Rib Crib Barbecue Gets Two Stars (Business Lunch)

Two of our staff experts on barbecue went to check out the Rib Crib’s lunch offerings.

One reviewer was simultaneously excited by the smoky smell and turned off by the chain restaurant’s Texas-ranch-style motif. He said most Texas-style barbecue he’s had couldn’t hold a “smokin’ hickory stick” to the south Arkansas and Memphis-style barbecue he was weaned on.

Neither reviewer wanted a heavy meal of ribs, but they felt compelled to try them since the restaurant has hung its reputation on ribs.

They asked the waitress if they could each buy a rib to try in addition to their sandwiches. To their surprise, she brought one spare rib for each person, called them “samples” and didn’t charge for them.

The rub was good with a spicy kick at the end and it was well smoked, but the meat was dry.

The other reviewer, who prefers baby-back ribs, said they were a little fatty, like spare ribs tend to be, but the meat was good.

One reviewer opted for the lunch special ($5.79), which is a sandwich, a drink and one side item. He got the standard, stand-by pulled-pork sandwich, a benchmark of sorts, and fried okra.

The pulled pork was a lot like the ribs: well smoked, dry and in need of a lot of sauce, although the sauce in itself wasn’t memorable.

The other diner at our table had the Bar-B-Rito ($7.39). The sandwich wrap comes with either pulled-pork, chicken or beef brisket rolled into a cheddar tortilla with ranch beans, shredded cheddar cheese, sweet carmelized onions and creamy sause. He thought the meal was large, filling and somewhat bland for barbecue.

The pair ordered peach cobbler a la mode ($3.89) for dessert. They were shocked at the size of the dessert, which came in a giant goblet.

The cobbler was good, but it couldn’t overcome a lackluster lunch.