Searching for ribs

For some reason we've been unable to find consistent quality (or even passable) ribs at restaurants for the last few months. Even our go-to places (which shall remain nameless) have occasionally served us slabs of dried-out, overly-salted product that I would have been ashamed to serve at home. We dine at locals and chains both here and while travelling - the issue is widespread.

Is it the weather, some mysterious affliction of pigs, brown sugar supply chain interruptions, universally-miscalibrated thermometers, or what?

We know the difference between competition-quality and what's reasonable for commercial products, and we understand the difference between under-cooked, overcooked, and steamed-into-mush ribs. What we're getting everywhere is closer to jerky than pork ribs. Doesn't seem to matter if we order spare ribs or baby-back. Doesn't seem to matter if it's a mid-priced chain, hole-in-the-wall, or a upper-scale local eatery. Something bad is happening!

So -- who serves you a consistent product that you keep going back for?

I too have sought out consistent, quality ribs in Louisville, and have come up empty.

So I have nothing of value to add, but I share your pain, Jim.

I HAVE enjoyed well-prepared ribs at a couple of places, but in each instance, the next time I returned, back the product was highly variable. Sometimes even the rubs/seasoning seem drastically different..

Given the timing issues, I have pretty much given up on finding consistently high-quality ribs.

I will say that I had extremely passable ribs at the Moe-licious food truck last summer, but it was only once, and given past experiences with various places, I am hesitant to make any recommendations. I do plan on trying them again soon when they return to st. matthews in the next couple weeks.

If you find a place, please let the forum know.

Years ago, Staten's in Prospect served up very consistent product. Not the world's best, but you always knew what you would get. Sadly, they're gone.

I really enjoyed the rack of ribs that I had at Stoney River last week. Close to/slighty falling off the bone with nice smoke and a sweet bbq sauce. They come with chips, but they let me sub a great baked sweet potato.

Hammerheads? Feast BBQ (New Albany)?

Haven't been to Stoney River in quite a while. Never think of them for ribs!

Last time we were there I was rather turned off when the server tried to explain why their "wet aged" steaks were better than the dry ageing that other steak houses do.

We had good experiences at Feast - are they consistent?

[Robin Garr]

Feast, Hammerheads and Game seem to be setting a high threshold for barbecue in general these days. I'd certainly audition them if I were in the mood for ribs.

Shack in the Back

Texican in Crestwood. http://texicansbbqpitt.com/

Consistent and excellent ribs: Big R's in LaGrange.

Texican in Crestwood. http://texicansbbqpitt.com/

Disappointed there a couple weeks ago.

Consistent and excellent ribs: Big R's in LaGrange.

Only been there once - will give them another shot. Thanks

Shack in the Back

25 miles away! We'll check them out, though.

Shack in the Back

25 miles away! We'll check them out, though.

The ribs are good.
The drive is a bit out there but they do it the old fashioned way and are really nice folks. Small dinning room with an enclosed carport in winter and opened up in good weather.

[Robin Garr]

Blind Pig!