WINNER:ย Big and meaty
Adamson Barbecue, 176 Wicksteed Ave., $18/pound
โThis is a proper rib. Itโs got a bark to it, and the size is good. You can tell these guys are proper, and this is really good. It doesnโt fall off the bone, itโs got a good bite to it, itโs super moist and it has a peppery crust, which is good. Thatโs a solid rib, hands down,โ says Corrado.
Bring the heat
Stack, 3265 Yongeย St.,ย $20 for a half rack
โTheyโre cooked really well. Iโm not getting a ton of the smoke flavour, but I think thatโs because the barbecue sauce is kind of dominating. But the sauce is also really good. Itโs sweet and it finishes with a little bit of heat, which is nice,โ says Corrado of the double-smoked baby back ribs.
A secret sauce
Boneyardย Grill, 1554 Avenue Rd. & 10 Disera Dr., $19.95 for a half rack
โThese are not the most flavourful,โ says Corrado of the baby back ribs that are cooked in a signature house-made sauce that boasts 20 secret ingredients. โTheyโre cooked well and the sauce is fine, but I just wish there was more depth to the flavour.โ
Smoked sensation
Cherry Street Bar-b-que,ย 275 Cherry St., $19.95ย for a half rack
โThe sauce is really good. Itโs got good vinegar, and itโs peppery. And you do taste the smoke in it. Itโs got a nice chew. Theyโre not falling off the bone, which is a good thing in barbecue. It should really hold up and not fall off the rib,โ says Corrado.
Dry rub rules
AAAย Bar, 138 Adelaideย St. E., $15 per order
โThese ones are nice and meaty.ย I can taste a bit of the smoke,ย but I think that smoke flavour could be a bit stronger,โ says Corrado. โThese ribs are dry rubbed and cooked really well. Theyโre also really moist andย the meat is holding up wellย on the bones.โ
Powerful pepper
Barque, 299 Roncesvallesย Ave., $19 for the 5-bone ribs
โI can definitely taste the pepper,โ says Corrado of the baby back ribs that are cooked in a lemon pepper rub and served with a lime wedge. โThese ribs have a good kick to them. I like that but they are just a little bit dry, and I wish there was more meat on them overall.โ