Are you looking for some tasty lunch options or the perfect place to take the family to celebrate a birthday dinner? Do you love ribs and all things barbecue? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you’ll be delighted to know that there are a variety of delicious spots in town where you can enjoy some quality meat. We at Tom Kadlec Kia have put together this list of our favorite places to enjoy ribs in Rochester to help you out.
John Hardy’s Bar-B-Q
Founded in 1972, John Hardy’s Bar-B-Q has served thousands of people over its 50 years of operation. All the meats at John Hardy’s are cherry- and applewood-smoked, with overnight attention to the pork. The result is a set of ribs that are truly a delight. You can enjoy your meat at one of two John Hardy’s locations or order online for pickup or curbside delivery.
John Hardy’s has ribs galore. You can order them with shrimp, as part of a combo meal, or as a full rack of 13 ribs, perfect for a group to share. Other meat options include shredded pork, beef, chicken, turkey, ham, smoked hot links, and beef brisket. To start your meal off, you can order appetizers like nachos, cheese curds, onion rings, and chicken wings. You can also order the JH Signature Shredded Pork Feast or the sampler platter for groups to enjoy together. Along with your meal, you can enjoy potatoes in the form of jojos, baked potatoes, french fries, or sweet potato tots. Other sides include Southern classics like baked beans, stewed okra, black-eyed peas, corn, coleslaw, potato salad, and macaroni salad.
Location: 929 West Frontage Road NW.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
SMOAK BBQ
For a modern twist on classic barbecue, check out SMOAK BBQ. The team behind this innovative smokehouse restaurant seeks out the freshest ingredients and meats, which you can enjoy alongside handcrafted cocktails on the patio or inside. SMOAK BBQ also offers catering and gift cards, so you can give the gift of ribs at your next celebration.
The menu includes a half-pound of spare ribs for $14.50 or a full pound for $19.50. You’ll also find appetizers like white cheddar cheese curds, boneless wings, pulled pork quesadillas, wings, nachos, queso dip, loaded tots, and cornbread. Besides ribs, meat options include pulled pork, chicken, prime brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage, sliced turkey, and “smoak’d” salmon. For your entree, you can also order a barbecue bowl, barbecue plate, sandwich, burger, or taco. End your meal with a scrumptious poke cake, lemon bar, seasonal pie, or apple crisp.
Location: 2291 Commerce Drive NW.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Chester’s Kitchen and Bar
For classic barbecue flavors available alongside a full menu of American food, check out Chester’s Kitchen and Bar. Enjoy an upscale but relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families or solo diners. You can also reserve a private dining room with seating for up to 40 guests.
As for ribs, you can find baby back barbecue ribs on the menu, served as a half or full rack along with house-made barbecue sauce, beans, coleslaw, and fries. Other options for your main course include pastas, seafood, rotisserie chicken, steaks, and burgers. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you can also check out the selection of salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and appetizers like calamari, chicken lettuce wraps, and ahi tuna poke. Those who are looking for a healthy vegetarian meal can opt for a bowl filled with quinoa and steamed vegetables, like baby kale, peas, edamame, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and topped with plum sauce.
Location: Shops at University Square, 111 Broadway Ave S. #108.
Restaurant hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Five West
Five West is a classy new-American restaurant that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks. You can order online or at the restaurant upon arrival. Five West also offers catering and private party spaces, so you can book them for your next party or corporate event.
Wondering about the ribs? Five West offers house-smoked beef short ribs with bourbon barbecue glaze, garlic mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Also on the menu, you’ll find entrees like maple bourbon fried chicken, potato crusted walleye, shrimp pasta, and steak fettuccine. Vegan diners can enjoy plant-based meals like boneless vegan wings, pineapple fried rice, and chipotle portobello tacos. There are also burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, tacos, soups, salads, and appetizers like herb-roasted chicken nachos, edamame, and queso dip.
Location: 1991 Commerce Drive NW.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Grand Grill
Located inside the Kahler Grand Hotel, the Grand Grill offers high-quality American classics with Midwestern influences. You’ll find everything from comfort foods like cheese curds to artisan pizzas. While you can enjoy breakfast, rib lovers will be particularly excited about the offerings on the lunch and dinner menu. You’ll find a half rack of slow-cooked smoked pork ribs with barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
You can also enjoy shaved prime rib on the French dip sandwich. Besides ribs, you’ll find entrees like the fish fry, coconut shrimp basket, turkey dinner, braised beef roast, artichoke stuffed chicken, seared salmon, and meatloaf. Sandwich options you might enjoy include the barbecue pulled pork sandwich, the all-American burger, the Reuben, and the crispy chicken sandwich, which comes with beer-battered chicken breast, avocado pepper jack cheese, and bacon.
Location: The Kahler Grand Hotel, 20 Second Avenue SW.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
We hope this list of our top five places to enjoy ribs in Rochester, Minnesota, has helped you pick your next lunch or dinner destination. Did we miss your favorite local food truck or restaurant? You can let us know by dropping us a message online, and we’ll be happy to check it out. While you’re at it, feel free to check out our fantastic selection of new vehicles or our collection of pre-owned vehicles. You might just find a new dream car that will allow you to roll up to your next rib outing in style.
Ribs by tkd540 is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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