Top 20 Ribs In Chicago

Nathan Jahnke

2 min read

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22-12-2024

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Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant rib scene. From smoky, fall-off-the-bone delights to innovative takes on a classic, the city offers a diverse range of rib experiences. This guide navigates the best of the best, ensuring your next Chicago rib adventure is unforgettable. This list is compiled from extensive research, incorporating reviews, ratings, and personal experiences to offer an accurate and comprehensive ranking. Note that rankings are subjective and reflect a balance of quality, consistency, and overall experience.

The Top Tier: Unmissable Rib Experiences

1. Legend's Bar-B-Que: Consistently ranked among the city's top spots, Legend's offers a truly authentic barbecue experience with tender, flavorful ribs. Their slow-cooking techniques and commitment to quality ingredients shine through in every bite.

2. Smoque BBQ: Known for its innovative approach to barbecue, Smoque elevates the rib experience with creative sauces and side dishes. Expect long lines, but the wait is more than worth it for their expertly smoked meats.

3. Honey Butter Fried Chicken: While known for its namesake dish, Honey Butter Fried Chicken's ribs are a hidden gem. Their unique preparation and blend of sweet and savory flavors make for a memorable meal.

4. Porkchop: This upscale establishment offers a refined barbecue experience, with perfectly cooked ribs alongside a sophisticated menu. Expect a higher price point, but the quality justifies the cost.

The Contenders: Strong Showings with Distinct Character

5. Dimo's BBQ: A local favorite, Dimo's serves up classic, no-frills barbecue with a focus on generous portions and straightforward deliciousness.

6. Uncle Remus BBQ: A long-standing Chicago institution, Uncle Remus is a reliable choice for consistently good ribs and a taste of traditional barbecue.

7. Twin Anchors Restaurant: A Chicago landmark known for its ambiance and classic American fare, Twin Anchors also offers excellent ribs as part of its extensive menu.

8. Red Hot Ranch: This popular spot delivers on hearty portions and flavorful ribs, making it a solid option for a casual meal.

9. Kingston Mines: While primarily a blues club, Kingston Mines also offers delicious ribs, creating a vibrant atmosphere for enjoying this classic dish.

10. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: A surprising addition to the list, Bubba Gump's surprisingly offers tender and tasty ribs alongside its seafood specialties.

The Worthy Mentions: Solid Ribs, Worth Exploring

11. Andros Taverna: Offers a unique Greek-inspired twist on ribs, blending traditional flavors with barbecue techniques.

12. Southside BBQ: A neighborhood gem serving up traditional barbecue with a loyal following.

13. B. Good: Known for its healthy fast-casual fare, B. Good offers surprisingly tasty and well-prepared ribs as part of a lighter menu.

14. Firehouse BBQ: This spot provides a more casual barbecue experience with a focus on generous portions of classic ribs.

15. Frontier: This establishment offers elevated American cuisine with a sophisticated take on barbecue-inspired dishes.

Beyond the Ribs: Exploring the Chicago Barbecue Scene

The list above focuses specifically on ribs, but Chicago offers a wealth of other barbecue options. Many of the restaurants listed above offer other smoked meats, such as brisket and pulled pork, worth exploring. Don’t hesitate to venture beyond this top 20 and discover your own personal Chicago barbecue favorites.

Considerations for your Chicago Rib Adventure

• Reservations: For popular spots, particularly during peak hours, making reservations is highly recommended.
• Wait Times: Be prepared for potential wait times, especially on weekends.
• Variety: Chicago offers a vast range of barbecue styles and flavors; explore beyond your usual preferences.

This guide is intended as a starting point for your Chicago rib exploration. Bon appétit!