I’m a little conflicted, I feel like I’m overdoing the eateries and not giving enough love to the many events and attractions that Fort Wayne has to offer. If you don’t already know me, when you meet me, you will instantly know why I know about a lot of places to eat in Fort Wayne, even though we have only been here a little over four years. I promise you more posts on events and attractions soon.
However, since Nora and I are preparing for the Austin Capitol Classic as I write this, I figured I’d cover some decent places for barbecue in Fort Wayne.
With a nod to our brothers and sisters in Texas, these places are good, but a far cry from that delicious fare called Texas brisket, but we do have some BBQ places in Fort Wayne that are worth the trip from the convention center. There are chain restaurants, such as Mission BBQ, 407 W. Coliseum Blvd. (an eight-minute drive) and Smokey Bones, 1203 Apple Glen Blvd. (a 10-minute drive), but Nora and my favorites are a couple of local places that are a little farther out, although still well worth the trip.
Lucille’s Barbecue, located at 9011 Lima Rd., 6.9 miles and a 15-minute drive from the Grand Wayne Convention Center, is our favorite. Lucille’s opens at 11 AM and it’s good to get there right as they open. Nora and I both love the burnt ends at Lucille’s, and the first time we sauntered in at 11:30 and saw the burnt ends on the “sold out board,” I truly understood disappointment. Not that the other offerings are lacking, it’s just that I have a hard time not being sorry for passing on the burnt ends.
Walking into Lucille’s, you are greeted by the comforting aroma of hickory smoke and the welcoming charm of a family-owned establishment. The interior blends rustic décor with modern touches, nothing fancy. The food is served in take-out containers that you can bring home or eat on the premises. The staff at Lucille’s are known for their hospitality, always ready with recommendations and a smile.
The star of the menu is the barbeque itself: slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender pulled pork, and juicy chicken, each seasoned with house-made rubs and cooked to perfection over hardwood. Lucille’s signature sauces, ranging from tangy and sweet to bold and spicy, allow you to customize each bite. The smoked brisket, with its beautiful smoke ring and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is a particular favorite.
No meal at Lucille’s is complete without the classic sides. While the offerings are all good, Nora’s and my favorites are the poblano bacon mac & cheese and the white cheddar corn.
With its commitment to quality, tradition, and genuine hospitality, Lucille’s continues to set the standard for barbecue in Fort Wayne.
Then there’s Ziffle’s Rib Bar, 6340 E. State Blvd., a short 13-minute, 6.3-mile drive from the convention center. If you are of a certain age, you will immediately recognize the story behind the name.
Ziffle’s signature dish is its slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, which are expertly seasoned and glazed with its house-made barbecue sauce. The smoky aroma greets you before you even walk through the door, promising a satisfying southern-style meal.
In addition to its famous ribs, Ziffle's menu features a variety of other favorites, such as pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, smoked chicken, and a selection of hearty sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Generous portions and reasonable prices make Ziffle’s Rib Bar a great value, perfect for family gatherings or casual nights out. Whether you’re a barbecue connoisseur or simply like to eat, like me, Ziffle’s Rib Bar delivers a memorable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Ziffle’s has the best lunch special in Fort Wayne, at least in my experience. Every Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ziffle's offers several lunch specials (dine in only). These include my favorite, “The Rib Snack,” a basket of four ribs on a large pile of fries and a soft drink for only $12. Nora is hooked on the Zifflle Boli, its take on a stromboli, with BBQ sauce.
Either way, it’s hard to go wrong at any of these eateries.
We look forward to hosting you and your families in Fort Wayne next Summer, we promise you won’t be bored. There’s so much to do for everyone in the family, even if you don’t have a car.
Here are a couple short videos to whet your appetite:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mcjLXCkJhOI
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gFchPdi362c
Stay safe and have a great weekend filled with family fun.
Nora and John