Royal Rib NYC: A Brooklyn Barbecue Institution

Royal Rib NYC Introduce

An Introduction to Royal Rib NYC

In the heart of Brooklyn's historic Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood lies a true culinary landmark: Royal Rib NYC. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of New York’s food history, a place where generations of families have come to enjoy authentic, slow-cooked barbecue. As a Black-owned establishment, Royal Rib NYC continues a proud legacy that dates back to the original Royal Rib House, a beloved local spot that first opened its doors in the 1960s. The atmosphere is a unique blend of historic charm and trendy, modern-day appeal. It's a casual, family-friendly space where the air is filled with the smoky aroma of perfectly cooked meat and the lively chatter of a community coming together over great food.

Royal Rib NYC is the kind of place that feels like home cooking, elevated. The food is prepared with a passion that is palpable in every bite, a dedication to the craft that might explain why there is sometimes a wait—and why that wait is absolutely worth it. The menu is a celebration of classic American and soul food, focusing on what they do best: barbecue. From their signature BBQ Spare Ribs to juicy BBQ Chicken, every dish is a testament to the traditions passed down through the generations of the family who run it. Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or a visitor looking for an authentic taste of the city, Royal Rib NYC offers a dining experience that is both deeply satisfying and culturally significant.

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Location and Accessibility

Royal Rib NYC is conveniently located at 256 Malcolm X Blvd in Brooklyn, New York. Situated in the bustling and vibrant Bed-Stuy area, the restaurant is a focal point of the local community. For those traveling by car, there is free street parking available in the vicinity, which is a welcome convenience in a busy city. The area is also well-served by public transportation, making it easily accessible for anyone in the five boroughs. The 11233 zip code is a hub of activity, and finding your way to Royal Rib NYC is straightforward.

The restaurant's commitment to accessibility extends to its physical space, which features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy their delicious offerings. This thoughtful approach to welcoming every customer, from families with young children (high chairs are available) to tourists and members of the LGBTQ+ community, highlights the restaurant's inclusive and friendly atmosphere. The historic nature of the business and its trendy neighborhood location make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste and culture of Brooklyn.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the comfortable and casual setting of the restaurant. Seating is available for both lunch and dinner, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.
Takeout: For those on the go, Royal Rib NYC offers a convenient takeout service. You can call ahead to place your order and pick it up at your convenience.
Delivery: Stay in and have your favorite barbecue delivered right to your door. The restaurant offers delivery services, bringing their delicious food directly to you.

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Features and Highlights

Historic Roots: Royal Rib NYC is a continuation of the legendary Royal Rib House, carrying on a family legacy of barbecue that spans decades and is an institution in the Bed-Stuy community.
Black-Owned Business: By dining here, you are supporting a cornerstone of the local Black business community, a place that has been serving its neighborhood for generations.
Great Desserts: While the barbecue is the star, don’t skip the desserts. The restaurant is known for its fantastic sweet treats, providing the perfect finish to a hearty meal.
Sports-Friendly Atmosphere: With a focus on sports, the restaurant offers a great environment to catch a game while enjoying some of the best comfort food in the city.
LGBTQ+ and Family-Friendly: Royal Rib NYC is a welcoming and safe space for everyone, from families with children to members of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all.
Authentic Comfort Food: The menu is built around hearty comfort food, with offerings that include slow-cooked barbecue, fried chicken, and soulful sides. The vinegar-based sauce is a unique highlight, setting it apart from other barbecue joints.

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Contact Information

For more information, to place a takeout order, or to check on hours and wait times, you can contact Royal Rib NYC using the information below.

Address: 256 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11233

Phone: (718) 453-9284

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What’s Worth Choosing: A Guide to the Menu

When you visit Royal Rib NYC, the menu is a straightforward, tantalizing list of barbecue classics. While the core menu might seem simple, the depth of flavor is anything but. The undeniable star of the show is the BBQ Spare Ribs. These ribs are a testament to the family's secret recipe, perfectly tender without falling completely off the bone, and coated in a sauce with a distinctive vinegar profile that sets it apart. It’s a flavor that has kept customers coming back for decades and is truly an institution in its own right.

Another must-try is the BBQ Chicken. Tender and juicy, the chicken is slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in the same house-made barbecue sauce. For those looking for a different kind of red meat, the Short Ribs of Beef are another excellent choice, known for their rich, beefy flavor and incredibly tender texture.

A meal at Royal Rib NYC is not complete without the sides. The Candied Yams are a customer favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness to the savory barbecue. The Potato Salad has its own fan base, with one reviewer noting its enjoyable, slightly sweet flavor. The blueberry cornbread is a unique and delightful addition to the meal, often cited as a standout. While the menu is a nod to barbecue, it also features other comforting options like fried chicken and fish, ensuring there is something for every craving.

And of course, don’t forget dessert. The restaurant is known for having "great dessert," with the Peach Cobbler being a highly-rated item. It's a perfect way to finish a hearty, flavorful meal. The food here is often described as "home cooking," and it’s that sense of comfort and authenticity that makes every dish worthwhile. Even if there's a bit of a wait, the food, made "with love," is well worth the time. The dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques makes Royal Rib NYC a standout destination for barbecue in New York City.

Royal Rib NYC Food & drink

Dinners
BBQ Spare Ribs $21.50
Includes choice of two sides and cornbread.
BBQ Chicken $17.00
Includes 2 sides and a piece of cornbread 😋.
Short Ribs of Beef $25.00
Includes two sides a piece of cornbread.

Royal Rib NYC Details

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great dessert
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Comfort food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking

Royal Rib NYC Photos

Royal Rib NYC Location

Royal Rib NYC

New York Kings County Stuyvesant Heights Malcolm X Boulevard

256 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11233, USA

Royal Rib NYC Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 598 user reviews.

ribsmac n cheesecollard greenspotato saladsoul foodpeach cobblercornbreadyamsbbq sandwichrice and peas

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I was really excited to visit this place as it was noted that the owners are from the same family who owned the original Royal Rib House at Halsey St. And Throop Ave. The original Royal Rib was the first place I had BBQ Rib in 1977 and was my go-to spot in the late 70's and 80's.Walked in during the afternoon, there were 3 people a head of me. Young lady taking orders was polite and friendly. Order a large bbq ribs, large side of potatoe salad, and large side of candid yams. Waited 40 minutes to receive my order. The bbq sauce, although it was good, was not quite the same as the original. The ribs were acceptable but were not very tender. The sides were slightly above average but enjoyable. My wife thought the potatoe salad was a little sweet. The price point was a bit high but not unreasonable. Overall, I would visit here again (order ahead) for pickup.
May 08 · M Wat
feels like an institution and for good reason- the food here is pretty much home cooking on a scale that could make any new yorker happy to have their own local bbq joint. the meat was perfectly tender without falling completely apart, and the sides are just as tasty. the vinegar profile is what sets it apart from any bbq i’ve had prior. service is a little slow maybe but would you want food made with love to be treated otherwise? absolutely can’t wait to return and try everything else!! the blueberry cornbread was just a cherry on top!
April 11 · o o
I moved to Long Island two years ago. Today( 6/4/25)I went back home to see my great niece off to her prom. I decided to get Royal Rib House which I have not had in two years. I had a rib dinner with Mac and cheese and greens. I also brought a side order of chopped barbecue. I ordered through Uber Eats. The ribs were decent not like I had before. The greens were okay and so was the barbecue. The Mac and Cheese was disgusting. It was burnt and cradled. Sometimes when a batch comes out subpar, you just have to toss and start over again. How could they serve anyone this Mac and cheese.? Sooooo disappointing. I always rave about Royal Rib House. I requested a refund from Uber Eats.
June 04 · Vivian Warren
I've been going to royal rib going back to the original location and have always loved their food. I went there today after running errands in downtown Brooklyn. I arrived just as they were opening. Unfortunately, I still spent an hour in there waiting for my food. The server only thought to let me know the hold up after I was there 45 minutes. I always put on my patient hat when I go there because I expect the best food so i dont mind waiting too much. After getting back home to New Jersey to eat I found the mac cheese to be mushy and the potato salad to be too sweet and runny. The ribs were good and so was the chopped BBQ sandwich and greens. I was extremely disappointed overall. I will not be going back anytime soon and will only buy ribs and chopped BBQ when and if I do return. I spent entirely too much time and money to be so disappointed. I suggest that they make sure all items on the menu are done before opening or at least let customers know immediately what is not ready so better choices can be made. I hope someone at the restaurant reads this and makes the appropriate changes.
September 05 · Donia Scruggs
I've passed by this place for years, and finally decided to order fried chicken. Unfortunately, it tasted like old oil, and I’m pretty sure they cooked it in cheap, trashy oil. The chicken was dry and salty, and the ribs were just okay. I did enjoy the BBQ sauce, though it has a nice tang. The mac and cheese was terrible; the cheese was congealed rather than melted, and the noodles were overcooked. The collard greens were good, but pairing them with the tangy ribs was a bit overwhelming. The cornbread was nasty I won’t be ordering from here again.I think the BBQ sauce works best on chicken, not ribs, which I believe should have a smoky flavor. The ribs fell off the bone easily, which isn’t impressive since that’s pretty standard. I spent $45 on Uber rides and wasted my time and money. The person who made the mac and cheese clearly doesn’t understand the science of good cheese you need a funky cheese, a melting cheese, and a flavorful cheese. Instead, it was just congealed cheese on overcooked noodles.Overall, takeout here is disappointing, and I prefer cooking my own meals to avoid this kind of trash.
June 26 · Geneva Collins