http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Rib_Crib_Blue_Dome_Speed_is_priority_for_new_site_serving/20130620_39_WK9_ULNSir134061Of the 47 other Rib Crib restaurants scattered over eight states, none is quite like the newest version located in downtown Tulsa.
This one even has its own name, Rib Crib Blue Dome, as well as a streamlined menu and fast-casual service approach that is unlike its sister restaurants. "Customers place their orders at the counter, get their drinks and choose a table," said Rib Crib president Marc Chastain. "The food is brought to the table. Our target is eight minutes at the most. Our goal is five minutes. "We don't have a full menu like the other Rib Cribs. This one is almost all barbecue and sides. Speed is a priority here for the lunch crowds and the concert and theater crowds."
We visited on a quiet afternoon when crowds were not an issue and took a seat at one of the high-top tables in the covered patio area with glass garage doors that open to the sidewalk. We ordered the Rib 'N' Chicken ($10.99) and smoked chicken salad ($8.99). Sauces on the table included mild and hot barbecue sauces and a Carolina mustard sauce. My basket included two meaty, tender ribs that almost were falling off the bone and a mound of sliced chicken that was lightly coated in a mildly spicy dry rub. I used a mix of the mild and hot barbecue sauces for the ribs and the tangy mustard sauce for the chicken.
The basket included a half ear of corn on the cob, toast, seasoned fries and the choice of one side. I traded out the fries for coleslaw and selected baked beans for the extra side. The coleslaw was different, as though it was made with something like a barbecue ranch dressing, but flavorful with a simple mix of cabbages and carrots. The thick beans had pieces of brisket or rib ends and a smoky flavor. The salad was huge - a server said it had a half-pound of lettuce - and was full of shredded cheese, smoked chicken and tomatoes and was served with crispy, curly tortilla strips. The menu has a variety of smoked meats, sandwiches, salads, sides and baked potatoes. A children's menu has a choice of ribs, a sandwich or mac and cheese with one side for $4.99 each.
Diners may stop by a stand-alone freezer on the way out to pick up a free Blue Bell Ice Cream dessert item. Tuesday is all-you-can-eat ribs day for $12.99.
The beverage list includes a small selection of beers and four Barefoot wines. My advice is to stick with the beer or have tea, a soft drink or water. Although customers order at the counter, servers and managers are on the floor to take care of diners' needs. The restaurant has three dining areas that seat a total of 127 customers. The rooms have a lot of brick and concrete, and one of the coolest decorations is a large photo of the old Gulf White Star service station once located in the iconic Blue Dome building.
Rib Crib was launched by Bret Chandler in 1992, and 39 of the 48 restaurants are corporate owned, including Rib Crib Blue Dome. "Tulsa is our heritage market, and the Blue Dome District is a heritage area," Chastain said. "It has been 15 years since we opened a new Tulsa property, so we're excited about this restaurant."