When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a plate of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs dripping with smoky BBQ sauce. While local smokehouses and backyard cookouts have their charm, several restaurant chains across the U.S. have mastered the art of serving ribs that keep customers coming back again and again. From casual dining spots to full-blown BBQ specialists, these chains are known nationwide for slow-cooked flavor, generous portions, and that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. If you’re craving a rib fix, here are seven restaurant chains serving some of the best ribs around.
1. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse has built its reputation on hand-cut steaks, but its ribs are just as legendary. Slow-cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone, the ribs are slathered in a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce that keeps guests coming back. Each order is flame-grilled for that perfect char and served in generous portions, making it one of the most popular rib destinations in the U.S.
2. Famous Dave’s
Specializing in BBQ, Famous Dave’s takes its ribs seriously. Guests can choose from baby back or St. Louis-style ribs, both slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours. The menu also offers multiple sauces, from tangy Georgia Mustard to the bold Rich & Sassy. This variety makes Famous Dave’s a go-to for rib lovers who want both tenderness and authentic smokehouse flavor.
3. Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s Baby Back Ribs aren’t just famous because of their catchy jingle they’ve become an American casual dining staple. The ribs are cooked low and slow, then finished on the grill with a choice of sauces, including Honey-Chipotle and Classic BBQ. With affordable prices and wide availability, Chili’s remains one of the most accessible places to enjoy a plate of saucy ribs.
4. Outback Steakhouse
Known for its Australian-inspired menu, Outback Steakhouse offers fall-off-the-bone ribs that rival its steaks in popularity. The ribs are slow-roasted and brushed with a tangy BBQ glaze, delivering a tender bite with bold flavor. Paired with classic sides like Aussie Fries or a baked potato, Outback’s ribs deliver a hearty and satisfying dining experience.
5. Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
Smokey Bones has made BBQ its specialty, and ribs are the highlight of the menu. Guests can choose between Baby Back Ribs and House-Smoked St. Louis Ribs, both prepared with a smoky, caramelized glaze. The chain is also known for offering customizable sauces, giving diners the ability to tailor their rib experience to their flavor preference.
6. Applebee’s Grill & Bar
Applebee’s may be known as a casual neighborhood spot, but its ribs stand out on the menu. Their slow-cooked, riblets are especially popular, served with a choice of sauces like Honey BBQ or Sweet Asian Chile. Affordable, approachable, and widely available, Applebee’s ribs have become a comfort-food classic for families across the U.S.
7. Logan’s Roadhouse
Logan’s Roadhouse has earned a reputation for hearty, Southern-inspired meals, and its ribs are no exception. Smoked low and slow, the ribs are tender, juicy, and covered in a signature BBQ sauce. Served with warm rolls and a side, Logan’s offers a satisfying rib dinner that feels both homestyle and indulgent.
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