Beef ribs, Sweet Savory Sauce, Cole Slaw and Bread! Overview: This little place has a big taste. Bucket bench seating reminds you of how all restaurants felt two decades ago. They proudly display the Colts sign in the window and provide 3 picnic tables outside. Service: «This is my first visit» is pronounce. The lady smiled, told me all about their meat options and their cheaper options for lunch. These could be as low as $ 7.00 before your drink. She told me what people Preferred and helped me make the right choices. While waiting, we made small talk. My order: I ordered the large half of the ½ rack, slaw on the side and white bread, with a soda. My bill was almost $ 18.00. I knew that as I ordered, but wanted the full experience. The ribs are delicious and sauce accompanying was sweet and savory. I asked for a mix of spice and sweet but there wasn’t a lot of spice. Compared to: Being from NC, I already have a high bar for Anything that carries the description«BBQ». King Ribs would be in the top 20% of similar places back home which is why I have 4 stars. Many here I’m sure would feel it to be 5 stars. Value: The value was there and I’m happy I came! I’ll come back when I’m visiting Indy again.
Kelsi G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Indianapolis, IN
The smell wafs down 16th street each summer making me want ribs for breakfast. King Ribs is like a warm hug given to you – it’s just comfort to the max. Yes it’s on 16th street. Yes it’s busy and the line moves slow. Yes there is always s line – but it’s ok. And so worth it. The ½ chicken special is on point. The bbq pork is heaven sent. Greens on Sunday=yes please! King Ribs is pretty much the best part of living on the west side. Always there. always good.always making the smoke cloud 16th street.
Michael J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Suisun City, CA
Just moved here a day ago, seen smoke and followed lol. Glad I did. Even though they were pretty packed it was well worth the wait. Best rib tips I’ve had in a while. And that’s coming from a guy who just left the Kentucky/Tennessee area… Only reason I’m writing a review is because I was trying to find dinner for tonight. Think I might stick to what I know, Kings Ribs!!!
Christopher F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Indianapolis, IN
Great pork sandwich and Cole slaw. Friendly staff. Prefect for a quick lunch. Dine in was empty. This is my new weekly stop! Yum
Jeremias N.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Antioch, TN
BESTBBQPLACEEVER with real genuine people and real genuine tasting foodI took the family there once and that’s All it takes folks. If you don’t try this place you have no taste nor soul
Christopher H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Mooresville, IN
Outstanding!!! I would give 5 stars if the atmosphere was better for dinning in, however it’s a order togo type of place
Matt H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Fort Wayne, IN
Pretty good. 4 star because service isn’t the most friendly by any means. Food is spot on. Make sure to check out their daily deals, the price and quality can’t be beat. I would recommend them to anyone but give them advice that the customer service is lacking.
Nancy P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Indianapolis, IN
Twice in one week surely means a 5 star. My dad is in town staying w/me while my mom is in Methodist. To get him out I suggested King Ribs for lunch Tues and apparently he loved it. Tonight leaving the Hospital I ask what he wanted for dinner and he quickly responded«that Rib place sounds good». We both got the pork on a bun special plys 2 sides each. $ 10.36 w/tax and I am miserably full now, what a deal!!! Mac&Cheeses is delish and baked beans have a zing too. I think King Rib is one of the best rib places in town by far.
Chrissy C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Carmel, IN
Totally worth the stop when on the westside! THEBESTRIBSEVER! Yes I need to yell, they are that good. They are so big that we split a full rack and still have some left. We got the mild and the sauce was the perfect flavor. We got our order to go and they wrapped up the box which was awesome or it would have been all over our car I am sure. We also got 4 slices of bread each individually wrapped, which I thought was cool. It was busy, but not too busy. I was worried about it with the race stuff going on down the street. I was happy to be able to introduce my husband into some finger licking good ribs!
Angelo O.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Ramsey, NJ
i visit Indy every summer for the MotoGP race. i make it a point to come back here as much as i can. it’s so good. straight up amazing. GOHERENOW.
Jeffrey R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Indianapolis, IN
If you love mac & cheese and delicious ribs this is a great place to drive through. highly recommend not going inside as the staff is very unprofessional and obviously untrained in customer service. overall the food is very good considering the atmosphere.
Nic J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Indianapolis, IN
I’ve seen this place for years and never tried it. I wish I’d done so earlier. The wife and I stopped in and got 2 rib dinners. I got mac n cheese and greens for sides, and she got slaw and beans. The ribs were 4 huge beef ribs, and they were juicy, smokey, and had a perfect chew. The hot sauce was absolutely delicious. The greens were really nice, but the mac was kinda bland. I also didn’t care for the slaw, but I loved the beans. I’m going to be coming back soon to try the sandwiches. I love good barbecue, and this is exactly that. They were also really friendly, and the place has a good atmosphere inside, and good prices.
Chele B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Diego, CA
Ate here when we were passing thru Indianapolis(midweek), visiting the Speedway and staying at a hotel near the track. We asked the clerks at the hotel where they would eat, and they started naming chains. «No no no… where would YOU eat?» we said. They kinda got quiet and looked at each other… then one said«If you want some REAL food, it’s King’s.» He told us it was in a rough part of town, and gave us directions. He said(half joking) «Bring me some Rib Tips.» A few minutes later we were at King Ribs. No one was there(customers). Scared us a little! lol! We decided to go for it. We ordered a Rib Dinner and a Tip Dinner and had Mac’nCheese, beans, greens, and cornbread. Halfway thru dinner we ordered some tips«to go» for the clerk back at the hotel. We could watch them preparing the food from where we sat. The food was excellent. The sauce was delicious. Suddenly people started coming into the restaurant. I guess we were early and folks hadn’t got off work yet. Pretty soon the restaurant and the parking lot were full. We hit it at a perfect time. When we got back to the hotel, we found the clerk and gave him the order of Tips. Man did his eyes light up!
Jake M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New York, NY
Love me some King Ribs, their ribs are so freaking good! I recommend getting the sauce on the side, only get the hot sauce if you really like hot stuff, it’ll make you sweat! The location is slightly ghetto but that adds to the charm of urban BBQ. Also their Mac & Cheese is pretty good. Pricing ain’t bad, especially if you go with one of their daily specials. Definitely give this place a try!
Andy-Long L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Simi Valley, CA
Ribs — pretty mind blowing… Sides weren’t that great. Macaroni and cheese tasted kind of cheap, greens were a little too bitter for me. Cornbread was dry and burnt on the bottom, I think I’d like a real piece of cornbread from a tray not this burnt cornbread muffin thing. But, again, it’s cool. Ribs made it totally worth it. Fall off the bone, smothered in a sweet bbq sauce. Get the sides right, and this place would be perfect. Definitely happy this is the first place I’ve had bbq in the midwest.
Marcus J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Baltimore, MD
Solid 4 stars. This place has just about everything a reputable rib joint should have — tender and flavorful ribs, an old school smoker out back, picnic tables in front, and a borderline unsafe location. All that’s missing is a screen door. But back to the tender, flavorful ribs. I’ve ordered the rib dinner with macaroni & cheese 4 – 6 times over the past 6 months, and on all but one occasion they were among the best ribs I’ve ever had. I consider myself a grill master when it comes to steaks and chicken(more importantly, those who have sampled from my pit agree with me). I have even used my father’s rib and homemade sauce recipe several times since he first taught it to his 19 year old son. I have yet, however, to master the art of smoke. That’s part of the reason I love these guys. If you drive by, the smell of smoke will entice you to pull in 50% of the time. The one time their rib dinner didn’t deliver happened when I stopped by during halftime of Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The ribs were tough, dry, and nearly charred. I imagine that was the case because it was almost closing time and I was getting the bottom of the barrel, literally. Hasn’t happened since. Eventually I’ll follow the recommendations of friends and try the chicken and rib tips. For now I’m comfortable with the ribs, because as I always say, when a place is named after ribs, get familiar with their ribs.
Sonya A.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Indianapolis, IN
The stars on this menu are the ribs and the pulled chicken/pork. Their rise to fame for sure is their BBQ sauce. The hot BBQ is not super spicy but delicious. The sides aren’t even worth thinking about, they for sure need some love. The mac and cheese is disappointing but the greens are pretty good. Food: 4⁄5 — When the craving for ribs hits, this is definitely my quick and easy go-to. Go on Sunday when the day’s special is the ribs dinner. Service: 3⁄5 Location: -/5 — Just take it to go, the interior is blah.
Mel M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Philadelphia, PA
I am new to Indy and needed to find BBQ on the 4th for the holiday. There were three things that I liked about this place: 1. They were open and surprisingly busy on July 4th! Everyone else was closed. 2. They have a drive through. I’ve never seen that at a BBQ joint before. 3. The food was fresh and tasty. The ribs seemed like they were cooked on the grill the entire time, versus being boiled then grilled like a lot of places do. I ordered a full slab with large potato salad and large baked beans(wanted BBQ all weekend). It was delicious! I am still eating on it and it taste better 2 days later. I have been craving BBQ since I moved here two months ago and this place did not disappoint. Please keep in mind that this review is for food that has been prepared fresh. They literally pulled my slab off the grill, chopped it up and served it to me. I cannot speak for food that has been precooked and served like the BBQ sandwiches and things like that.
Wanda M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Indianapolis, IN
We’ve never actually eaten inside during the past 15 years, always carry out. Many steer away from the area but give it a try. The smoker leaves the air full of wonderful smoked flavors and your hungry before ever getting to the drive up. My favorite is the pulled chicken or pork, very good. We enjoy their hot BBQ sauce. Mac & Cheese is fairly consistent with a cheesey, thick, baked texture. Unless you only need a couple bites, order family size for yourself which is two normal size portions in our house or just one if your big eater or for a meal. BBQ beans and greens are good as well. Be sure to check out their daily specials; half chicken, ribs, rib tips, sandwiches, etc.
Jim W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Corona, CA
Not in the nicest part of town, but who cares. Food is good and the service was friendly. Love seeing the huge smoker in the back. I think that certain sides are only served on certain days. And this place has a drive-thru! Wish that existed in California.