The Rib Co

We had a plan for a different restaurant in the area and didn’t realize it wasn’t open on Sundays, so we decided to try the Rib Co even though I didn’t feel 100% confident based on other reviews. We were hungry from hiking in Joshua Tree and we let that guide our decision-making!

Fryer is shared but the coleslaw, beans, and mashed potatoes are safe. The ribs and all sauces are gluten free. We enjoyed the baby back ribs and beef ribs- both were out of this world and the portions were ginormous. They let us give our corn muffins to the other members of our party and served them in a basket for those who wanted them since we couldn’t partake. The waitress was very lovely and double checked everything for us. It’s clearly a very popular spot amongst the locals and we can see why! Food was excellent. None of us got sick.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Sauces are GF per staff although one was made with Tennessee whiskey. Had baby back ribs with a side of beans and a side of cole slaw, all delicious. Possible cross contamination as I reacted later. Serving plates on table were not clean and saw another group wiping their plates before eating. Probably not best for celiacs.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The Rib Co is an inconspicuous little place with delicious food. The BBQ sauce is GF and my half rack of baby back ribs was absolutely delicious! I had coleslaw and potato salad as my two sides. There was no GF desert option, but I was too full anyways!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids

I was So hopeful! First, all shaved and ribs are gluten free on the ribs. However, that’s about as far as it goes. I asked what sides were safe / didn’t have fluent and the waitress told us, she didn’t know why gluten was but it that meant wheat then she thinks the mashed potatoes are safe. However, she couldn’t be sure. So I prefer sides for my husband and kid to share, Mac n cheese and potatoes. Tell her on the side. The macaroni comes out touching my ribs. She offered to fix it but at this point we had already waited 45 minutes for our food. The service was by far some of the worst service I have ever hd in my life. My husband and son really wanted dessert but she never came back. When she finally did she didn’t even offer dessert to them. There is t much else in the area so go if you must.

Celiac friendly?

No

We ate here with my brother who is celiac, and we loved it! The staff was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t gluten free(all their sauces and stuff were) They do not have a separate fryer so fries and stuff weren’t possible but they have lots of other options for sides and the waitress was super nice and helpful!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing ribs, sides, and service. Looks a little sketchy on the outside but definitely worth the stop. Tennessee Whiskey River sauce and BBQ sauces were gluten free.

We didn’t actually eat here. I went in and asked about what was GF and the waitress said she couldn’t be sure and that the the same fryer was used for everything including things with gluten. She seemed like there was no way she would go out of her way to help either.

Celiac friendly?

No

So delicious! My 10 year old (with celiac disease) was thrilled to be able to have ribs and fries. The servers were super accommodating and so friendly. No gluten free bread options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes