Darren and the gang at the Scioto Ribber aren't running a restaurant. They're preserving a national treasure with a smoker attached. I'll give you 20 top reasons this is why I believe this is Ohios best steak house : 1. Darren welcomes you with such casual hospitality that five minutes after sitting down you start wondering if you've accidentally been adopted. 2. The Scioto Ribber is so unpretentious that if a New York food critic walked in wearing a $3,000 suit, the steak would still be the most impressive thing in the room. 3. Some steakhouses sell atmosphere. The Ribber sells steak and lets the atmosphere happen naturally. 4. The menu has less ego than most restaurant owners. 5. The steak arrives looking like it just won a bar fight and a beauty contest on the same day. 6. Every bite tastes like somebody figured out how to barbecue a memory. 7. The char-smoked flavor is so unique that if you served it blindfolded, half the table would think they were eating at a ranch in Montana and the other half would think they died and went to beef heaven. 8. Fancy steakhouses spend millions trying to create authenticity. The Ribber accidentally has it. 9. The wait staff are professionals disguised as neighbors. 10. The service is so genuine that when they ask how you're doing, it feels like they actually want the answer. 11. Other restaurants train employees. The Ribber seems to raise them correctly. 12. The place has more Ohio character than a Reds game, a church festival, and a Fourth of July parade combined. 13. Some restaurants are experiences. The Ribber is an institution with mashed potatoes. 14. You don't leave feeling like a customer. You leave feeling like you attended a family reunion where everybody liked you. 15. The steaks aren't cooked. They're respectfully introduced to fire. 16. The outdoor wood-fired grill does things to beef that should probably require a permit. 17. If a steak could earn a blue-collar PhD, this would be it. 18. The flavor isn't subtle. It walks up, shakes your hand, and tells you exactly where it came from. 19. Most restaurants want to impress you. The Ribber doesn't care. That's why it does. 20. The value is so good that halfway through dinner you start looking around for hidden cameras because surely somebody forgot to charge enough. Bonus Five : 21. Darren runs the place with such affection and quiet pride that you get the feeling he'd rather lose money than let a guest have a mediocre meal. 22. In an era where every restaurant wants to reinvent dining, the Scioto Ribber has spent decades perfecting the radical idea of serving great food by great people. 23. The steaks have more smoke than a political debate but leave a far better taste in your mouth. 24. This isn't just Portsmouth history. It's Ohio history with a baked potato. 25. The Scioto Ribber proves that you don't need valet parking, mood lighting, imported marble, or a sommelier named Sebastian. Sometimes all you need is wood fire, great beef, hardworking people, and an owner who treats guests like family. The two blonds behind the bar are so sharp that hemophiliacs have to file a restraining order The Scioto Ribber is what happens when Americana, hospitality, common sense, and a wood-fired grill get together and decide to show the rest of the restaurant industry how it's done. read more

Scioto Ribber is definitely good for the area. Friendly service, huge portions, and the kind of place where your plate arrives looking like it's preparing for winter. I've heard people call it "the best steak I've ever had," which mostly made me wonder... where else have y'all been eating steak? Feels like the philosophy here is: "Why focus on quality when we can simply give you enough meat to feed a youth baseball team?" That said -- the service is great, the atmosphere is classic local favorite energy, and you will absolutely not leave hungry. Cheers to you, want rush back-but may find myself here again. read more

Stopped in for our 54th wedding anniversary last night, had the ribeye with baked potatoes. Just like our last trip in it was done to order and an excellent meal! Our waitress was prompt and pleasant. We're seriously thinking about stopping in again in the next couple days!!! read more

The Scioto Ribber - We ordered the large 32 oz ribeye, these two 16 oz or better we're delivered which is how that works we were told, worked for us! - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

See all

The Scioto Ribber is a destination restaurant! People literally drive for hundreds of miles just to come here for the ribs, steaks, and chops. No kidding. This is one of the great steak & rib joints in Ohio. The rustic atmosphere of the restaurant adds to the ambience, and there is an excellent collection of memorabilia on display. The meat smokers are outside to the rear of the restaurant and worth a look when you come to visit. It's an amazing process. Portions are substantial. I have posted some photos of menus for your review. The interior consist of meandering rooms and a bar for seating. I have never found reservations to be necessary. And frankly, I'm not sure if they even take reservations. Carry out is available and when I come for lunch or dinner, I'll usually order an extra meal to take home. The food is that good. It all travels and refrigerates reasonably well. read more

See all

Wonderful food and the best steak around. The staff is also excellent. Would definitely go back.

While camping at Shawnee State Park, tried this place for dinner one night. It was a Sat night and we waited about 40 min for a table for 4 people. We got the sampler appetizer. It was good, but it needed more corn nuggets and less cauliflower. Each couple got a 16oz Ribeye to share and an extra baked pot on the side. The baked potato was excellent. The steaks were decent, but not the best I have ever had. Our steak had little to no seasoning on it, so it was not the greatest. The whole meal was okay, but I would not make the two hour trip from home to eat here. Honestly, I would choose Texas Roadhouse. Not a bad place, just mid. I was disappointed. read more

See all

I'm only giving this three stars because the steak was fantastic, the service, however, was awful. It was not worth the drive, nor the wait to be seated. I'll stick with The Armory. read more

I've been to this place at least 3-4 times and i think it's good but just inconsistent. I thought this place had great atmosphere and the service was good too. I got the ribeye a couple times and a new york. I also got the fried onions rings and Cole slaw. Good steaks but inconsistent in meat quality. What I mean by this is sometimes in the ribeyes we would get mostly fat then meat. Also the doneness of the meat wouldn't be consistent. You ask for medium-rare and you'd get well. read more

The Scioto Ribber - Ribeye w/ fried onion rings & coleslaw - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

I've never been disappointed after eating here. Service and food are scrumptiously delicious. I told my wife " Wife this food is delicious and you need to step your game up!" Great dining experience read more

The Scioto Ribber - Ribs the large portion - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

See all

This place is all about smoked meats. They have maybe 6 industrial smokers in the back of the restaurant smoking everything from beef to pork to chicken. The inside is divided into a lot of rooms and they can accommodate a lot of guests. The staff was friendly even though they were quite busy for a Thursday night. My husband ordered a Reuben sandwich which he said was just ok. I ordered a dark meat chicken dinner which came with two sides. I was informed they were out of dark meat so I settled for white which I'm not fond of because the breast is usually dry. They said it would be moist. The smoke flavor was good, but it was dry. I loved the German coleslaw and the ribber fries, which were like homemade potato chips. We were on vacation so I doubt we'll be back but I'd like to try the pulled pork sandwich. read more

See all

One of the greatest eating spots in tri-state area. It can get on the pricey side but it's 100% worth it. Don't think I've had a bad thing on the menu. The Ribeye and the Ribs are the best thing on the menu. The hardest choice is deciding if I want pork or beef. Service is always top notch! read more

The Scioto Ribber - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

Excellent steak and beef ribs. Dining area was pretty cold last time we were there. Side dishes are very good also.

Stopped here while traveling from out of town on business. I had a couple work colleagues with me that bragged about this place so I had to come. The smokers outside were very impressive and had a great smell. We walked in and was greeted immediately and shown to a table. Of course everyone brags about the steaks so I had to give that a try. When the options are a large 32 ounce ribeye or a small 16 ounce ribeye you better be hungry. They also have a sirloin steak as well, but of course, ribeye is the best marbling. I went with the small (lol) 16 ounce and it was very good. I thought the price was a great value for the size of steak and two side. I will definitely come back when I'm in town. read more

I am telling you, this place is a gem! Steaks are hand cut, nicely seasoned, melt in your mouth and filled with flavor. Love the fact that the steaks are cooked on an all wood fire. Baked potatoes are cooked the same way. Overall, an amazing dining experience! I will be back when I am ready for another scenic 52 dive from Cincy!! read more

See all

100% my favorite steak place!!! This is genuinely my go to spot for a well seasoned ribeye or NY steak! They use wood burning grills outside and engulfed in smoky perfection! The staff is always super friendly and accommodating, I've never had to wait long on getting an amazing and affordable meal, and I never have regrets coming here. I typically order the small steak and usually end up taking half home. Key tip, ask for the steak au jus sauce to go if you plan to reheat later. Put the steak and au jus in a pan on your stove top on low heat to warm up, and it's like having it at the restaurant all over! I recommend the ribber fries which are like lighter fluffier Saratoga chips. I ask for mine crispier though. Also, the beer battered onion rings are on point! Top it all off with a local beer brewed literally next door, and you're set! Enjoy one of the best restaurants Portsmouth has to offer folks, you will not regret it! read more

See all

Amazing steaks. The "small" ribeye was in the top 5 steaks I've ever had anywhere. Sides were also very good. The green beans were some of the best I've ever had. The service was fantastic, very friendly and attentive. Several families and friends were gathered there. It's a great vibe all the way around. read more

Nothing bad happened on Friday, December 13th, 2024, when we ate at The Ribber with family--in fact, it was another fantastic visit to what I consider the quintessential Southern Ohio dining experience! As usual, there was a bit of a wait to be seated, but trust me, it's so worth it. We were a group of 9 on a busy Friday night and only waited about 30 minutes. While waiting, you can hang out at the front or head to their bar, which offers a great selection of drinks, including local brews from the Portsmouth Brewing Company. The food? Absolutely incredible. I always go for the spare ribs--they're my go-to--but others had steak. We started out with a classic ball and butter crackers. All bites were amazing. Let me tell you, it was delicious! Portions are generous, and it's worth noting that it's easy to make a few meals out of your visit to The Ribber. We had leftovers for dinner the next evening, and they were just as good reheated in the oven. If you're looking for hearty, delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere, The Ribber never disappoints. Highly recommend! read more

See all

This was my second time coming (last time we came for dinner and waited a while). Lunchtime is actually much nicer here! We loved sitting in the area with the windowed garage doors and there was plenty of room for our big party with kids. Our servers were really kind and patient. They made sure we had everything we needed and frequently came over to check on us! Our food also came fairly quickly. The steak was a perfect medium rare (as requested) and had a good amount of fat on it (as I like). Onion rings here a bit oily, but how can they not be haha. I love the green beens here and wish they gave more!! (Some of the sides that come in a container are too small in my opinion.) Overall, this is the best place to eat in Portsmouth for sure! (Just be prepared to spend some money!) read more

See all

I love the food here especially the steak. And the service here is amazing like as soon as the drink ran out someone immediately came up and asked if we needed a refill. Plus the ambiance was amazing steak houses just have a good vibe to it, definitely worth coming again. read more

The Scioto Ribber - A medium Large Steak - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

It's worth the wait!!! We got steaks and baked potatoes. They did not dissapoint!! The green beans are amazing as well. This is the best steak anywhere in my opinion! read more

The Scioto Ribber - Delicious medium rare steak!! Yum!! - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

If you're looking for an amazing steak, this is it! The ribeye is always on point. I drive two hours to eat here and never regret it :)

The Scioto Ribber has the best steak ever. I usually order the ribeye, occasionally the New York strip, The steak is always grilled to perfection, so delicious and flavor packed. A little pricey?? Well when you compare, the Ribber rates number one for me. Can't wait to go back. read more

What a cool place!!! You pull into a parking lot that is lined with bins of firewood. The side of the building holds multiple large grills. You are greeted with a smile and escorted to your table. Our server took our drink order and brought them right back. We ordered appetizers and our lunches. Our lunches arrived and were delicious. Our server checked on us and the appetizers were brought right out. The small steak(ribeye) was perfectly cooked. One of the best steaks I have ever had. Mom's ribs were Devine. Sides and appetizers were great as well. Plenty of food to have another meal. We will be back! read more

Delicious every single time! No matter what you order, you won't be disappointed! We always order ribeyes, but the onion rings, green beans, and the Ribber Fries (homemade potato chips served with homemade ranch) are all amazing, too! read more

The Scioto Ribber - Hubby & I both ordered the 32 oz ribeyes so we could take half home for later! - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

The Rib eye steak was perfectly cooked medium . The steak size we ordered for 2 was small and we split it with baked potato and green beans. The waitresses were friendly and knowledgeable about the food. Service was good and fast. Ambiance I lived because not fancy you could come dressed up or very casual. We will be back for sur read more

The Scioto Ribber - 16 oz ribeye that we split. - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

See all

We drove two hours from Cincinnati to get to this restaurant. It was well worth the drive. My advice is to get there early as it fills up quickly on the weekends. We started off with the cheeseball. The cheese ball was really good, and something you would find at a party. Nothing stand out about it. Served with packaged crackers. We also had rolls. The rolls were very soft and fluffy., but I am guessing these were premade and packaged. Now the steaks, the steaks were definitely the star of the show. A very nice portion of steak 16 ounce or 32 ounce. Every steak at our table was cooked perfectly to each person's liking. The seasoning was very good. Probably one of the best steaks I've had. They had a lot of seating. It was arranged pretty well according to the amount of space that they have. My only advice is not to go here expecting a five star restaurant. But this is what we liked about it we didn't have to dress up and we didn't feel out of place. With all of the items in plastic cups and the sour cream and butter in packages it felt like a backyard picnic. Definitely will make the trip out again. read more

See all

Cincinnati (Me) river meets Scioto river (and ribber) came to this town to see the murals (MUST SEE) and try out the ribber. The anticipation of those smokers and stacks of wood made my mouth water! 1.5 hour wait on Saturday allowed us to check out the town and take pictures of the beautiful church's. Small Steak was UGE, just fantastic- delicious, I'd prefer that they don't put to go butters & sour cream cups on top after everyone has handled them! Yuk! Also, sides were offensive in plastic SAUCE cups at the $35 price for your meal. No substituting for salad, justify that please! Just think of it as the carnivore's Scioto Ribber & we'll skip the sides! We sat in the bar area so you may want to go to Oscar's unless you "like big butt's and I cannot lie" blasting in your ears & listening to the drunk guy at the bar. Waitress was also bartending so difficult to provide adequate service but it was OK. *2 restrooms and one broken door handle ... all these people eek! P.s. don't come in the front door either y'all it's the exit! Head around the back to see the smokers and the front entrance. read more

See all

Sweet little 10 pound baby Jesus, this was the best steak I've had in my 60 years! The steaks were perfectly cooked with a nice char. The au jous was flavorful and not too salty. The German slaw was a nice contrast with the meal. Our service was excellent. I now see why we have friends who travel 2-4 hours to eat here. I'm grateful we will be moving to our new home in Kentucky next year and can visit often. Hands down the best experience we've had eating out in decades!! read more

Sat at the bar, had a mid rare ribeye, absolutely amazing best ribeye steak I've ever had. Bartender / waitress was amazing. It is a must stop! read more

The Scioto Ribber - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

This place was awesome. I went here with my Father when we came to visit him. He told me I had to try this place or my visit to the area would not be complete. It was amazing. The Shrimp was great, the fried zucchini was great, and the steak was out of this world. The service was great and the place was very clean.The only complaint I have is that I live three and a half hours away and I am going to be craving it until my next visit. Must try this place, you will not be disappointed. read more

I've had their ribs the chicken the Ruben but there is not a better steak whether a Ny strip or a Ribeye with in a 100 miles the service crew is impeccable an awesome wait staff. Down home feel with Bengals pictures every where. Great brews from Portsmouth Ohio Brewing Co which they also own. Unpretentious enjoy your brew and steak in a great setting. read more

When we mentioned to friends that we'd be spending the weekend at Shawnee State Park, they all insisted: "you have to try the Scioto Ribber." Later, I mentioned our Portsmouth trip to a buddy at work, and he asked the same thing--were we planning to go to the Scioto Ribber? Even my wife, at work, had a colleague ask if we were heading to the Ribber. Not entirely sure how it earned this kind of cult following, we decided to check it out for ourselves. First impressions? It's nothing like you'd expect. The place is a large, bustling bar with plenty of seating, though you'll probably wait about 30 minutes to snag one. The crowd is incredibly diverse--a true melting pot, with people of all kinds packed in. The dining area itself isn't remarkable; it's a no-frills space, simply a restaurant. But the staff? They're the heartbeat of the Scioto Ribber. Within a minute of walking in, we were greeted warmly and felt like part of the family. As we waited for a table, the bartender kept us entertained with great humor and attentive service. Watching the crew work the room made us feel right at home, so we opted to stay at the bar and eat there. When the steak arrived, I was blown away. Pictures don't do it justice; it was one of the top five steaks I've ever had. Perfectly cooked, well-seasoned without being overdone, it was simply outstanding. The sides were decent, but make no mistake--the star of every plate is the steak. All in all, a fantastic experience. read more

The Scioto Ribber - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

I wish they had more options for cheaper meals. After saving up some cash I go here because it's worth it . The service is ok most of the time . And the place is super cool with all the smokers outside. But the steaks and the ribs. Yea top notch stuff read more

Love this place the stakes are so delicious. The atmosphere is genuine and the memorabilia on the walls is very nice. Service is excellent!!! read more

Been going here to eat for years and never had a bad steak. The smoked chicken is also good not dry like a lot of smoked chicken comes out. Ribs are good if they are fresh, but sometimes they make them ahead of time and they get dry. Ribber fries, mushrooms, and zucchini fries are some of our go to appetizers. Salads are a good add on and always fresh, green beans are cooked in a beef broth that gives them a deep rich flavor you don't get at other restaurants. read more

Once again a great meal. Only downside they were out of most wines. Order the ribeye it's delicious and order the au jus with it. Fresh rolls. German slaw is tangy and good. Our friends enjoyed the strips and pork tenderloin sandwich was as advertised as big as a dinner plate! read more

We were visiting the area from Alabama. A family member who lives close by recommended we go to the ribber. The atmosphere was very casual. Our waitress was amazing. We were a party of 5, which ordered a variety of drinks, appetizers, and meals. The area where we sat was a newer section. Really liked the roll-up garage doors. I can see that being a great place to enjoy a meal on a nice cool evening or day. The steaks were great. Cooking them outdoors on smokers makes them very tender. If I'm in the area again, I definitely will enjoy another steak. read more

See all

Just no. I didn't realize it was possible to screw up a steak so much. The taste and texture left us only taking a couple bites then leaving the rest for the trash. The appetizer was served messy. Everything was piled into one basket so you didn't know what you was biting in to. The bread is cheap rolls served cold straight out of the package. Our waitress never returned until she brought the check so we never got a refill. This restaurant is incredibly overpriced. Maybe it was an off day or maybe our food standards are different than others. With that being said, I do NOT recommend this restaurant. read more

The Scioto Ribber - New American Near Me - Portsmouth, Ohio

I have had The Scioto Ribber twice now and honestly it was great both times. When you first walk in, it feels like a small place, but there are plenty of seats available. It has a rustic bbq charm to it, mostly wood, dimly lit, smells amazing. The servers are awesome. They are super hospitable and relatable, but also get along really well with each other, which you don't always see in restaurants. They help each other out and always make sure to jump at anything you need. A+ for sure. The food though, that's what we should talk about. From the first smells as you walk up and see their massive smoke pit area, to the final bites of their dessert, you won't regret a visit here. We had the large ribeye steak and the large ribs. First warning, but ribs they basically mean a pork chop cut in half. They weren't what I was expecting, a rack of ribs, but literally 4 pieces of pork chop. Super generous portions, well seasoned, and cooked really well. Just not what I expected is all. The bbq sauce wasn't too sweet or too vinegary, so it paired well with the ribs (pork chops). The ribeye.... Ok by large it's basically two massive ribeyes. My first trip here I ate both and it was a hearty meal. You could probably share this as a meal for two people not looking to get completely stuffed. The cook was perfect, the grill and their seasoning (salt and pepper, it's all you need) made the meat flavorful, and the steak basically melts in your mouth. If you aren't sure what to get, this will leave you happy. For two people, 2 beers, a soda, large ribs, large ribeyes, and two pieces of pie, we paid just over $100. So it isn't ridiculously expensive either. Sorry no pics, but they would have been amazing. All together, The Scioto Ribber is a must stop if you're in the area. Amazing food and people just can't be beat. read more

Heard about this place for years, like it was the best spot in southern Ohio. So much hype. Stumbled across it tonight and was excited to give it a try. Service was excellent! Food was not good. So disappointed. Ribs were bad, fatty and not sauced. No sauces on the table. BBQ sandwich was something I can make in a crock pot. Ribber fries are not fries. Baked beans were good. Two stars because the service was great but I won't be back. Underwhelming. read more