Despite hearing over and over that Parker's Rib Ranch "is just like Dave's" -- and I like Famous Dave's -- I had failed to give it a try. Until last night that is. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera. Then the tornado sirens went off, which made the experience a bit jumbled. Still, I collected a few thoughts.
First up, Rib Ranch is a lot like Famous Dave's. The french fries, for example, must have come directly out of Dave's fryer. If you like Famous Dave's, you'll probably like Rib Ranch. And since Rib Ranch is locally-owned ... well, that's a point in their favor in my book. If you don't like Famous Dave's, whether or not you'll like Rib Ranch depends on what it is about Dave's that you don't like. Give Rib Ranch a try and judge it on its own merits.
The menu at Rib Ranch has plenty of options. There are the usual ribs, pork, brisket, and chicken options that you would expect to find at a barbecue joint. In addition, there are several sandwiches, some salads, and even a veggie burger. Sides include the usuals of beans, potatoes (fries, baked, mashed, romano), and a couple other items I don't remember. (Like I said, the storm jumbled the whole experience.)
The Missus went with a chicken sandwich and the romano spuds. She enjoyed both, though despite saying "no bacon" twice, her sandwich arrived with bacon on it. That's a definite no-no, but I quickly snatched the bacon from her plate and gave it a new home. It was delicious.
I opted for the special, a quarter roast chicken and 3 ribs for $10.99. The chicken was very moist and tasty. The seasoning on the chicken was just a touch salty for my tastes, but not unpleasantly so. The ribs were a little disappointing. The meat that was there was plenty tender, but there wasn't much meat on the bones.
Service was both great and terrible. Our waiter greeted us enthusiastically, made recommendations when asked, and interacted nicely with Robbie. That lasted through the first half of our visit. Then, suddenly, he all but disappeared. Drinks went un-filled, the check took forever to arrive, and he was generally much less attentive than he should have been. I'm willing to keep an open mind and say that perhaps he is terrified of storms and he was curled up in the fetal position in the cooler. Whatever the cause, it was a real Jekyll and Hyde experience for us.
We do plan to go back, preferably on a less chaotic day. Hopefully then I'll be able to do a more formal review. Have you been to Rib Ranch? How do you like it? What should I order next time?
Parker's Rib Ranch is located at 6440 O Street. Call 402-467-5110 for takeout or catering.
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We have been there twice and I dig it. I like how they bring you some fries to test the sauces out.
And they actually listen to the wife when she says she wants the brisket naked. Although it is prob cuz you get to do your own saucing at the table.
The one thing that bugs me though is NO BACON, whaaaaaaaa? 😉
Bacon certainly improves any meal.
The seasoning on the chicken was just a touch salty for my tastes, but not unpleasantly so.
You are a salt fiend. Thus, if it was too salty for you, it must have been REALLY salty.
The Missus is a vegetarian.
or at least….I thought she was…she had chicken.
curious…
She eats poultry and seafood, but no “red meat”.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…....
I figured that was the only logical and respectable reason available.
My apologies.
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