The best ribs in Cleveland

Ribs are a staple of the Cleveland diet. Cleveland's tastiest ribs can be found in many different locations: some of them almost hiding in strip malls, while others are cooked up by caterers who specialize in major rib events.

One way or another, this is how to get your hands on the most delicious ribs in Cleveland. Just don't forget the wet wipes.

Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co.
1669-501 W. 130^th St. in Hinckley
www.LickMyRibs.com

Desperado's hasn't been desperate to win awards. The Hinckley rib specialists have racked up prizes for best ribs and sauces from Berea all the way to Cheyenne, Wyo.

Sporting the moniker "Lick My Ribs," Desperado's was started by Lee Rice and his wife, Donna. Their business and family have grown into a dynasty over the last two decades.

Desperado's ships its ribs all over the world. They competed at the 2010 Berea's National Rib Cook-Off and took first place in the best sauce category.

Firehouse Pizza & Ribs
8617 Ridge Road in North Royalton
440-230-9229

Here is a fine place to pick up dinner at the end of a difficult week. It also has a fun, energetic sports-bar atmosphere.

In addition to its St. Louis-style ribs, Firehouse also specializes in pizza and wings. The restaurant, located at the corner of Ridge and Bunker roads, also serves a Parmesan-encrusted tilapia.

Freddie's Southern Style Rib House
1431 St. Clair Ave. N.E. in Cleveland
216-575-1750

Freddie's is another great neighborhood restaurant. Located at East 13^th Street and St. Clair Avenue, it's an ideal place to drop in after a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

If you like a sweet sauce, Freddie's is the place for you. Also, make sure you pick up a Poor Boy, a kielbasa sandwich with fries and coleslaw in the sandwich. A Poor Boy is a Cleveland tradition in good times and bad.

Smokin' Joe's Hog Wild BBQ
1839 Frontier Trail in Mansfield
419-589-9545
CantBeatJoesMeat.com

Smokin' Joe's was also among the dozen ribbers at the Berea's Rib Cook-Off. This company has captured "Best Ribs," "Best Sauce" and "People's Choice" awards in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.

DD Stutz' Jack on the Bone
4508 Lincoln Way E. in Massillon
330-477-2525

In only its third year at the Cleveland Rib Cook-Off, Jack on the Bone took second place in the 2009 "Greatest Ribs in America" contest.

Jack on the Bone has hit the road and won awards in the Midwest and Canada.

Owner Dave Amstutz had stepped out of the restaurant business to concentrate on the rib cook-off tour. The company's name of Jack on the Bone refers to the not-so-secret ingredient: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.