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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Long Beach
Best BBQ Ribs in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
RIBBRO BBQ
7.8
Texas-style barbecue with California coastal vibes and Korean influence since 2018. Thirteen-hour smoked brisket headlines the sandwich menu alongside pulled pork and ribs, served with creative sides and craft beer on tap in casual Belmont Shore setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Baby Back Ribs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Texas BBQ technique with Korean-inspired twists and coastal atmosphere
Who should go: BBQ fans and craft beer enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend afternoons, but arrive early as popular items sell out
What to order: 13-hour smoked brisket sandwich, seasonal veggies, Korean fried rice
Insider tip: They run out of meats on busy days—$5 beers during waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks - usually available but can fill up on weekends. Small lot behind building with limited spots.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, shorts all perfectly fine. Beachy BBQ joint vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversational but gets louder during sports games and happy hour. Can hear tablemates but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20-40 minutes typical, longer if popular meats are still available. They sell out of brisket by evening on busy days.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, 5-15 minutes during lunch rush (12-1pm). Best time to guarantee full menu availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - grilled veggie sandwich and sides like mac & cheese, coleslaw, and seasonal veggies. Not a vegetarian destination.
Vegan options: Very limited - seasonal grilled vegetables and possibly Korean fried rice (confirm preparation). BBQ-focused menu not vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Possible - meats are gluten-free but verify sauces and cross-contamination. Limited bun alternatives, may need to order meat plates instead of sandwiches.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date option if you're both BBQ fans. Relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off, outdoor seating is nice, but messy food and sports bar energy might not suit everyone. Better for second or third date when you're comfortable being less formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they operate primarily walk-in/counter service. Grab a table when available, order at counter. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) are safest bets. Weekend prime time (6-8pm) expect to wait or grab bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very kid-friendly. Casual counter-service format, outdoor patio space, and classic BBQ fare kids typically enjoy (pulled pork, mac & cheese, cornbread). Can get noisy so fits rowdy families. No changing tables reported.
Good for groups? Great for groups of 4-8. Counter service keeps things casual, outdoor tables can accommodate larger parties, and shareable BBQ platters work well. Call ahead for parties over 8 to coordinate seating.
Do they take reservations? No reservations - walk-in only. Counter-service BBQ joint model. Arrive early on weekends or be flexible with timing if you want specific meats before they sell out.
Best For
Better for: Choose RIBBRO for authentic Texas-style BBQ with creative Korean fusion touches at reasonable prices in a laid-back beach setting. Better than competitors for quality smoked meats (13-hour brisket), craft beer selection, and dog-friendly outdoor space. Ideal when you want legit BBQ without pretension.
Skip if: Skip if you need reservations, want upscale ambiance, or require extensive vegetarian/vegan options. Choose elsewhere for quiet romantic dinners, business meals, or if you're arriving late on weekends (sold-out meats). Not ideal if you dislike sports bar atmosphere or need guaranteed seating for large groups.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 9pm
Saturday11am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 9pm