A Southern-style barbecue joint has opened its doors in Ohio City. The Rib Cage Smokehouse & Bar at 1830 W. 25th St. is the restaurant's second location, with the first in Cleveland Heights.
Owned by Robert Hill Jr. and sons Robert III, Ronnell and Brandon, per Cleveland.com, the 3,200-square-foot restaurant is in the space that formerly housed the Orale Contemporary Mexican Kitchen.
Diners can expect to find menu items like the No Condiment Burger (half a pound of beef with the chef's secret spice blend) or Stupid Fries (seasoned and topped with baked beans, slaw, choice of meat and smothered in a three-cheese sauce).
The Rib Cage says it prepares its meat using an outdoor smoker with cherry, apple and hickory woods. Specialties include turkey ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket, which can be slathered in a house sauce, like Carolina Mustard Vinegar or Sweet Thai Chili.
The new arrival has just one review on Yelp so far. It's five stars, but it's too early to know if that will stick.
Lord Edwin C., who reviewed the new spot on May 29, said, "The Rib Cage knows what they're doing, cooking their food perfectly, seasoning it well and offering excellent sauce options like their herb buffalo, wasabi and multiple barbecue sauces. My favorite sides are the red beans and rice, collard greens and potato salad. Also, the cornbread is tender and tasty."
The Rib Cage Smokehouse & Bar is open from 4 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday. (The kitchen closes at 2 a.m.)
