Where the wings are hot, the brisket is clean, and the sauces deserve their own spotlight.

Today’s lunch trip brought us to Lucius Q in Cincinnati’s Pendleton neighborhood—and let me tell you, this place knows how to bring the heat. As soon as we stepped onto the patio, we were greeted with the heavenly smell of cherry and pecan wood billowing from the in-house smoker. You don’t just eat at Lucius Q—you experience it.

We were lucky enough to meet Sam, a former cook turned server who clearly still has BBQ in his soul. Sam gave us the full lowdown: all meats are smoked on-site, all dishes are made in-house, and all the sauces are crafted with care. He was the perfect guide through our saucy lunchtime adventure.

My Plate: BBQ Bonanza

I went with the pulled pork sandwich—served on a grilled brioche bun with a side of housemade coleslaw. The pork was smoky, tender, and full of flavor, while the slaw added the perfect crisp, creamy balance.

For my side, I went with red beans and rice, which added just the right amount of savory soul to the meal.

Then came the twist: it was $1 wing day. Six wings minimum? Challenge accepted.

I chose the dry rub wings, and man—these babies were smoked then flash-fried, giving you that deep smoky flavor with a crispy finish. The rub was sweet, spicy, and absolutely addictive.

Sauce Flight: A BBQ Sampler Dream

Sam let me sample all of their housemade sauces, and I took full advantage:

Mild Sweet – Sticky and sweet like your favorite backyard BBQ. Hot Lucius – A nice kick of heat with a sweet, mellow finish. Just enough spice to say “I’m here,” but not enough to knock you out. Carolina Gold – That classic mustard-vinegar tang. Great punch, a bit heavy on the vinegar for my taste, but still solid. Bama White – A creamy, tangy, peppery mayo-based sauce that surprised me—in a good way.

My Wife’s Pick: Brisket Goals

My lunch companion (aka my awesome wife) went with the brisket—clean cut, meaning no fat. She paired it with their homemade mac & cheese, which was cheesy, smooth, and the ultimate comfort food. She topped it off with the mild sweet sauce, and we both agreed—this brisket was chef’s kiss.

The Vibe

Lucius Q has a cool, laid-back atmosphere with an industrial-chic interior and even a stage for live performances. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a killer meal and jam out to live music. Oh—and did I mention Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives gave it a glowing review? So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

Final Thoughts

Between the food, the vibe, and Sam’s awesome service, Lucius Q is the real deal. Whether you’re a BBQ connoisseur or just wingin’ it, you’ll leave full, happy, and possibly a little saucy.

If you’re in the area, Take the Trip to Lucius Q.

You’ll thank me later.

Take the Trip – Your Next Adventure (and Next Bite) is Waiting.