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RIBBRO BBQ

5295 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
$$
Barbeque, Sandwiches, BBQ Ribs, Sandwiches

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

RIBBRO BBQ 7.8
Belmont Shore
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.
RIBBRO BBQ 7.9
Belmont Shore
Texas-style BBQ with Korean coastal influences, smoking brisket for 13 hours alongside tender pork ribs and pulled pork. Established in 2018, this dog-friendly spot near Rosie's Dog Beach offers outdoor seating and unique sides like Korean fried rice and seasoned vegetables coated in rich sauce.
Must-Try Dishes: 13-Hour Smoked Brisket, Pork Ribs, Korean Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 7.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Korean-Texan fusion BBQ with 13-hour smoked meats and coastal California vibes
Who should go: Beachgoers with dogs, BBQ adventurers seeking unique flavors
When to visit: Lunch after dog beach; arrive early as popular items sell out
What to order: Brisket sandwich, pork ribs, seasonal vegetables with jalapeño
Insider tip: They run out of popular items, but $5 beers make the wait easy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street or nearby residential blocks; metered spaces turn free after 6pm. Small public lot one block north on Bayshore Ave.
Dress code: Super casual - beach attire welcome. T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops are the norm given the proximity to dog beach.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor buzz - conversation-friendly but expect beach energy and happy dogs nearby
Weekend wait: 15-25 min during peak hours (5-7pm); popular items may sell out by 6:30pm on busy days
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-up friendly; arrive before 1pm for full menu availability
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - seasoned vegetables and Korean fried rice available as sides, but BBQ-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - seasonal vegetables without sauce upon request; not the ideal venue
Gluten-free options: Meat-forward options work (brisket, ribs, pulled pork); verify sauce ingredients and avoid buns
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates - especially if your date loves BBQ or dogs. The outdoor setting and beachy vibe keep things relaxed, though it's not romantic or intimate. Better for daytime/early evening than after dark.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - it's counter-service with outdoor seating, so no reservations needed. Grab a table when you arrive, order at the counter, and they'll bring food out. Weekend peak times (12-2pm, 5-7pm) fill up fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - casual outdoor setup with picnic-style seating, kid-approved BBQ classics, and dogs everywhere keep children entertained. No high chairs, but all ages welcome. Expect a lively, informal atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Unique Korean-Texas fusion you won't find elsewhere, dog-friendly outdoor dining, and post-beach casual hangs. The 13-hour brisket and jalapeño-spiced vegetables offer more complexity than typical beach BBQ spots.
Skip if: You want traditional Texas BBQ purist experience, need extensive vegetarian options, prefer indoor air-conditioned dining, or want a quieter/romantic atmosphere. Also skip if coming late evening - they often sell out.