Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

 

20

71

Manuel S.

San Jose, CA

9/25/2009 2 photos

Where on God's green Earth have I been? How is it possible that something so beautiful... so pure... so wholesome can elude me for all these years? As my reviews can tell you, I spend my fair share of time in Reno, but never, NEVER, had I been to this event before.

Until now.

So I drove to Sacramento to meet up with the crew there. We drive to Reno (Sparks) and instantly we're greeted with the parking situation. The Yelpers don't lie - this is an issue and is the ONLY reason I didn't give that 5th star. We decide to cruise the streets to find parking in the adjacent residential area. Nothing.

It was at this point that we noticed a woman (I think) standing on the sidewalk with a sign reading "Parking $5". Totally worth it, so we drive up to her. She then points down this alley to this "area" on her property where some little kid was collecting the money and directing the parking. This was when I was thinking to myself, "SKETCHY!!!!", but I internalized that scream.

So we get to Victorian Square and we are instantly surrounded by the sights and sounds of what had to be a small corner of heaven. In every direction, there were award winning ribs and all the beer you can drink. I began to wander in amazement and awe - mouth wide open, jaw to the floor. Suddenly, I realize that my friends are gone, or was I the one that was gone? I guess I wandered away from the group. When they found me, the dialogue was as follows:

Me: "Am I dead? Is this Heaven?"

Group: "We're not sure"

We embraced in a group hug, and something jumps to the front of my conciseness. "What is this th...? Am I...? What the f...? Am I crying?!?!?"

I'm not going to sit here and give you all my assessment of each competitor because the truth is, they're ALL excellent and have won numerous events to even be invited here. They're techniques and flavors are diverse, but all come to an amazing result. You'll just have to decide which you prefer.

We concluded that this event is best experienced when you have a plan in place. Don't just go fill up at your first stand. Get a small portion (One third slab) and split it up. Move to the next stand, and remember to NEVER let your beer get below a quarter tank.

We got our car back and made it home safely and vowed that next year will be a two day affair for us.

I'm counting the days!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

3026

1026

Ligaya T.

Berkeley, CA

9/8/2009

So much to be learned, and even more to be consumed at the gluttontastic Best of the West Rib Cook-off! For example, did you know that the average pig has 14-17 pairs of ribs? The difference between Memphis, Texas and St. Louis style BBQ? Well, pack in with the hungry thousands to consume millions of pounds of honking delicious grub and find out for yourself!

Being a newbie to the pork scene, I primed the morning of with bacon, preparing the tummy for its new found frienemy: the swine. Rounding the bend to pork heaven, the sight is overwhelming; huge multi-tiered displays announcing the winning years rose above the counters and endless rows of grills, people bustling towards the stands offering smokey delights, cold brews and funnel cakes. It's like the county fair but instead of 4-H stalls of grunting sows, all the animals are cooked.

And my are they cooked in the most wonderful of ways: hickory smoked, dry rubbed, splash of vinegar, doused in chili sauce! I tried four varieties:

Bone Daddy (Michigan) - smokey, spicy and perfectly textured. No wonder these folks have won time and time again. They gave me a "I get it now! moment.

Texas Outlaws - relatively dry with unremarkable sauce. Pass.

Maui Wowie (Hawaiian) - I was expecting some soy or pineapple notes and moist, tender meat but wasn't wowed.

Razor Backs (Arkansas) - this is what I'm talking about! I was told that as AR sits in the crossroads of the BBQ greats, its style is an amalgamation of many: slow smoked, dry rubbed and light tomato, vinegary/peppery sauce with a hint of molasses sweetness.

For those that are veggie friendly, the grilled-in-husk white corn is sweet and juicy with the proper satisfying crunch. Can't go wrong with the elephant onion rings and fried zuch either! All in all, $20 will get ya far as full racks are $22 and great for splitting, sides of slaw and beans are $3, corn is $7 for a pair, and Dos Equis are $6 for a 20 oz. If the hunger's really hit, check out the AYCE&D area for delicious excess.

For the impatient, park at the casino before Victoria Plaza (Nugget Ave) or on the strip, and cab it over. No interminable trek and more beer!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

180

72

Kent P.

Fairfield, CA

9/11/2009 2 photos

Mmmmmm upon sitting in line for 15mins just to get off the exit! I finally found my way to smokey venue bellowing with people, laugher, tall plastic cups of beer, and ect.... I prep myself by getting a 24oz cup of white wheat beer, and meander through the crowds searching for the people's choice of ribs!

I finally stumble upon my friends and we make our way to BONE DADDY! Yeee haw I found this to be scrumptious as their ribs were cooked to perfection!

-Spicy
-Sauced up pretty good
-Charred
-By my pic a good way to get exercise!

My 2nd choice was Chicago Ribs!

They won 1st place about 2yrs back, and they still have the mojo!
Rib meat that falls off the bone only to melt in your mouth! Such succulence! =) Oh and I'm glad the funnel cake found its way to this wonderful land of bbq meats! That was a nice sweet, powdery sugar kinda goodness. I had a wandering Papaya friend that I didn't know was there, and turns out she had a 4 star time as well!

All in all people go to this event for the food, atmosphere, and people watching!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

432

104

rpm r.

San Ramon, CA

9/13/2009

This has been our 3rd consecutive year coming to the Cookoff.  Come early or you'll have a hard time finding a place to park!  Park at the Nugget's main 5 story parking- it won't be as bad there, worse comes to worse you'll be on 5th floor, alot better than trying to find street parking.  

Be prepared for long lines at each vender, alot of foot traffic, hot weather & good luck on trying to find a place to sit and eat!  Other than that, good stuff!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

20

141

Florence W.

San Jose, CA

9/22/2009

After hearing about the Rib Cook-Off from my bf for the last few years, I finally got to try first hand this Labor Day weekend!

WOW, I have never seen so many vendors, restaurants & independent chefs cooking ribs all at the same place and same time like this before!!  This is not just another arts & crafts event in your local town, this is MAJOR PIG EATING yall.

We arrived at the Nugget around 11:30am and we were driving around to find a parking spot for about 45 mins to an hour.  By then we were so frustrated and thanks to the iPhone, found out that there were more parking spaces at nearby schools and we could take the free shuttle from there. So that's what we did.

Once onsite, I didn't even know where to start eating. The entire place smell so good, I wanted everything!! Ribs, ribs, lemonade, beer, ribs, kettle corn, ribs, ribs, fried mushrooms, fried zuchini, onion rings, ribs, funnel cake, ribs, ribs...

It was very crowded and at some booths, the lines were just too long (eg Bone Daddy's) and I didn't get to sample it. Of course, no one can sample everything, I don't think.

With a full belly, we had to take a break and walked around in hopes of quick digestion (yeah, tough luck) and enjoyed the live bands playing, and saw some crafts and the suspecting cheap jewelry booths. There were also souvenir booths for t-shirts, pig ears hat, piggy necklaces and stuff like that.

All in all, it was a great place to sample all styles of ribs and bbq sauces that otherwise we couldn't get to taste, unless we travel to each porky town in the country.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

93

112

Walt L.

San Ramon, CA

9/5/2009

Giddy up sunshine! This was a meataculous event!

When they labeled this "Best of the West Rib Cookoff", they weren't lyin'. These guys/gals were amazing and I was in hawg heaven for the countless hours I spent stuffing my face with ribs. On opening day, the weather was nice, 88 degrees and overcast, no cover charge, crowds were relatively light and 24 vendors just smokin it up. The 1st day was the ideal day to go as lines to each vendor was about a 5 minute wait or less.

There were so many things besides ribs that were so tempting such as pulled pork sandwiches, cornbread and chicken but I stayed the course and sampled pork ribs only. In general, my preference is definitely the St. Louis style ribs over baby backs and it was interesting to taste the different types of bbq styles and sauces.

I had 1/3 rack sampler platters ($7-$9) from the following vendors.

1. The Barbecue Company Inc from AZ
2. Checkered Pig BBQ from VA
3. Chicago BBQ Company from Il
4. North Main BBQ (Sweet Meat Cooking team) from TX
5. Bone Daddy's BBQ from MI
6. Texas Outlaws BBQ from KY

I really enjoyed oinking down on Checkered Pig and Bone Daddy's bbqs. Both were distinctively different but shared the fact that their ribs were fall off the bone tender and juicy and were prior 1st place champions of this event. CP had a light smoke and sweet taste but BD had a more bold smell of hickory. Both were so good that I took home a rack from each to enjoy this weekend.

Now that I've tasted what bbq is suppose to be, I'm hoping that one day the Bay Area will finally have one that is nationally recognized.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

390

243

Krista E.

Reno, NV

9/3/2009 24 photos

I've been a Reno resident for 5 years and this is my first time coming to the Rib Cook Off - which surprises everyone! It seems I was out of town, practicing Vegan, or one thing or another every year till now so I finally went. It was fun. Even though I dont generally like huge crowds this was a fun crowd, with 2 live bands playing on opposite ends of Victorian Ave, happy people STUFFING their faces FULL of food, and a really great time for everyone. Admission into the event is free, and is a great people watching event!

I guess Pootchie and I timed it perfect because it only took us about 15 minutes to nab a really good (very close) parking spot so I was happy about that!

I met fellow Yelper Catherine, her family and husband, and cutie pie Nate, who I've been anticipating meeting since he was in da womb! He is just adorable!

I was really impressed that they had a large kids area set up with midway games, and children's rides - like you'd find at a carnival. Very family/kid friendly!

We looked around at the arts and craft stalls, and all the vendor booths selling everything you can imagine, then we descended on the RIBS and food stalls! The first stall we came to was the one I had noted was a "must try" (thanks Mike) there was NO waiting at Razorback.

Pootchie and I ordered the pull pork dinner and the shredded beef dinner. Both came on a bun, just a HUGE pile of meat. The dinners were $10 each and came with 2 sides. I got potato salad, and baked beans - those were pretty good. The beef was better then the pork. We had no trouble finding a seat to sit and eat, but by the time we finished eating people were standing waiting on a spot to come available - so really we did have perfect timing all the way around.

I was really shocked at how HUGE "Rib Village" is. I had no idea it was the ENTIRE east parking lot, thats converted into the villiage. You pay for a table, and they basically cater to you AYCE & drink for 4 hours food from all the stalls. Amazing!

We walked all the way down Victorian Ave to Pyramid then back up the other side of the street. I was checking out every stall, and taking LOTS of pictures (I'll post them next) So on our way back up Victorian Ave I hear someone YELLING........ KRISTA KRISTA KRISTA!!!!!! It was Tracy & Micaela, and a group of friend!
YIPPY YELPERS!!!!

So we herded down the street with them, I was laughing at Tracy who was wearing a white t-shirt drip stained with BBQ sauce! Tracy was literally in HOG HEAVEN!

Tracy's "Toddler" and I shared a SUPER HUGE (and SUPER MESSY) ice cream cone ($4.75). I'm happy to report Toddle and I are now the best of friends, and I give 2 of the 4 stars to Toddle she was the life of the party! I think I put her into a sugar coma before it was over but she was having a lot of fun!
Toddler was covered in BBQ sauce and ice cream! If they dont bath her immediately when getting home, the ants will carry her off before morning!

Before leaving, Pootchie got an order of ribs (6/$8) from Bourbon Q his wait in line was less then 10 minutes. I had a bite of his ribs - they were OK, but saucy ribs arent my favorite I like mine smoked with a dry rub, so I really didnt eat ribs besides I was stuffed with pulled pork and ice cream!

I came home and ate my HUGE ear of roasted corn on the cob (2/$7) and now I can say I've been to the Rib Cook Off, had fun, now let me go to sleep I'm SOOOOOOOOO STUFFED!!!!!!!!!!

I'll go back next year, in fact I'm looking forward to it, but will for sure be getting a table!!!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

17

36

Alvin L.

San Jose, CA

9/11/2009

I'm a regular at the rib cook-off every year and always look forward to it. My absolute favorites this year was Awesome Aussie and Porky n Beans. The ribs were just excellent! Fall off the bone tender and the rub was amazing on the Awesome Aussie's ribs. Rib ribs ribs! I was all ribbed out by the end of the weekend.

Now...when you go to this event, you must try the roasted corn, the Texas taters, the humungus onion rings, and the funnel cake (of course, spread out through the weekend). It is the best experience!

I also tried the beef brisket sandwich at Awesome Aussie. the brisket was very tender and smoked to perfection. I loved it!

Other favorite ribs throughout the years:
Moonshiners
Bone Daddy's
Butch's
Carson City
Sweetmeat Cooking Co. (sorry, I didn't like them this year)
Checkered Pig
Kinders

I stocked up on the special bbq sauces and rubs that vendors had on sale between $4 and $6 a bottle. Not bad eh?! Forget the shelved bbq sauces you see at the grocery store! These are the real deal bbq sauces!
See ya there next year!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

260

378

jason g.

San Francisco, CA

9/4/2009

I try to come out here every year. This is one of those events I have to attend. It has become a tradition. Decided to come early and leave early. With the closure of the bay bridge and labor day weekend, we arrived here on Thursday late afternoon. They have grown every year with more retail vendors and food vendors...........Love them all!!!

I usually come here with around 8 to 12 ppl so that we can try every single vendor. Full slab generally have 12 ribs. Here's where you need to go.

Kinders
bone daddy's( they won it all last year)
Bj's
Texas outlaws

Near the end of the night...........they have pretty good deals on ribs because they are trying to get rid of them. I finally got back today and will need to rest the entire weekend to recover. It was a great event. Can't wait to go again next year. I think Kinder's might win it all this year. That is my prediction.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

16

27

tahoe bill m.

Carnelian Bay, CA

9/11/2009

Seems every year I say "gotta get to the Rib Cook-Off this year".  This year, with a little encouragement from some fellow Yelpers, I finally did it.  I like!

If you are a little ADD when it comes to the details, then I recommend using my approach.  Walk up to the first booth you see.  Get the 3-rib sampler.  ($6)  Start eating and mosey along to the next booth.  Just about the time you are at the front of the line you will be done with the first three ribs.  (If you go on the first day when it is not jam-packed crowded that is.)  Grab your wad of money with your sticky fingers and get the next 3-rib sampler.  And so on.

At some point there will be one that makes your eyes light up and your tummy say howdy!  If you are detail-oriented, make a note of which ones do this for you.  If you are like me, just go oh um I think maybe Chicago and Butch's but I don't really remember but oh wait there's beer?

Kinda got sidetracked at that point.  But I do know that they really ought to call it the Rib Cook-Off and Outdoor Music.  Cuz that's what else they had.  Saddle Tramps were rocking the main stage with some fun Rockabilly.  Outside of Great Basin Brewery there was another stage where a Sactown band called Izabella was tearing it up.

I hope nobody minded me ripping off my shirt on the dance floor.  lol

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

438

147

Goodfella M.

Riverside, CA

9/4/2009

What can I say about an area four (4) city blocks long surrounded by tons of cooked PIG!!! Smoke so thick you can barely see. Yep that's the Rib Cook Off in Nevada. What more can a man ask for then, ribs, booze, fried food, more ribs and gambling? How can you not give this FIVE (5) STARS?

The ten of us had a table in the VIP section with the following:
-Ribs (all you can eat from all the contestants, 24 different types from across the USA)
-Side Dishes (all you can eat: corn bread, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, green salad, macaroni salad, black beans and corn salad, and more)
-Drinks (all you can drink: margaritas, Jack Daniels, 5 different beers, soft drinks, water)
-Live Music
-Rib Eating contest for your viewing pleasure (and no - Joey Chestnut didn't win, but he got 2nd)

Next we decided to walk off the ribs we just devoured. So as we walk past the vendors we decided to try the following: freshly made potato chips, funnel cake, and a smoked turkey wing. I'm beyond full and need to continue to walk some of this off. The clock's ticking and the VIP section shuts down at 9pm and there's more pork to devour before I call it a day!

You guessed it ... quite the party for BBQ lovers. We rode in on HOGS, we ate HOGS, we were stuffed like HOGS, and we rode home on HOGS. That truly is HOG HEAVEN.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

5

19

Christine T.

Fremont, CA

9/7/2009

2009 Best in The West Rib Festival in Sparks, NV sponsored by John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino.

By far THE BEST festival as the name implies. This is my fourth year straight  visiting this amazing amassment of the greatest rib BBQers in the West coast....EVER!

Expect HOT HOT weather in Reno. At least 90-100+ degrees and them some with thousands of people and heat from the non-stop grills.  But this year, mother nature was on our side with cooler 85 degrees and a constant breeze.

Each vendor has their own rib packages to offer to the crowd:
- rib sampler (with 3 bones)
- half rack
- full rack
- rib meal with slaw or potatoes
- BBQ chicken, sausage, HUGE turkey or even HUGER (is this a word) beef ribs
- pulled pork sandwiches

The best way to sample as many of the 24 vendors as you can is to split your group up so each person is in line at a different vendor. When you meet back at a central location, you can share a bone from each place.

In large groups, the best deal is getting a full rack to share.

My all time favorites:
1) Butch's
2) Porky N Beans
3) Famous Dave's
4) Maui Wowie
5) Razor Backs

Other favorites as you stroll along the 5 blocks of smokey goodness:
- refreshing lemonades
- cold beers on tap
- margaritas
- HUGE corn on the cobb
- frozen dipped fruit in chocolate
- ice cream and slushies
- fried fritters
- fried vegetables
- garlic fries

The judging is blind. That means the vendors don't know who or when the judge is buying at their booth. That's a win for all the festival goers because the vendors have to cook their best the entire festival. There's also a people choice award where all festival goers can vote for their favorite. And don't forget, there's a sauce category.

Something for everyone. Don't forget to visit the craft booths for an assortment of unnecessary junk you think you need but question why you bought it when on the road home. Also a fun play area for kids to burn off the sugar rush.

Live it up. Try everything.

Look out PETA (people who eat tasty animals), you will be grinning ear to ear if anyone can see past the bbq sauce covering your face.

Note: the locals know best. They go late afternoon to avoid the heat and all the other rib festival tourists. Plus take the next exit after the festival and drive to the back side for more parking. Bring lots of wet wipes because you'll need it!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

7

17

Nancy R.

Milpitas, CA

9/7/2009 1 photo

We made our way to Sparks, NV just for Rib Fest this weekend. I've never been and hadn't really heard much about it before.

Parking SUCKED! There are so many people driving to Victorian Square and not enough parking spaces. We even encountered the annoying person who gets out of the car to walk around a parking space to reserve a space for a car. Seriously, you're not playing the game fairly if you think you can reserve a spot made for car by standing in the middle of it. You're breaking the system of a parking lot/garage.

The weather was nice & mild which made being surrounded by thousands of people much more tolerable. We went with my siblings so when we decided to eat, we split up into four groups, each ordering a slab of ribs from a different place.

We tried (in order of best to okay):
Razor Backs
Carson City BBQ
Bone Daddy
Texas Outlaws BBQ

It was definitely a good time and we were able to try some really good ribs! The kettle corn & BBQ'd corn were also quite delish. Good for people watching and trying out different styles of BBQing ribs. For dessert we had the necessary funnel cakes & frozen banana/pineapple/strawberry on a stick.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

7

53

linda h.

San Francisco, CA

9/11/2009

First year here... Since my brother in law raves about every year.

Ribs are off the hook but I didnt get to try all of them!!! I stood in line for Bone Daddys for 45 minutes and that was all for me!

I love their sauce its super concentrated and flavorful. I also tried the texas thunder and johnsons super spicy sauce which made me lose my tastebuds =(

kettle corn was super good also!!!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

9

41

Paul B.

Reno, NV

9/5/2009

The overall event gets a 4, but I have to deduct two points for the dried out ribs I got (not once but twice)

Food Lines are long and Parking can be tough.

After finding some parking  I had ribs from 2 of the supposedly top places yesterday Fri afternoon and both were dried out and way over cooked. They were not even close to being moist, succulent and juicy at all.
I had to chew and chew and chew and chew and chew some more.
It was pretty bad nothing special or spectacular about them at all and they were $6 for 3 tiny ribs.
I was very disappointed twice.
It was mass produced over cooked dried out ribs that I was sold that the Average American Home Cooking Backyard BBQ can Easily Beat.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

3

3

esmeralda E.

Livermore, CA

9/8/2009

This is a great way to spend Labor Day weekend. This is the 4th year we have attended, and this was even better than last year.  The weather was great and comfortable.  
The best beef bones are at Carson City, we even brought some home.
Plus if you haven't tried their rub do so.  
Butch's sauce is the best.  Brought home 2 bottles.
I would recommend this to everyone.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

11

189

Josh L.

Alameda, CA

9/9/2009

The best rib cooks in the nation come here.  My top 4 places in order:
Bone Daddy's
Butch's
Maui Wowi
Carson City

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

16

119

Steve T.

Sparks, NV

9/6/2009 4 photos

Great place for ribs, obviously. I like this because it's not just people good at cooking ribs, but people PASSIONATE about cooking ribs. And there's a nice variety.
Only four stars because 1) the price has gone up. Samplers of three ribs are $6 if they sell three ribs at all. 2) It's so successful you have to practically park in Reno to get there.
But it's a great experience and everyone should go at least once.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

135

115

Mary J.

Castro Valley, CA

9/8/2009 10 photos

If you're not sure what to do next year for your Labor Day Weekend & have no problem eating that good 'ol pig, consider makin' a trip to Reno/Sparks, Nevada for their annual "Nugget Rib Cook-Off"! http://www.yelp.com/bi...

LOCATION: Held in Sparks, Nevada @ Victorian Square by The Nugget Casino & Hotel. About 3 public FREE garage parking lots, & residential area close by. Typically there is also a FREE shuttle ride from local schools in/from Victorian Square if you want to avoid parking close by.

COOK-OFF: Runs about 6-days during the Labor Day Wkend in September. Visit their site to learn more tho http://www.nuggetribco... In addition to ribs, they have an Arts & Crafts section w/ various items to shop, kids area, & other vendors w/ ur normal festivities (ie, Funnel Cake, Corn on The Cob, etc). One booth I recommend is the Fresh Lemonade Stand http://www.yelp.com/bi... Sooo good! Just get the $5 large size. If you're not much of a sweet tooth, you can prob avoid this; definitely syrupy/sugar water taste, but hella good (yes, I said "hella")! Plenty of outdoor bthrm stalls AND outdoor bthrm sinks (sorry didn't take pics)

RIBS OF FUN: Had a great Saturday 9/5/09 here in Sparks, NV during Nugget Rib Cook-off! We arrived on the scene 9am so got great parking in garage. Our bellies were full from "sampling" 6 booths (meaning only eating 1-2 ribs from a sample order") & 2 servings of lemonade by 2pm-ish.

OINK OINK LINE UP: There were 24-booths, but again BF & I only able to "sample" 6 booths:

* Carson City BBQ (NV) $6/sampler
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
* Bone Daddy's BBQ (MI) $7-$8/sampler ('09 2nd Place Winners)
http://www.yelp.com/bi... ...Ribs treated w/ so much love & tasted great! Get these!
* Texas Outlaw BBQ (KY) $6-$7/sampler
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
* BJ's BBQ (NV) $6-$7/sampler
http://www.yelp.com/bi... ...Ben S, I tried these for you, but was disappointed =( Tangy-sweet, but our ribs weren't cooked enuf for us
* Famous Dave's (MN) $6-$8/sampler
http://www.yelp.com/bi... ...also delicious...get these!
* Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co (OH) $6/sampler ('09 1st Place Winners)
http://www.yelp.com/bi... ...also delicious...get these!

** Other 2009 Winners **
3rd Place: Kinder's Custom Meats Inc. (CA)
4th Place: Bourbon Q (KY)
5th Place: Porky 'N Beans BBQ (FL)
Best Sauce: Carson City BBQ (NV)
People's Choice: Bone Daddy's BBQ (MI)

VISITOR RECOMMENDATIONS
- have plenty of cash...just easier to transact
- shades DEFINITELY recommended
- wear a cap, hat, or bring your own "small" umbrella else pay $5 for Asian style one in Art & Crafts Area
- side pouch, grannie pack, backpack, or wristlet; ladies if u want to wear a med/large hobo purse, that's ur call
- bring plenty of sun screen
- a small hand towel to wipe sweat from forehead/neck (anticipate 85+ degree weather)
- starts @ 11am so arrive EARLY for best parking! ...else prepare to drive around 30+min in residential area looking for parking or following someone in garage hoping they're leaving
- rib booths typically serve "samplers" in NON-2go dish..ask for 2go so u can taste 1 rib & move on to next booth; plus at one point you can put all the ribs 2gthr in 1-2go container "if" you want

MJ's PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
- buy a $4 styrofoam cooler (ie from Safeway) & a pack of Ziplock Freezer bags
....WHY? so you can take left over ribs back to hotel, get ice from vending machine, & keep ribs on chill =)
- pack ur own personal hand wipes (ie Purell Hand Sanitizer bottle or PLENTY of hand wipes http://www.oppictures.... )
- u don't need to RSVP a table! everyone here finds a spot standing or somewhere to sit & eat up
- traveling in groups is a plus! everyone can split up, but 1/2 slab or whole slab (maybe side dishes too) @ different booths, then regroup @ a central location & waa-laaa...you've just made ur own group buffet "family style"
- folding chairs if you want to carry over ur shoulder http://www.ezupdirect.... , OR have designated person in group hold a spot down while everyone splits up

FINAL LICK OF THE FINGERS: Personally I think this is a GREAT Labor Day Weekend trip! If you haven't made the trip yet, try to go!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

0

5

Guillermo P.

Redmond, WA

10/10/2009

This place is da bomb!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

5

48

Mike B.

Reno, NV

8/10/2009

Hmmm, how about 2.5 stars, actually.  The ribs can be good if you are patient, and have plenty of twenties.  Parking is the absolute worst, however, and I think riding the bus from a few miles away might be a viable option.  Amazing number of grotesquely obese people in the scene, many pushing strollers with chubby bigger kids swilling Coke and sugary nasties trailing behind.  Oh, and it's kinda filthy, but people do drop their food quite a bit.  It's the busiest on Saturday and Sunday, and bordering unpleasant when it's above 95 degrees.

If you go, hit it on Thursday at noon and eat like a "local" when there aren't ten billion people stumbling around all sunburnt and drunk.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

7

49

Michelle N.

San Francisco, CA

9/10/2009

Why didn't I know about the Rib Cook Off before???  This year was my first time going and you better believe I'm going every year from now on!  We stayed at the Nugget so our backyard was the Rib Fest.  We arrived Friday morning which was the best idea because we were able to walk the whole festival with ease.  There were some people but it wasn't as bad as Friday night and Saturday which are the busiest times.  We had ribs galore (my personal favorite was Bone Daddy's - marinated perfectly, bbq sauce had a little bit of heat to it and the meat was falling off the bone good!), beef ribs, corn, cornbread, cole slaw, beans, ice cream, deep fried zucchini, funnel cakes and beer!  It doesnt get better than this but I'm definitely detoxing all the meat consumption still.  We woke up Saturday morning went downstairs to buy more ribs and brought it into our hotel because the crowd was approaching.  Sunday we also went early to buy a full slab of ribs to take home.  It says they open at 11am but we went down at about 10:30 and were able to get our orders in.

I'm coming back next year and I'm sticking to the same game plan.  Arrive early Friday until Sunday and staying at the Nugget.  Can't wait for you to come back Rib Fest! Yummmm!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

29

129

sarah d.

San Francisco, CA

9/8/2009

came here on Thursday afternoon... hoping to beat the Labor Day Weekend crowd and seems like we did. Parking was fine. Porta-potties.. gross. Ribs were delicious. My favorite was the Bone Daddy's dry rub! Soooo good! We also had roasted corn on the cob, cornbread, deep fried zucchini, beef ribs, pulled pork, baked beans, cold slaw, beef brisket, funnel cake, and lemonade... there's no shortage of tasty food here. Great weather... around 4pm just warm enough with a light breeze. there are also booths with things to buy... i bought some super cute cheap jewelry, yay! good for families and kids.. there's live music and happy intoxicated people.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

1

50

Gil A.

San Francisco, CA

9/10/2009

Fan for life! I will, from this point on, spend Labor Day weekend in the most depressing town in the west: Reno. I came here empty stomached with no beer/alcohol in me... it would of taken up valuable gut real estate. An hour later I hit the Pork-Wall. My swine filled stomach ached, but a good ache, and all I wanted was a nap. Thank you porky goodness. Next year I'll dedicate 2-3 days clotting my arteries.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

0

12

Maria A.

Walnut Creek, CA

9/9/2009

The 2009 Rib Cook-Off was our 2nd time at this rodeo! So much fun! We learned our lesson from last year: just book a room at the Nugget, and you can have the comfort of your own room whenever you want. Plus we worked out at the Nugget gym, swam in the pool, and ate salads at the restaurants to even out all the pork we were eating!

We ate and ate and ate. We also learned last year to buy the 3 rib samplers at each booth, and have a rib a-piece. There were 3 to 4 of us at any one time, and someone was always too full, so it worked out perfectly. No one was impressed with the sides, very boring, so we just stuck with the ribs.

The aroma is something else. So much delicious wood smoke with roasting meat, you just can't beat that smell. We got to Ausome Aussie, missed them last year, very good!

The roasted corn, the funnel cakes, the frozen fruit on a stick were all good. The music was good, the crowds were mellow, and we just had so much fun, we're gonna do it again next year! Next year we'll get the giant beef rib, we just could not get to it this year!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

3

17

Carlos G.

Alameda, CA

8/23/2009

We've been to the Rib Cookoff the last 4 yrs straight and have had a great time.We do only attend the first two days(normally weds,thurs) because from friday night on it's way too crowded.This year it's later than normal starting on the 2nd so with school starting we wont be there :(   A definite must try if you never have is the BIG BEEF RIB at porky n' beans stand !!!!  it's crazy good.We also stay at the Nugget which is right there so when we want a break we just go inside and have a swim to cool down. Enjoy :)

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

13

80

Nancy F.

Mount House, CA

9/7/2009

This was my first time making it to the Rib Cook-Off and man is there so many to choose from. I got so full before even getting to try half of the ribs out there. I would suggest either going a few days in a row or having 3 to 4 people so you can split the rib samplers that range from $6-7 for 3 to 4 ribs. Then you will be able to try them ALL.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

5

97

Sarah I.

San Francisco, CA

9/7/2009

like many, this was my first time at the Nugget Rib Cook Off and I can positively say, we will definitely be making a tradition out of this one! This is definitely the best event to hit Reno, possibly even Nevada, since I was born. Over 20 championship BBQers just out there having a great time. It was heaven.

So for the trip; we actually got a late start on planning due to some other plans falling through. Luckily we found a decent room for around $100 at La Quinta Inn. It was right next to the airport (if you are flying in) and right off the freeway, regional bus station and train tracks in case you take those routes. That all being said, it was completely quite! AND, the hotel even has a shuttle to take you to the aiport, local casinos, etc. So that was great. The hotel was also right next door to Wooster High which was the pick up for the cook-off shuttle. AWESOME!

On Saturday we went on the 11am bus, and on Sunday, the 10am bus. Unfortunately nothing was open until 11am on Sun, but we still were able to snag a pulled pork sandwich and use that to tie us over. If you are serious about eating a ton of ribs like my BF and I, then I suggest going early. The lines started to fill up at around 1pm and that was just when they weather turned from comfortable to hot. I take it most people are there to have fun; we were serious about our rib eating! We were able to stomach 6 vendors each day, as well as some delicious kettle korn, chocolate covered fruit, hawaiian shaved icees and frozen lemonaded :)

I can't really say that any Rib vendor was NOT good! These are the best of the best people. No matter how "bad" it tastes, it's definitely better than anything any of us has probab;y had in years. That being said, I found myself fall into expert mode as I criticized sauces and sides that actually tasted 100x better than mine!

we tried: Famous Daves, Armadillo Willy's, Bone Daddy's BBQ, Bourbon Q (second favorite), Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ, Checkered Pig, Desperados BBQ, Kinders Custom Meat (Third favorite), Sweet Meat Coooking Team, Texas Outlaw BBQ, Aussom Aussie and Memphis Championship BBQ.
With that said, my favorite place was New Jersey's own, Smack Your Lips BBq compliments of good old Butch! Not only were their ribs tender and the sauce sweet and smoky, but none other than the man himself BUTCH was cooking up our ribs in the back. It doesnt get much better than that!

the important stuff: parking is free, but don't drive unless you get there early, and even in that case, don't drive! also, a sampler of 3 ribs was around $6-7. and a full slab usually ran about $20-22. To me that was a good deal. I realize all the work these guys are doing for this week event so I am totally fine with paying a normal price for delicious food. Also, most places have plenty of paper towels and wipes, just make sure you get those ready before you start chowing down. There are plenty of restroom and wash stations too, but if you absolutely must, you can run into the Nugget casino and use those restrooms. They were really clean, and pretty empty given the fact that there was a HUGE BBQ event going on outside!

Anyways, anyone want to tag along next year? let me know!!!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

0

2

Junray S.

San Francisco, CA

7/23/2009

We've been going to the Cook-Off religiously for the last 13 years. I'm always looking forward to Labor Day just to go to this event. It's the only time I actually eat ribs. Make sure to bring your disposable wet washcloth, cooler and dental flosh.

The only thing though is the price on the slab had gone up. I remember when they were $14.

Anyway, make sure you reserve your room early

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

107

177

Erich D.

San Francisco, CA

9/1/2008 5 photos

Ribfest!

This may just be my new Labor Day tradition. So much great barbecue packed into Victorian Square located in front of the Nugget hotel and casino. There were 24 cookers this year for the 20th anniversary of the Best in the West Rib Cook-Off. A bunch of friends and I pooled together to purchase full slabs of ribs from as many different rib cookers that we could possibly try before keeling over from barbecue food comas. It was a total glutton-fest.

Below are the 11 cookers that I had ribs from in order of my favorites:

Carson City BBQ (NV) - my personal favorite, savory and tender ribs
Famous Dave's BBQ (MN) - tasty, savory and the 2007 Rib Cook-Off winner
Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co. (OH) - tender ribs with great bbq sauce
Bone Daddy's BBQ (MI) - smokey and savory
Checkered Pig BBQ (VA) - extremely tender meat that fell off the bone
Rasta Joe's BBQ Inc. (IN) - sweet and tangy
Maui Wowie BBQ Co. (NV)
Texas Outlaw BBQ (KY)
Johnson's BBQ (VA)
Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ (NJ)
Chicago BBQ Co. (IL)

Every rib shack had something different to offer with their ribs. All were prepared and cooked according to their respective award winning styles and recipes. The barbecue sauces from each cooker were especially unique from every other. There were ribs for everyone's tastes -- smokey, charcoaly, tasty, tender, chewy, juicy, sweet, tangy, spicy, savory, succulent; any adjective you can think of associated with meat.

One of the most memorable ribs were the beef ribs from Desperado. They only give you one rib, but it's an enormous bone measuring at nearly 15" by 4". It was definitely like something out of the Flintstones.

PETA was also out in full force at the rib cook-off, but not the PETA you might be thinking of (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Tons of people were wearing shirts that read "PETA: People for the Eating of Tasty Animals."

To sum it all up, I enjoyed the best ribs of my life at this cook-off! You've got to go to this cook-off at least once if you love ribs and barbecue. For me, Ribfest 2008 was, as Borat would say, "Great Success!" (two thumbs up)

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

31

556

Cloudy C.

San Francisco, CA

9/6/2009

Spectacular! This is bbq heaven... We had never been to the cookoff before so we didn't know what to expect. The options here were extensive and plentiful. There is so much to eat that it can be overwhelming. We first started with the Outlaws stand since they were the 2009 winners, we went with the ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket platter, it came with slaw and baked beans and a slice of bread. The pulled pork made we want to sing that annoying song, 'youda youda da best, best I eva had.' The bold and spicy sauce was delicious, lick your fingers good! From there we walked on down looking for something to drink, we had a lemonade with whole lemons in it and a red hook on tap. As we kept making our way down the vendors aisle we next stopped at the roasted corn stand, perfectly buttered and cooked. The final stop was at the Johnson's family stand, the clincher was the atomic bbq sauce, we just had to try it. There we got the sausage, pulled pork and ribs platter. They were served with their regular sauce and accompanied by the atomic sauce on the side. I love spicy bbq sauces but this simply took the cake, just the tiniest smidgen of it had my mouth on fire. We couldn't fit anymore and took the rest back to our room for later. This festival is really good, you can definitely get your bbq fix but you must pace yourself for sure because there are so many places to choose from. The only minus is that there really isn't anywhere to sit down and eat your food. They should have a picnic area so you can enjoy your tasty meal.  We'll be back next year fo sho!!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

11

25

Derek M.

San Francisco, CA

9/2/2008

Maybe it was because we came here on the day before Labor Day because the parking sucked....This was probably one of my worst parking experiences EVER...

Took me literally about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to find parking and when I did park it took another 15 minutes to walk to the festival...

WHY? Because it took forever to pass through The Nugget which had so much traffic jam also...

Waited another century to get our food....

Ate a beef brisket sandwich, ribs, corn, turkey leg, and hot link....

Food is really good but for me once I tried a few ribs they all taste the same to me later with just different sauce...

It's hard to want to sample a little bit of everything because a "Sample" is 3 ribs for about $6 bucks more or less depending on which stand you get it from which can get costly....

BUT, If you got the time and patience with a few friends then ok thats cool but I was not down to wait in every line for freaking 15-20 minutes average in the blazing sun...

Pros:
Decent Prices
Great Food
Something different

Cons:
Waiting in line forever
Parking sucks
Feeling dirty / sticky the whole time your there ( RIB FINGERS )
Trying to make your way through hundreds of OBESE people...
Portal Potties only...wanna take a dump go inside the casino...

Would I come here again? Maybe during a weekday when its not as busy...

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

 

5

56

M V.

Sparks, NV

6/3/2009

The only time I don't care if I have sauce all over my face and rib meat between my teeth!  Every year since I was a wee one my sister, mom and I would go there already packing wet washcloths and ready to sample every booth!  If you go there on the last Sunday, some stands give you great deals on Full racks or even give food away because the event is closing.  My fondest memory:  My mother use to eat away the bottom part of the rib so we could hold them in our hands and have rib lollipops! As we grew up we caught on and enjoyed the full rib ourselves!  She was kind of doing us a favor at first but in reality she was stealing a fraction of our beloved pork!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

50

287

Thanh T.

San Jose, CA

5/17/2008

As you see by the rating, this event is awesome (if you like meat and bbq). I went 3 years in a row and learn one key thing; pace yourself and your eyes and nose is bigger than your appetite.
Year1-I went with my bro, bro in law and three other friends. We went gunho and starting a full slab meal. 12 ribs, a side and cornbread. Huge mistake! We tapped out by the fourth booth and there were 18 to 20 more to go. Second day, we just order a full slab...still too much! We only tried 8 booths.
Year2-I went with family and friends. We learn only to order the slab and went through 16 booths.
Year3-I went with family and friends but this time we made list and game plan. We went through 20 booths.

My suggestions:
*reserve a room at the Nugget and do it ASAP. They have a indoor pool.
*at least 3 full days try all the booths
*make a check off and rating list
*order so that everyone in your group only get one rib per booth.
*it is hot. Bring sunblock and wear cap.
*there is limited sitting so if you can bring your own foldable chair, do so

If you are planning to go this year, I will see you there!

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

146

518

Noel M.

Milpitas, CA

9/1/2008

Oh man, I don't ever want to see another rib again!  

Well that is until next year.

Granted I didn't try anywhere near all of the cookers but Razorback's or Butch's Smack Your Lips sauce smothering Memphis Championship BBQ ribs is what I would go back for. When I really got tired of ribs I opted for Rasta Joe's shredded pork sandwich, another winner in my book.  And I've got all around luv for Sparks own, BJ's (they're even better if you stop by the restaurant!)  

I felt mildly bad watching the Running of the Pigs.  Even worse when I heard them squeal as I ordered my next rib sampler.  I'm going to hell.

Oh, it was SO worth it.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review

Elite '09

72

163

Maulie D.

San Francisco, CA

8/30/2008

This is one good event, even for people like me who would rather join PETA than eat a pork rib.  It's a free event, and the prices are pretty reasonable - I bought a huge bbq chicken sandwich that came with coleslaw and baked beans for only $7.  I couldn't finish even a quarter of it, so be prepared to share everything you buy!  Although crowded, people are generally pretty chill - neither drunk nor rowdy, and it's a family friendly event.  The fair is a grand sight - It's just absolutely amazing to see how many awards there are in the country for best ribs, best bbq sauce, best spice, etc, and the elaborate setup of each rib stand.

The only complaint I have about the event is the lack of seating availability.  How one can eat a sloppy-open-faced-bbq-sauce-drenched chicken sandwich out of a Styrofoam carton while standing up in the middle of a crowded area is beyond me.

• Add owner comment
• Bookmark
• Send to a Friend
• Link to This Review