If you're a fan of barbecue, then you know that nothing beats a perfectly cooked spare rib. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, spare ribs are comfort food at its best.
Fortunately, if you're in Philadelphia, there are plenty of places where you can indulge in this delicious dish.
From upscale restaurants to casual joints, there's no shortage of options when it comes to finding the best spare ribs in the city.
Whether you prefer your ribs smoky, sweet, or spicy, you're sure to find a place that caters to your taste buds.
But with so many choices, how do you know where to start? That's where we come in.
As locals who have sampled our fair share of spare ribs in Philadelphia, we're here to guide you on your quest for the perfect plate.
In this blog post, we'll be sharing our top picks for the best places to find spare ribs in Philadelphia. We'll be highlighting the restaurants that offer the most succulent meat, the tastiest sauces, and the most satisfying portions.
So if you're ready to embark on a mouth-watering adventure, keep reading to discover the best spare ribs in the City of Brotherly Love.
1. Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse
Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse is a rustic BBQ joint that serves up delicious hickory-smoked spare ribs and chicken.
The menu also includes traditional sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and mashed sweet potatoes.
The BBQ sauce is a perfect mix of sweet, vinegar, and spicy savory flavors.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. Highly recommended for anyone looking for great BBQ in the area.
2. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is a top-notch restaurant for spare ribs. With an all-you-can-eat meat service, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious meats carved tableside.
The salad bar is extensive and includes smoked salmon, cheese, and fruits.
The staff is attentive and friendly, providing great service throughout the meal.
The restaurant has a beautiful layout and a lively atmosphere, making it an ideal place to celebrate special occasions. The experience is definitely worth trying for anyone who loves to eat meat.
3. Mike's BBQ
Mike's BBQ is a no-frills spot for smoked meats and sides. The classic offerings on a mixed BBQ tray are awesome, but be on the lookout for the specials – they are fantastic.
The ribs are tender, and the brisket is consistently moist and fall-apart tender.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and they make it easy to pick up or dine-in.
Best to order early so they won't run out! If you're looking for great BBQ, Mike's is definitely worth a stop.
4. Rex at the Royal
Rex at the Royal is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious spare ribs. The Southern-inflected eatery offers creative dishes and drinks in a rustic space clad in reclaimed wood.
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
The food portions are generous, and the ribs are cooked to perfection. The menu also includes a variety of other dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.
Whether you're looking for a date night spot or a place to grab drinks with friends, Rex at the Royal is definitely worth checking out.
5. The Lucky Well – Spring Arts
The Lucky Well – Spring Arts is a BBQ restaurant that serves some of the best spare ribs in town. The portions are generous, with a full rack being enough for two people.
The ribs are cooked to perfection and have bold and complex flavors that keep customers coming back.
The BBQ sauce is tangy and unique, and the picketed vegetables are a great addition to the meal.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The Lucky Well – Spring Arts is definitely worth a visit for anyone who loves great BBQ.
6. Dibbs BBQ
Dibbs BBQ serves up some of the best spare ribs around. The large portions and variety of sauces make it a great spot for sharing with friends or family.
The sides are just as delicious as the ribs, with standout dishes like the mac 'n cheese and yams.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant dining experience.
If you're a fan of barbecue, Dibbs BBQ is definitely worth checking out.
7. Fette Sau
Fette Sau is a must-visit place for anyone craving authentic BBQ. The brisket and ribs are soft, juicy, and full of flavor. You can order in 1/4s to try more variety.
The cocktails are professionally made and the service is excellent. The atmosphere is charming and rustic, adding to the authentic BBQ experience. Although a bit pricey, the food is worth it.
The menu is straightforward, but the shredded beef (short rib) is beyond amazing. The slaw is fresh and crispy, adding a nice crunch to the pulled pork sandwich.
The mac and cheese is nice and cheesy, but the beans could have been a little thicker in consistency. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making the overall experience even better.
8. Dienner Barbecue Chicken
Dienner Barbecue Chicken is a casual, counter-serve restaurant that offers a variety of roasted chicken meals and sandwiches.
Their spare ribs and chicken wings are some of the best in town, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
Although a bit pricey, the taste is worth the cost. The smoked chicken is also a crowd-pleaser. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a quick bite on the go.
For those looking for a delicious barbecue restaurant or chicken restaurant, Dienner Barbecue Chicken is definitely worth a visit.
9. Huff N Puff BBQ
Huff N Puff BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious spare ribs. The smoked meat and sides platter is fantastic and the service is top-notch.
Whether you're a meat-eater or a vegan, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The chicken fried ribs are a standout, as are the corn ribs.
The staff is friendly and passionate about their food. Don't miss out on this gem of a BBQ restaurant.
10. Nick's Charcoal Pit
Nick's Charcoal Pit is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious spare ribs. Their ribs are cooked to perfection and come with a variety of sauces to choose from.
The menu also offers other tasty options including chicken, sandwiches, and wings.
Don't miss out on their filet mignon sandwich, a crowd favorite. The staff is friendly and the service is quick.
Nick's Charcoal Pit is the perfect spot for a quick meal or takeout.
11. Angry Deekin BBQ
Angry Deekin BBQ is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious spare ribs. The portions are generous and the food is fresh and tasty.
The pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and the beef ribs are sweet and peppery.
The hot BBQ sauce is a standout and the sides, including Mac and Cheese and Collard Greens, are delicious.
The service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. Don't miss out on this takeout experience that will satisfy your BBQ cravings.
12. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
Sang Kee Peking Duck House is a Chinatown classic that has been serving up Hong Kong-style eats since 1980.
While they are known for their namesake Peking duck, their spare ribs are also worth trying.
The meat is flavorful and falling off the bone, and the portion size is generous. The restaurant and service are basic, but the focus is on the food.
Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
13. Butcher Bar
Looking for a place to satisfy your craving for spare ribs and meaty fare in a hip and trendy atmosphere with a great selection of drinks and cocktails to match your taste buds, then Butcher Bar is the place for you.
The menu is extensive with a variety of options to choose from, including smoked wild boar ribs, chicken wings, and steaks.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive, making your dining experience enjoyable.
The ambiance is perfect for hanging out with friends or a romantic evening out. Butcher Bar is definitely worth checking out if you're in the mood for some wood-fired fare with a meaty flair.
14. Devil's Alley Bar & Grill
Devil's Alley Bar & Grill is a modern bi-level bar and grill that serves up some of the best spare ribs in town.
The spicy dry rub is a real standout, and the portion sizes are generous.
The atmosphere is trendy and relaxed, and the service is fast and easy.
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy some delicious spare ribs, Devil's Alley Bar & Grill is definitely worth checking out.
15. Jack's Firehouse
Looking for delicious spare ribs in a unique setting with great service and drinks to match?
Look no further than Jack's Firehouse!
Housed in a converted 19th-century firehouse, this American restaurant and bar offers a Southern-inspired menu that includes mouth-watering spare ribs.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting with dark wood throughout, and there's even outdoor seating under a tent with heating.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the drinks are top-notch. Don't miss out on this gem!
