Juicy, saucy and fall-off-the-bone tender. Long Island barbecue restaurants are no novices when it comes to making ribs. In fact, these five places are so good, the succulent medley of spice lingers long after the plate has been cleared. Don’t believe me? Take a walk on the savory side.
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BOBBiQUE, Patchogue
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This Memphis-style joint is lauded for its St. Louis-style ribs that are both meatier than baby backs and leaner than spare ribs. Guests rave about the tenderness, claiming they are “cooked to perfection,” and love the option to choose any two sides (plus sweet cornbread). Phone: 631-447-7744 | Address: 70 W Main St Click to taste
Smokin’ Al’s, Massapequa Park
Big on Southern and Kansas City-style slow-smoked BBQ, Smokin’ Al’s has the generous sizes to match. Al’s specialty baby backs are a signature dish and the reason why is likely all in the sauce. The ribs are first rubbed with Al’s Famous Rub and then slowly smoked for up to six hours. They are then blanketed with three separate coats of your choice of one of Al’s famous BBQ sauces. There’s also St. Louis grand backs and monster beef bones (because they say the meat is the sweetest at the bone). Phone: 516-799-4900 | Address: 4847 Merrick Rd Click to taste
Maple Tree BBQ, Riverhead
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The ribs take center stage at this authentic smokehouse. Order a full rack of the St. Louis-style ribs, which are so juicy the half rack just won’t cut it, or get the party started with the rib platter. Sides like mac and cheese and smoked baked beans are included. Phone: 631-727-2819 | Address: 820 W Main St Click to taste
Biscuits & Barbeque, Mineola
Don’t be fooled by the humble appearance. The 1940s railway-car diner holds six booths, 15 counter stools and some of the most delicious ribs. Tender, juicy and oh-so-flavorful, the smoked racks come with inventive sides like brown sugar sweet potato mash, red beans and rice with Andouille smoked pork sausage or smoked turkey collard greens. Phone: 516-493-9797 | Address: 106 E 2nd St Click to taste
The Spare Rib, Commack
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The casual wood and brick-accented eatery didn’t get its name for any old reason. The ribs are known for being addictive and have the flavor profiles to prove it. For starters, there is the BBQ riblets, flame grilled rib tips with house BBQ sauce cut in bite sized pieces and stacked high. Follow that up with Carolina style spare ribs, flame grilled old fashioned ribs with dry rub and Carolina sauce, or a prime rib entree that has been slowly roasted for 16 hours to the peak of its flavor with au jus. Phone: 631-543-5050 | Address: 2098 Jericho Turnpike Click to taste