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Pitmaster slicing brisket

Old Canal Smoke House for Columbus, Ohio diners who don’t mind a short hop south

The tell is the hickory aroma that greets you in historic downtown Chillicothe. Regulars time their visit for the smoked prime rib that rolls out Friday and Saturday after 5 pm, while the pits keep a steady rhythm on pork, brisket, and ribs the rest of the week. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://www.oldcanalsmokehouse.com/?utm_source=openai))

My move here is a platter built around the hand-pulled pork or the sliced Angus smoked brisket when it’s available. Platters come with two sides and cornbread, which makes it easy to pair rich meats with brisket baked beans, Smoke House Spuds, jalapeño coleslaw, or that four-cheese mac. If you want something different, there’s smoked Atlantic salmon, a half chicken, and a meatloaf glazed with the house BBQ sauce. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))

If sandwiches are your lane, the Prime Rib Mushroom Melt is stacked and au jus ready, and the Smoke House Burger arrives with onion rings and hickory-smoked bacon on a brioche bun. You can also keep it classic with a Reuben on freshly baked rye or go lean with the bison burger. Save space for dessert; the kitchen turns out peanut butter pie, key lime pie, cinnamon roll cheesecake, and a fresh-baked cookie skillet. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))

Old Canal Smoke House lists its home base as 94 East Water Street, Chillicothe, right in the walkable core. Posted hours are Monday and Tuesday 11 am to 9 pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 8 pm. Reservations are available, and the bar covers beer, wine, and mixed spirits. If you’re feeding a crowd, there’s bulk carryout by the pound and bottles of the house sauce to take home. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/contact.html?utm_source=openai))

  • Location. 94 East Water Street, historic downtown Chillicothe. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/contact.html?utm_source=openai))
  • Hours. Mon 11 am–9 pm, Tue 11 am–9 pm, Wed closed, Thu 11 am–9 pm, Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat 11 am–10 pm, Sun 11 am–8 pm. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))
  • Reservations. Available. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))
  • Known for. Hickory-smoked barbeque and smoked prime rib on Friday and Saturday evenings, plus house-made sides and desserts. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))
  • Carryout. Bulk meats by the pound and bottled sauce for home. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))

If you’re after classic hickory-smoked barbeque with a prime-rib tradition and a full slate of sides, this Chillicothe standby is an easy add to a Columbus-area eating plan. ([oldcanalsmokehouse.com](https://oldcanalsmokehouse.com/menu.html))

Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team