If you’re on the lookout for what can only be described as a rib-fest, then hightail it to North Dakota for the best ribs you’ll ever wrap your teeth around. The cooking here is so hot’n’crispy it’s rumoured that Nei Diamond wrote Cracklin’ Rosie in celebration of it.
From bars and smokehouses to diners and atmospheric BBQ joints, you can safely bet there’s something for everybody on our list of some of the top places to eat the best North Dakota ribs… On your marks… get set… go!
The Best Ribs in North Dakota
How do these rankings work?
1. America Homeland Revival Ribs – Ellendale
As the name suggests, this place is all about ribs. Revival Ribs might be small, but their rib options are seriously mighty. Ignore the menu above the counter and make a beeline for the ‘Hall of Flame’, where you can choose ribs in various barbecue styles from across the country. There’s Kansas-style beef chuck ribs, Alabama little baby back or South Dakota lamb ribs, plus more.
2. Bones BBQ Smokehouse & Grill – Minot
Juicy, smoked, and fresh, the ribs at Bones BBQ Smokehouse & Grill are so outstanding that you’ll feel as if you’re tearing into the freshest meat in all of the country. The smoky smell of their ribs wafts into the taste, creating an unforgettable explosion of flavours upon the first bite.
Once smoked, the ribs are finished off with a glaze of the signature Bone’s BBQ Sauce.
3. Hula Fire Grill – Williston
The owners of Hula Fire Grill were born and raised in Hawaii, so expect an eclectic blend of Asian, American and Hawaiian spices in the tasty barbecue fare here.
The ribs have the juiciest, most succulent meat you could ever imagine. So, when it’s combined with their special homemade sauces is just an absolute delight. You only think you’ve eaten good BBQ until you step through the doors here.
4. NoBull Smokehouse – Fargo
NoBull Smokehouse is locally known for serving up some of the best-pulled pork and slow-smoked brisket in the business. What you really want though are the tender ‘n’ juicy ribs with a couple of their wonderful side orders.
You will very rarely eat food this good, and it’s a must-try among the best ribs in North Dakota.
5. Speedway 805 Grill & Bar – Grand Forks
This family-owned restaurant has outstanding slow-smoked barbecue meats, homemade side dishes and uncompromising commitment to service. The perfect BBQ combo!
You will feel at home as soon as you walk in the door and quickly be planning your next visit for yet another order of their ribs. An epic feast awaits.
6. Laughing Sun Ale & Smokehouse – Mandan
You can ask Yelp, TripAdvisor, locals, and international foodies and they’ll all tell you that the best ribs in North Dakota are in the small town of Mandan. What was once Taylor Made BBQ is now Laughing Sun, as they’ve paired with Laughing Sun Brewing to expand their alcoholic offerings.
On the BBQ side of things, they’re well-known for its ever-expanding and uniquely creative menu. Try the beef and pork ribs if you’re feeling extra hungry.
7. Spitfire Bar & Grill – Fargo, North Dakota
Wood-fired, smoked, and fresh, the ribs at Spitfire Bar & Grill are so outstanding that you’ll feel as if you’re tearing into the freshest meat in all of the country. The smoky smell of their ribs wafts into the taste, creating an unforgettable explosion of flavours.
The ribs here have long been regarded as the best in North Dakota. It’s high time you head over to check them out for yourself.
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