Amazing The Food and Service was Exceptional in the fact, some of the choices of Food was so good I'm going back to try them. Brisket was good, but the lemon pepper wings wasn't so lemon flavored. Still just missing the lemon flavor I ordered. I owe my Nephew food from so I'll be there soon gotta try their desserts. Nice ambiance to eat inside so I'm gonna sit and eat my food this time. They have Decent Prices so go check them out read more

Love myself, a good barbecue, and have ventured to many, but not too many, steal my heart. My last fine, hindsight in Waterbury, I do love, but it's far from getting a bang for your buck and in all honesty, after being to Ricky D's on two separate trips, I have to say, Ricky Dee's steals a spot! First off let's talk about the dishes they offer com... The combination platters are worth it in terms of price and portion, and when it comes to taste and quality, absolutely exceptional! Ricky really takes passion in what he does. His pulled pork is so moist and tender and so rich and flavor. The ribs are so soft and melt in your mouth and absolutely flavorful. As for the brisket, simply unreal. The perfect amount of crunch on the outside with such moist meat inside. The size are just as delicious, the baked sweet potatoes are so full of flavor and the mac & cheese is quite tasty, but I do wish it was much creamier, as I myself like a mean, creamy mac & cheese, oozing with cheese, and this one doesn't quite have it, but it does have good flavor. The baked beans scored well too. This place does hot offer inside seating, with about six tables. Beverages are not typical of New Haven as they do not offer Fox and Park but typical soda is such as Sprite, Coke and iced teas. Out of all the barbecue places we have visited, this one by four brings the biggest bank to your buck while I'm not infringing on taste and quality. This is a little bit of a hike for me, but so very well worth it. Staff is great and so proud to do what they do and it shows and tastes it! read more

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Ricky D's is a New Haven staple. When I used to work in New Haven, which is 6+ years ago, seeing his truck always guaranteed you'd get a good lunch on your break. I was overjoyed to attend a party and discover that it was being catered by Ricky D's!! The food has not changed. It is just as delicious as I remember it. And this time I didn't have to choose. I got to grab a little big of everything because the spread he brings is just phenomenal! Pulled pork, brisket, chicken, mac and cheese, and THOSE RIBS! Oh my god! Everything was amazing. So personable, fun, and friendly too. You cannot go wrong! With the catering, I am so very happy that more people will be able to experience Ricky D's incredible food. BBQ really is a labor of love and there is sometimes a fine line. So often, people can over cook, over smoke, and over dry the meat. Ricky D's has the formula down on all levels. We were about 60 people at this party. Nobody was hungry and there were still leftovers they were sending home with people. Highly recommend a stop at the restaurant or calling them up for your next event. Fanastic! read more

We popped in for an impromptu meal before heading out on the road to home. Don't let the lack of ambiance fool you! The food was amazing & true BBQ deliciousness! The staff were fun and engaging! They took great pride in the food that they were serving. They made sure that the customers were enjoying the fruits of their passion! If we are ever in the area again, we will definitely go back for more! read more

Ricky D'Souza catered the NEW HAVEN PUBLIC LIBRARY award gala and fundraiser and it was phenominal. There was chopped chicken with BBQ, jambalaya,red beans and rice, Mac n cheese ,green beans,squash medly ,corn and cornbread...It surpassed all expectations. I surveyed a half dozen random others and we ALL concluded this is a resturant we will patronize regularly. read more

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Excellent ribs, big, meaty and juicy. Rickey was a gracious host. Be sure to admire the pennents for the HBCUs.

We went here today for the first time we were in the area I was at least to remember my grandmother who worked at Winchester firearms for 25 years, so we go in and we were blown away from the brisket, ribs and pulled pork that melted in your mouth to the Mac n cheese and beans that were above average. The meat was some of the tenderest, flavorful and Ricky's sauce the entire combination was fantastic, we made a friend today in Ricky an absolute gentleman and keep up the great work we will be back sooner than later as I grew up in New Haven but now live in Newtown this place was and is worth the trip! read more

Ordered ribs, brisket, and wings. All amazing. The wings were perfectly tender. Nd well seasoned. Ribs were flavorful and fell off the bone. Brisket was good, but not very lean. Overall, flavor was on point with all items. Highly recommend... Yale is not worthy read more

We have ordered from here several times and it's always been hit or miss. I always get the beef brisket. When it's good, it's really good. But the last several times we've ordered has been bad. It was tough and not good. The last time is when I decided not to order from them again, the meat was old and looked rotten. My son took two bites and got sick. Won't order from there again. Also for the price they charge you expect the food to be good, and not get sick from it. read more

Very very good food. I just wish the portions were slightly bigger for the price we paid.

Great yams, great mac 'n' cheese! Filling and delicious, with friendliness and warmth! I eat meat rarely and even so, my son's BBQ sandwich looked epic! read more

Excellent BBQ. Owner came out greet us and we had a nice talk. Will be going back soon

Hidden Gem. We stumbled across this restaurant today looking for a place to grab a bite. Looking at reviews and getting recommendations from the staff-- I settled on the brisket sandwich. It was perfect! The flavor was rich, the meat was perfectly cooked and the sauce was just right! I will definitely come back! Best brisket I have had in CT! P.S. it was nice to see HBCU pride inside as well! #hamptonu read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The ribs were decent, but a little too fatty. The sauce was lacking some flavor so I added a little zesty honey mustard at home which greatly improved the flavor. 4 stars for the ribs. The mac and cheese needs improvement. It was not even close to what I have come to expect as someone born and raised in the southern US. It was dry, soggy, and lacking flavor. 2 stars for the mac and cheese. All in all, not bad but not great either. Unfortunately this didn't fulfill my barbecue craving so my search continues! read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Full Rack to Go - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

We finally tried takeout from here and all I can say is: WHY DID WE WAIT SO LONG?!? The Mac & cheese is great (pasta is mushy but it's very cheesy so that makes up for it). The ribs are FABULOUS. Fall off the bone, flavorful, f-ing perfect. We will definitely eat from here again. I have no pics to post because I couldn't do anything other than devour it immediately. So good. read more

Ordered some trays of Brisket, Chicken, Potato salad, Mac and Cheese, cold slaw and corn bread to feed 50 people this past Fourth of July. Everyone raved and everything went with little Left overs. Totally will order again. Thanks!!!! read more

What can one say, except best ribs around anywhere. Always live the brisket and ready if the food. Service behind counter with a smile. Haven't been for a while, but hope they still have the comfy dine in. read more

Hubby and I were in the area and decided to share dessert (okay I know a brisket sandwich isn't dessert for most people, but it is when you've already each eaten a large sandwich from down the block 5 mins prior). Brisket had a very nice bark, was smoky, and quite flavorful. Slightly on the leaner side but the sauce really helped bring it all together. Sauce isn't vinegar-y. The toasted bun was a really nice touch. COVID-19 observations: zero indoor or outdoor seating. All tables and chairs were piled in a corner and looked like a small version of the gym where I used to have marching band practice, complete with sports team pennants and all. Take-out only. Deliciousness to go? Yes. Staff had face masks and were bumping to Drake. We will be back for sure to have a main meal. Not dessert. :D read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Beef Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The ribs are the best I have had in New Haven, the collard greens and other sides are yummy, and Ricky is a very friendly guy. It's a great combination. read more

When all of the racial injustice protests began happening, my wife and I decided that we wanted to take part in making positive changes. One such way is by supporting black-owned businesses. We had heard great things about Ricky D's and decided to order take-out one night. We were happy to see that they were offering take-out options via UberEats during the COVID-19 pandemic. We ordered the Combination platter with a quarter stack ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. For our sides we ordered Mac & cheese, baked beans and cornbread. We also ordered a loaded bake potato with rib tips. We shared a little bit of everything. Delicious food!! My wife enjoyed the pulled pork the most. My favorite was the ribs; great hickory flavor! We would definitely order from them again. Next time we'll probably order BBQ sandwiches to change it up. read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket 1/4 Slab Platter, Mac n Cheese, Beans, Cornbread, and Baked potato w/rib tips. - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Seen on Foodie Fridays and decided to give a try. Well from the looks of the establishment we wanted to turn around- smoky windows and walls okkk it's a barbecue spot, so we overlooked that. The food was why we came. Ordered full rack Mac n Cheese and collard greens. Let's just say we should have went with our gut and left. Ribs cooked okay but the taste and sauce was off straight wasted, collards very bitter no seasoning no nothing the meat looked weird, and the Mac n cheese was more like cinnamon and cheese. Gotta look past foodie Fridays for now on!!!! Keep it moving 51.00 wasted read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Going to the dogs!!! Lol - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Respect the Potato. The rib shack has the largest and most loaded potato I've ever seen. They offer brisket, pulled pork, and rib tips over an absolutely massive potato loaded with bacon bits, sour cream, and melted cheese. I didnt even know potatoes could be this big. They offer wings, combo platters, and meat by the pound. But when I enter, I feel the spectre of the potato haunting me. 10/10 on the loaded potato alone. read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - a hot dog covered in bbq sauce - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I ordered wings and 2 baked potatoes. The wings were undercooked totally inedible-and the 2 potatoes were smothered in BBQ Sauce!??? Disgusting, also multiple employees were rapping and eating while behind the counter making food. Sick to my stomach DO BETTER get some responsible employees that don't have there rear ends/boxers showing while attempting to serve customers, also very clearly marijuana use is happening in the store. read more

Worst barbecue I have ever had in my life. We all got sick from it. No flavor in Mac n' cheese , ribs tasted like they were a few days old and then re heated and greens tasted like they went bad. Would never order from here again. read more

Ate here w my son on the way home from a backpacking trip. Absolutely INCREDIBLE. Got the 1/2 rack ribs and wings, both cooked to perfection, and delicious sauces. My son is a vegetarian.. got the Mac and cheese, beans, and fires.. LOVED them. GREAT job, will def be back when we're in the neighborhood! read more

Moved BACK to CT after living in TX fir a few years. BEST BBQ in CT hands down! My nieces and I had to drive down from Hartford to get some good smoke QUE! Sides were also on point which is rare! We wanted to know where his mama was so we could "slap her" Lol! Must try. This is now a once a week tradition for us! read more

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Ricky D's is so good I literally felt compelled to redownload yelp so I could leave a review. I've only had takeout (through Ubereats) from here during the pandemic, and it's been perfect every time. I'm really glad to see from other reviews that they're doing takeout only (truly the safest for everyone involved), and I will happily order more often so I can help support through this really rough time! My favorite is the brisket dinner that comes with two sides and a big piece of delicious cornbread. The mac n cheese is incredible and the fries (seasoned soo nicely) are wonderful!! I can't believe I had been getting potato salad instead of fries until this point. (The potato salad is fine, but these fries are ridiculous.) The brisket is so tender and well flavored, portions are great for the price, and everything reheats very nicely. read more

Exactly what I was hoping the food would be! Fast, friendly service. Great portions, large menu, and A+ taste! Pulled Pork Sandwich was so flavorful and a great portion for the price. The Kansa-Lina Fries with brisket were delicious and so filling! (Pictured here, close up because I accidentally shook the food in transit). Cornbread and coleslaw rounded out the meal well. 10/10 do recommend! read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Kansa Lina Fries with Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Great for catering needs. Ribs and brisket have been solid menu items. Ask for sauce on the side.

So disappointed. I was in the mood for bbq and I had a Uber coupon so I took a chance. Now I'm sitting here hungry and mad that I wasted my coupon. I ordered the rib tip meal with macaroni and cheese and collard greens. The greens had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. The elbows for the macaroni were over cooked, the cheese had coagulated and there was a lot of oil underneath, with very little flavor. The "rib tips" which didn't seem much like rib tips were overcooked abs dry, even though they were absolutely covered in barbecue sauce. The sauce overpowered the flavor of the meat. The cornbread was the only thing I enjoyed. Update: added salt to the greens and it didn't help at all. Very tough. read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Rib tips macaroni and cheese and collard greens - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Stopped by with my friend Norm recently. I had the brisket sandwich. Delicious. Could be warmer. My friends enjoyed the pulled pork. Satisfying. Great place and food is great. Ricky is a classy gentleman. Marcia read more

RIB SHACK! Literally ribs.. just eat all the ribs. Had the pleasure of ordering off Uber eats.. didn't have to talk to anyone and I could order from my couch, surrounded by my 12 cats. Easy enough menu with BBQ options.. I'll warn you, since it's not spelled out. The portions of meat are BIG! Ordered 7 ribs because 3 seemed to be not enough, I was wrong.. they gave me 10 ribs! The sides though. Don't bother.. honestly. Kraft mac n cheese tastes better from the microwave.. and the collards were like mush. P.s. order the ribs read more

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I hate posting negative reviews. I have been a patron of Ricky D's for a several years and without exception each prior visit has been excellent. Sadly tonight was a terrible experience. With COVID-19 restrictions, takeout was the only option, which means I have about a 25 minute drive each way to Ricky D's from home, which I am fine with. I ordered a meat sampler to share with my roommates which comes with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, wings, two sides and corn bread. I ordered additional sides and asked for the sauce to be put on the side to reheat the meats when I got home without the sauce being soaked in it. I ordered in person and the order took about 30 minutes to be ready. When I was given the order I asked if they remembered the sauce on the side and they gave me several small side cups of bbq, which considering the size of the order was relatively meager. However when I got home, I discovered the order was missing two sides, the wings and the corn bread. Additionally the ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken were drenched in sauce. I called Ricky D's and explained the situation, they apologized for the missing sides, wings and corn bread. They were out of corn bread but would replace the missing items if I came back, they didn't offer to replace the meats covered in sauce. Considering the order came to around $100 and was missing about 20%, I decided to go back and get the missing items. When I returned they gave me the smallest available size for the missing sides despite when I had ordered being shown the medium size as being the one that came with the Meat Sampler and made no offer to either replace with something else or refund for the missing cornbread. All in all, I spent over two hours traveling back and forth to the restaurant. I can't honestly effectively rate the food as by the time I got it all home most of the food was an hour and a half old and was not worth eating. If you are ordering out from here, absolutely check every part of your order before you leave. I hope this was just an aberration, as I like I have said I had great experiences. But it will likely be a long time before I will be going back. **Update** Took Ricky up on his offer to make things right and he did not disappoint. Everything was amazing and as good as all the other times we had visited. Will definitely be going back soon. read more

I don't usually eat meat, but every so often I find myself longing for the great pulled pork that I used to get at the sadly departed Joe Grate's. His Hamden joint was around the corner from us, and I miss the BBQ smoke wafting across Dixwell Avenue. The pulled pork, fried fish and collards were all great. Tried Ricky D's for the first time, got the pulled pork sandwich with slaw, the collard greens and the fries. The pork and collards were top notch, big portions, service was much faster than I expected. The fries were a little soggy, but I didn't have room for them. Seasoned nicely, I'm sure they'll crisp up when I reheat them. Trying to support local places during the pandemic, and BOB when possible. I'll be back. read more

Service was fast and friendly but the food was a little lacking and pretty expensive for the taste! Everything I ate came out to around $48 after tip and tax. Quarter Slab- Somehow tasted more like ham than rib. Very tender and smokey and flavor was ok. Beef Brisket Sandwich- Very mixed review on this brisket. Bun was toasted on a more charred side, if that's smthg you like. The brisket was a mix of some very tasty tender parts but also very dry ends and tough strands. The BBQ sauce thankfully was tasty and gave a little more moisture. Sweet Potato Fries- These had great taste but were not at all crispy as I'd like. It's up to your preference though. Collard Greens- I'd skip this. I love collard greens but these had little flavor, were not tender and so so salty Cornbread- If you're gonna get anything, get this cornbread! So so good! Very tender with crispy enough crust! Yum would get again! read more

This place was decent the first couple of times I ordered but now no so much. The potato salad is runny mashed potatoes with way too much vinegar. They put way too much bbq sauce on the meat that you can't even taste the meat. If you like blobs of fat covered in bbq sauce, order the brisket. I'm sorry but that's just nasty. For the prices they charge, where's the meat?? read more

I ordered ribs no sauce....I also ordered a chicken baked potato wasn't even in the order when it was delivered....trash, I called to ask to be corrected 15 mins prior to closing no one anwsered read more

Incredible BBQ with excellent service!! Everything was homemade and made fresh right there awesome flavor tender and large Meats very flavorful everything they have there .I highly recommend trying them out !!yummy!!! read more

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I love Ricky D's! Good service, good sauce, good pulled pork, good sides. Ambience isn't much but you're here for the BBQ. Super thankful this is within walking distance of the office. I recommend the baked potato - crazy loaded, it's a meal on its own. Some day I'll get the ribs, when I can take a nap afterwards! read more

Ricky D's Rib Shack - Pulled pork baked potato, no sour cream - Barbeque Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Food is decent enough but they overcharge you for food items that you didn't receive. Also the customer service could be better.