Best Ribs

The Pit (Raleigh) - You can't do any type of barbecue list without including The Pit. Choose from their baby back ribs or try the Carolina style spareribs. Slather with your favorite sauce – Eastern or Western style – and enjoy! (I prefer Western.)

Winston's Grille (Raleigh) - This north Raleigh gem is known for its steaks and super tasty dessert selections (try the strawberry shortcake with their homemade strawberry ice cream!). When we go, we love to get their baby back barbecue ribs, served with honey barbecue sauce. These house-smoked racks are fall off the bone greatness. 

Angus Barn (Raleigh) - They might be known for steaks and that award-winning Chess Pie, but the Angus Barn makes some fantastic ribs. I first tried the barn's barbecued ribs as an appetizer. Now, it is my favorite entree to get there. The entree rack, which is so large they have to cut it into three large chunks just to fit it onto the plate, is perfectly smoked and seasoned. The only thing that makes this meal better is the cup of the Angus Barn's tangy barbecue sauce that gets served with it.

Carolina Smokehouse (Wake Forest) - This joint claims it will "smoke anything." Well, we are thrilled that they are talking about their Carolina Country pork ribs. Served dry-rubbed or sauced, you can't go wrong. 

The Q Shack (various locations) - This last selection came from WRAL's Ken Smith, who said he loves to enjoy barbecue at this Raleigh-based business. He cited the St. Louis pork ribs as his favorite.