was 10. Blazin Bills was actually more memorable to me than the falls, as the whole family agreed it was the best barbeque they had ever eaten. I have made it a point to stop in at Bills every time I am in Cleveland, or pass within even 60 miles of it. It's a very casual atmosphere that entices you to let loose, relax and be yourself.

The restaurant is owned by Joyce Piteo, and had been running since 1985. They started selling ribs to customers on paper plates, with outdoor seating. As the business grew, Joyce expanded into the format you see today. Sadly the building they are currently located in is a different one than the one I ate at as a kid. Blazin Bills burnt to the ground in 2004. It took less than two months for them to rebuild a bigger, better version with an even bigger menu. Blazin Bills has never looked back, and for good reason.

Bills has an extensive menu, even for a BBQ joint. I was extremely surprised during my last visit when I found they didn't offer brisket. Starting with appetizers, aside from the buffalo wings and potato skins, Bills also has southern favorites like fried pickles, and fried green beans. Whether you opt for the Ribs or BBQ chicken, the food is consistently great. Dinners include 2 side dishes, and bread. Bills specializes in baby back pork ribs, but also offers beef ribs and pork spare ribs. I usually get a half rack of spare ribs, corn on the cob and potato. You'll be hard pressed to find better ribs in Ohio, or any surrounding state.

If BBQ is not your thing, Bills is also known for its seafood offerings, especially the jumbo king crab legs. You can get the crab legs in one or two pounds dinners, and also one pound plus a slab of ribs. Alcohol is available through a wide selection of beers and wines. Blazin Bills does have a kid's menu, complete with a smaller offering of ribs for the young BBQ connoiseur.

Monday -- Thursday Blazin Bills is open 5pm -- 9pm. Friday and Saturday they are open 12n -- 10pm, and Sunday 12n -- 8pm. 422 past Ladue Reservoir in Troy Township at 12891 Main Market Rd, Burton. You can contact them at (440) 834-1111. The restaurant is about 2 miles east of highway 44.

Sources

Blazin Bills Website