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Annual Rib Fest continues on Pittsburgh's North Shore
Pittsburgh’s annual Rib Fest is in full swing outside Acrisure Stadium in the North Shore with about a dozen award-winning vendors vying for trophies and bragging rights in the ‘Burgh.
“We’ve been rolling this year,” Hank “The Tank” McCracken from Off the Bone BBQ said Friday night.
The festival kicked off Wednesday and continues through Monday.
Off the Bone BBQ has been a part of the competition for years. Its signature rub is called “Alabama Dirt.”
McCracken said it’s not spicy, and delivers a taste the whole family can enjoy.
“It’s an Alabama sweet love flavor,” he said. “It’s sweet for the kids. You see babies eating it.”
The main vendors are set up along Art Rooney Avenue.
They include Cowboys BBQ & Rob Co., Desperados, Jim’s Smokin Que, Johnson’s BBQ, After Hours, Bad Azz BBQ, Ribbins BBQ, and Smokin’ T’s BBQ.
Grillmaster Justin Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, ensures the quality of meats for Pigfoot BBQ.
“I look for tenderness and pliability of the ribs,” Williams said. “When the ribs are done, they’ll fold. It’s been nonstop all day over here.”
This is the 10th year Williams has been a part of Rib Fest. He has no qualms representing the rivals of the Pittsburgh Steelers while cooking outside their field.
“The crowd is awesome,” he said. “I always have fun when I come. No fear. I wear my Browns hat.”
Many vendors offer half-rack, full-racks, half-chickens, brisket, wings, and various combos.
Carolina Rib King grillmaster Florida Boy said the South Carolina company’s sides help separate it from the pack.
“They get homemade collard greens; they get homemade baked macaroni and cheese from the oven, and they’re going to get homemade cornbread Southern style,” he said.
Hank The Tank back again. Off the bone BBQ pic.twitter.com/M1KWxg0uDS— Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) September 1, 2023
People can vote online for their favorite vendor. QR codes are posted at the event.
There are also plenty of desserts and other options, including funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, sweet corn, fresh-cut fries and chicken tenders, along the street between the two parking lots leading up to Art Rooney Avenue.
Other activities include a climbing wall and children’s games.
More information is available at acrisurestadium.com/ribfest.
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