On the Search for Some Seriously Good BBQ, Ribs

Overview: If you are a serious BBQ person, on Canton Road is the place to go. We Southerners are picky about our BBQ. And since every BBQ lover in the Southeast will argue about what state, region or restaurant has the best BBQ, I am just going to record my own experience: The food here was a home run with me. Plan to go hungry and forget your diet–you won’t regret it.

The Décor: Country collectibles of every sort are displayed in this rustic restaurant. There’s also a covered outdoor dining area.

The Food: The menu is huge and offers every imaginable combo of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections. Pork ribs, baby back ribs and beef ribs are smoked to tender perfection. I had a half slab of baby back ribs for $10.65 with two side items (a full slab is a reasonable $18.75). They were seasoned just the right–not too sweet, not too tart. One of my side items was collard greens and they were fresh, not canned. Other homemade side items include: Brunswick stew, baked beans, coleslaw, Mexican corn bread, collard greens and cheese potatoes.

Other menu suggestions:

BBQ Salad -$8.55 – Lettuce tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, croutons and cheddar cheese and topped with your choice of pork, beef or chicken. This salad is HUGE and comes in one of those teak wooden bowls you normally serve salad from. A definite must try!

Tex Mex Skillet- $7.59 - Made with smoked turkey and avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and melted Monterrey Jack cheese. Served with a sunny-side-up egg over roasted potatoes or cheddar grits, and Ranch biscuit.

The Drinks: Beer and Wine

A banquet room is available for parties up to 50 people. Bulk and party and online menus are also available. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday;  11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. For Saturday and Sunday, breakfast served from 8 a.m. to noon and lunch and dinner until 10 p.m.

Address: 2063 Canton Road 770-422-5755 www.TheRibRanch.com