Rib City Grill apparently has been strictly a Florida franchise up until two or three years ago. That would explain why when the American Fork franchise opened recently, nobody had ever heard of it. But in the wake of Smoke House Pizza & BBQ and Goodwood Barbecue Company success, it is no surprise that Rib City is generating a lot of interest in Utah County…

Before stepping foot in Rib City, I had been told by a coworker (we’ll call him Neuman….because that’s his name) that the ribs at Rib City tasted like fish and he would never go back. Neuman travels a lot for our company, and he is a seasoned expert of food picks for all over the country. His opinion on food holds extremely high value to all those acquainted with him. In fact, watch for his future website to soon be the authoritative source on where to eat in any major U.S. city for travelling salespeople . Naturally, when a man of his caliber advised against it, I wasn’t in a hurry to try it out.

Frankly, he had scared me away from the ribs, so my first visit I actually ordered a turkey sandwich. Expecting juicy, pulled turkey chunks or something like that, I was let down when it was just your average deli-sliced meat. This thing tasted like what I used to pack in my brown bag during grade school. Nothing wrong with it, but not the type of thing you want to pay restaurant prices for, regardless of the sentimental value. I don’t know what I was thinking anyway, ordering turkey at a place called “Rib City”.

So after a few months, we somehow ended up there again. This time, the disclaimer on the menu jumped out at me; “If you have to pick up a knife to eat our Baby Back Ribs, we will pick up your meal.” Sold! Baby back ribs for me, please! Oh mama, did these cause a 180 of my opinion. They said “fall off the bone” and they meant it. True to their word, I never picked up a knife. True to their word, they unfortunatley never picked up my meal either.

Since then I have been back three or four times, but only ventured away from the ribs once, and that was for a Black Angus Steakburger. I was not let down. This thick hunka burger was awesome! Other menu items worthy of special note are the riblets, fried okra (for you southerners), two kinds of BBQ sauce and a spicy mustard at every table, and the baked beans. Ooooh, the baked beans! Definitely choose these over cole slaw for your side. I actually believe in my heart that the beans are what made me come back after my first not-so-impressive visit. (Beans are, after all, good for your heart.)

What it boils down to: Go for the ribs, not the turkey for pete’s sake. They have a good thing going with their recipe, which is tough to beat. They are actually so good that on my last visit I was able to convince Neuman to give them a second try, and I am pleased to announce that he retracted all previous negative comments. At an average of about $8.99 per lunch plate, go give them a try. They guarantee that you have nothing to lose.

‘Til we eat again

Rib City Grill

648 E. State (by Gold’s Gym), American Fork, UT 84003

(801) 492-1744

View Their Menu