Originally published 7/20/17. Updated 8/13/26.
These are the best banana puddings to enjoy at any summer barbecue.
Ribs and brisket get all the summer attention, and it’s easy to forget the quintessential barbecue treat. Banana pudding closes out a cookout better than anything else on the table. So with a wink and a bow, our hats go off to best of the best banana puddings in the city.
Most Nostalgic Banana Pudding: City Barbeque
This banana pudding takes it back to the days of recess and dessert pudding cups. Go ahead and open one up and recollect all those fond childhood memories. This time Reese from the 5th grade won’t be there to push your head into the mulch and steal your banana goodness. Stupid Reese.
Where: Many locations throughout the city, to find one nearest you click here.
Most Waferless Banana Pudding: Ray Rays Hog Pit
This banana pudding commits the holiest of sins by going waferless in public. It’s a good thing the little guy is super delicious, else we’d have to banish it to the realm of mediocre treats. It’s okay banana pudding, we could never stay mad at you.
Where: 4214 N High St, Columbus and 5755 Maxtown Rd, Westerville
Most Soulful Banana Pudding: Char’s Chitlins
Char’s built its name on chitlins and fried chicken, and the dessert side holds its own. The banana pudding is the creamy, old-school kind, the recipe somebody’s aunt guards at the cookout. Order a cup with dinner and plan on saving it for later, then watch that plan fall apart in the car.
Where: 2183 Jefferson Ave, Columbus
Most Flavors of Banana Pudding: Peach Cobbler Factory
The menu splits its attention between cobblers and puddings, and the pudding list runs a dozen flavors deep. The classic build layers banana and vanilla pudding under whipped topping and wafers, and the Oreo and red velvet versions are there for anyone feeling adventurous. A dessert shop that treats banana pudding as a headliner instead of an afterthought is a rare thing around Columbus.
Where: 4691 Morse Rd, Gahanna
Most Blessed Banana Pudding: Madison Soul Food Kitchen
This cafeteria-style kitchen serves out of the United House of Prayer, and the dessert counter is the reason to save room. The banana pudding earns as much praise as the peach cobbler, which is saying something. Bring cash, because cards aren’t taken here.
Where: 1731 Greenway Ave, Columbus
Most Loaded Banana Pudding: Tastes by Indy
This Clintonville soul food kitchen sells its banana pudding in a 16-ounce cup, pudding and vanilla wafers stacked in layers under a cap of whipped cream. It eats like a second dinner. The kitchen runs Thursday through Sunday, so time the craving accordingly.
Where: 2864 N High St, Columbus
