Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in San Francisco

Rib spots

Made for those who seek out serious, slow-cooked ribs without the fuss of a formal dining room.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Pho Divis image 1
Pho Divis image 2
Pho Divis image 3
View all
Pho restaurant

Pho shines with authentic broth and generous portions. Beef ribs are tender and flavorful, perfect with pho. Atmosphere stays clean and lively, drawing crowds for affordable, no-frills dining.

Beef ribs come tender and easy to eat with pho. Short ribs add a tasty, gnaw-worthy element to combination and special pho dishes.

People are saying

"The pho broth here is so flavorful and clean."

"The beef ribs in the pho are so tender and tasty."

"The staff here is so friendly when you get the Beef Pho."

Good to know

1

The portions are large and generous for the price.

2

Pho Divis is very vegetarian-friendly with a simple menu.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a great value for pho.

02
Mashita Galbi Jjim image 1
Asian restaurant

Space feels airy with high ceilings and a cozy vibe. Braised short ribs are massive and tender, served in a hearty stew with rice cakes and cheese. Portions are generous, perfect for those craving hearty meals without long waits.

Braised short ribs come in massive, bubbling portions and fall off the bone easily. The stew includes rice cakes, cheese, and noodles, making it a hearty dish with boneless, tender meat.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the short rib, is tender and flavorful."

"The kimchi portions here are so generous, I wished I could keep eating."

"I found the galbi jjim to be the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Portion sizes are generous; one order can easily feed four people.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a total cost of around $35 for two people.

03
City Smoke House image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Historic Cadillac showroom hosts a family-owned barbecue known for fall-off-the-bone ribs and a tangy-sweet-spicy sauce. Brisket melts in your mouth, creating a lively atmosphere where food unites people. Delivery is punctual, perfect for corporate lunches and weddings.

Ribs come fall-off-the-bone tender with a smoky flavor. They are so soft they barely need a fork to eat.

People are saying

"The brisket here is juicy, smoky, and melts in your mouth."

"The pulled pork here is flavorful and left me speechless."

"The ribs here are fall-apart tender and smoky."

Good to know

1

City Smokehouse caters exclusively to corporate events and is not open for dine-in.

2

Contact City Smokehouse directly to discuss catering options for your event.

3

They provide generous portions, often resulting in leftovers for gatherings.

04
Let's Eat BBQ and More image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Old school barbecue joint with tender ribs and smoky aroma fills the air. Big vinyl booths and 70's Soul and Funk music create a laid-back vibe. Family-run spot offers traditional flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

Ribs come out tender and well-seasoned, matching up with classic barbecue staples like smoked brisket and house-made sausages. Execution stays flawless across dishes, including links and chicken.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ here was the tastiest I've had in decades."

"The service here is amazing, and the ribs are good."

"This brisket is like the down-home BBQ my uncle used to make."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of barbecue plates and cold beer.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for quicker transactions.

05
NORTHERN CHINA BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious spot serves juicy BBQ pork ribs and flavorful lamb ribs with a slightly salty kick. Late-night dining pairs well with chill Cantonese and Mandarin tunes. Stylish decor creates a lively yet comfortable vibe for all kinds of conversations.

Juicy and savory BBQ pork ribs stand out alongside the lamb ribs, which have a slightly salty but very good flavor. Skewers like Pork Ribs Meat Skewer and lamb add variety to the rib offerings.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese BBQ here to be the best I've ever had."

"The iron pot dishes and skewers are huge, smoky, and flavorful."

"The pork ribs were spiced and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 11pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Street parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.

3

You can request to pay through an app, but payment is processed by a server.

06
Equal Parts SF image 1
Restaurant

Elegant decor and warm lighting set a chic vibe perfect for enjoying tender lamb ribs rich in flavor. Patio seating and varied spots invite guests to savor punchy cocktails in an exclusive, tucked-away space.

Lamb ribs come out incredibly tender with a surprising depth of flavor. Bone marrow and lamb rib dishes stand out as excellent and rich highlights.

People are saying

"You have to try their innovative cocktails; they're some of the best in the city."

"The Ricotta Toast here is something we loved."

"The lamb ribs were so tender with a surprising depth of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made on OpenTable or by sitting at the bar.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider using a ride share service.

3

The menu features a thoughtful range of small plates for sharing.

07
Pete's Bar-B-Que image 1
Barbecue restaurant

No-frills spot serves succulent ribs that pull right off the bone. The space feels like an old-school lunchline with a loud hum and limited seating. Cash-only policy keeps the vibe authentic and straightforward.

Ribs come succulent and tender, pulling right off the bone without being over-smoked or dry. They pair well with delicious sauce and sides like coleslaw and baked potato.

People are saying

"I found Pete's ribs to be an absolute must-have experience."

"The food here is some of the best and most satisfying I've ever had."

"You have to try the beet salad; it's the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Pete's Bar-B-Que only accepts cash payments; bring cash to avoid a 3% card fee.

2

Brisket is available only on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

The cheapest meal costs $14, with drinks bringing the total to $17.50.

08
Bourbon Steak Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Elegant steakhouse offers tender short ribs with a unique celery root foam. The space blends modern sophistication with warm decor and breathtaking booths. Expect a loud, crowded atmosphere with music that can overpower conversation.

Short ribs come out tender enough to cut with a wet noodle and packed with flavor. The Wagyu short rib features a celery root foam that adds a unique touch and almost steals the show.

People are saying

"The steak here is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor."

"I found the cocktails here to be awesome."

"I enjoyed the braised short ribs; they were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

The restaurant has a dress code; business casual attire is required.

09
Arquet Restaurant image 1

Open kitchen with front-row hearth view adds excitement to dining. Short ribs are tender melt-in-mouth treats, while spare ribs bring rich BBQ flavor. Spacious interior offers stunning waterfront views and a lively, vibrant atmosphere.

Short ribs melt in your mouth with tender texture. Spare ribs offer rich flavor alongside BBQ steamboat oysters and rack of pork.

People are saying

"The food at this dinner spot is phenomenal and creative."

"The scallion fry bread was warm, crisp-edged, and completely irresistible."

"The short ribs just melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often fully booked until late evening, so plan ahead.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes, which may not justify the price.

3

The restaurant does not serve complimentary bread with meals.

10
SUNGHO image 1
Korean restaurant

Modern interior with an open kitchen sets a clean, industrial chic tone. Beef short ribs in a deep umami broth offer tender, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Warm vibe and stoneware bowls keep dishes hot, enhancing the authentic Korean comfort food experience.

Beef short ribs come in a soup with a deep umami broth and tender meat that melts in your mouth. Spicy pork bone soup features large ribs with a moderate spice level around 6 out of 10.

People are saying

"The pork bone soup is rich and delicious."

"The Korean soups here taste just like back in Korea."

"The spicy pork bone soup had tender meat and a good spice level."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to pay $35-45 per person after tax and tip for a meal.

3

Parking can be challenging on weekends; consider using the Civic Center parking lot.

11
ABSteak by Chef Akira Back image 1

Basement setting offers candle-lit tables and smokeless grills for a cozy, smoke-free experience. Snow Flower Kkotsal wagyu short rib boasts perfect marbling and melts in your mouth. Stylish decor and a private room create an upscale, intimate vibe.

Snow Flower Kkotsal wagyu short rib has perfect marbling and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combo A includes boneless short rib, beef brisket, and marinated galbi, all with rich, savory flavors.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ food here is exceptional, especially the Wagyu."

"The Korean Pancakes here are rich, fatty, and flavorful."

"These Korean BBQ ribs are a must-try, filling a significant gap."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available in front of the restaurant until 6pm in the commercial zone.

3

The restaurant is located one floor below street level, so be prepared for stairs.

12
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Basement setting offers a grotto-like atmosphere with Latin American music creating a cozy vibe. Garlic ribs deliver a Guangdong flavor that stands out. Spacious and clean interior blends casual dining with cultural character perfectly.

Garlic ribs stand out with a flavor that recalls Guangdong. BBQ ribs appear in combo plates alongside fried rice and lumpia, offering a sweet and sour twist and top-notch preparation.

People are saying

"The empanadas are huge, with delicious fillings like shredded beef."

"These chili oil dumplings are delicious and make your tongue sing."

"These grape pork ribs are sticky and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary in December with special events.

2

Expect a diverse menu featuring unique Asian-Venezuelan dishes.

3

Portions are generous and reasonably priced for the area.

13
Yakitori Edomasa image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Small, cozy yakitori spot offers authentic Japanese ambiance with a calm, quiet vibe. Enjoy beef short ribs skewers from the Grab & Go Menu and a variety of sake and beers. Clean, modern interior with kitchen in view makes dining relaxed and engaging.

Beef short ribs come as a skewer on the Grab & Go Menu, priced at $6. The Kushiyaki set includes short ribs, pork belly, and chicken for variety.

People are saying

"The yakitori, especially the grilled thighs and bonjiri, were delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is really well flavored and tasty."

"These beef short ribs are so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; a walk-in waiting list is available with 35-55 minute wait times.

2

A 5.2% 'SF Mandate' charge is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

The skewers are priced at $5 each, which is reasonable for the quality.

14
Smokin Dโ€™s BBQ SF image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small spot offers Texas-style ribs that are tender and well seasoned. Cozy, chill vibe with on-site smoked meat creates an authentic BBQ feel. Limited seating makes it perfect for takeout lovers seeking bold, salty flavors.

Ribs come well seasoned and tender with a Texas-style flavor that is not too fatty. St Louis Ribs pair well with bread and butter pickled onions and cucumbers, and full racks satisfy hearty appetites.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and perfectly cooked."

"The brisket bao buns were so tender and flavorful."

"The brisket was so soft and tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with limited seating available.

2

Pricing is reasonable for the quality, with meals around $200 for a family.

3

Bao buns are available only from Friday to Sunday.

15
Blind Butcher image 1
New American restaurant

Open kitchen and DJ create a lively, cozy vibe with soulful house music and sexy lighting. Short ribs are incredibly tender with a balanced sauce, served on super smooth mashed potatoes. Space feels narrow, and music can drown out conversation on busy nights.

Short ribs come incredibly tender with a balanced sauce that is not overly sweet. They sit on a bed of super smooth mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with the rich flavors.

People are saying

"The food at these Date Spots is amazing, especially the prime ribeye."

"The Lobster Mac & Cheese had generous chunks of lobster."

"The short ribs were so tender and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy nights like Valentine's Day.

2

Free and paid street parking is available nearby, but it can be challenging.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, even with a reservation.

Discover more

San Francisco, California

Area guide
Loading Map...