Buying ribs to smoke

[mrmerck]

I have wondered where most people buy their ribs for smoking, baby backs or St.Louis.
I live in a fairly small area with options of a Food Lion or Walmart. A Costco is about an hour away. The nearest butcher is about 1 1/2 hours away.

I`ve heard the butcher has the best quality but won`t they double in price from the local grocer? Are they worth it?
There are also options like Whole Foods and Fresh Market an hour or so from me.
Where do you guys buy your ribs?

 

[JLinza]

Im in a small town too. Not many options, so most of mine come from wally world. Now and then I get some from our local butcher but they are more expensive.

 

[tallbm]

I have wondered where most people buy their ribs for smoking, baby backs or St.Louis.
I live in a fairly small area with options of a Food Lion or Walmart. A Costco is about an hour away. The nearest butcher is about 1 1/2 hours away.

I`ve heard the butcher has the best quality but won`t they double in price from the local grocer? Are they worth it?
There are also options like Whole Foods and Fresh Market an hour or so from me.
Where do you guys buy your ribs?

Hi there and welcome!

I get them at any run of the mill grocery store that has them for the best price. I'm fortunate to be in a big city with lots of options. I wouldn't worry about going to a butcher. Get what you can at the best price and cook them up.

If you do Food Lion and Walmart ribs well then when the day comes that you want to get some fancy ribs (from a breed of pig that is known to produce excellent meat, not run of the mill pigs) then you know those ribs will also turn out well :D

Just pick the best meaty option you can and cook away :D

 

[Newglide]

I usually get mine from the local grocery store when they go on sale.
I'll get a few and put them in the freezer

 

[FoxmanNC]

I've had some great smoked meat from Food Lion, Walmart, and Costco. If it's done right, it's going to be good.

 

[texomakid]

I prefer spare ribs untrimmed. If they come with the collar bone I remove it and I sometimes remove the membrane but other than that I like the whole rib. Reminds me of all old BBQ joints when I was a kid.

 

[912smoker]

I usually go wherever they're on sale.
Right now it’s Food Lion. I've also seen some good racks at WM.
Just compare what's in the case and pick based on thickness.

Keith

 

[Astralogics]

I'm spoiled that we have a local grocery store, WM, and Costco all within 10-15 mins of our house, so I typically just go to one of the three. If I have the time to drive into town though, I'll choose the butcher shops. While the quality difference is noticeable, the cheaper stuff is satisfying enough for most of the people I feed.

 

[Florida Chris]

Work the holiday sales. Memorial Day coming up, followed by Father's Day and the 4th. All big grilling/smoking events. Look for the sales, maybe make the extra drive if needed, and stock up the freezer.

I have lots of shopping options but I bought a chest freezer just so I can stock up on the sales and freeze/meal prep the leftovers. I'm single, so if I didn't freeze stuff I'd never be able to do big cooks like butt or brisket.

Oh ya, vac sealer and sous vide help a lot too!

 

[DougE]

The local stores have Smithfield ribs. Good stuff! I mostly hit the sales on St. Louis style but sometimes buy regular spares. If there is a good sale on Baby backs, I will buy them but really prefer spares.