Rib Cage Smokehouse
While we had a few minor complaints about our experience at Rib Cage Smokehouse; overall, it was probably some of the best BBQ we’ve ever had! They have 2 locations – Cleveland Heights and the location we went to, Ohio City. The Tuesday night we were there, the place was completely empty when we arrived as well as when when we left. During our visit, one couple (with 2 small kids) came in, but with the exception of a couple of takeout orders, we were it! Which leads me to my only real complaint…..it took way longer than we thought it should have to get our meals. Our server, Sarah, was fantastic! Very sweet and friendly, and extremely attentive. Since we could see the kitchen from our table, we knew the delay wasn’t Sarah’s fault and that the long wait was definitely on the part of the kitchen and being the only guests, we couldn’t understand the holdup. The worst part of it was that when our meals finally arrived; not everything was hot (or even warm). Since Sarah was so great about everything else, and the food was so good, we decided not to even mention it.
I neglected to mention that while we were still looking over the menu, I had ordered the fried green tomato appetizer (which ironically arrived so quickly and was so HOT that I had to wait for it to cool off before I could take that second bite). The three nice-size slices were amazing! Perfectly done inside and out and drizzled with a sriracha mayo for a little kick. Mr. Z wanted pulled chicken, which wasn’t listed under the entrees, but Sarah told him they would substitute it for the pulled pork for him. I ordered the brisket, which when it arrived was so tough and dry, I honestly couldn’t cut or chew it. I asked Sarah if I could exchange it for the chicken and she was totally accommodating (the chicken was perfect). Each entrée comes with 2 sides and a big hunk of cornbread. For my sides, I picked the bourbon baked beans which were delicious, and the natural cut fries, which were supposed to have a Cajun seasoning but didn’t, and were cold. Mr. Z had the fries and the candied yams.
I know it sounds as though I have more complaints than kudos, but we honestly really liked Rib Cage Smokehouse and would go back (maybe to the other location if Sarah were there). She did tell us that this location had only been open a little less than a year and they are expecting things to pick up once we get into the warmer weather. For their sake, I hope so!
Rib Cage Smokehouse is located at:
1834 W. 25th Street
Cleveland (Ohio City), OH
(216) 762-1996
https://ribcagesmokehouse.com/our-locations/