SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The Rib Cage may have relocated, but its motto remains the same: “The sauce is boss, but the meat got it beat.”
As the name of the longtime takeout business implies, the main meat is pork ribs. But the menu also features pulled pork, chicken and seafood, including catfish, ocean perch and orange roughy dinners and sandwiches.
And, let’s not forget the alligator tail bites -- a delight that, dipped in sriracha aioli sauce, is ever growing in popularity among The Rib Cage customers.
The Rib Cage, known for years by its location on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, has moved to South Euclid -- specifically to 1992 Warrensville Center Road, where it reopened in late April.
With it has come all of its customer favorites.
When asked what makes The Rib Cage stand out, Robert Hill Jr., who owns and operates the eatery with sons Robert III and Brandon Hill, is quick to answer: “Our dry rub. The dry rub is an old family recipe from the South. My wife (Felecia) is from Meridian, Miss.
“And we have an excellent brisket that melts in your mouth,” he said.
“Another thing people talk about are our smoked wings. I talked with a guy who owns a food truck, and he said that the first time he tasted our smoked wings, he liked them so much he started to smoke wings.
“We were the only ones that were smoking wings. So we’re well known for our smoked wings.”
The Rib Cage has also become known over the years for its signature Carolina mustard vinegar rib sauce. Other rib sauces include barbecue, spicy barbecue and herb buffalo.
These sauces also go with the smoked wings, as do sauces that include Jamaican jerk, teriyaki sweet Thai chili, honey mustard, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan and wasabi.
A self-described “inventor of taste,” Robert Jr., a former tool and die maker, said he began cooking for his family before opening a seafood restaurant called The Seafood Place about 20 years ago.
But it was the ribs that really caught on at that restaurant, which led him in 2013 to a rebranding with ribs in the starring role -- and seafood, sides, starters and sandwiches in supporting roles.
With success came the opening of a second Rib Cage location in Ohio City six years ago. That restaurant at 1830 W. 25th St. in Cleveland is operated by Brandon Hill.
Brandon notes that popular side dishes at the larger Cleveland location, as well as the South Euclid takeout, include cheese & mac, collard greens and fried green tomatoes.
“Everything is made from scratch,” said Robert III. “Our barbecue sauce is also made from scratch.”
Brandon added that not only are prices reasonable, “you’re going to get a lot of food” for the money.
As for the alligator tails, Robert Jr. said he began serving the bite-sized, deep-fried nuggets when operating his seafood restaurant.
“I had a buddy who was at Mardi Gras and it was 1 or 2 in the morning and he called and said: ‘Guess what? I’m eating alligator right now.’”
After hearing how delicious they are, Robert Jr. added them to his menu.
“It’s funny, because it’s the hottest thing going right now,” he said of the alligator bites. “Women used to say: ‘Oh, no. I’m not trying that.’ And now they come back and get three or four orders.”
Future plans at the South Euclid location include adding an express ”sip and wait” bar. Because all food at the Rib Cage is made to order, customers will have the opportunity to enjoy a drink while waiting for their food.
The West 25th Street location, Brandon said, includes a full-service bar and dining room.
Summing up The Rib Cage dining experience, Robert III, said, “As far as smoked foods, you’re not going to find anything like it for miles around -- you’re talking about maybe Chardon or Chesterland.
“We’re bringing something unique to the suburbs of Cleveland, here around University Heights, Cleveland Heights, South Euclid, the Mayfield area.
“So if you want foods that you’re not familiar with, as far as being smoked -- smoked ribs, smoked turkey ribs, wings, all of these are smoked, we have them.”
“We’re smoking ribs five to seven hours, we’re smoking brisket 15 to 17 hours. Everything is fresh,” said Robert Jr.
Added Brandon, ”Quality and convenience is what we’re definitely going to promise you.”
To get a look at the full Rib Cage menu, visit ribcagesmokehouse.com. Takeout and delivery from the South Euclid location can be ordered at 216-400-6957. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays; and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
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