My husband and I did a vacation in Dana Point for our 10-year anniversary in May 2024. We sampled a few different restaurants in the area and The Rib Joint was the pick of the trip! I'll say it again for the people in the back, "THE PICK OF THE TRIP!" This restaurant not only has amazing brisket ... the CHICKEN is the BEST BBQ chicken we have EVER had. Flavor? Oh, it's there and popin' ! Juicy goodness? Yup, you betcha! Never have I ever had a BBQ place break my neck with their chicken .... but here we stand. Neck Broke y'all. I did a double take on this chicken and it was EVERYTHING! The staff made us feel welcome and were genuinely friendly people (that's what you get with family-owned, am I right?). We went when there was live music and it added to the vibe, which was giving! Tasty drinks? Yes, please. The bartender knew what they were doing! Watered down? Not here. If you live locally, I envy you as you have access to this gem on a regular basis! If you are vacationing in the area, include The Rib Joint on your itinerary. You won't regret it. We are already finding another "occasion" to go back to Dana Point so we can eat at this BBQ place again because once isn't enough. read more

Great live music. Bbq ribs and chicken. Full bar Friendly patrons come here. Dana Point read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - Live music - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

To say the ribs we ordered were the absolute worst we've ever had would be an understatement. I've had more moist and delicious beef jerky from the bottom of a salt barrel at the Kentucky state fair. We didn't even finish the baby backs we ordered, they were horrible. Sides were below average as well. My girlfriend said when she went in to pick up the to-go order there was a band blocking the main entrance. She went around back and asked for her order, and a few day drinkers and the barkeep looked at her like they had no idea the place served food. Finally the lady went in back, obviously to murder a skunk real quick and throw his thorax in the air fryer (for way too long I might add) slather it in BBQ sauce and call it our "food order". We will never return for food, drinks, or horrible band drivel. This place is obviously a safe tax haven for the local alcoholic heiress. read more

If I could give it zero stars I would! Service was awful! There seem to be understaffed there was one lady doing bar tending and also servicing tables. The inside is very dark, and the place had a pungent smell with cigarettes. We ordered a plate with chicken, baby back ribs, beef ribs and beef brisket sandwich. Ribs had no meat; chicken was bland and the brisket had no flavor. Baked beans taste from a can and the corn bread was dry and bland. If regret had a flavor this would be it. Never coming coming back! read more

Historic, and quaint made me feel like a regular even though it's my first time visiting. The live music was the cherry on top. Food took a bit to come to the table after ordering, but it was completely worth the wait! I have never had a Brisket that was so tender and perfectly seasoned at a BBQ joint. I live about an hour and a half away, and I will definitely make the drive just for dinner again soon. read more

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This place is awesome. Brontosaurus size ribs and the owner is so cool. Local musicians play there just to add to the fun

This is a great local spot. Live music and so much charm. Definitely recommend stopping here for dinner and drinks.

I tried three nights in a row to stop in and have some food and cocktails. Each night, there was a four piece band playing at the bar. Right up against the bar stools. It is impossible to enjoy yourself with a musician playing music right next to you. I watched hundred of dollars walk out of the bar because of this. read more

This place is awful! Reeks of cigarette smoke and when we sat down there was no smell of food. It was really weird. Was served huge rib bones with hardly any meat on them and canned beans. The best thing about this place is the cornbread which is decent. Total waste of money. Extreme disappointment. I have no idea how this place affords their rent. We were the only ones in there. Do yourself a favor and skip this place. read more

Great time and awesome spot! Food was excellent, the hospitality was fun and warm, there was even great laid back love music. We're looking forward to the next visit already. read more

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Fun spot! Right on main drag in Dana Point. Great prices, authentic bbq cozy bar. Fun outdoor area with live music , a really great spot in the neighborhood and a fantastic spot for after hours drinks following Ohana Festival on the beach nearby read more

This place is a hidden little secret sitting quietly on a crazy busy PCH run by a husband and wife team. They have owned this place for over 43 years and the recipes for their quality meats and sides shines through. The restaurant offers inside and outside dining options with a live band on fri, sat and Sunday. The baby back ribs are tender and delicious. The brisket is top quality and very lean. They have plenty of tasty sides to go with your meal including fresh corn, salad, beans (my fav), fries and cole slaw. It's definitely a more casual, laid back environment, but the food is second to none. read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - Baby backs - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

Restaurant has been here for a very very long time. Nothing has changed inside. Prices high. Won't go again

Had the baby back ribs with BBQ beans, corn bread, and coleslaw...a fantastic treat with some live music to boot! read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

This place is from another time! Like from a burnt out bunker, ... perhaps Germany world war 2 ! Maybe world war 1. I love it tho! Its stinky, expensive, messed up, service non existent! The cook appears to be a dude they hire because he can't pay his bill !! It appears he is wearing a chefs apron and nothing else. Maybe if he wasn't 375 lbs ! I heard he taste tests your food before serving! That's not right! Bar people are too busy slurping down booze to serve! I LOVE IT ! COME STRAIGHT AWAY !!! read more

Best bb ribs ever, while listening to great live music! Handy parking and limited seating...so arrive early. Try it!

Walked in and was met with a whiff of smoke. And not the good kind. The entire inside smelled desperately of cigarettes and fire but hey I was there for the food. Lady greeted us and told us to sit wherever expect outside. Apparently people reserve tables outside hours in advance. (There is live music). Floors, walls, seating, and I suppose everything was very old. Don't dress up if you are coming here. Now for the food. Ribs were very good as well as the corn and the fries. However, ribs were a bit too overcooked and for the price I would've expected much more. Overall would go again if someone asked me to; other than that, save your dollars for something better. read more

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Wow! Best food. Best service. If I were to be robed of all my earthly possessions id be happy knowing I ate at the rib joint! read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - End of meal - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

Place is great fun. Not a five star dining experience but that is not what you should be going for. BBQ is good, live music (not many places in town have that), crowd is fun and welcoming and the service is exceptional. read more

Ok so I believe when you see old building still in business after many years the food has to be amazing. I was right. The ambiance is not great but it is an amazing local bbq spot. The baby back ribs are amazing. The brisket was tender and good. The meat is served dry which I love they use an amazing dry rub and smoke for hours and the meat comes out perfect. Highly recommend this for smoked meat. I am not a huge bbq sauce person but the one they serve on the side is amazing. It is nice they said made from scratch which it tasted like it. Real ingredients l. I will definitely come back. I love when the meat stands out. read more

Fun oldschool vibes & great BBQ. They have awesome live music like @evaviamusic. Ask about their music schedule. read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

My favorite family owned restaurant! The ribs, chicken tenders and ranch are my favorite!! I love the live music and the service! I always leave happy! read more

I'm totally cool with the dress-down "mobile home-ish" atmosphere. I'm even ok with the pricey ribs (which are pretty good), but what is absolutely unacceptable is that they serve the sides (Cole slaw and beans), IN CONDIMENT containers !! Paid an extra $4 for Cole slaw and it comes in a thimble sized ketchup container. Beans and coleslaw are not a delicacy, and if you're gonna charge $4 make it a good quantity ! We'll go to see our friend's play music and just nurse an expensive cocktail, but no more food. Mgmt, increase your side quantities, and make the experience price somewhat less painful read more

Great little roadhouse. We got take out but next time I'd definitely eat there. When I picked up they had a great band playing, a fireplace burning and nice little crowd enjoying their drinks and the band. We loved the spare ribs, the perfect brisket and the delicious cornbread. Loved our sides too. Steak fries, coke slaw, beans and a good sized salad with olives, carrots, cucumber, radish slices and fresh romaine. Home made Bleu Cheese dressing was fantastic and a real surprise. read more

As a San Diego based SCUBA diver who loves diving in OC, I've passed this place early in the morning many times for many years. Of course, what self respecting rib joint is going to be open early in the morning? None that I would ever try. However, today we were just out and about in OC and decided we were hungry - and I remembered passing this joint and wanting to try it. Because it looked good from the outside. So, forget what your Mom taught you - sometimes you can judge a book by its cover! So, we opened the cover and walked in! It was a joint; laid back, not fancy and just looked like a place to hang out, enjoy time with friends or family, toss back some cold ones with some BBQ soul food. I ordered the Roadhouse which is a mix of chicken, baby back ribs, spare ribs, and a beef rib - and oh, yum! I ordered cole slaw and beans as sides. The beans were descent, the cornbread average, but the cole slaw amongst the best I've had! The plate came with sauce and even though I prefer not to use sauce in my meats, I did sample it. It was thick and just the right mix of sweet and savory. Now onto the meat... I worked from my least to most favorite of the meats - and when I say least, I say it only because it's not most: First, let's understand, these meats were all BBQ cooked and not smoked. While I love smoked meats - BBQ is outstanding when done right, and everything was done right! All the meats were moist, tender and full of flavor! All had a nice bark, albeit just a tad salty for me. The chicken, baby backs and spare ribs were all finger lickin' good and bursting with outstanding flavor. Then onto my favorite - beef ribs. Tasty, moist, meaty and delicious! From now on, when I pass the Rob Joint at 6:00 AM on my way to a dive, I won't wonder if it's good, I'll remember! I can't wait to go back! read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - a sign for ribjoint - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Its dirty and terrible ribs‼ very unkept place needs a total remodel. Musics was great‼

Great atmosphere service and food better than any chain restaurant that serves ribs !!

This place has so much potential, and yet it falls short and space is not utilized. Built in 1952, small wayside wooden structure in serious need of an overhaul. It's falling apart. It's advertising suggests it's a Rib Joint. It's not. I was a little disappointed. I ordered the pork ribs 3 piece. Beans and corn as my sides. What I received was very dry ribs. I took 2 bites, couldn't finish the rest. The beans came in a condiment cup. Less the a mouthful. A very small piece of corn. Service was lackluster. Barbecue sauce tasted rancid. Wasn't for me. The toilets need attention. This place used to sell Clam Chowder and Fish and Chips. Maybe in the future they will steer away from ribs and go back to one thing they can be famous for. Because ribs aren't it. I'd like to see what it looks in the daytime. read more

Great food, friendly service, and often live music! We've been Ribjoint fans for many years and will be for years to come!

They are convenient close. Good food friendly and local. I like taking out their combos and appreciate that they're kind of an old school Dana point business. read more

Had dinner on a Thursday night and the place was empty! Was very confused at walking in and not smelling smoked food! We asked the server if the food is fresh and she said they bbq daily. Our food was by far not smoked! The ribs were not fresh, baked and reheated! The brisket was absolutely not smoked! It was a smoke flavored roast...no smoke ring !! So disappointing!! The corn bread was not fresh! It was hard and not very warm served with frozen butter in a dish! If you're looking for a great Memphis Smoke House...this is not it!! I didn't see a smoker!! NO smell of smoke!! The prices are stupid expensive for the quality and quantity!! Everything was microwaved!! The music was awful! read more

This was the most disgusting meal I've had in my life... no exaggeration! I was going to sit outside with my dog on the patio. I ordered Baby back ribs and a beer. They brought out the plate, no silverware, no salt or pepper and she said she was bringing silverware, she went inside a chatted up a "regular" while I waited to eat my food. Well, the ribs were over cooked and tasted like salt and so did the BBQ sauce. No BBQ flavor just salty red/brown sauce. Oh.. and one napkin!!! My dog did better with the chewy I brought with me. Avoid this place at all costs! read more

This place is a local dive for sure. They have bands most nights and the decor is a throwback to the 80s. The bar tender/waitress is great and is totally on charge. I had a few drinks at the small bar while the band set up. I ordered to go and had beef ribs, spares, and a 1/4 chicken which surprisingly was a wing and breast. The spares were solid and the breast was crazy juicy for being smoked. The beef ribs were good and had a tug off the bone. If you like fall off the bone the beef is not that. The side of corn, corn bread and beans were all just ok. If I was the cook I'd throw some smoked meat in the beans (but I'm not). I'm eager to go back to check out some local bands. Hours are 4-9. read more

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Excellent Bbq. Have never eaten inside the restaurant but we have gotten take out several times and it is always delicious. Their beef ribs are bomb. read more

Been driving passed this little red joint for my entire life and I'm just now trying it?! Went to see the band Violet Iris play last Friday. Went there the previous Friday to see the same band and the restaurant ran out of food. my friend and I were bummed but figured the food has to be amazing for them to run out. I went for dinner and got a brisket sandwich with bbq and a baked potato on the side. Not the biggest fan of meat but this was one of the BEST sandwiches I've ever got. The woman serving us was so amazing and looked to be running the entire joint alone! Later found out she's one of the owners which is awesome! It was fun to sit back, sip a beer, and enjoy some good quality music and food. read more

Being from St. Louis I take my BBQ very seriously. Having lived all over California for two decades now, I've consistently been disappointed by the options UNTIL I discovered The Ribjoint. The food is phenomenal, ambiance is not overwhelming and akin to an old school BBQ joint, and the staff is wonderful. Definitely a down-home spot with no frills as they focus on excellent food, service, and a great experience. I plan on scheduling my business meetings in the Dana Point area around popping into this place to eat. Highly, highly recommended. read more

This is a *The Best of Dana Point* ... the owners have poured their heart in to this iconic roadhouse spot for over 43 years. The food, the smiles, the stories and the music will warm your heart. It's not fancy, but has so much charm! Everything on the menu is delicious, fresh and will have you craving it again and again! Its great for take out too! Thank you Neda! We all love you and your husband for the most beautiful meals and service! xoxo read more

The Ribjoint Roadhouse - Loved the background TV and Music - Barbeque Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Surprisingly great. Classic hole in the wall place, been there for 40 something years, a throwback to a different time. You could easily miss it as everything around it is newer. The food is great. It is Memphis style, but they also serve sauce so whatever style you like, you'll be happy. Excellent ribs, chicken and cornbread. Very high quality ingredients. Happy to recommend. read more

I have been a regular here since first trying it during COVID, when few options existed. First, keep in mind that the building is very old, which is part of its vintage charm. Also, it has been privately owned by Adam and Neda for decades, so there is a real down to earth atmosphere here, which includes locals who hang out at the bar, and live music several night a week. This is not an upscale destination, and the menu is fairly concise: they specialize in bbq'd meats, with down home sides. There are plenty of upscale places to eat along the OC coast- this is not one of them. Come here if you want an authentic roadhouse experience, with good old fashioned food and service! They also pour a great cocktail! read more

One of the worst ribs I had all my life. I think it was microwaved, overcooked, overpriced. It felt more like a bar and their main business looked like selling drinks to locals and first timers driving by, since it's located in heavy traffic area. You can do sooo much better with your golden location. Please sell other food if you don't know how to cook ribs. read more