The Rib Cage Bar & Grill

Hubby and I decided to try this out after we read the reviews and he needed a good BBQ fix.  We were not disappointed! The pulled pork and brisket were wonderful and very juicy.  Their sides were clearly made from scratch, some of the best baked beans, mac & cheese and corn bread we've had.  Can't wait to go back and sample the apps and dessert!

Excellent BBQ.

My boyfriend and I moved to Cleveland from Missouri, and he's a major BBQ critic. I'm so happy that we finally found a place in our neighborhood where he can get his fix! The main dishes were well done, but let's not forget the sides. Every side that I sampled was fantastic. Of those I tried, the greens with smoked turkey was by far my favorite.

I've been to the Rib Cage at least four times now, as it's the closest thing to real goddamn BBQ outside of Kansas City I've had in FOUR years.  It's not Oklahoma Joe's, but it serves tender slow cooked meat with abundance of flavors.  Further, it has plenty of options for those who believe it's about the sauce (I'm from KC, what can I say) as well as more vinegar based sauces that let the meat shine.  There's something for everyone.  

I have now sampled the Pulled Pork sandwich with the Carolina style sauce, the Brisket sandwich with the Spicy BBQ sauce, the Turkey-beer-cheese soup, the Blackened Catfish, the Parmesan Garlic Tilapia, the hushpuppies, the Bourbon-maple-bacon beans, the seasoned fries, collard greens, and some eggnog-vodka-schnapps Christmas cocktail that was like a boozy Christmas morning with sprinkles and whipped cream. (I regret nothing.)  

First, the Pulled Pork has been the most consistent with its juicy, oh so tender goodness that only comes from pork.  It's very, very, very good and never disappoints.  The Brisket was to die for tender and moist the first time, but the second time it was too dry and mediocre.  The Blackened Cafish was moist, cooked perfectly, fresh and was spicy enough that I may have had 4 glasses of water while dining.  

The surprising standouts are the non-obvious choices.  The beans have real flavor and serious depth. They have truly elevated baked beans to a must-have side dish, which I didn't know was possible.  Don't get me wrong, I love the crispy well seasoned fries, but the beans!  The Turkey-Beer soup is a knock out, too.  As a KC raised girl, I never thought I'd ever tell someone "Hey you should go to this BBQ place and have the soup." WTF, but it's true. Have the satisfying, filling, cheesy goodness of that soup.

This will continue to be my standby for BBQ cravings in the CLE. You should check it out, and some of you will appreciate the proprietor's use of locally sourced meats and ingredients.