8 Must-Try Barbecue Ribs In Pennsylvania (With The Best Found Where You’d Least Expect It)
Pennsylvania might not be the first state that comes to mind for barbecue, but it’s home to some seriously delicious ribs. From smoky Philadelphia joints to Pittsburgh classics, the Keystone State offers incredible barbecue that rivals the South.
Ready your napkins and prepare for a finger-licking journey through Pennsylvania’s most mouthwatering rib destinations.
1. Mike’s BBQ – Philadelphia
Smoke billows from this South Philly gem where owner Mike Strauss transforms ordinary pork into extraordinary ribs. The meat practically surrenders from the bone with gentle prodding.
Each rack gets a 12-hour date with cherry and hickory smoke before being lacquered with a slightly sweet, tangy sauce that caramelizes beautifully.
Locals line up before opening, knowing these heavenly ribs often sell out by mid-afternoon.
2. Dibbs BBQ – Philadelphia
Hidden among Philly’s bustling streets, Dibbs BBQ serves up ribs with bark so perfect you’ll want to frame it before devouring. Their secret? A spice rub that’s been perfected over decades.
The fall-off-the-bone tender meat maintains just enough chew to satisfy purists. Each bite delivers a harmonious marriage of smoke, spice, and subtle sweetness that’ll have you plotting your next visit before finishing your meal.
3. Rib Rack – Philadelphia
Rib Rack doesn’t mess around with fancy frills – they let their ribs do all the talking. The moment you walk in, that intoxicating smoky aroma wraps around you like a hug.
My first visit changed my understanding of what ribs could be. I watched the pitmaster lovingly tend to each rack, applying sauce with the precision of an artist.
Their St. Louis-style ribs boast a perfect chew-to-tenderness ratio and a sauce that strikes barbecue harmony.
4. Clem’s Cafe BBQ – Blairsville
Nestled in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, Clem’s Cafe BBQ in Blairsville is a pilgrimage-worthy stop for rib lovers. Since the mid-1990s, pitmaster Clem Pantalone has been crafting pork ribs that redefine smoky perfection in a cozy, roadside diner setting.
Each rack is kissed by hickory smoke for hours, emerging with a vibrant pink smoke ring and a tender bite that melts like butter. My first visit left me speechless—those ribs, slathered with a tangy, house-made sauce, balanced sweet and savory in a way that lingered for days.
Whether you’re a purist or a sauce enthusiast, these ribs deliver a soul-warming experience worth the journey.
5. Federal Hill Smokehouse – Erie
Erie’s barbecue landmark might be more famous for their massive beef ribs, but their pork offerings deserve equal acclaim. The husband-wife team behind Federal Hill brings Texas technique to Pennsylvania, creating ribs with exceptional bark development.
Their minimalist approach lets quality shine – just salt, pepper, smoke, and patience. No sauce needed (though available for the curious).
The resulting ribs deliver a pure, unadulterated barbecue experience that’s converted many sauce devotees to the “naked rib” philosophy.
6. Zig Zag BBQ – Philadelphia
Revolutionary approaches to traditional techniques make Zig Zag the future of Pennsylvania barbecue. Their ribs showcase what happens when classically trained chefs apply culinary precision to barbecue fundamentals.
The result? Perfectly rendered fat, beautiful bark formation, and consistent excellence that’s rare in the barbecue world. During my last Philadelphia visit, I planned a quick lunch here but ended up staying for hours, mesmerized by how each bite revealed new flavor dimensions.
Their signature rub incorporates unexpected spices that elevate without overwhelming.
7. Mission BBQ – Various PA Locations
Patriotic spirit meets barbecue excellence at this growing chain with multiple Pennsylvania outposts. While chain restaurants often sacrifice quality for consistency, Mission BBQ bucks the trend with legitimately good ribs smoked on-premises daily.
Their baby backs feature a sweet-leaning sauce that caramelizes beautifully over hickory-kissed meat. What they lack in artisanal credibility, they make up for in reliability – you’ll never encounter a bad rack at Mission, making them a solid choice for barbecue cravings throughout the state.
8. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Multiple PA Locations
Texas transplant Dickey’s brings Lone Star State barbecue philosophy to Pennsylvania’s many mall-adjacent locations. Their ribs won’t revolutionize your understanding of barbecue, but they deliver consistent satisfaction when you’re craving smoke and meat.
The fall-off-the-bone style won’t impress competition judges but delights everyday eaters looking for accessible barbecue. Their sweet-forward sauce complements the mild hickory smoke perfectly.
For many Pennsylvania suburbs, Dickey’s introduced proper barbecue where none existed before.