05/30/09

Yearning for a good rib feast - This did the trick

by LPDNWPhilly

I had a yearning for a Saturday night rib feast and headed to the Rib Crib. The half-slab of short ribs(mild sauce) tasted exactly how I hoped it would. I've been visiting the Rib Crib, off and on, for the better part of twenty five years and always enjoy this special treat.

• Pros: Consistant Taste Experience
• Cons: None to complain about

01/19/08

not up to the hype

by cgstock

So I went because of all the good things I've heard. I won't be back. The ribs had no meat on them, the sauce was watery and the service so, so.

They don't take credit cards, fine I said. How much is my order? $52. I had to get my emergency $50 out of my wallet since I only had $46 on me. Then he says "We don't take $50's". I asked if they had a mac machine. No, sorry we don't. I offered to pay with the money I had or they could keep the food. He got up set, made change for my $50 out of his own wallet, then used the money to pay for my meal???? If your not going to take credit cards, take my cash. If your going to charge $52 for ribs, they should be better than they were.

• Pros: parking
• Cons: ribs

11/06/07

Existing past its prime!

by mysweets

Years ago I used to visit this place at least 2-3 times a month. For nostalgic reasons, I decided to re-visit to see if the ribs were as great as they were 25 years ago. I got the baby back ribs which were over cooked to the point that the rib meat was brittle. And regarding that special sauce, the secret recipe must have been lost because it was totally awful! That surprised me more than the brittle meat. But, just as in the past, people were lined up to get their ribs. That day, the food I purchased was so awful that just the mere mention of the establishment's name makes me want to gag. That's a far stretch from the smile that would come across my face when I would think about getting a great slab of ribs. I have to say that maybe I'm being hasty--maybe the last time I went they were having a bad day or the special sauce person was out sick! Sorry, no more visits for me--I'm done.

01/29/07

How the mighty has fallen

by littlefeet

As a child, my mother as well as the rest of my family would anxiously await Friday or Saturday nights to get ribs from the RIB CRIB. We bragged to everyone about the food served. Unfortunately the product being served there now would make the owners of that time (Mr. & Mrs. Gray) toss their cookies after seeing what has become of the icon people flocked to from far and wide. My most recent experience is as follows: Going against the advice of my wife, on 1/27/07 I went to the RIB CRIB and purchased a slab of ribs and made it known to them that I would be carrying these ribs to NY to give to my cousin. The very professional man behind the counter instructed his staff to ?pack my ribs for travel?. The cost of $25 I thought was a little much but hey it?s the RIB CRIB. Later my wife pleaded with me to at least taste them before I took them to NY. Boy was I happy that I listened to her this time. What I purchased was boiled pork ribs placed in the pit for a few moments to give it a smoky flavor. Unfortunately that was the end of the flavor of the meat. The sauce, mere ketchup, vinegar and water. The meat was tough and as I gnawed on it I thought of how far this staple of the neighborhood had fallen form its original grace. Never mind that the cheerful man behind the counter was very professional, in my opinion he had just sold me a slab of garbage. In lieu of what once was to continue to utilize the name held so near and dear to thousands in this city, the owners should cease and desist in selling boiled ribs covered with less than acceptable sauce and calling it barbeque. In other words your doors should close. According to regulations, I am required to be fair and this is as fair as I can be. This is my first message and the owners of the RIB CRIB are responsible for its content. Thank you.

• Pros: Friendly and quick service
• Cons:  poorly prepared product, overpriced

12/08/06

BEST RIBS IN PHILLY!!!!

by roncherie

THEY ARE UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST RIBS IN PHILLY!! ALWAYS CONSISTENT WITH QUALITY, FLAVOR AND QUANITY. I HAVE VISITED SEVERAL OTHER RIB STOPS AND NONE CAN TOUCH "THE RIB CRIB" THE HOSPITALITY IS THE GREATEST. ALSO, CAN BE EDUCATIONAL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

Pork BBQ connoisseurs agree this is the place to be.

by Contributor

In Short
The walls of this Germantown takeout are liberally slathered with signed photos of jazz greats and Hollywood celebs. A capacious red brick oven--tended by a perspiring grill master--dominates the bare-bones roomrtlch. There's plenty of substance to the meaty pork ribs--dark and crusty on the outside, succulent within. The chicken's good and tasty, too, and both come with a hot or mild sauce.

04/06/06

Best in Philly

by gdub1

The ribs are great. The owner himself opens the door and greets you on many occasions. He's a gentleman with a handlebar mustache. There are great pictures of local celebs on the walls.

• Pros: Great Ribs, Moderately Priced, Reception
• Cons: Only Take out., Not open enough days , Long Lines

05/08/04

Keep your day job

by chitown_native

Being from Chicago, I KNOW BBQ, and ribs. This place was recommended, and I was greatly disappointed. The chicken was fair, the ribs were awful, and no good sides offered. Although I was impressed with the gentleman greeting us at the door, (seeing as though most east coast people are abrasive) I just wasn't impressed with the food.

• Pros: customer service
• Cons: , food

03/16/04

Awsome Ribs at Rib Crib

by groverwiii

Rib Crib is the greatest rib spot in philly if not the east coast. Although it's only take out, it can't be beat. From the sawdust on the floor to the photos of prominent blacks lining the walls, Rib Crib is an example of old fashioned soul food style take out. When the food is this good, there is no need to serve anything but mouthwatering ribs with a side salad or a whole bbq chicken! Other places may be open more days a week and may have more ambience, but the ribs make the wait and the location more than worth it!! Put on your bib and dig in!!

• Pros: Cooked to perfection, Delicious Sauce
• Cons: , Limited hours

06/22/03

look for the neon pig!

by valschillin

great place to eat!!! there is a gentleman to greet u when u first arrive who opens the door, and the staff is very friendly also. the service is quick and the food great! i highly recommend this treasure. also check the photos of local and philly celebs on the wall...look for the neon pig!!!

• Pros: good parking, friendly staff, good food
• Cons: only open weekends