Rib Fest: Does The Body Good…

Megan Bowers, NBC5 Street Team

…but not necessarily my wallet. I was lucky enough this weekend to beat the rain and make it to Rib Fest. It took up the entire Damen, Lincoln and Irving Park intersection. The concept is genius. Take a handful of restaurants and place them in one concentrated area to compete for bragging rights and the ability to proudly say ‘Voted Best Ribs In Chicago,’ and not feel guilty for lying to the masses.

The idea is great, but it wasn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Maybe I should have drank lots of beer or visited at a different time — but it just didn’t work. I forked over $30 dollars, only to wait in lines of 20 people deeps to “sample” (the equivalent of 2 bones) three types of ribs, some cheese fries, and a pink lemonade. I don’t care how bad the economy is, that’s just excessive. 

I don’t want to bash the event to the point where I discourage you to go. Don’t get me wrong, the live music was great and that was one heck of a pink lemonade. Plus, everyone was hospitable despite the long lines and 80 degree heat. But if you just want some good ribs every once and awhile, this is a bit too expensive in my opinion. I’d much rather head over to Portillo’s for a $17 full rack. However, if you’re a rib connoisseur and want to make your opinion known, I highly suggest going. Just be ready to fork over the cash.