RIB
This restaurant is closed!
Address:
357 West St (at Clarkson St)
City:
New York, NY
Zip:
10014
Phone:
(212) 336-9330
Map:
Map
Cuisine:
Barbecue
Area:
West Village
Review:
I've always had a fascination with 50's diners. Maybe because I tried to save one once, an old "Silk City" diner stranded in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It always brought a sparkle to my eye, even in its state of disrepair.
I've also been a fan of the spot now called "Rib," although over the past years the place has changed hands so often that every time I got around to getting there it was closed up.
That may be the challenge for the folks behind Rib. The diner, while a real gem, is situated along the West Side Highway smack dab between a car wash and an adult entertainment establishment. And because you don't see the full length of the diner, if you blink you may miss it.
Now, let me tell you why you shouldn't.
Rib's "Niman Ranch" pulled pork sandwich ($9.95) is the best in town. Heaps of pork topped with homemade coleslaw and a side of homemade pickles. It is s-o-o-o-o-o-o
good you'll want to savor every bite. We also sampled two styles of ribs. We loved the Wadmalaw apple soaked pork ribs ($13.95 half rack, $18.95 full rack). They're smothered in a mustard sauce and are not like anything we've tried before. We were less impressed with the 15-spice "Smithfield" ribs. Ours arrived a bit dry and a little too smoky if there is such a thing. But we still managed to put them away and believe me no-one was complaining. And don't pass up on the sides. The potato salad is first rate, as is the peppery corn bread.
For dessert, Rib offers Red Velvet cake and Pecan pie topped with caramel ice cream.
Another thing rib has going for it is its staff. They really are warm and friendly people who bend over backwards to make you feel at home and welcome. Now, that is something worth stopping for!
Review By: Sam Sayegh
October 7, 2005, 11:01.08 am ET
A little off the beaten path
Shrimp and grits are much more glamorous than they sound, with chorizo, scallops, chopped tomato! Can't go wrong with the Tomato Soup with grilled cheese croutons on a rainy day...and the Red Velvet Cake is oh so moist. Looking forward to going back to try some of RIB's other tasty dishes! Friendly staff and a lovely backyard dining area, which is suprisingly quiet, set back from the highway.
July 25, 2005, 9:12.53 am ET