The Best BBQ and Rib Restaurants in Orange County, CA

Admittedly, California cuisine is usually known for it's lite and healthy fare. Salads, vegetarian cuisine, berries all year round and chicken and fish dishes galore-served right along with the famous Napa wines.

But Orange County has some mighty fine places to get some lip-smacking ribs. So put on your old clothes, make sure you ask for plenty of wet-naps and try some of these restaurants for ribs of all kinds:

Orange seems to have a couple of terrific places that have tender, fall off the bone and tasty selections.

The Tulsa Rib Company and the Rib Trader have both been around for a very long time. Neither have fancy decor, but then how many BBQ joints do? They're both known for being family friendly (again, kind of goes with BBQ whether it's in your backyard, tailgate or eatery) and big portions. Because they are family friendly, the service is casual, efficient and helpful if you're not sure what kind of rib suits your taste buds whatever evening you mosey on in.

The Newport Rib Company has two locations. The one in Costa Mesa has been around over 20 years. The "new" venue is in the rather upscale new neighborhood of Ladera Ranch. You really can't go wrong at either place. After all, in an era of restaurants going in and out of business in the blink of an eye-this one has been around and made a name for itself as serving the areas best ribs.

Up and coming to edge out the fine reputation of the above is a trendy spot which has taken up residence in the college community of Fullerton. Brian's is actually a bar-but right next door is Big B's BBQ. They love to pass your order through the pass-window. Because it's a local hang-out, it can get quite noisy and crowded on the weekends and in the later parts of the weekday evenings. But those who have made it a regular spot, say the taste of the ribs is worth the less than romantic atmosphere.

If you'd rather enjoy your ribs in the privacy of your own kitchen or backyard then Laguna Hills has Ribs on the Run. Located in a strip mall by the Alicia exit off the San Diego Freeway, this tiny little place has no real designated eating area, but they do put out a whole lot of tasty smoked BBQ. Especially the ribs-which is, after all, what we're talking about! My own sister, who lives within walking distance has ordered in these delectable ribs for many of her kids pool parties and team get-togethers. The kids would rather have the baby back ribs than a traditional grilled burger or hot dogs that frequent most teenage soirees.

And last-if you're not into relying on smaller venues and would rather go with some of the local BBQ chains check your local phone book (or if your cell phone is filled with the modern conveniences!) for which of the county's Tony Roma's or Claim Jumper's is closest to you. For my husband and me, when we're in the mood for beef ribs-we seek out either one of these. We do love our baby backs-and these folks know how to do either quite well, but the beef comes out atypical meaty and tender at any of the units. The ribs at On the Border locations can be iffy, but in a pinch-you won't go away wanting.

Have I tickled your ribs enough to visit Orange County?