Any insider tips for Chick 'N' Ribs?

Ask for extra BBQ sauce on the side

What should I order at Chick 'N' Ribs?

Baby back ribs, cornbread, mac and cheese

When should I visit Chick 'N' Ribs?

Weekday lunch for shortest lines

Who should go to Chick 'N' Ribs?

Budget-conscious BBQ lovers and shoppers

Any insider tips for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?

Ask for trivia cards to entertain kids

What should I order at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?

Shrimp platters, fish & chips, hush puppies

When should I visit Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?

Late afternoon for sunset ocean views

Who should go to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?

Families with kids who love themed restaurants

Any insider tips for Rusty's Surf Ranch?

Happy hour 11am-5pm weekdays for deals

What should I order at Rusty's Surf Ranch?

Full rack ribs, loaded fries, mai tai

Who should go to Rusty's Surf Ranch?

Beach crowd seeking ribs and drinks

Best Bbq Ribs Restaurants in Santa Monica (90401)

3 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Worthy Picks

#1 Chick 'N' Ribs

7.8

$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Food Hall Frenzy Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance

This food court gem specializes in rotisserie chicken and baby back ribs that fall off the bone with a tangy house-made BBQ sauce. The casual counter-service spot delivers surprisingly tender meat at mall prices, making it a budget-friendly option for quality BBQ.

Must-Try Dishes: Full Rack Baby Back Ribs, Half Chicken & Ribs Combo, Beef Short Ribs

What makes it special: Mall food court BBQ that rivals standalone restaurants

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#2 Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

7.6

$$ Santa Monica Pier

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Birthday & Celebration Central Group Dining Gatherings

While primarily known for seafood, this Forrest Gump-themed pier restaurant serves tender baby back ribs with a Southern-style dry rub and tangy BBQ sauce. The ocean views and touristy atmosphere add novelty to solid rib execution that locals often overlook.

Must-Try Dishes: Shrimper's Heaven Platter, Run Across America Sampler, Lieutenant Dan's Drunken Shrimp

What makes it special: Movie-themed dining with Pacific Ocean backdrop

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#3 Rusty's Surf Ranch

7.5

$$ Santa Monica Pier

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Live Music Showtime Sports Bar Central

This beachside bar and grill delivers hearty BBQ baby back ribs alongside live music and ocean breezes. Since 1996, they've mastered the art of smoky ribs paired with craft cocktails, creating a laid-back surf shack vibe that captures Santa Monica's beach culture.

Must-Try Dishes: BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Surf & Turf Combo, Coconut Shrimp

What makes it special: Live weekend karaoke meets BBQ on the pier

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