Best of 18 ribs in San Jose
San Jose, known for its vibrant food scene, offers a variety of options for ribs lovers. From barbecue joints to upscale dining establishments, you can find delicious, perfectly cooked ribs in this California city. Whether you prefer baby back or St. Louis-style, San Jose's restaurants have got you covered. Come and savor the mouth-watering ribs in San Jose!
- 1. Sam's Bar-B-Que
- 2. Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
- 3. Smoking Pig BBQ - San Jose Coleman
- 4. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- 5. South Winchester BBQ
- 6. Jon Jon's
- 7. Mesquite and Oak
- 8. Sauced BBQ & Spirits
- 9. Armadillo Willy's Texas BBQ
- 10. Mac Park BBQ
- 11. J C's Bar-B-Q
- 12. The ART of BBQ- Catering
- 13. CJ BBQ
- 14. The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
- 15. Sam's BBQ Diner
- 16. Hawaiian BBQ
- 17. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- 18. William BBQ
1. Sam's Bar-B-Que
Family-owned and operated since 1976, using traditional pit-smoking techniques

The BBQ establishment offers exceptional meat dishes, with the Ribs-and-Chicken combo being a popular choice. This option provides a generous amount of delicious meat, along with two side dishes and a thick slice of garlic bread. Another great choice is the Sampler Platter, which features a variety of meats smoked for 14 hours.
The Sampler Platter includes beef ribs, baby back ribs, and brisket, all smoked for 14 hours to perfection. The Ribs-and-Chicken combo is another standout option, offering a satisfying amount of savory meat along with two side dishes and garlic bread. The establishment is known for its high-quality BBQ offerings, with the Ribs-and-Chicken combo and Sampler Platter being two top choices.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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2. Henry's World Famous Hi-Life
Family-owned business since 1950, offering a welcoming and casual atmosphere.

Ribs are a standout feature of this establishment, with a diverse selection of beers on tap and a reportedly excellent wine list. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. With 85 tips and reviews, it's clear that this is a popular spot, especially for groups looking for a casual dining experience.
The prime rib is a must-try, and food enthusiasts from "Man v Food" have even featured it on their show. Overall, the restaurant offers a great selection of food and drinks, with a lively and laid-back environment that's perfect for socializing and enjoying a delicious meal. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a wine lover, or just a fan of good food, this place has something for everyone.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Smoking Pig BBQ - San Jose Coleman
Traditional Southern BBQ techniques, homemade sides

The individual enjoyed a meal consisting of a pulled pork sandwich, spareribs, bbq beans, and Mac. The beans and spareribs stood out as the highlights of the meal, while the sandwich and Mac were just adequate.
The spareribs were flavorful, but lacked that exceptional quality. However, the burnt ends were a different story, boasting a tender and juicy texture that set them apart. The brisket was the star of the show, embodying the perfect taste and texture that truly impressed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
4. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
Family-friendly atmosphere with a fun and casual vibe

If you're in San Jose and looking for a great place to eat ribs, this establishment is an excellent choice. The service is friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. The restaurant has an all-American vibe that adds to its charm.
Moving on to the food, the ribs are undoubtedly the star of the menu. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, they are sure to satisfy even the most discerning barbecue enthusiast. In this fast-paced world where time is scarce, it's essential to savor every moment and indulge in delicious food that makes life worth living. And life is definitely too short to waste on bad BBQ!
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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5. South Winchester BBQ
Family-owned business, Slow-smoked meats, Catering services available

The ribs offered a delightful dining experience with their tender and flavorful meat. They were cooked to perfection, with a pleasant smoky taste that added an extra layer of depth to their flavor. The exterior of the ribs had a slight dryness, but upon reaching the bone, the meat proved to be juicy and satisfying.
The sauce on the ribs was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the dish. It perfectly complemented the taste of the meat and added an extra level of moisture to the exterior of the ribs. The combination of the tender, juicy meat and the mouth-watering sauce made for an unforgettable culinary experience. Anyone who tries these ribs is sure to be impressed by their unique and satisfying flavor.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
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6. Jon Jon's
Family-owned and operated BBQ restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere

Jon Jon's is a popular BBQ restaurant known for its quick service and delicious food. The menu features standout dishes such as ribs, chicken, and brisket. Visitors rave about the flavorful chopped pork and tender barbecue.
According to reviews from 288 visitors, Jon Jon's BBQ restaurant is highly recommended. Among the popular menu items are the chopped pork, barbecue, and ribs. The restaurant is praised for its quick service and delicious food, with many visitors returning for more.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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7. Mesquite and Oak
Uses both mesquite and oak wood for smoking ribs

The beef rib and spare ribs offered at this barbecue restaurant are of high quality, while the pulled-pork is a satisfactory option for those who enjoy it. The hot links are a particularly good choice on the menu. However, the sides could use some improvement, as the beans are too sweet and the potato salad is just average.
This establishment is widely considered the best barbecue spot in San Jose, and their brisket is a standout dish. Its exceptional flavor and tenderness make it a must-try for any meat lover. The restaurant is highly recommended for anyone seeking great food in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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8. Sauced BBQ & Spirits
Features a variety of house-made BBQ sauces and spirits

The ribs served were a culinary delight, offering a rich smoky flavor that was highly appealing. The tenderness of the meat stood out, as it was easy to pull off the bone. This quality indicates a well-cooked and carefully prepared dish.
Despite the positive aspects, the portion size of the ribs was smaller than anticipated. The serving did not meet the diner's expectations, leading to a slight disappointment. Despite the letdown in portion size, the quality of the ribs themselves was excellent, making it worth a recommendation.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Armadillo Willy's Texas BBQ
Committed to using high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques, providing a unique and authentic barbecue experience.

The ribs at this establishment are exceptional, particularly the Texas Ribs Plate. The meat was incredibly tender, making it easy to bite off the bone. The ribs were also well-seasoned, providing a rich and savory flavor. The smoky taste was noticeable and added a nice depth to the overall flavor profile.
In summary, the ribs stood out for their tenderness and delicious taste. The smoky flavor of the Texas Ribs Plate was a particular highlight, adding a layer of complexity to the meat's natural savoriness. Whether you're a rib aficionado or new to this type of cuisine, these ribs are definitely worth trying.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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10. Mac Park BBQ
Family-owned and operated for over 10 years, using traditional Korean BBQ techniques and recipes

The barbecue ribs were overcooked, resulting in a chewy texture. However, the ribs were also praised for being "falling off the bone" tender, which contrasts with the previous criticism. Unfortunately, the brisket served was dry and not up to par. As a compensation, the establishment offered the customers a double order of ribs to replace the unsatisfactory brisket.
In summary, while the ribs received mixed reviews for their doneness, they were overall more well-received than the brisket. The brisket was criticized for being dry, but the restaurant attempted to rectify the situation by offering a double order of ribs as a replacement.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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11. J C's Bar-B-Q
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years

The hot links, pork ribs, and chicken or rib sandwiches are popular menu items at this establishment, and the potato salad is highly esteemed. Some customers may find the prices to be on the higher side, but many feel that the quality of the food justifies the cost. In most visits, the beef ribs are tender and fall off the bone, but on one occasion, they were tough. Despite this, the overall quality of the food is exceptional, and I highly recommend this place. It's worth mentioning that customers should specify that they prefer their beef ribs to be tender.
This restaurant is known for its high-quality food, especially the hot links, pork ribs, and chicken or rib sandwiches. The potato salad is also a customer favorite. While the prices may be higher than some other places, the quality of the food is worth the cost. On one occasion, the beef ribs were not as tender as usual, but this is an exception to the norm. The beef ribs are typically so delicious that they are "to die for." The rest of the menu is consistently wonderful, and I highly recommend this restaurant, as long as customers request tender beef ribs.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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12. The ART of BBQ- Catering
Catering services only, using all natural ingredients and no added preservatives, specializing in BBQ dishes with a gourmet twist

The BBQ meat served was satisfactory, with tender textures, but it lacked deep and robust flavors. Among all the meats served, the pulled pork stood out as it was flavorful and delicious. However, the ribs were tough and fatty, the chicken lacked seasoning, and the tri-tip was a bit dry. Although the restaurant provided BBQ sauce on the table, it was extremely sweet, and it is generally accepted that high-quality BBQ meat should not require heavy sauce to mask its flavors.
The establishment boasts of having award-winning ribs and chicken, which are prepared with great care. The meats are gently seasoned with a special rub and served with their well-known secret sauce. Their approach to BBQ is to enhance, not cover up, the natural flavors of the meat, making their offerings truly distinctive.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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13. CJ BBQ
Family-owned and operated with a focus on traditional Korean-style BBQ.

Pork ribs are widely regarded for their delicious taste and tender texture. When cooked slowly and at low temperatures, the collagen and fat in the ribs break down, resulting in a rich and succulent flavor that is highly prized by barbecue enthusiasts. The meat can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces to add even more depth of flavor, making pork ribs a popular choice for backyard cookouts and professional competitions alike.
When it comes to barbecue, BBQ in particular is renowned for its high-quality offerings. In addition to its tender and flavorful pork ribs, BBQ is also known for its excellent chicken and tasty hot links. The establishment uses traditional cooking techniques, such as smoking the meat over wood, to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and create a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you're a fan of pork, poultry, or sausage, BBQ has something for everyone.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill
Features a rustic wild west theme and live music

The food offered at the establishment was enjoyed by all who tried it. The Elk burger, pulled pork, and ribs were among the dishes sampled, and each received positive feedback. However, there was a common observation regarding the ribs - while they were delicious and boasted generous portion sizes, they were also noted to be a bit fatty.
The ribs, in particular, stood out as a delicious but slightly fatty dish. Despite the excess fat, the ribs were well-received and praised for their robust flavor. The portion sizes for all dishes, including the ribs, were more than satisfactory, contributing to the overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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15. Sam's BBQ Diner
Family-owned diner with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving classic American BBQ dishes made from scratch

Sam's BBQ Diner is a restaurant that specializes in serving authentic Filipino cuisine. The staff at the diner are known for being welcoming to customers. One of the most popular menu items at Sam's BBQ Diner is the Baby Back Ribs, which is available in a half rack portion. The ribs are known for being delicious, but the diner also offers a variety of Filipino dishes that have received rave reviews.
Customers have highly recommended dishes such as the pork adobo, chicharron, and lechon. These dishes are described as being flavorful and satisfying. However, some customers have noted inconsistencies in the quality of the food. For example, one customer mentioned that a dish they ordered was too salty. Despite this, the overall impression of Sam's BBQ Diner is positive, with customers praising the authentic Filipino dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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16. Hawaiian BBQ
Catering available, offering a unique and delicious dining experience.

The ribs and brisket sandwich at this establishment are exceptional offerings that should not be missed. The beef rib special, when available, is highly recommended. It includes a single, delicious beef rib. Overall, the BBQ ribs are cooked to perfection and served with a delightful sauce. This is an ideal location for those seeking a satisfying and hearty meal.
In summary, the ribs and brisket sandwich are standout items on the menu. The beef rib special, featuring a tender and flavorful single rib, is a must-try. The BBQ ribs are cooked to perfection and the sauce complements them perfectly. If you're in the mood for a hearty and delicious meal, this establishment is a great choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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17. Ono Hawaiian BBQ
Family-owned Hawaiian BBQ restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere

The BBQ ribs at this location are exceptional and a standout dish. They were cooked to perfection, with a tender and delightful texture that simply melts in your mouth. The ribs had a rich and robust smoky taste that added depth and complexity to their flavor. This satisfying and delicious dish is a must-try for any BBQ fan.
In summary, the BBQ ribs are a highlight of the menu, boasting a perfect texture and a scrumptious smoky flavor. The tenderness of the ribs, coupled with their rich taste, makes them an unmissable treat for anyone who appreciates high-quality BBQ.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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18. William BBQ

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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