Taste This: Rib tips ($7, $12 as of Aug. 29, 2025) at Spuddy’s BBQ, located at 1364 Copley Road in Akron (330-836-6400)
Creator: David “Spuddy” Richardson
Eye Test: Chunks of mahogany-colored red meat are soaked in a juicy sauce. Smoke from the grill outside the Copley Road eatery travels throughout the neighborhood, a sign that Spuddy is at work.
What makes this item special: The mystery lies in the base — Spuddy’s handcrafted spices and seasonings paired with a mysterious “secret dark liquid” that’s brushed on slabs of ribs and rib tips. The meat soaks up the flavors.
Process: Slabs of ribs are cooked on an open and sometimes-closed grill over a period of hours, flipped continuously to avoid charring. Jugs of secret liquid and an array of spices are tossed on the meat. “A lot of people will say that that’s the best barbecue that they’ve had,” said Justin McCants, who works at the eatery.
Pairs with: No order is complete without adding Spuddy’s most popular sides: homemade macaroni and cheese, baked beans and greens. They create a plate that feels like Sunday dinner, even on a weekday.
About the creator and company: Richardson’s cooking journey began alongside his mother in the kitchen, growing up in Akron’s North Hill community. Rain, sleet or snow, he lights up the grill to cook. Barbecue isn’t what he does, it’s what he’s known for.
Spuddy’s, formerly known as Copley Road Wings, was purchased about 14 years ago by Richardson and officially renamed in April 2024. McCants, a best friend of Richardson, said that the name change didn’t slow down business; it fueled its momentum. He’s also an Akronite, having grown up in the Kenmore neighborhood.
“Taste This” is our glimpse of the Akron area’s tastiest, distinctive and popular (or soon-to-be-famous) food, drinks and desserts — and the local culinary talents behind them. Tough job, we know. Know any menu items we should consider? Tell us here.
Much of the eatery’s business is to-go orders — there are two tables inside and outside, two picnic tables. There’s also a Spuddy’s BBQ app. Everything is homemade, from the banana pudding and pound cake to sides. McCants said it best: “Some things can’t be put into words,” he said, describing the taste of Spuddy’s barbecue. “It’s really one of those things that if you taste it, you will know.” Calling ahead is recommended.
How to buy: Spuddy’s BBQ is open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. Order in person or online with DoorDash, GrubHub or Uber Eats.
