Ruben's Rib Shack
I found a wonderful new rib joint, Ruben's Rib Shack, on the way home from work. It's located in a funky little old strip mall on the corner of Fresno and Clinton, entrance on Clinton, just across from Veteran's Hospital. You'll find it because of the tantalizing smokey aroma that their two big barbecues emit from the lot behind, which is also where you park. The interior is sterile, just a clean space with a lot of chairs and no tables; this is strictly take home dining. Several choices, most under $10, for different combinations of ribs, tri tip, chicken or hot links. The ribs are enormous, very meaty, very tender and juicy and smoky. I saw two people scarfing them down off the bone right there in the restaurant. It was a wonderful advertisement; my mouth watered! The tri tip is sliced a bit thin for my taste, but also carries big smokey flavor with a significant hit of heat. I asked if there is chipotle pepper in the sauce; the cook smiled mysteriously and said no. Hmmm...The chicken is surprisingly juicy and flavorful; I'm not a big poultry fan but would definitely order it again. The only disappointment was the hot link, which had shrunk down on the grill and appeared dry and unappealing compared with the savory loveliness of the other items. You get a choice of sides--beans, corn, pilav or fruit cup and a slice of buttery garlic bread; the number of the sides depends on the cost of the meal. Fries are also available. I'd recommend two first time diners split the "hungry man" plate, which is 14 bucks but boils down to a complete sample of all available meats, sides and garlic bread for 7 bucks a person. There will be leftovers--quantities are more than generous.
In all, this is a darling mom and pop operation that really knows their barbecue. Food is five-star. Service five-star as well, you can tell they really want to succeed and have a strong "customer first" ethic.
I must say, out of the
I must say, out of the hundreds of customer we've seen walk through our doors the last two months we've been open, you are the first to say they are AWFUL.... pretty strong words.
Our guests that sit and eat, never finish their plate because of the portion size is so large. I have customers come in for a rib sandwich at lunch, and they are back at dinner time to satify their taste buds with more mouth watering ribs. I'm sorry you were disapointed with your visit to Ruben's Rib Shack, since our goal as a family owned and operated business is to offer good food, good service at a good price.
Not what I thought
I tried Rueben's Rib Shack, got the rib plate for 10 bux. Only came with 2 ribs and 2 sides with a thin slice of bread. I thought the ribs tasted awful. Overpriced and not enough food. Sonny's bbq in Tampa for 13 bux you get 3 ribs, pulled pork, brisket, 2 pieces of chicken, beans and mac and cheese and fries!! Cmon now Fresno~!!!
Good BBQ, but meager portions/high prices
What is with Fresno BBQ and the pricey BBQ prices for very little food? I've been to several very good BBQ places out of town, and they usually serve very generous portions of great BBQ for your money, but in Fresno, it's usually the opposite: pricey (and mediocre) food and not much of it. Sam's BBQ, when it was in business, was a good example of that.
Today, a co-worker and I went to Reuben’s Rib Shack for lunch. I ordered a rib plate for about $10, which came with two pork ribs, a small scoop of rice and one scoop of beans (my choice of sides) and a slice of bread.. The barbecue was definitely tasty and the sauce/meat balance was just right--not overpowering or too sweet. The bones were tender and meaty—in the end, it’s very good barbecue. My only complaint is that it’s a bit expensive and there’s just not enough food—I mean, come on...$10 (plus tax) for only 2 bones? They should have it more reasonably priced (maybe $7.99) and/or at least give you more food for the price. My friend ordered a combo special for $12.99 and it came with 2 ribs, half slice of hot link and one half piece of chopped chicken breast and 2 sides/bread. Sounds like a lot of food, but it really wasn't. Overall, my friend also liked the food, but thought it was a bit expensive for the quantity of food you received. The meals are somewhat filling, but not that filling--we definitely could use more. For typical carnivores like us, you’ll know what I mean. If Reuben could either give more generous portions and/or lower the prices, the Barbecue would be great. Right now, it’s only good for an occasional visit for guys accustomed to paying $5-$8 for a decent sized lunch. In any case, it’s still very tasty barbecue and worth going to for a barbecue fix.
I read on Sat's news paper
I read on Sat's news paper about Ruben's Rib
shack. I thought i'd go check it out. I tried the rib sandwich and it was GOOD!!!!. I have told some of my co-workers already. I think i'm getting this for dinner.I hope this place stays around....
RioGrillsteakhouse.com
Best barbecue in town, any town around here.
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