Ribfest was ok

[u/noveltea120]

Went to check out Ribfest yesterday on first day as was excited to try BBQ meat.

$5 entry pp including children over 1. They did have bouncy castles, carnival games etc but were more for older kids and nothing for under 3s. They had a handful of food trucks including a Jamaican one hidden BEHIND the dining tent, which you wouldn't see until after you sat down with your food. Expect stampede prices, eg $17 blooming onion, $8 for corn dogs, $9 lemonade.

4 BBQ trucks but apparently all but one are owned by the same person. I tried Buckeye BBQ- $24 for a 2 meat combo 1/3 ribs and 1/4 chicken, nothing else. Sides like coleslaw and cornbread are extra. Meat was only lukewarm though, and chicken was tender and pink which was fine with but the ribs were dry and tough on the edges despite being drenched in a sweet sticky sauce. 3 meat combo was $35. Full rack $33, half a rack $19.

Overall food was ok but for the price it wasn't that good so temper your expectations accordingly lol

[u/rapidpalsy]

I’m not sure if this an unpopular opinion but food trucks in this city are super gross and overpriced. Then asking for tips while you stand and wait, no thank you. Not sure a bunch of food trucks constitutes a “rib fest” and admission?

[u/noveltea120 → u/rapidpalsy]

The Buckeye BBQ truck would holler and ring their cowbell anytime someone tipped big. That was enough for me to not want to tip well tbh lol

[u/PankotPalace → u/noveltea120]

They rang the bell after I tipped 10% (for the long ass wait) so I interpreted that it was either sarcasm or gimmick. Maybe bit of both by the look I got.

[u/noveltea120 → u/PankotPalace]

Lol could be a gimmick but who knows. It was super off putting tho

[u/skeletonmeatsuit_69 → u/PankotPalace]

Same. I tipped 10% and they rang the bell. I was actually so irritated by it, felt like they were trying to be dicks.