Where Can I Find Beef Ribs? The Best Places to Buy Juicy, Tender Beef Ribs

Beef ribs are a mouthwatering centerpiece for any barbecue. When cooked low and slow, these meaty ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with bold, beefy flavor. But before you can sink your teeth into these succulent ribs, you first need to find them. So where exactly can you find high-quality beef ribs for your next cookout?

There are several great options for procuring tasty beef ribs whether you prefer to shop online visit a local butcher, or head to your neighborhood grocery store. This guide will walk you through the best places to buy beef ribs and things to look for when selecting the perfect rack.

Buying Beef Ribs Online

Ordering beef ribs online is a convenient way to get high-quality meat shipped straight to your door, Several online butchers and specialty meat companies offer premium beef ribs

Crowd Cow

Crowd Cow works directly with independent ranchers and farmers to provide craft beef and other products. Their beef ribs come from heritage breed cattle with no antibiotics or added hormones. Crowd Cow has short ribs plate ribs, and beef back ribs available. You can order exactly how many ribs you need.

Pros: Direct-to-consumer model, extensive selection, premium heritage breed beef

Cons: Can be expensive, must order online

Snake River Farms

Snake River Farms offers premium American Wagyu beef ribs that are beautifully marbled for tenderness and flavor. They have bone-in and boneless short ribs along with back ribs. You can order individual ribs.

Pros: High-quality American Wagyu beef, large selection of cuts

Cons: Expensive

Porter Road

This online butcher shop sources beef from Kentucky and Tennessee. Their beef ribs are pasture-raised, antibiotic and hormone free. They have plate ribs and chuck short ribs available.

Pros: Reasonable prices, sustainably-raised beef

Cons: Limited selection, online only

Rastelli’s

Rastelli’s ships their USDA Prime beef ribs overnight on ice to arrive fresh. They have bone-in and boneless short ribs along with chuck short ribs available. You can order as few as 4 ribs.

Pros: Ships ribs overnight on ice, take advantage of bulk discounts

Cons: Limited selection

Visiting a Local Butcher for Beef Ribs

Your neighborhood butcher shop is another excellent place to source high-quality beef ribs. Butchers typically have great relationships with local ranchers and farms.

Ask your butcher for recommendations on the best beef rib options. Let them know how you plan to cook the ribs to get the ideal cut. They can also prepare the ribs for you by removing the membrane or cutting into individual ribs.

Pros

• Established relationships with local producers
• Can get customized cuts
• Experts for cooking recommendations

Cons

• Pricing may be higher than grocery stores
• Offerings vary based on supplier relationships

Selecting Beef Ribs at the Grocery Store

Your local grocery store meat department is often the most convenient place to grab beef ribs for an impromptu barbecue. Here are some tips for picking the best beef ribs at the store:

• Inspect the Marbling: Look for good marbling between the meat and fat cap. This helps ensure tender, flavorful ribs.

• Check the Cut: Short ribs and back ribs tend to be the meatiest. Plate ribs have less meat but more bone for flavor.

• Examine the Membrane: Make sure it adheres tightly and has a smooth texture. Avoid ribs where it seems loose.

• Evaluate Thickness: Thicker ribs hold up better on the smoker or grill. Avoid ribs less than 1⁄4 inch thick.

• Confirm Freshness: Raw ribs should look moist with a bright red color. Pass on ribs that appear dry or brown.

Pros

• Convenient one-stop shopping
• Lower prices when bought in bulk packages

Cons

• Quality can be inconsistent
• Less meaty variety than a butcher

What to Look for When Buying Beef Ribs

To help you select the tastiest beef ribs, keep the following qualities in mind:

Marbling

The marbling or intramuscular fat helps keep beef ribs juicy and flavorful as they cook. Look for good marbling between the fat cap and meat.

Meat to Bone Ratio

The meatier the better! Short ribs and back ribs have more meat while plate ribs tend to be meatier. Avoid super thin ribs.

Flexibility

Quality beef ribs have a good degree of flexibility when raw. They should bend without cracking. Stiff, brittle ribs likely suffered temperature abuse.

Thickness

Choose ribs that are at least 1⁄4 inch thick. Thinner ribs overcook too quickly. Focus on finding nice and thick ribs.

Membrane

The membrane on the bone side should have a smooth, tight texture. Pass on ribs with loose, coarse membranes that seem separated from the meat.

Color

Raw beef ribs should have a bright red color indicative of freshness. Avoid any ribs that seem dry or brown.

Best Places to Find Beef Ribs

• Online butchers like Crowd Cow, Snake River Farms, and Rastelli’s for premium quality
• Local butcher shops for locally-raised, customizable ribs
• Meat department at grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons for convenience
• Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club for bulk savings
• High-end grocers like Whole Foods and Fresh Market for organic and grass-fed

Ready for Perfectly Cooked Beef Ribs

With so many places to find high-quality beef ribs these days, you’re sure to discover the perfect ribs for your next barbecue. Use this guide to help you locate tender, meaty, flavorful beef ribs from online butchers, local shops, or your own grocery store. Focus on finding ribs with ample marbling and thickness when making your selection. In no time, you’ll be biting into the most mouthwatering beef ribs cooked up just right on your smoker or grill. Happy ribs hunting!