Food & Drink

Get Your Hands Dirty: Virginia Beach’s Top 12 Spare Rib Joints!

Spare ribs are a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It's no surprise that Virginia Beach has some of the best places to indulge in this savory treat.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, the city has a variety of restaurants that serve up some of the tastiest spare ribs in the area. From traditional BBQ joints to modern fusion restaurants, there's something for everyone.

The secret to a delicious spare rib lies in the preparation and cooking method. Some restaurants slow-cook their ribs for hours over wood chips, while others use a dry rub or a marinade to infuse flavor into the meat.

The result is a succulent, juicy rib that falls off the bone with each bite. The best part? You can enjoy this delicious meal with your friends and family while soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Virginia Beach.

If you're a fan of spare ribs, you'll want to make sure that you visit some of the best places that Virginia Beach has to offer.

Whether you're in the mood for a casual dining experience or a more upscale environment, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, let's take a closer look at some of the best places to enjoy mouth-watering spare ribs in Virginia Beach.

1. Waterman's Surfside Grille

Waterman's Surfside Grille
415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

Waterman's Surfside Grille is a veteran beachfront eatery that serves up local fish and grill fare.

The land marked cottage offers a great view of the beach and serves delicious spare ribs that are cooked to perfection.

The attentive and friendly staff make the dining experience even better.

The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for great spare ribs and a delightful dining experience.

2. MISSION BBQ

Mission Bbq
116 S Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (Google Maps)

MISSION BBQ is a casual chain restaurant that specializes in BBQ and classic sides. The restaurant is decorated with memorabilia honoring soldiers and first responders.

The food is delicious and portions are generous. The ribs are tender and juicy, and the selection of sauces is impressive.

The staff is friendly and provides excellent customer service. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly.

Pricing is reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. If you're looking for a great place for spare ribs, MISSION BBQ is definitely worth checking out.

3. FIREBREW Bar & Grill

Firebrew Bar & Grill
1253 Nimmo Pkwy Suite 117, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (Google Maps)

FIREBREW Bar & Grill is the perfect spot for those who love spare ribs. The restaurant offers a relaxed tavern atmosphere with a warm vibe and patio seating.

The menu boasts a variety of American fare, but the ribs are the standout dish.

Cooked to perfection, the spare ribs are tender and juicy with a smoky flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more.

The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making FIREBREW Bar & Grill a great spot for a casual dinner with friends or family. The attentive staff and excellent service add to the overall enjoyable dining experience.

4. No Frill Bar And Grill

No Frill Bar And Grill
1620 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

No Frill Bar And Grill is a casual American eatery that serves up a variety of comfort food, pitas, and salads. However, the real star of the menu is their delicious spare ribs.

Cooked to perfection and served with a mouth-watering sauce, these ribs are a must-try for any meat lover.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with colorful artwork adorning the walls. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that all customers have a pleasant dining experience.

If you're looking for a great place to enjoy some fantastic spare ribs, No Frill Bar And Grill is definitely worth a visit.

5. Pungo Boys BBQ

Pungo Boys Bbq
1776 Princess Anne Rd Unit N, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (Google Maps)

Pungo Boys BBQ is a hidden gem for lovers of barbecue spare ribs. The small venue is clean and well lit, with a friendly and helpful staff.

The ribs are seasoned to perfection and don't even need sauce. The brisket is also a standout, with some saying it's the best they've had outside of Texas.

The sides, including the 9-day slaw and mac and cheese, are top-notch as well. Be sure to get there early, as they do sell out.

Pungo Boys BBQ is a must-visit for anyone in search of mouth-watering ribs and brisket.

6. Yard House

Yard House
4549 Commerce St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (Google Maps)

Yard House is a high-end sports bar chain that serves delicious spare ribs. The restaurant has a huge menu of New American fare and an extensive list of draft beers.

The ambiance is lively, and the music is diverse. The bartenders are attentive and make great drinks. The service is prompt, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu.

The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The only downside is that the restaurant can get crowded, so it's best to plan ahead.

If you're looking for a fun place to hang out with friends and enjoy some mouth-watering spare ribs, Yard House is the perfect spot.

7. Donnie's Barbecue, LLC

Donnie's Barbecue, Llc
2129 General Booth Blvd #115, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 (Google Maps)

Donnie's Barbecue, LLC is a must-try for spare ribs lovers. This barbecue restaurant offers some of the best ribs in town, along with other delicious meats like brisket and pulled pork.

The sauces and dry rubs are on point, and the collards are some of the best around.

Donnie's Barbecue, LLC also offers unique dishes like the BBQ Sundae, which is a layer of Carolina pulled pork, mac-n-cheese, baked beans, crispy coleslaw, and finished with crispy and green onions.

The staff is friendly, and the service is quick. Although the prices are a bit on the pricey side, the quality of the food is well worth it. Donnie's Barbecue, LLC is definitely worth checking out for anyone looking for great barbecue in town.

8. Redwood Smoke Shack

Redwood Smoke Shack
2476 Nimmo Pkwy #126, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (Google Maps)

Redwood Smoke Shack is a must-visit for all barbecue lovers. Their spare ribs are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

The dry rub seasoning adds a delightful smoky taste to the meat, and the homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect complement.

The sides are equally delicious, especially the corn pudding and the cilantro slaw. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.

Redwood Smoke Shack is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for some mouth-watering barbecue.

9. The Beach Bully BBQ

The Beach Bully Bbq
601 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (Google Maps)

The Beach Bully BBQ is a family-owned restaurant that serves up some of the best BBQ spare ribs in town.

The meat falls off the bone and the sauces are delicious. The sides are also noteworthy, especially the mac and cheese and baked beans.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot to grab a bite with friends or family.

Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly. If you're in the mood for some authentic BBQ, this is the place to go.

10. J.A's Bangin' Ribs & BBQ Catering

J.a's Bangin' Ribs & Bbq Catering
1177 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (Google Maps)

J.A's Bangin' Ribs & BBQ Catering is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious spare ribs. The sauce is so good, you'll want to buy it by the barrel.

The food is prepared with love and experience, and you can taste it in every bite. The pulled pork sandwich, chicken, and ribs are all amazing.

The sides, including potato salad, mac n cheese, grilled cabbage, and baked beans, are a great addition.

Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food. J.A's Bangin' Ribs & BBQ Catering is a top-notch barbecue restaurant that you won't want to miss.

11. LongHorn Steakhouse

Longhorn Steakhouse
3400 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (Google Maps)

LongHorn Steakhouse is a must-visit for those looking for delicious spare ribs. The restaurant serves up large portions of perfectly cooked and seasoned ribs that are sure to satisfy any meat lover's cravings.

The friendly and attentive staff make sure that every customer is well taken care of, ensuring a great dining experience.

The cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant is perfect for families and groups of friends looking for a casual night out.

Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy some of the best spare ribs in town at LongHorn Steakhouse.

12. Hot Diggity Dogs BBQ

Hot Diggity Dogs Bbq
412 Newtown Rd D, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (Google Maps)

Hot Diggity Dogs BBQ is a hidden gem for spare ribs. The tender and juicy meat falls right off the bone, and the tangy BBQ sauce is the perfect complement.

The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

The staff is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner. Don't miss out on the spare ribs at Hot Diggity Dogs BBQ!