Good ribs. Bad service. Sides are just ok. If I didn't have a groupon i would not go out of my way to eat here
(3)
Yasmin P.
Excellent BBQ and huge portions. Walking into the restaurant, the delicious smell makes you hungrier than you were before. We only come occasionally as the food is so good and the portions so generous we eat too much every time and have great leftovers the next day!
(4)
Joan L.
Our cheapest meal in Naples and I think we will be eating it for days. We went for the big time at Michelbob's, ordering "The Feast". For about $45, this is a huge platter of meat and sides: a rack and a half of ribs, piles of sliced beef and either sliced or pulled pork, plus cole slaw, baked beans, potatoes (we ordered fries and a baked potato). Wow! This was a ton of food! Some of the food was extraordinary, some very good, and some really missed the mark. The extraordinary: the best pulled pork I have ever had...by far. It was so tender and juicy, without being smothered in sauce, like some pulled pork. The excellent: the ribs. I only tasted them but they were fall off the bone and perfectly spiced. I don't know if they are "the best ribs in America", as advertised, but they are great! The good: the barbecued chicken and most of the sides including baked beans, cole slaw, and fries The bad: the sliced beef and pork. Both were too dry and pretty tasteless. The decor is typical barbecue joint....very casual with wood booths. There is a ton of Coke a Cola memorabilia and lots of barbecue competition awards. Service was friendly and fast. Definitely a place to return to for a cheap meal in Naples.
(4)
Jade T.
Now I have to admit, my first ever barbeque was at a dive in the mountains of Tennessee, so my standards are ridiculously high. The ribs were definitely on the smaller side and the sliced pork was pretty dry but pulled pork was full of fat. The fries were delicious! It wasn't bad at all, just not incredible. Definite positives were the friendly server, the clean restaurant with cutesy Coke memorabilia. Not bad, just not to-die-for.
(3)
Jason P.
Definitely not the best ribs in America, but not the worst either. This place is much better than rib city if you are in the Naples area. I've read some others reviews and want to "piggy-back" on them. I'm from Chicago and grew up eating Carson's Ribs, which to me were the best and very hard to beat. There are plenty of rib festivals in the Chicago area during the summer and I have been to many of them. With all that said, who voted Michelbob's the best? They have some trophies and placards showing they won some small local competitions. Nowhere do I see an award for best in America. Anyone can say they are the best.....it's not illegal. Hey, I'm the best Rib judge in America.....you may not have known that. With all that said, I'm still going to give Michelbob's 3 stars because they are better than some of the other local places. I would however recommend Famous Dave's over this place. Since Famous Dave's is from Chicago and they now have locations nationwide.......and it is very good.
(3)
John C.
The Good the Bad and the Meh! For once Yelp let me down. A 4 star BBQ joint always gets my attention. I'm honest with my reviews, so I'll start with the good. The 1/4 chicken (dark) was very good although on the small side. Smokey and tender it is the reason for 1 of the stars. The other star is for the service, my waitress was great. Very Happy, attentive and charming. The Bad - The ribs, ridiculously small ribs, not Smokey and just not flavourful at all. The Meh - The sides were just okay, beans and coleslaw were bland and Texas Toast (toast was dry), Corn on the Cob was passable. Bottom Line is I won't be coming back anytime soon.
(2)
Brian R.
Hype. Sometimes it can help sell things and make people appreciate them. Problem is, if you don't walk that walk, then the hype turns on you like a rabid dog. Michelbobs? Their hype is a mouth-foaming beast. The reality? (Yawn.) I've had top grade Danish ribs before at places like Carson's in Chicago. That said, these sad overcooked, oversauced prior pig parts are not the championship grade cue being touted on signage all over the walls inside and out of the building. Their 'killer' onion rings were fried in grease at a lower temperature. Instead of being dry and crisp and wonderful they were soggy and greasy and left a pool of oil on the paper. I order potato salad and slaw because those are cue standards. Michelbob's? I have to say its a FAIL on both. These are sides, not synchronized swimming. The cups are for slaw and potatoes, not pools of liquid hiding them. There is this thing called a slotted spoon. USE IT. Taste-wise there was no pop. No joy. KFC++ at best. The ribs were prepped and dressed so badly that bone splinters were coming apart with the meat which is not good. Taste? Too much sauce. If you're rub is so baaaad, gents and ladies, then leave the sauce off. When it comes to rubs and ribs, the dry don't lie, y'all. The wait staff is very friendly and the service was great. The place has tables like a fast food joint and a very retro-sixties wood-panel and kitsch everywhere thing going for its decor, along with all of the BBQ bravado on their walls. It's not bad. It's not good. It's just there, at least for the cue connoisseur. If you had some BBQ game, it got lost somewhere in those over-prepared mushy ribs. Get your A game back and I might try it.
(3)
Amyred12 ..
The service was great (with the exception of the bus guy who hovered behind our table the entire time) and I like the atmosphere. However the food was just okay, def not the BEST I've ever had. Given that it wasn't "smack yo mamma" amazing I think the prices are a bit high. I probably win' go back, just to many other choices in Naples.
(3)
Laura G.
First timer here. Omg. Delicious. Referred here by my friend/neighbor. This is definitely going to be my go to place. I had ribs and sliced beef with a baked potatoe. The potatoe was probably one of the best ever. Hubby had chicken and pulled pork. Again amazing. Son had a burger and it was again probably the best I've ever tasted. Yummy yummy.
(5)
Ryan M.
This place was interesting. Make sure to eat here when you're in need of comfort food. I will be back, but they always seem to be closed whenever I can get there.
(3)
Cynthia B.
Great steak and ribs. Great service and food. This is a winner. Atmosphere was awesome and service was fast.
(4)
F B.
Had half rack with spicy sausage with a taster portion of onion rings and it was great. Would've wished the the ribs were more rich in the signature sauce but they still packed the BBQ slow cooked flavor.
(4)
Sheri R.
Amazing food and the restaurant is spotless. The portions are a good size and the prices are fair.
(5)
David B.
Michelbob's makes a claim to "best ribs in America". As a chef and food lover I had to check this place out. I thought one of the nicest parts of my visit was all the coke memorabilia. Made me want a coke and I had one here. I don't think coke tastes right in a plastic cup, but maybe that's just me. A glass would have been much nicer. Although we did have a dirty (from lip stick) beer glass. The menu says the baby back ribs are from Denmark. I've seen these before. The ribs are frozen are on the small side and have a higher fat content than the typical commercial baby backs on the market. They also have less lean (pork). When you start with a frozen product, It is very hard to get a good tasting result because of moisture loss. I think Michelbob's does a good job with an inferior product. Their seasoning is very good but there was no smoke or real development of flavor. The sides were a disappointment too. The salad was pretty embarrassing with the "hard as a rock" croutons and shelf stable commercial salad dressing. The home made onion rings were not as good as a lot of the commercial pre-fab. onion rings that are out there. With all that being said, I still enjoyed my meal. Our server was great and I can see how this place would be fun for families. The claim "best ribs" is absurd. Having been in cooking competitions and having judged them too, I would be very surprised if the ribs I ate here were representative of any of the ribs that won awards for Michelbob's in the past.
(3)
Bill B.
Great ribs. Not much else to say about the place, which is refreshing. The do one thing, they do it really well, and they don't try to do anything else or dress it up in any way other than a rib joint. I love this place for the food, the simplicity, and the people. BE WARNED THOUGH, this place likes to take vacations, and they are closed several days of the week and several months of the year. Call ahead.
(4)
Timo L.
Excellent pulled pork, tangy sauce is just right. No nonsense eats in a rustic casual setting, mid-20th century art makes it feel real cozy, friendly service. Would return.
(4)
Shel B.
best ribs and best chicken wings there is in Naples area, or at least from what I have tried between New York and Florida.The meat in the ribs just falls off with every bite, with the smoky flavor and juiciness from the meat itself. Portions are generous. Service could be spotty but boy, you come here for the champion ribs itself!!!!
(5)
Michael M.
I had the combo #5 with half a rack and fried catfish. The sign outside said best ribs in America. Well they were good but definitely not the best! Also the portion size was I have to say pathetic. The prices were at first surprisingly low. But when I saw what I got I was very disappointed. The catfish was decent and almost big enough. The baked potato was perfect.... I could have easily eaten all the meat off the ribs in one bite! I left still hungry. My first 2 star due to portion size.
(2)
Richard P.
Satisfactory only. Most definitely NOT the best ribs in America. They're stubby and on the dry side. Sauce and smoke flavor were pretty good. Had "The Feast" which is a ridiculous amount of food for a smallish price. Mom wanted take out and this fed three people with leftovers. The taste and quality were OK .. My folks liked it, but just mediocre in book. The half BBQ chicken was dry and small. The baked beans and Cole slaw were pretty good but this place really doesn't deserve more than 3 stars ever. Crackling Jacks ribs and steaks are really delicious and much better quality and better than any rib joint I've found in Naples.
(3)
Genesis B.
Absolutely delicious BBQ Pulled Pork. The lunch portion was perfect size! I had pulled pork, corn on the cob, and cole slaw and added to it the tangy BBQ sauce. Everything, everything, everything was delicious, fresh, & flavorful! I would definitely come back here for more!
(5)
Michael F.
Always my first stop when flying into Naples! 5 minutes from the airport and the ribs cannot be beat. Great service and great atmosphere
(5)
Ken M.
For the average backyard BBQ individual you will find them to have great food and a great menu. The service was very friendly. I was a little sad that it came up as a waterfront restaurant and was only listed as that because they had a paid add. I would say the shakes are the best thing on the menu
(4)
Blair C.
Came here last month while on vac in Ft Myers Beach. Everything from the ribs, 1/2 chicken, pork bbq down to the iced tea was excellent. Friendly and quick service. It was definitely worth the drive. If you're reading this, you must want bbq. Don't disappoint yourself by going somewhere else.
(4)
Jennifer W.
Went here while on vacation last weekend, it was so good! The service was prompt and very attentive. We went around the usual dinner time and were seated almost immediately. I got the chicken dinner, it came with baked beans, texas toast, baked potato (can sub fries, sweet potato fries), pulled pork (which I put some on the potato, YUM), and coleslaw. The coleslaw was excellent, it reminded me of the old school coleslaw that KFC made back in the day. My husband got the rib platter, he said it was awesome. My son tried one of his ribs and kept asking for more lol. I felt that was the only downside was there weren't very many ribs to his order. The tangy sauce was so yummy, we had it with the onion rings. There onion rings, by the way are crusted with cornmeal, not the usual beer/flour batter, so it threw me off, but they were good. We would definitely come here again, but unfortunately we live three hours away, so I guess it will have to wait until we come back!
(5)
Joyce C.
Michelbobs is still great. Had the "taste of" onion rings, full racks, baked beans and coleslaw at this visit and everything was fantastic. Ribs are lean and mean and don't really need extra sauce, but the spicy is terrific. Beans are super rich and tangy. And definitely get the onion rings-they're more like very crisp spicy onion strings. Playful service.
(4)
Rodney T.
Very affordable and staff is the best! Found our goto place for BBQ! Will definitely recommend to others. Thanks for keeping the experience on the good old fashioned side.
(5)
Mike M.
This place claims to have the best ribs in America, they're good, but not the best. Very small in size. Better than most of the ribs I've had in Florida. Service was bad. We had 4 drinks sit empty at our meal for the majority of our meal. Beans are good, coleslaw was ok, potato salad was ok. Onion rings had a good flavor but ours were slightly over done. The homemade buttermilk garlic dressing was ok, it left something to be desired. The boneless barbecue chicken breast was definitely frozen. We had an ok meal, but wouldn't come back.
(4)
Kim B.
Had a nice family meal. Large table accommodated party for 7. Enjoyed pitcher of beer w frozen mugs. Onion rings out of this world. Bbq sauce award winning. Kid hot dog delicious. Excellent service.
(5)
Rob W.
The best BBQ place hands down I think I have ever been to. Service is great and very casual atmosphere
(5)
Renee E.
Our first experience here last night. First off it was freezing in the restaurant. Our food wasn't anything to write home about. I had the pulled pork sandwich with the bread on the side. The pork already was soaking in bbq sauce. The Cole slaw was yuk. The potato salad was passable. Hubby had the sliced beef which he said was ok. He also ordered a side of smoked sausage which he felt was less quality than Hillshire farm. His came with potato chips. For the price we paid wishing we had gone to Sonnys bbq that is far superior. We weren't impressed
(2)
Helen A.
Delicious! Fall off the bone ribs! Sauces are decent and I highly recommend the onion rings and slaw. Nice server, I wasn't starving, server recommended sharing with my friend and it was a perfect portion and cheaper, I will be back!
(5)
Alan M.
So I was visiting Naples for the 4th of July and bought a Groupon to this place. There were 4 of us so we decided to order the Beast platter. When the server brought it to the table I was just dumbfounded. For sure it was a lot of food, but what kind of BBQ place serves sliced roast beef and not beef brisket? The beef was disgusting, the sliced pork was thin and dry, and the chicken was just ok. The only stand out on the platter was the baby back ribs and the fries! Do yourself a favor and just stick to the ribs and avoid everything else!
(2)
Linda M.
Fun place, great for the whole family. Good ribs, loved the pulled pork. Great sides especially the onion rings! Great service and very reasonable prices! Will be back next trip to Naples.
(4)
Heather G.
We were skeptical because of some bad reviews. But I think the food is really good. The ribs are great not best I ever had but they are good. Coleslaw and baked beans are really good too! Very casual place. The grilled chicken seemed like it was cheap meat and was frozen. I will get all ribs next time.
(4)
Bill F.
Ribs are great. Portions are great. Prices are great. BBQ sauces are great. Have been coming here since 2004 off and on. Hasn't changed and doesn't have to.
(4)
Thomas C.
I was skeptical about this place being a good BBQ joint when I first looked at the menu online...I wasn't too far off. While the service and the food was good, it wasn't all that it claimed to be. The onion rings were great, the ribs were ok, and the sides were alright. The pulled pork was a miss, and I'm not sure it could even be considered bbq. It seemed to be steamed or boiled instead of smoked like traditional pulled pork, which was disappointing. The ribs are worth a try, but if you've had real bbq then don't set your hopes too high.
(3)
Bob W.
For the first time, I was very disappointed with the meal at Michelbob's. We arrived a little after seven on a Saturday night and I think they were serving the last of the day's ribs that had been on a hot plate for hours. The ribs were dry and almost tasteless. The beans were tasty, but had large chunks of gristle in them and I was served the smallest martini I have ever seen. Service was the usual friendly casual style, but the meal was NOT up to our expectations from previous visits. Will be a while before we return! Bob Wills March 14, 2015
(2)
Ken A.
Greatness!!!!! I live in Texas and this place has the best ribs. Whenever we are in Naples it is must to visit this place. The ribs are so good that I consistently order ribs thru the mail. Just typing this review and my mouth is watering. This place is greatness.
(5)
Chef N.
Great ribs!!! The service is excellent. Friendly, fast, professional. The ribs come with a special sauce. Excellent. Tender and plenty to eat. These are really, really good. The BBQ sandwiches are stacked high with meat. Exceptional value for the $$$. They taste great. Three BBQ sauces to choose from on the table. Each is GREAT!!!! Note: They only serve sliced beef, not pulled. We can't recommend their steaks as though they really taste good - really good - they are a little tough. They are a little expensive, but worth it, if ribs and BBQ are what you desire. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kimberly L.
What a great rib dinner! We started with the onion rings and the 20-piece size was definitely enough for 4 people. For my entree I got the full rack of ribs with cole slaw and a salad. The portion was pretty big but I managed to clear my plate, no problem : ) The table had 2 different BBQ sauces to chose from one was a big tangy and one was sweeter. The inside is very casual but fun. Our waitress was very accommodating and constantly checking in with us to see how we were doing. I would definitely recommend this place for good ribs if you are in the area!
(4)
Craig B.
best baby back ribs, don't even consider anything else. couple beers, onion rings & protein plate of ribs & salad is my usual.
(5)
Ed L.
Outstanding ribs.. Best in Naples.. Maybe ribs best ever had.. Prices reasonable.. Casual dress.. Atmosphere casual
(5)
Donnz s.
All I'm talking about is ribs. I tried there best baby back ribs a full rack. They were small, dry, fatty, and very Disapointed. If this is floridas best then they don't no what good ribs are. Never going back. Famous daves ribs are better. Try St. Louis you will thank me. But that's about the best you will get in these parts.
(1)
Lora L.
Had the slices beef and 1/2 ribs, was expecting more of a beef brisket but was more like rare shaved roast beef but was delicious. I'm pretty picky having to pull off fat and grizzle and don't have to do that at all. Great service.
(4)
susan c.
It had been several year that I had eaten at Michelbobs and three of us decided to get our lunch there today. All I can say is that our lunches ended in the garbage can - they were horrible. The chicken sandwich was a frozen piece of fast food crap that was not even cooked thru - thrown on a bun with barbeque sauce and then served. I would never recommend this place to anyone again!
(1)
Jamie R.
This is the long-lived grand-daddy of rib joints in Naples. Lunch selections are always favorites , with the kitchen putting together not just one, but several choices each day. There are several sauces on the table as staples, like pepper and salt - a patron has his choice of flavoring from smokey to sweet. Ribs are fall of the bone fabulous. Wall hangings remind the visitor that southwest Florida once was and is still a fisherman's paradise. There are trophy photographs on the wall, and a metal plaque sporting a phone number for a fish camp and guide up North.
(5)
Gloria S.
This place is to the point. You order from a simple BBQ menu, get it in a flash. Not much frills here. Lots of seasonings on the table, hard picnic like benches to sit and eat, great for a night out with the boys or family. Happy hour is short: 3-4:30pm. Lots of sides for a vegetarian: corn on cob, baked potato, cole slaw, garlic bread, BUT beware!!!! The beans are very tasty because they use meat to season them! I had a bite and found a string of pork attached.... ewh. The sides were $3 each, kinda high, I ordered 2 and my meal was already $6. :( Staff friendly and down to earth. Kind of sad that years ago it was waiting room only to get in. Now Naples had so many choices, we walked right in on a Friday night. Location is directly across from the Humane Society, and close to Naples Airport. TIP: They also usually closed during the summer months. I wouldn't return alone but since I want to stay happily married, I may have to.
(3)
Lissete D.
Driving by on our way home from a relaxing weekend at the beach, we drive by this place with huge letters proclaiming "Best Ribs in America". We love us some baby backs, so I did a quick search on Yelp then we U-turned back to put those babies to the test. I think we got there around 2:00 PM or so and probably missed the lunch crowd because the place was empty. The menu offers a nice selection of items and combos. The price point is reasonable as well. If you want to try the Sloppy Joe, get there for breakfast as they were out of it by 2. Our server was friendly and efficient. So what about the food? Everything was very good. I had the half rack and catfish combo and my husband had the pork sammie on garlic toast. The ribs were tender and tasty. Not as meaty as Flanigan's but good nonetheless. Especially for the price. My meal included fries, yummy coleslaw and a big slice of garlic toast. My husband loved his sandwich! For about $20 plus tip we had a very enjoyable lunch. We will definitely return!
(4)
Kendra L.
This place is very cute and the food is delicious! My party of 5 couldn't stop talking about how good it was. A few of us got the pulled pork sandwich and it was amazing! The only complaint I have is our waitress was the worst we had on our whole trip. Actually the worst I've had in a real long time. We had to sit there without anyone talking to us for a while and then we told her later on our bills would be separate and she said with an attitude "you should have told me sooner, it would have been easier." No one likes a mean waitress :| but the food was so good I would go back!
(4)
Bil D.
Hands down best ribs in the country! I've been going to Naples for the last 30 years and there is not a chance in the world that I would ever leave Naples without going to michelbob's at least once.
(5)
Francis V.
Please, just go and enjoy awesome ribs and sauces. The onion rings are addictive. A naples classic on the national map of BBQ eateries.
(4)
Sarah H.
I've been coming here since the 80's when I was a kid. My grandma always got a pulled pork sandwich and a beer, they have the best pulled pork and ribs! Love love love Michelbob's!
(5)
Clinton A.
Food was really good and you got a lot for what you paid for. We will be sure to eat there again when we are back in town!
(5)
David Z.
I don't think I'd confuse this place with the places in Memphis but for South Florida it is the best I've had for BBQ. Overall it offers good food at a reasonable price-the value is great here, the food pretty darn good and very consistent. Yeah, I dig it! I dig value and this place offers that in abundance.
(4)
Zach M.
I know it's not the best. I know it has lots of flaws. The description I tend to give to other people is that it's bbq for people who haven't had good bbq. The actual restaurant has probably seen better days. It's very 90's at this point and the lines aren't what they once were. But it's reliable. A little dirty. And it appeals to some nostalgic memories. Get the onion rings. Get the ribs. Enjoy it for what it is.
(3)
Paul K.
Be warned this is a popular place. The wait can be up to 45 mins or longer. It was a beautiful night so heck I sat outside and people watched and read my email while I waited. As Florida BBQ goes this is a bench mark place. They have a fine sauce and the ribs, pork, beef, and chicken is all smoked very nice. For starters we had the mother lode size of onion rings. These will take care of 4 hungry adults. The cost was $10. On the taste scale I would rate them average. For my main course I had the baby back ribs. They are served dry with sauce on the side. I used the less sweet sauce which was a vinegar base. I loved it. My side order was cole slaw which was ok my guess it was not homemade.
(4)
Rick H.
This place never lets you down ! The ribs are always delicious and the onion rings are the best.
(5)
Tiffany G.
What makes me drive almost 3 hours north for food? MICHELBOB'S! My family and I discovered this gem while heading home from Sanibel Island. The place is rustic, with old style gas pumps and coke machines & the staff inside is lovely. They bring you your drinks in a cup the size of your head that is yours to keep. Shortly after, I dove head first into my order of the full rack of ribs with the fries, beans, coleslaw & texas toast. OH MY LORD. The gates of BBQ heaven opened and I was in paradise. Not one person in our table of 16 spoke while we devoured every bit on food on our plates. I felt like I was on an episode of Man VS Food. The ribs are tender and fall off the bone delicious & even though they come smothered in bbq sauce, you have your options to the side of sweet or spicy sauces and they are both great. I love their fries, always fresh and that texas toast...yum. I'm not a huge bean fan, but these are sooooo good. My friend had the chicken platter and he said it was delicious as well. We ended with a chocolate dessert which was fab and headed back to Miami with our tummies full and satisfied. I've driven up with friends about 3 times and with my family 4 times and this place never fails us. So worth the trip! Plus, the Outlets are 20 min away so you can shop then refuel with ribs! Oh ! & they deliver...yes deliver. Cue the gates of bbq heaven to open and angels sing.
(5)
Jane C.
Highly enjoyed this lunch, the pork on our sandwiches was very moist! And their sauce was awesome! Prices very reasonable . We will definitely be back !!!
(5)
Kim W.
After reading the name and the reviews, you come for one thing, the Ribs. They are fall of the bone and perfectly doused in just the right amount of sauce, plus you get your choice of sweet or tangy on the table too if you want more. Price is about what you expect and the "platters" are huge with lots of sides. The service was lightning fast and very friendly!
(5)
Lora S.
This place is amazing!!! BBQ at its best. Coming down from the north we truly appreciate this place.
(5)
Matt G.
Seriously? Anyone giving this place 4 or 5 stars either has really messed up taste buds, or has just never been to a *good* BBQ place before. Seriously, go to the real "south" and have some BBQ, then come back to this place and try it again. We just came from having dinner at Michelbob's and had what I imagine to be pretty much the most disappointing "BBQ" one could ever be subjected to. It started by sitting down and trying to order sweet tea, at which point we were told "we don't have sweet tea, just regular." WTF. What kind of reputable BBQ place doesn't have SWEET TEA? This really should have the first sign to just turn and walk away. I ordered a ribs and pork platter, and my girlfriend ordered a chicken breast dinner. The ribs were dry and lacking flavor (certainly not "fall off the bone" as the menu described), and the pork was lacking flavor altogether. No moisture, no sauce, no nothing. My girlfriend was served chicken that looked like pre-sliced filets that you would buy at the frozen foods section at Publix, slathered with cheap BBQ sauce and waaaaaaay over-salted (in fact, all you could really taste was salt). The sides were nothing to write home about; *nothing* was anything to write home about. And for anyone who think maybe I just went on an off night, this is actually me giving them a second chance after a similarly bad meal several years ago. Seriously -- Famous Daves, a *chain* BBQ place up the street in Fort Myers, is so far and away better than Michelbob's, it's ridiculous; and I'm a person who typically tries to stay away from chains in favor of local fare. (and no, I do not work for Famous Daves or represent them in any way -- I'm just some dude) I wonder how much Michelbob's is paying Naples Daily News to call them the "#1 Restaurant in Southwest Florida." If they're not, I guess NDN doesn't know good BBQ either.
(1)
Cindy P.
The baby backs had a nice smoky flavor and were not overloaded with bbq sauce. Generous servings and reasonable prices. Our server, Joanna was wonderful.
(3)
Mark K.
Mouth orgasm!!! Go early because it gets packed quickly and people don't mind waiting 1.5hrs for ribs!!!?? Go figure...it's because they are THAT GOOD!
(5)
Kevin G.
I usually get takeout. Growing up in Naples, Michelbob's has been a fixture at the same location for as long as I can remember. All of the meats are good, but sometimes tend to be on the dry side. I do love the baked beans and potatoes are always great. The service is dependable and friendly. With the takeout, I have never waited longer than ten minutes no matter the size of the order. Be advised, they are not open year round. They sometimes close up for weeks at a clip. Also, they have daily specials listed on their streetside sign. The decor feels like an episode of American Pickers, and hasn't changed in decades, which I appreciate, being a native. Thanks, Michelbob's for staying true to your heritage.
(4)
Albie F.
We were looking for one place and only one place to eat dinner in Naples and thank goodness we found Michelbob's Ribs Restaurant. Get the baby back ribs and you won't be disappointed. Order a full rack of ribs, order a 1/2 rack of ribs & 1/4 chicken combo, or order two full racks of baby back ribs. Whatever you do, make sure you get some those tender, imported from Denmark ribs that literally fall off the bone. If you're not into putting a lot of sauce on your ribs, that's ok, just eat it as it is served. If you want a little more BBQ sauce flavor, they have some wonderful sweet & tangy sauces right at your table at your disposal. On another note, don't leave without getting an order of the onion rings. One order will do to not miss out on these homemade onion rings that have just a little bit of spices integrated in the batter to give it a little extra. Just like the ribs, you won't regret getting these. Best of all, if you go (accidentally or not) during happy hour, you can get the onion rings for a couple bucks cheaper. By far the best ribs I had on my 9 day trip around southern Florida (I had 3 places to compare)!
(5)
Eddie R.
Ribs are awesome. Must do. Ordered the Feast for2 & fed 4.
(4)
Clay P.
Good service and friendly folks but i didn't think the food was anything special. Not much on the plate & plenty on the check. BBQ Chix, baby backs, slaw, beans, T -toast were avg at best. Couldn't care less what's on the walls - place was busy and comfortable but don't think a coke sign or fishing pic ever made a meal better. Some like it some love it - I didn't .
(2)
Collin D.
Came in for a rib dinner for 4 adults. The interior is rustic with photographs and Coke memorabilia strewn throughout. Ordered a 2 rack dinner for the table. We are not heavy eaters and 2 racks for 4 adults was just enough. The sides were too small and we needed to order an extra side of garlic bread and beans. Overall the dinner was quite good. The ribs were tender and flavorful. The BBQ beans were hearty and tangy. The coleslaw was very similar to KFC's coleslaw, good, but nothing special. We tried their peanut butter and key lime pies after dinner. The key lime had an overpowering sugar taste, you could almost crunch the sugar granules. The peanut butter pie was quite good. Chocolate crust with drizzled chocolate and caramel. Food: great Service: average Ambiance: good Value: average I would return to Michelbob's for dinner again.
(4)
Erik A.
The best ribs I have found to date. The place is reasonable in price and consistent in the meal every time. I have been eating here for almost 20 years and don;t miss the opportunity when in town!
(5)
Debbi D.
Always a pleasure to eat here with family when visiting Naples. Best ribs and baked beans around. Large portions!
(4)
Ashley M.
We heard about this restaurant from a friend, and since we were going to the Naples area, we decided to see for ourselves what all the reveiws were about. We rushed to this restaurant on a Saturday night (being from Miami, we are used to eating around 10-11PM) because they close at 9.00 PM. I was worried when we arrived at 08.30 PM if the experience would be different because we came so close to closing, but the hostess was very friendly and showed us to a table right away. If you're from Miami, there is a restaurant called Shorty's which has almost exactly the same ambience as Michelbob's: southern charm, picnic tables, lots of wood accents. While the service was just adequate, the food is what really stood out. We have never had ribs that were so tender, all we used was a fork to eat them (yes, we eat ribs with forks, lol. I have a phobia of food all over my fingers...) and the meat just fell off the bone. The baked beans weren't very good, with too much BBQ sauce in them, and the garlic bread was overcooked (too hard to bite into), but the ribs completely made up for all of those things. I think we would definitely return to Michelbob's, but to take some ribs to go without any sides. The prices were decent, about $19 for a rack. If you can get around their very limited hours (M-F 11AM-9PM, Sat 4PM-9PM, Sun CLOSED), this is a great place for ribs when in Naples!
(4)
Rick W.
Superb, as always. Tonight I enjoyed 1/2 rack of baby backs with sliced smoked beef and fries and, for good measure, shared some spicy, crispy onion rings with the table. This place has won so many regional and national cook-offs -- both in the US and Canada -- that you can't not put this gem on the restaurant rota while staying in the Naples area.
(4)
Leanna E.
This is a no frills, fast service,and get down to business place to eat. My husband had the ribs and said they were great. I had the chicken and it tasted like something I would get in a lean cuisine with really good bbq sauce on it, served with great coleslaw and a baked potato. My baked potato was served wrapped in aluminum foil, piping hot, and cooked all the way through with sour cream and butter packets. Our server greeted us right away and he was very friendly and attentive. The prices were more than reasonable. This is a great place if you want a satisfying meal, you don't care about impressing anyone, you're not watching calories, and you want ribs. I only gave 4 stars because of how all the meals feel mass produced versus with love and care and my husband said the ribs were "very good," not excellent. He felt there could be more meat on the bones and my chicken was not very appetizing (see above).
(4)
Ben C.
Some of the best ribs and BBQ around South Florida. There is a reason that as a college student, we would fly from Daytona Beach to Naples just to get the ribs! The ribs are fall off the bone tender and the sliced beef and pork are excellent, but the real star is sauce. When they sell it by the gallon, you know there on to something! Spicy and smokey, or sweet and rich, you can't go wrong. Try the feast to get some of everything, but be sure to have some friends along to help finish it with you.
(5)
Adam F.
Where's the meat? Staff was great...and the place is really clean, but the food is average at best...I had the ribs and was not impressed..the onion rings had zero flavor, so I say go if you want to pay $20.00 for some average ribs...sorry I will not be returning.
(3)
Tu-van L.
Casual, laid back restaurant with solid barbecue at great prices. At $6.95 for the lunch size sliced pork platter, you get a pile of perfectly smoky goodness sandwiched between two perfectly garlicky buttery slices of Texas toast accompanied with sweet-as-candy baked beans and perfectly-fried French fries. I love garlic Texas toast, and I love barbecue pork, so this made for the perfect lunch. I cleared my entire plate, which was a larger portion than what I should clear in one sitting. If you're in this part of town with an inkling for barbecue, stop here.
(4)
Stephen B.
Great takeout for a family vacation to Naples. Very quick drive from the beach. Can't wait to take the family in person on our next visit. The ribs are outstanding. Wish we had ordered more. We wanted to try a bit of everything so we got The Feast, which at $45 is an awesome amount of food. Plenty for a family of 3-4, although I assure you that you'll want extra ribs. My wife and I were surprised by the amount of sliced beef and pork they add. These made good left-overs but were not the highlight. Chicken was also good, but here it is all about the ribs.
(5)
Kai L.
It's just how they say: "Best Ribs in Town!"
(5)
Ken P.
EPIC FAIL!!! The owner of this scam should be ashamed. The cooks ought to be run out of town on a rail. I cannot imagine they were not embarrassed to send out such pathetic food on a platter. I can honestly say that I have never had such tasteless and cooked to death dry ribs and sides in my life. Absolutely nothing except the bottled beer and sodas were adequate. Even the waitress who was pleasant seemed to realize the problem when I gave her the gratuity for her efforts and asked her not to share with the cook staff who were utterly undeserving. We will never ever return to this weak excuse for a dive. I'd rather eat freeze dried rations without water than eat here again. Just pathetic.
(1)
Chris C.
With a sign on the outside of your establishment that boasts the best ribs in the country, you better be prepared to deliver. Now don't get me wrong, the ribs were pretty good. But they weren't fall of the bone tender like some of the reviews in here have stated. It took some effort to peel the meat from the bone and in some cases the meat was actually sticking to the bone. Maybe I just got an overcooked batch? However, those onion rings are hands down the best onion rings I've had. I don't know what they put in the seasoning, but I couldn't stop myself. I was actually putting down the ribs to go back for more onion rings. Delicious. If you're looking for good ribs in Naples, this place is pretty good. But there are better rib places in the same city, let alone the country.
(3)
Brian D.
Had the #1...good stuff, chicken and baby back ribs. Really good choice of sauces. Quick service, basic and very polite. You should check it out when in Naples.
(4)
Phil M.
Michelbobs is pretty good bbq. The ribs are ok, but I think Rib City has much better ribs. The double burger for $7 is a good deal at Michelbob's but every single time I order it medium rare I get 1 burger medium rare and the other well done. Not sure why its so hard to make them both the same. The onion rings are really good and they have a good selection of barbecue sauces. To me Michelbob's is more of a tourist stop. The run some decent out of season specials for pickups that are priced right.
(3)
Ed V.
Delicious ribs! ... The racks are on the small side but tasty. The place is clean and well run and the service is good. As others have noted the butter and sour cream are packaged but that is likely for convenience and doesnt take anything away from the ribs. Cant go wrong here.
(5)
Michael S.
Great food and service! The ribs were tender and fell right off the bone. The baked beans were some of the best I have ever tasted. Price is right and blows Rib City right out of the water....
(4)
Darryl J.
Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer real butter with my baked potato, not a packet of "Fresh Buttery Taste® Spread" comprised of 44% vegetable oil, water, soybean oil, and just 4% sweet cream butter. Nor do I find sour cream served in a sealed (ice cold) packet resembling the consistency of a tube of toothpaste very appetizing. But hey, I'm not here for the baked potato. My garden salad arrived with two marble-sized cherry tomatoes, a few onions, and a pile of semi-stale croutons (from a box) over iceberg lettuce. Oh well. But hey, I'm not here for the salad. The baby back ribs (full rack) were very good but on the small side and a little dry. I guess it was just the luck of the draw because everyone else's ribs at my table looked noticeably larger and covered with more finishing sauce. The ribs were nothing special. I've had much better.
(2)
Patrick G.
Good food. Great people. Stop reading the review and go eat.
(4)
Raquel D.
I'd like to thank all of the Yelpers who gave this place a good rating. We were driving around, practically like vultures (yes, driving vultures), looking for food after doing some sightseeing. After checking Yelp, we found Michelbob's Ribs, read a few reviews, and decided to give it a go. No regrets! First off, as soon as we're seated, the waitress gives us each $1. What the what?! Apparently the have an incentive program: show up before 11:30am, get $1 each. Uuuuuuummmm.... AWESOME. Hey-o! The staff was extremely friendly. Service was fantastic. Thumbs up, yo. Someone mentioned it being similar to Shorty's in Miami... I actually think it was better! Everything was delicious. Cole slaw was perfect, not too sloppy/wet like other places I've been to. Fries were pleasantly salty.... really tasty with the two sauces that were on the table (tangy and sweet bbq). I had the bbq chicken on garlic toast (oh-so-good), while the other people I was with had the sliced pork sandwich and also loved it. Perfect portions for a satisfying amount of tummy stuffage. Excellent prices. My one complaint, and I can't even blame it on them, so it's not even specifically about this awesome establishment: the fountain soda and the tea had a... 'distinct' flavor to them. We had water from a water fountain at the pier earlier and realized that it tasted really different from Miami water.... so we assume that Naples water just has a different taste to it. Unfortunately, that means it'll affect all the other beverages that use it. OTHER THAN THAT (again, it isn't even the restaurant's fault), Michelbob's was so good. Will definitely try the ribs whenever I find myself in Naples again!
(5)
Shannon T.
Visiting Naples for vacation and family in mood for BBQ. Found Michelbobs on yelp. Great food and great service. More than a small hole-in-the-wall bbq place. Nice family-friendly setting. I really love they let you split your orders and waitress helped us choosing items vs price. Love that! Family ordered 2 racks and split and added a side. Perfect. Just a side note, they do not have pulled pork, just sliced, which was moist and yummy. Beer was ice cold!! Thank you!
(5)
Tony R.
Best Ribs...anywhere! Very basic... Very,Very good!!
(5)
Lauren L.
Pretty good ribs a country atmosphere. They feed their pigs tulips apparently, don't know if that is good for them or makes them taste better. One of the sauces, tangy I think is pretty good. Personally, I prefer La Casita's ribs (located on Marco Island). Yes it is about a half hours drive from Naples, but if you are in the area you might as well, these will be worth the drive. While La Casita does not boast to be the best ribs in America, they just might be!
(4)
Jason D.
Everyone is a critic when it comes to BBQ and Ribs. Often the style of BBQ will depend on what section of the country that the critic is from. I like Memphis, St. Louis, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Carolina styles. But no matter the style, the service is always judged the same. The ribs were good but they were a little dry. I just wished the waitress would of came by at least once and asked how we were doing and if we wanted more to drink. At 2pm, a lone waitress should not be handling ten tables. That still didn't excuse her for not checking on us at least once during the meal.
(3)
Travis M.
ribs are OK, i feel like this place was probably great long ago
(2)
JW U.
Got Rib's? Roll up your sleves and dig in to these mouth watering, fall-off the bone ribs. This place will flip a vegan into a meat-a-terian - no doubt. I ordered the onion rings for the first - they were greasy and dripping oil and dam good! Pick your choice of 3 sauces - try'em all, I did. At first I was afraid if the oil slick and after a few dips - I became a fan. All in - one of the best rib joints in the south (and they also have chicken and other stuff). Great place for groups or Kids. The place is fun and always croweded. Try it and you'll like it. Ya all come back now - ya hear.
(4)
Nicole C.
Oh Michelbob's, how I lust for you. How I wish you were located in New York City so I could pig out on your dreamy ribs more often. I've been coming to Naples to visit the grandparents forever, and every time we come our first and most important request is to pay Michelbob's a long overdue visit. Best onion rings I have ever had in my life. They are crunchy and spicy and super addictive. I got the combo that came with smoked pork and a half rack of ribs. You also get cole slaw (YUM!), baked beans (YUM!) and a baked potato (or fries). The baked potato paired with the sour cream and the seasoning powder thingy that is provided at every table is fantastical, and when paired with some of that deliciously tender smoked pork which is paired with the tangy barbecue sauce makes it even freaking better. And the ribs? My goodness what is their secret? They just fall off the bone they are so good. Michelbob's speaks to my inner caveman/cannibal. And how cool are the big plastic cups you get when ordering soft drinks? I definitely brought that sucker home with me to New York as an awesomely awesome souvenir. And PS, we got here early at around 5:30PM and didn't have to wait for a table. Anytime after 6:00PM and you're gonna have to wait. But trust me, it's totally worth it. OH, and apparently they FedEx ribs to anywhere in the country. How cool is that? 5 stars baby! Oh YEAH!
(5)
Jay S.
I don't know... We had a great meal here and there's no denying the ribs were (very) good, but I'm not sure that they are "the best ribs I've ever had" - I think I reserve that sentiment for the Texas salt&pepper beef ribs at Blue Smoke in (gulp, "Yankee country"!) NYC. I was disapointed to see beef ribs aren't even on the menu here... Same goes for the onion rings, very nice, no complaints, but "the best in America"? Come on Yelpers, I really don't think so. In short, if you're in Naples, and you like meat, go to Michelbob's. You'll like it a lot. You might even love it. You will almost certainly wait 20 minutes to get in and have the chance to get in and decide which it is... But let's call a spade a spade. This is a great rib shack, with a great atmosphere, long lines and mediocre service. And let's save the "best ever!" reviews for the restaurants that truly deserve it.
(4)
Greer R.
I love me some Michelbob's. While I'm not as a big a barbecue fan as a Floridian should be, whenever I'm in the Fort Myers/Naples area, I make a point to get some ribs here. Michelbob's makes a big deal about their imported meat and their ability to ship almost anywhere, but the important thing is that their ribs (and other meats) are simply excellent. The sides are nothing to sneeze at, either. A lot of people rave about the onion rings, but I'd rate them as a mere above-average. Pairing so well with the barbecue, I think, makes people overappreciate them. That said, all the sides are solid. The shop is a lot of fun to sit around, with its dual Coca-Cola and Canadian back-country fishing themes. Michelbob's is a deserving Southwest Florida institution and definitely worth a stop. A word of caution, however: the restaurant does have seasonal hours, so if you're unfamiliar with them, call ahead of time to make sure they're open.
(4)
Don C.
After reading all the reviews, and being a northerner who is a BBQ fanatic, I had to stop here for some ribs. My short take was that I was in strong like, but not in love. Onion Rings Sweet Jesus. You have to get these. I don't like onion rings, they are usually too heavy or too thick a cut of the onion. Make sure you get the largest size, they are perfect. Ribs The ribs are pretty amazing. I would say they are some of the best ribs I have had. Definitely in the top 5. The meat was tender, not fatty or sinewy, pretty perfect. Sauces Some of the best sauces I have had. Very well done. Other Meat options We got everything but the chicken as an option between us. The "sliced pork" and "sliced beef" were ok. I asked our waitress if we were going to get pulled pork and brisket, she claimed yes, but in reality I don't believe her. Essentially imagine a pork shoulder being slow roasted then deli cut. Stick with the ribs. I was disappointed I was hoping for some good brisket or pulled pork.. Sides We just had the fries, cole slaw, and beans. Again, nothing really to see here.. everything was fair to middlin. Desert You must order the key lime pie. It was pretty fantastic. Service Our server was fine. Drinks Good drink deals, given this is retirement town. So, can't go wrong there..
(4)
Mike D.
This is going to be difficult. They are the sole proprietors of the best ribs in the universe. I have NEVER had better ribs in my life. It was a life changing experience. The onion rings are also out of this world. There are so many different sauces to chose from and one is better than the next. I love to eat here when i visit from Boston. It is a must if you LOVE ribs. The animals that the ribs come from re tulip fed in Denmark Come on now How can you beat that!!!
(5)
Tanny A.
Stick with ribs... The meet is cooked to perfection and the sauces are good
(5)
Paul W.
Great for kids, if they like ribs. Family pack (4 ribs, beans, slaw, garlic toast) fed 4.5 guys on a 'guy week' successfully.
(4)
Dayna O.
Good bbq. Nice atmosphere. Good location.
(4)
Scott M.
Talk about a tourist trap! This place is way overrated in my opinion. If your visiting or staying near down town Naples and ask your hotel or friends where to eat good bbq 99.9% of them are going to say Michelbob's WRONG!! Brown Bag and Porkey's bbq blow this place out of the water. I've been dragged here acouple of times in my life and the experience was not good. Ordered the ribs which were on the dry side, but I'll give them credit they had some good bbq sauce (which is hard to screw up). I just lathered it on inorder to get the bad taste out of my mouth. Sides were small. Lol dont even bother ordering a Pepsi because throughout the entire place there's Coke signs everywhere. I knew this and asked to waitress anyways for a Pepsi and she gave me a nasty sligh remark. Which I thought was hilarious. Oh, and be sure either to rob a bank or hit the lottery before coming here cause it's a tad-bit on the pricey side.
(2)
Jeff G.
Yes very good ribs. Also don't overlook the smoked sliced beef, melts in your mouth - craving it right know. Great atmosphere .
(4)
joel s.
when this restaurant is on it's game, very few restaurants make ribs better. the meat falls off the bone and the ribs are usually cooked to perfection. one does not even need to add additional sauce. although this is not a place to sit and dine, the service is consistently good. for the most part, the ribs are as well.
(4)
Erin D.
I love their BBQ pork ribs! The meat is usually tender and moist. The BBQ sauces are made in-house and are wonderfully flavorful. The ribs come with baked beans, coleslaw, garlic bread, and a choice of potato. They seem to often run out of baked potatoes at lunch, so get here early if you want one. They also have a very good pulled pork sandwich, which is pretty cheap. The ribs are expensive, so if you don't feel like paying close to $20 for a rack of ribs at dinner I recommend arriving early to take advantage of their early bird menu or coming for lunch instead. As for the atmosphere, it doesn't have much. Think picnic tables, TVs playing fishing shows, and lots of old paraphernalia. But as long as you come here for the ribs and not the atmosphere, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Cristina S.
Wooooooo ribs. Best Ribs in America wooooooo. Best sauce in the WORLD woooooo. Literally, can't get enough of Michelbob's ribs. It's a definite must for any serious rib person. Eat in the restaurant in Naples (they only have take-out in Marco Island) & have a family feast which comes with 2 1/2 slabs of ribs, smoked roast beef, smoked pork, chicken, corn on the cob, fries, cole slaw & baked potato - whew. It really serves about 3 people but order more ribs because that's all you'll want to eat. The restaurant has a great, fast waitstaff & they thrive off their claim to fame. They are as nice to you & your party of 3 as they are to the baseball team party of 20. Their sauces, (at each table) can be taken home & the ribs are so good you can ship them home by the truckload to enjoy them whenever you want. Hands down... my favorite rib place ever...
(5)
Nick R.
Great ribs, beans and cole slaw. The garlic toast, however, was akin to the store-bought loaf in the Publix frozen section. I'll go here again when I'm in town.
(4)
Divya R.
The ribs were cooked perfectly but the taste was lacking. Don't get the smoked beef no taste at all
(3)
Samantha S.
I had their food at an event they catered. Compared to other BBQ restaurants or caterers (locally owned and chains) I wasn't impressed. Meat was dry and the sauce wasn't that tasty.
(2)
Atom M.
They have won national championships for their ribs. Get a special they are the best deal. They are always packed though and close sometimes off-season so call first.
(5)
Eric S.
this is my 3rd time there... I really like this place, service is hit or miss. Food quality is consistently good. The sauce is great, the baby back ribs are great. Next time we are going to get the family sampler!
(4)
John H.
hype. its all hype. 30 minute wait for a table on a wednesday night, was PUMPED to get in and eat after all the reviews here. sure there are a lot of newspaper articles on the walls with praises. sure they offer take home cups with drinks. onion rings bragged up. mediocre. ribs bragged up. they were very tender. but again mediocre on the taste. the dry rub offered at the table....not very tasty....bbq sauces....not very tasty. other than the ribs being very tender they were not that tasty overall. the fries were crisp. the coleslaw was good. the beans.....eh. and the beans are the true TEST of a bbq joints overall scrumptiousness. other than the advertisements at EVERY possible place for their fishing lodge and storage units being "tacky" the decor is typical bbq, and the staff was friendly, but i don't think i would wait again for a seat here. i think there is a bbq over on collier blvd i'll try next time.
(2)
Tamara S.
We grabbed 3 racks a la carte and a pint of coleslaw for dinner - we had baked beans & mashed potatoes at the house, and voila, dinner for 4. The ribs are fantastic - fall off the bone, meaty, cooked for 6 hours kinda ribs. They have sweet sauce and tangy sauce, and we mixed them up. Smoky and delicious. The coleslaw was good - creamy, not vinegary, but not drowning in dressing.
(4)
lAy O.
It was ribs. The meat quality wasn't amazing and the sauce was good. The first night we walked in at 8 and there kitchen closes at 8 so they kicked us out. The second night the waitress barely looked at us and seemed bothered.
(3)
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Address :371 Airport Pulling Rd N
Naples, FL, 34104
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Charlie B.
Good ribs. Bad service. Sides are just ok. If I didn't have a groupon i would not go out of my way to eat here
(3)Yasmin P.
Excellent BBQ and huge portions. Walking into the restaurant, the delicious smell makes you hungrier than you were before. We only come occasionally as the food is so good and the portions so generous we eat too much every time and have great leftovers the next day!
(4)Joan L.
Our cheapest meal in Naples and I think we will be eating it for days. We went for the big time at Michelbob's, ordering "The Feast". For about $45, this is a huge platter of meat and sides: a rack and a half of ribs, piles of sliced beef and either sliced or pulled pork, plus cole slaw, baked beans, potatoes (we ordered fries and a baked potato). Wow! This was a ton of food! Some of the food was extraordinary, some very good, and some really missed the mark. The extraordinary: the best pulled pork I have ever had...by far. It was so tender and juicy, without being smothered in sauce, like some pulled pork. The excellent: the ribs. I only tasted them but they were fall off the bone and perfectly spiced. I don't know if they are "the best ribs in America", as advertised, but they are great! The good: the barbecued chicken and most of the sides including baked beans, cole slaw, and fries The bad: the sliced beef and pork. Both were too dry and pretty tasteless. The decor is typical barbecue joint....very casual with wood booths. There is a ton of Coke a Cola memorabilia and lots of barbecue competition awards. Service was friendly and fast. Definitely a place to return to for a cheap meal in Naples.
(4)Jade T.
Now I have to admit, my first ever barbeque was at a dive in the mountains of Tennessee, so my standards are ridiculously high. The ribs were definitely on the smaller side and the sliced pork was pretty dry but pulled pork was full of fat. The fries were delicious! It wasn't bad at all, just not incredible. Definite positives were the friendly server, the clean restaurant with cutesy Coke memorabilia. Not bad, just not to-die-for.
(3)Jason P.
Definitely not the best ribs in America, but not the worst either. This place is much better than rib city if you are in the Naples area. I've read some others reviews and want to "piggy-back" on them. I'm from Chicago and grew up eating Carson's Ribs, which to me were the best and very hard to beat. There are plenty of rib festivals in the Chicago area during the summer and I have been to many of them. With all that said, who voted Michelbob's the best? They have some trophies and placards showing they won some small local competitions. Nowhere do I see an award for best in America. Anyone can say they are the best.....it's not illegal. Hey, I'm the best Rib judge in America.....you may not have known that. With all that said, I'm still going to give Michelbob's 3 stars because they are better than some of the other local places. I would however recommend Famous Dave's over this place. Since Famous Dave's is from Chicago and they now have locations nationwide.......and it is very good.
(3)John C.
The Good the Bad and the Meh! For once Yelp let me down. A 4 star BBQ joint always gets my attention. I'm honest with my reviews, so I'll start with the good. The 1/4 chicken (dark) was very good although on the small side. Smokey and tender it is the reason for 1 of the stars. The other star is for the service, my waitress was great. Very Happy, attentive and charming. The Bad - The ribs, ridiculously small ribs, not Smokey and just not flavourful at all. The Meh - The sides were just okay, beans and coleslaw were bland and Texas Toast (toast was dry), Corn on the Cob was passable. Bottom Line is I won't be coming back anytime soon.
(2)Brian R.
Hype. Sometimes it can help sell things and make people appreciate them. Problem is, if you don't walk that walk, then the hype turns on you like a rabid dog. Michelbobs? Their hype is a mouth-foaming beast. The reality? (Yawn.) I've had top grade Danish ribs before at places like Carson's in Chicago. That said, these sad overcooked, oversauced prior pig parts are not the championship grade cue being touted on signage all over the walls inside and out of the building. Their 'killer' onion rings were fried in grease at a lower temperature. Instead of being dry and crisp and wonderful they were soggy and greasy and left a pool of oil on the paper. I order potato salad and slaw because those are cue standards. Michelbob's? I have to say its a FAIL on both. These are sides, not synchronized swimming. The cups are for slaw and potatoes, not pools of liquid hiding them. There is this thing called a slotted spoon. USE IT. Taste-wise there was no pop. No joy. KFC++ at best. The ribs were prepped and dressed so badly that bone splinters were coming apart with the meat which is not good. Taste? Too much sauce. If you're rub is so baaaad, gents and ladies, then leave the sauce off. When it comes to rubs and ribs, the dry don't lie, y'all. The wait staff is very friendly and the service was great. The place has tables like a fast food joint and a very retro-sixties wood-panel and kitsch everywhere thing going for its decor, along with all of the BBQ bravado on their walls. It's not bad. It's not good. It's just there, at least for the cue connoisseur. If you had some BBQ game, it got lost somewhere in those over-prepared mushy ribs. Get your A game back and I might try it.
(3)Amyred12 ..
The service was great (with the exception of the bus guy who hovered behind our table the entire time) and I like the atmosphere. However the food was just okay, def not the BEST I've ever had. Given that it wasn't "smack yo mamma" amazing I think the prices are a bit high. I probably win' go back, just to many other choices in Naples.
(3)Laura G.
First timer here. Omg. Delicious. Referred here by my friend/neighbor. This is definitely going to be my go to place. I had ribs and sliced beef with a baked potatoe. The potatoe was probably one of the best ever. Hubby had chicken and pulled pork. Again amazing. Son had a burger and it was again probably the best I've ever tasted. Yummy yummy.
(5)Ryan M.
This place was interesting. Make sure to eat here when you're in need of comfort food. I will be back, but they always seem to be closed whenever I can get there.
(3)Cynthia B.
Great steak and ribs. Great service and food. This is a winner. Atmosphere was awesome and service was fast.
(4)F B.
Had half rack with spicy sausage with a taster portion of onion rings and it was great. Would've wished the the ribs were more rich in the signature sauce but they still packed the BBQ slow cooked flavor.
(4)Sheri R.
Amazing food and the restaurant is spotless. The portions are a good size and the prices are fair.
(5)David B.
Michelbob's makes a claim to "best ribs in America". As a chef and food lover I had to check this place out. I thought one of the nicest parts of my visit was all the coke memorabilia. Made me want a coke and I had one here. I don't think coke tastes right in a plastic cup, but maybe that's just me. A glass would have been much nicer. Although we did have a dirty (from lip stick) beer glass. The menu says the baby back ribs are from Denmark. I've seen these before. The ribs are frozen are on the small side and have a higher fat content than the typical commercial baby backs on the market. They also have less lean (pork). When you start with a frozen product, It is very hard to get a good tasting result because of moisture loss. I think Michelbob's does a good job with an inferior product. Their seasoning is very good but there was no smoke or real development of flavor. The sides were a disappointment too. The salad was pretty embarrassing with the "hard as a rock" croutons and shelf stable commercial salad dressing. The home made onion rings were not as good as a lot of the commercial pre-fab. onion rings that are out there. With all that being said, I still enjoyed my meal. Our server was great and I can see how this place would be fun for families. The claim "best ribs" is absurd. Having been in cooking competitions and having judged them too, I would be very surprised if the ribs I ate here were representative of any of the ribs that won awards for Michelbob's in the past.
(3)Bill B.
Great ribs. Not much else to say about the place, which is refreshing. The do one thing, they do it really well, and they don't try to do anything else or dress it up in any way other than a rib joint. I love this place for the food, the simplicity, and the people. BE WARNED THOUGH, this place likes to take vacations, and they are closed several days of the week and several months of the year. Call ahead.
(4)Timo L.
Excellent pulled pork, tangy sauce is just right. No nonsense eats in a rustic casual setting, mid-20th century art makes it feel real cozy, friendly service. Would return.
(4)Shel B.
best ribs and best chicken wings there is in Naples area, or at least from what I have tried between New York and Florida.The meat in the ribs just falls off with every bite, with the smoky flavor and juiciness from the meat itself. Portions are generous. Service could be spotty but boy, you come here for the champion ribs itself!!!!
(5)Michael M.
I had the combo #5 with half a rack and fried catfish. The sign outside said best ribs in America. Well they were good but definitely not the best! Also the portion size was I have to say pathetic. The prices were at first surprisingly low. But when I saw what I got I was very disappointed. The catfish was decent and almost big enough. The baked potato was perfect.... I could have easily eaten all the meat off the ribs in one bite! I left still hungry. My first 2 star due to portion size.
(2)Richard P.
Satisfactory only. Most definitely NOT the best ribs in America. They're stubby and on the dry side. Sauce and smoke flavor were pretty good. Had "The Feast" which is a ridiculous amount of food for a smallish price. Mom wanted take out and this fed three people with leftovers. The taste and quality were OK .. My folks liked it, but just mediocre in book. The half BBQ chicken was dry and small. The baked beans and Cole slaw were pretty good but this place really doesn't deserve more than 3 stars ever. Crackling Jacks ribs and steaks are really delicious and much better quality and better than any rib joint I've found in Naples.
(3)Genesis B.
Absolutely delicious BBQ Pulled Pork. The lunch portion was perfect size! I had pulled pork, corn on the cob, and cole slaw and added to it the tangy BBQ sauce. Everything, everything, everything was delicious, fresh, & flavorful! I would definitely come back here for more!
(5)Michael F.
Always my first stop when flying into Naples! 5 minutes from the airport and the ribs cannot be beat. Great service and great atmosphere
(5)Ken M.
For the average backyard BBQ individual you will find them to have great food and a great menu. The service was very friendly. I was a little sad that it came up as a waterfront restaurant and was only listed as that because they had a paid add. I would say the shakes are the best thing on the menu
(4)Blair C.
Came here last month while on vac in Ft Myers Beach. Everything from the ribs, 1/2 chicken, pork bbq down to the iced tea was excellent. Friendly and quick service. It was definitely worth the drive. If you're reading this, you must want bbq. Don't disappoint yourself by going somewhere else.
(4)Jennifer W.
Went here while on vacation last weekend, it was so good! The service was prompt and very attentive. We went around the usual dinner time and were seated almost immediately. I got the chicken dinner, it came with baked beans, texas toast, baked potato (can sub fries, sweet potato fries), pulled pork (which I put some on the potato, YUM), and coleslaw. The coleslaw was excellent, it reminded me of the old school coleslaw that KFC made back in the day. My husband got the rib platter, he said it was awesome. My son tried one of his ribs and kept asking for more lol. I felt that was the only downside was there weren't very many ribs to his order. The tangy sauce was so yummy, we had it with the onion rings. There onion rings, by the way are crusted with cornmeal, not the usual beer/flour batter, so it threw me off, but they were good. We would definitely come here again, but unfortunately we live three hours away, so I guess it will have to wait until we come back!
(5)Joyce C.
Michelbobs is still great. Had the "taste of" onion rings, full racks, baked beans and coleslaw at this visit and everything was fantastic. Ribs are lean and mean and don't really need extra sauce, but the spicy is terrific. Beans are super rich and tangy. And definitely get the onion rings-they're more like very crisp spicy onion strings. Playful service.
(4)Rodney T.
Very affordable and staff is the best! Found our goto place for BBQ! Will definitely recommend to others. Thanks for keeping the experience on the good old fashioned side.
(5)Mike M.
This place claims to have the best ribs in America, they're good, but not the best. Very small in size. Better than most of the ribs I've had in Florida. Service was bad. We had 4 drinks sit empty at our meal for the majority of our meal. Beans are good, coleslaw was ok, potato salad was ok. Onion rings had a good flavor but ours were slightly over done. The homemade buttermilk garlic dressing was ok, it left something to be desired. The boneless barbecue chicken breast was definitely frozen. We had an ok meal, but wouldn't come back.
(4)Kim B.
Had a nice family meal. Large table accommodated party for 7. Enjoyed pitcher of beer w frozen mugs. Onion rings out of this world. Bbq sauce award winning. Kid hot dog delicious. Excellent service.
(5)Rob W.
The best BBQ place hands down I think I have ever been to. Service is great and very casual atmosphere
(5)Renee E.
Our first experience here last night. First off it was freezing in the restaurant. Our food wasn't anything to write home about. I had the pulled pork sandwich with the bread on the side. The pork already was soaking in bbq sauce. The Cole slaw was yuk. The potato salad was passable. Hubby had the sliced beef which he said was ok. He also ordered a side of smoked sausage which he felt was less quality than Hillshire farm. His came with potato chips. For the price we paid wishing we had gone to Sonnys bbq that is far superior. We weren't impressed
(2)Helen A.
Delicious! Fall off the bone ribs! Sauces are decent and I highly recommend the onion rings and slaw. Nice server, I wasn't starving, server recommended sharing with my friend and it was a perfect portion and cheaper, I will be back!
(5)Alan M.
So I was visiting Naples for the 4th of July and bought a Groupon to this place. There were 4 of us so we decided to order the Beast platter. When the server brought it to the table I was just dumbfounded. For sure it was a lot of food, but what kind of BBQ place serves sliced roast beef and not beef brisket? The beef was disgusting, the sliced pork was thin and dry, and the chicken was just ok. The only stand out on the platter was the baby back ribs and the fries! Do yourself a favor and just stick to the ribs and avoid everything else!
(2)Linda M.
Fun place, great for the whole family. Good ribs, loved the pulled pork. Great sides especially the onion rings! Great service and very reasonable prices! Will be back next trip to Naples.
(4)Heather G.
We were skeptical because of some bad reviews. But I think the food is really good. The ribs are great not best I ever had but they are good. Coleslaw and baked beans are really good too! Very casual place. The grilled chicken seemed like it was cheap meat and was frozen. I will get all ribs next time.
(4)Bill F.
Ribs are great. Portions are great. Prices are great. BBQ sauces are great. Have been coming here since 2004 off and on. Hasn't changed and doesn't have to.
(4)Thomas C.
I was skeptical about this place being a good BBQ joint when I first looked at the menu online...I wasn't too far off. While the service and the food was good, it wasn't all that it claimed to be. The onion rings were great, the ribs were ok, and the sides were alright. The pulled pork was a miss, and I'm not sure it could even be considered bbq. It seemed to be steamed or boiled instead of smoked like traditional pulled pork, which was disappointing. The ribs are worth a try, but if you've had real bbq then don't set your hopes too high.
(3)Bob W.
For the first time, I was very disappointed with the meal at Michelbob's. We arrived a little after seven on a Saturday night and I think they were serving the last of the day's ribs that had been on a hot plate for hours. The ribs were dry and almost tasteless. The beans were tasty, but had large chunks of gristle in them and I was served the smallest martini I have ever seen. Service was the usual friendly casual style, but the meal was NOT up to our expectations from previous visits. Will be a while before we return! Bob Wills March 14, 2015
(2)Ken A.
Greatness!!!!! I live in Texas and this place has the best ribs. Whenever we are in Naples it is must to visit this place. The ribs are so good that I consistently order ribs thru the mail. Just typing this review and my mouth is watering. This place is greatness.
(5)Chef N.
Great ribs!!! The service is excellent. Friendly, fast, professional. The ribs come with a special sauce. Excellent. Tender and plenty to eat. These are really, really good. The BBQ sandwiches are stacked high with meat. Exceptional value for the $$$. They taste great. Three BBQ sauces to choose from on the table. Each is GREAT!!!! Note: They only serve sliced beef, not pulled. We can't recommend their steaks as though they really taste good - really good - they are a little tough. They are a little expensive, but worth it, if ribs and BBQ are what you desire. Highly recommended.
(5)Kimberly L.
What a great rib dinner! We started with the onion rings and the 20-piece size was definitely enough for 4 people. For my entree I got the full rack of ribs with cole slaw and a salad. The portion was pretty big but I managed to clear my plate, no problem : ) The table had 2 different BBQ sauces to chose from one was a big tangy and one was sweeter. The inside is very casual but fun. Our waitress was very accommodating and constantly checking in with us to see how we were doing. I would definitely recommend this place for good ribs if you are in the area!
(4)Craig B.
best baby back ribs, don't even consider anything else. couple beers, onion rings & protein plate of ribs & salad is my usual.
(5)Ed L.
Outstanding ribs.. Best in Naples.. Maybe ribs best ever had.. Prices reasonable.. Casual dress.. Atmosphere casual
(5)Donnz s.
All I'm talking about is ribs. I tried there best baby back ribs a full rack. They were small, dry, fatty, and very Disapointed. If this is floridas best then they don't no what good ribs are. Never going back. Famous daves ribs are better. Try St. Louis you will thank me. But that's about the best you will get in these parts.
(1)Lora L.
Had the slices beef and 1/2 ribs, was expecting more of a beef brisket but was more like rare shaved roast beef but was delicious. I'm pretty picky having to pull off fat and grizzle and don't have to do that at all. Great service.
(4)susan c.
It had been several year that I had eaten at Michelbobs and three of us decided to get our lunch there today. All I can say is that our lunches ended in the garbage can - they were horrible. The chicken sandwich was a frozen piece of fast food crap that was not even cooked thru - thrown on a bun with barbeque sauce and then served. I would never recommend this place to anyone again!
(1)Jamie R.
This is the long-lived grand-daddy of rib joints in Naples. Lunch selections are always favorites , with the kitchen putting together not just one, but several choices each day. There are several sauces on the table as staples, like pepper and salt - a patron has his choice of flavoring from smokey to sweet. Ribs are fall of the bone fabulous. Wall hangings remind the visitor that southwest Florida once was and is still a fisherman's paradise. There are trophy photographs on the wall, and a metal plaque sporting a phone number for a fish camp and guide up North.
(5)Gloria S.
This place is to the point. You order from a simple BBQ menu, get it in a flash. Not much frills here. Lots of seasonings on the table, hard picnic like benches to sit and eat, great for a night out with the boys or family. Happy hour is short: 3-4:30pm. Lots of sides for a vegetarian: corn on cob, baked potato, cole slaw, garlic bread, BUT beware!!!! The beans are very tasty because they use meat to season them! I had a bite and found a string of pork attached.... ewh. The sides were $3 each, kinda high, I ordered 2 and my meal was already $6. :( Staff friendly and down to earth. Kind of sad that years ago it was waiting room only to get in. Now Naples had so many choices, we walked right in on a Friday night. Location is directly across from the Humane Society, and close to Naples Airport. TIP: They also usually closed during the summer months. I wouldn't return alone but since I want to stay happily married, I may have to.
(3)Lissete D.
Driving by on our way home from a relaxing weekend at the beach, we drive by this place with huge letters proclaiming "Best Ribs in America". We love us some baby backs, so I did a quick search on Yelp then we U-turned back to put those babies to the test. I think we got there around 2:00 PM or so and probably missed the lunch crowd because the place was empty. The menu offers a nice selection of items and combos. The price point is reasonable as well. If you want to try the Sloppy Joe, get there for breakfast as they were out of it by 2. Our server was friendly and efficient. So what about the food? Everything was very good. I had the half rack and catfish combo and my husband had the pork sammie on garlic toast. The ribs were tender and tasty. Not as meaty as Flanigan's but good nonetheless. Especially for the price. My meal included fries, yummy coleslaw and a big slice of garlic toast. My husband loved his sandwich! For about $20 plus tip we had a very enjoyable lunch. We will definitely return!
(4)Kendra L.
This place is very cute and the food is delicious! My party of 5 couldn't stop talking about how good it was. A few of us got the pulled pork sandwich and it was amazing! The only complaint I have is our waitress was the worst we had on our whole trip. Actually the worst I've had in a real long time. We had to sit there without anyone talking to us for a while and then we told her later on our bills would be separate and she said with an attitude "you should have told me sooner, it would have been easier." No one likes a mean waitress :| but the food was so good I would go back!
(4)Bil D.
Hands down best ribs in the country! I've been going to Naples for the last 30 years and there is not a chance in the world that I would ever leave Naples without going to michelbob's at least once.
(5)Francis V.
Please, just go and enjoy awesome ribs and sauces. The onion rings are addictive. A naples classic on the national map of BBQ eateries.
(4)Sarah H.
I've been coming here since the 80's when I was a kid. My grandma always got a pulled pork sandwich and a beer, they have the best pulled pork and ribs! Love love love Michelbob's!
(5)Clinton A.
Food was really good and you got a lot for what you paid for. We will be sure to eat there again when we are back in town!
(5)David Z.
I don't think I'd confuse this place with the places in Memphis but for South Florida it is the best I've had for BBQ. Overall it offers good food at a reasonable price-the value is great here, the food pretty darn good and very consistent. Yeah, I dig it! I dig value and this place offers that in abundance.
(4)Zach M.
I know it's not the best. I know it has lots of flaws. The description I tend to give to other people is that it's bbq for people who haven't had good bbq. The actual restaurant has probably seen better days. It's very 90's at this point and the lines aren't what they once were. But it's reliable. A little dirty. And it appeals to some nostalgic memories. Get the onion rings. Get the ribs. Enjoy it for what it is.
(3)Paul K.
Be warned this is a popular place. The wait can be up to 45 mins or longer. It was a beautiful night so heck I sat outside and people watched and read my email while I waited. As Florida BBQ goes this is a bench mark place. They have a fine sauce and the ribs, pork, beef, and chicken is all smoked very nice. For starters we had the mother lode size of onion rings. These will take care of 4 hungry adults. The cost was $10. On the taste scale I would rate them average. For my main course I had the baby back ribs. They are served dry with sauce on the side. I used the less sweet sauce which was a vinegar base. I loved it. My side order was cole slaw which was ok my guess it was not homemade.
(4)Rick H.
This place never lets you down ! The ribs are always delicious and the onion rings are the best.
(5)Tiffany G.
What makes me drive almost 3 hours north for food? MICHELBOB'S! My family and I discovered this gem while heading home from Sanibel Island. The place is rustic, with old style gas pumps and coke machines & the staff inside is lovely. They bring you your drinks in a cup the size of your head that is yours to keep. Shortly after, I dove head first into my order of the full rack of ribs with the fries, beans, coleslaw & texas toast. OH MY LORD. The gates of BBQ heaven opened and I was in paradise. Not one person in our table of 16 spoke while we devoured every bit on food on our plates. I felt like I was on an episode of Man VS Food. The ribs are tender and fall off the bone delicious & even though they come smothered in bbq sauce, you have your options to the side of sweet or spicy sauces and they are both great. I love their fries, always fresh and that texas toast...yum. I'm not a huge bean fan, but these are sooooo good. My friend had the chicken platter and he said it was delicious as well. We ended with a chocolate dessert which was fab and headed back to Miami with our tummies full and satisfied. I've driven up with friends about 3 times and with my family 4 times and this place never fails us. So worth the trip! Plus, the Outlets are 20 min away so you can shop then refuel with ribs! Oh ! & they deliver...yes deliver. Cue the gates of bbq heaven to open and angels sing.
(5)Jane C.
Highly enjoyed this lunch, the pork on our sandwiches was very moist! And their sauce was awesome! Prices very reasonable . We will definitely be back !!!
(5)Kim W.
After reading the name and the reviews, you come for one thing, the Ribs. They are fall of the bone and perfectly doused in just the right amount of sauce, plus you get your choice of sweet or tangy on the table too if you want more. Price is about what you expect and the "platters" are huge with lots of sides. The service was lightning fast and very friendly!
(5)Lora S.
This place is amazing!!! BBQ at its best. Coming down from the north we truly appreciate this place.
(5)Matt G.
Seriously? Anyone giving this place 4 or 5 stars either has really messed up taste buds, or has just never been to a *good* BBQ place before. Seriously, go to the real "south" and have some BBQ, then come back to this place and try it again. We just came from having dinner at Michelbob's and had what I imagine to be pretty much the most disappointing "BBQ" one could ever be subjected to. It started by sitting down and trying to order sweet tea, at which point we were told "we don't have sweet tea, just regular." WTF. What kind of reputable BBQ place doesn't have SWEET TEA? This really should have the first sign to just turn and walk away. I ordered a ribs and pork platter, and my girlfriend ordered a chicken breast dinner. The ribs were dry and lacking flavor (certainly not "fall off the bone" as the menu described), and the pork was lacking flavor altogether. No moisture, no sauce, no nothing. My girlfriend was served chicken that looked like pre-sliced filets that you would buy at the frozen foods section at Publix, slathered with cheap BBQ sauce and waaaaaaay over-salted (in fact, all you could really taste was salt). The sides were nothing to write home about; *nothing* was anything to write home about. And for anyone who think maybe I just went on an off night, this is actually me giving them a second chance after a similarly bad meal several years ago. Seriously -- Famous Daves, a *chain* BBQ place up the street in Fort Myers, is so far and away better than Michelbob's, it's ridiculous; and I'm a person who typically tries to stay away from chains in favor of local fare. (and no, I do not work for Famous Daves or represent them in any way -- I'm just some dude) I wonder how much Michelbob's is paying Naples Daily News to call them the "#1 Restaurant in Southwest Florida." If they're not, I guess NDN doesn't know good BBQ either.
(1)Cindy P.
The baby backs had a nice smoky flavor and were not overloaded with bbq sauce. Generous servings and reasonable prices. Our server, Joanna was wonderful.
(3)Mark K.
Mouth orgasm!!! Go early because it gets packed quickly and people don't mind waiting 1.5hrs for ribs!!!?? Go figure...it's because they are THAT GOOD!
(5)Kevin G.
I usually get takeout. Growing up in Naples, Michelbob's has been a fixture at the same location for as long as I can remember. All of the meats are good, but sometimes tend to be on the dry side. I do love the baked beans and potatoes are always great. The service is dependable and friendly. With the takeout, I have never waited longer than ten minutes no matter the size of the order. Be advised, they are not open year round. They sometimes close up for weeks at a clip. Also, they have daily specials listed on their streetside sign. The decor feels like an episode of American Pickers, and hasn't changed in decades, which I appreciate, being a native. Thanks, Michelbob's for staying true to your heritage.
(4)Albie F.
We were looking for one place and only one place to eat dinner in Naples and thank goodness we found Michelbob's Ribs Restaurant. Get the baby back ribs and you won't be disappointed. Order a full rack of ribs, order a 1/2 rack of ribs & 1/4 chicken combo, or order two full racks of baby back ribs. Whatever you do, make sure you get some those tender, imported from Denmark ribs that literally fall off the bone. If you're not into putting a lot of sauce on your ribs, that's ok, just eat it as it is served. If you want a little more BBQ sauce flavor, they have some wonderful sweet & tangy sauces right at your table at your disposal. On another note, don't leave without getting an order of the onion rings. One order will do to not miss out on these homemade onion rings that have just a little bit of spices integrated in the batter to give it a little extra. Just like the ribs, you won't regret getting these. Best of all, if you go (accidentally or not) during happy hour, you can get the onion rings for a couple bucks cheaper. By far the best ribs I had on my 9 day trip around southern Florida (I had 3 places to compare)!
(5)Eddie R.
Ribs are awesome. Must do. Ordered the Feast for2 & fed 4.
(4)Clay P.
Good service and friendly folks but i didn't think the food was anything special. Not much on the plate & plenty on the check. BBQ Chix, baby backs, slaw, beans, T -toast were avg at best. Couldn't care less what's on the walls - place was busy and comfortable but don't think a coke sign or fishing pic ever made a meal better. Some like it some love it - I didn't .
(2)Collin D.
Came in for a rib dinner for 4 adults. The interior is rustic with photographs and Coke memorabilia strewn throughout. Ordered a 2 rack dinner for the table. We are not heavy eaters and 2 racks for 4 adults was just enough. The sides were too small and we needed to order an extra side of garlic bread and beans. Overall the dinner was quite good. The ribs were tender and flavorful. The BBQ beans were hearty and tangy. The coleslaw was very similar to KFC's coleslaw, good, but nothing special. We tried their peanut butter and key lime pies after dinner. The key lime had an overpowering sugar taste, you could almost crunch the sugar granules. The peanut butter pie was quite good. Chocolate crust with drizzled chocolate and caramel. Food: great Service: average Ambiance: good Value: average I would return to Michelbob's for dinner again.
(4)Erik A.
The best ribs I have found to date. The place is reasonable in price and consistent in the meal every time. I have been eating here for almost 20 years and don;t miss the opportunity when in town!
(5)Debbi D.
Always a pleasure to eat here with family when visiting Naples. Best ribs and baked beans around. Large portions!
(4)Ashley M.
We heard about this restaurant from a friend, and since we were going to the Naples area, we decided to see for ourselves what all the reveiws were about. We rushed to this restaurant on a Saturday night (being from Miami, we are used to eating around 10-11PM) because they close at 9.00 PM. I was worried when we arrived at 08.30 PM if the experience would be different because we came so close to closing, but the hostess was very friendly and showed us to a table right away. If you're from Miami, there is a restaurant called Shorty's which has almost exactly the same ambience as Michelbob's: southern charm, picnic tables, lots of wood accents. While the service was just adequate, the food is what really stood out. We have never had ribs that were so tender, all we used was a fork to eat them (yes, we eat ribs with forks, lol. I have a phobia of food all over my fingers...) and the meat just fell off the bone. The baked beans weren't very good, with too much BBQ sauce in them, and the garlic bread was overcooked (too hard to bite into), but the ribs completely made up for all of those things. I think we would definitely return to Michelbob's, but to take some ribs to go without any sides. The prices were decent, about $19 for a rack. If you can get around their very limited hours (M-F 11AM-9PM, Sat 4PM-9PM, Sun CLOSED), this is a great place for ribs when in Naples!
(4)Rick W.
Superb, as always. Tonight I enjoyed 1/2 rack of baby backs with sliced smoked beef and fries and, for good measure, shared some spicy, crispy onion rings with the table. This place has won so many regional and national cook-offs -- both in the US and Canada -- that you can't not put this gem on the restaurant rota while staying in the Naples area.
(4)Leanna E.
This is a no frills, fast service,and get down to business place to eat. My husband had the ribs and said they were great. I had the chicken and it tasted like something I would get in a lean cuisine with really good bbq sauce on it, served with great coleslaw and a baked potato. My baked potato was served wrapped in aluminum foil, piping hot, and cooked all the way through with sour cream and butter packets. Our server greeted us right away and he was very friendly and attentive. The prices were more than reasonable. This is a great place if you want a satisfying meal, you don't care about impressing anyone, you're not watching calories, and you want ribs. I only gave 4 stars because of how all the meals feel mass produced versus with love and care and my husband said the ribs were "very good," not excellent. He felt there could be more meat on the bones and my chicken was not very appetizing (see above).
(4)Ben C.
Some of the best ribs and BBQ around South Florida. There is a reason that as a college student, we would fly from Daytona Beach to Naples just to get the ribs! The ribs are fall off the bone tender and the sliced beef and pork are excellent, but the real star is sauce. When they sell it by the gallon, you know there on to something! Spicy and smokey, or sweet and rich, you can't go wrong. Try the feast to get some of everything, but be sure to have some friends along to help finish it with you.
(5)Adam F.
Where's the meat? Staff was great...and the place is really clean, but the food is average at best...I had the ribs and was not impressed..the onion rings had zero flavor, so I say go if you want to pay $20.00 for some average ribs...sorry I will not be returning.
(3)Tu-van L.
Casual, laid back restaurant with solid barbecue at great prices. At $6.95 for the lunch size sliced pork platter, you get a pile of perfectly smoky goodness sandwiched between two perfectly garlicky buttery slices of Texas toast accompanied with sweet-as-candy baked beans and perfectly-fried French fries. I love garlic Texas toast, and I love barbecue pork, so this made for the perfect lunch. I cleared my entire plate, which was a larger portion than what I should clear in one sitting. If you're in this part of town with an inkling for barbecue, stop here.
(4)Stephen B.
Great takeout for a family vacation to Naples. Very quick drive from the beach. Can't wait to take the family in person on our next visit. The ribs are outstanding. Wish we had ordered more. We wanted to try a bit of everything so we got The Feast, which at $45 is an awesome amount of food. Plenty for a family of 3-4, although I assure you that you'll want extra ribs. My wife and I were surprised by the amount of sliced beef and pork they add. These made good left-overs but were not the highlight. Chicken was also good, but here it is all about the ribs.
(5)Kai L.
It's just how they say: "Best Ribs in Town!"
(5)Ken P.
EPIC FAIL!!! The owner of this scam should be ashamed. The cooks ought to be run out of town on a rail. I cannot imagine they were not embarrassed to send out such pathetic food on a platter. I can honestly say that I have never had such tasteless and cooked to death dry ribs and sides in my life. Absolutely nothing except the bottled beer and sodas were adequate. Even the waitress who was pleasant seemed to realize the problem when I gave her the gratuity for her efforts and asked her not to share with the cook staff who were utterly undeserving. We will never ever return to this weak excuse for a dive. I'd rather eat freeze dried rations without water than eat here again. Just pathetic.
(1)Chris C.
With a sign on the outside of your establishment that boasts the best ribs in the country, you better be prepared to deliver. Now don't get me wrong, the ribs were pretty good. But they weren't fall of the bone tender like some of the reviews in here have stated. It took some effort to peel the meat from the bone and in some cases the meat was actually sticking to the bone. Maybe I just got an overcooked batch? However, those onion rings are hands down the best onion rings I've had. I don't know what they put in the seasoning, but I couldn't stop myself. I was actually putting down the ribs to go back for more onion rings. Delicious. If you're looking for good ribs in Naples, this place is pretty good. But there are better rib places in the same city, let alone the country.
(3)Brian D.
Had the #1...good stuff, chicken and baby back ribs. Really good choice of sauces. Quick service, basic and very polite. You should check it out when in Naples.
(4)Phil M.
Michelbobs is pretty good bbq. The ribs are ok, but I think Rib City has much better ribs. The double burger for $7 is a good deal at Michelbob's but every single time I order it medium rare I get 1 burger medium rare and the other well done. Not sure why its so hard to make them both the same. The onion rings are really good and they have a good selection of barbecue sauces. To me Michelbob's is more of a tourist stop. The run some decent out of season specials for pickups that are priced right.
(3)Ed V.
Delicious ribs! ... The racks are on the small side but tasty. The place is clean and well run and the service is good. As others have noted the butter and sour cream are packaged but that is likely for convenience and doesnt take anything away from the ribs. Cant go wrong here.
(5)Michael S.
Great food and service! The ribs were tender and fell right off the bone. The baked beans were some of the best I have ever tasted. Price is right and blows Rib City right out of the water....
(4)Darryl J.
Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer real butter with my baked potato, not a packet of "Fresh Buttery Taste® Spread" comprised of 44% vegetable oil, water, soybean oil, and just 4% sweet cream butter. Nor do I find sour cream served in a sealed (ice cold) packet resembling the consistency of a tube of toothpaste very appetizing. But hey, I'm not here for the baked potato. My garden salad arrived with two marble-sized cherry tomatoes, a few onions, and a pile of semi-stale croutons (from a box) over iceberg lettuce. Oh well. But hey, I'm not here for the salad. The baby back ribs (full rack) were very good but on the small side and a little dry. I guess it was just the luck of the draw because everyone else's ribs at my table looked noticeably larger and covered with more finishing sauce. The ribs were nothing special. I've had much better.
(2)Patrick G.
Good food. Great people. Stop reading the review and go eat.
(4)Raquel D.
I'd like to thank all of the Yelpers who gave this place a good rating. We were driving around, practically like vultures (yes, driving vultures), looking for food after doing some sightseeing. After checking Yelp, we found Michelbob's Ribs, read a few reviews, and decided to give it a go. No regrets! First off, as soon as we're seated, the waitress gives us each $1. What the what?! Apparently the have an incentive program: show up before 11:30am, get $1 each. Uuuuuuummmm.... AWESOME. Hey-o! The staff was extremely friendly. Service was fantastic. Thumbs up, yo. Someone mentioned it being similar to Shorty's in Miami... I actually think it was better! Everything was delicious. Cole slaw was perfect, not too sloppy/wet like other places I've been to. Fries were pleasantly salty.... really tasty with the two sauces that were on the table (tangy and sweet bbq). I had the bbq chicken on garlic toast (oh-so-good), while the other people I was with had the sliced pork sandwich and also loved it. Perfect portions for a satisfying amount of tummy stuffage. Excellent prices. My one complaint, and I can't even blame it on them, so it's not even specifically about this awesome establishment: the fountain soda and the tea had a... 'distinct' flavor to them. We had water from a water fountain at the pier earlier and realized that it tasted really different from Miami water.... so we assume that Naples water just has a different taste to it. Unfortunately, that means it'll affect all the other beverages that use it. OTHER THAN THAT (again, it isn't even the restaurant's fault), Michelbob's was so good. Will definitely try the ribs whenever I find myself in Naples again!
(5)Shannon T.
Visiting Naples for vacation and family in mood for BBQ. Found Michelbobs on yelp. Great food and great service. More than a small hole-in-the-wall bbq place. Nice family-friendly setting. I really love they let you split your orders and waitress helped us choosing items vs price. Love that! Family ordered 2 racks and split and added a side. Perfect. Just a side note, they do not have pulled pork, just sliced, which was moist and yummy. Beer was ice cold!! Thank you!
(5)Tony R.
Best Ribs...anywhere! Very basic... Very,Very good!!
(5)Lauren L.
Pretty good ribs a country atmosphere. They feed their pigs tulips apparently, don't know if that is good for them or makes them taste better. One of the sauces, tangy I think is pretty good. Personally, I prefer La Casita's ribs (located on Marco Island). Yes it is about a half hours drive from Naples, but if you are in the area you might as well, these will be worth the drive. While La Casita does not boast to be the best ribs in America, they just might be!
(4)Jason D.
Everyone is a critic when it comes to BBQ and Ribs. Often the style of BBQ will depend on what section of the country that the critic is from. I like Memphis, St. Louis, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Carolina styles. But no matter the style, the service is always judged the same. The ribs were good but they were a little dry. I just wished the waitress would of came by at least once and asked how we were doing and if we wanted more to drink. At 2pm, a lone waitress should not be handling ten tables. That still didn't excuse her for not checking on us at least once during the meal.
(3)Travis M.
ribs are OK, i feel like this place was probably great long ago
(2)JW U.
Got Rib's? Roll up your sleves and dig in to these mouth watering, fall-off the bone ribs. This place will flip a vegan into a meat-a-terian - no doubt. I ordered the onion rings for the first - they were greasy and dripping oil and dam good! Pick your choice of 3 sauces - try'em all, I did. At first I was afraid if the oil slick and after a few dips - I became a fan. All in - one of the best rib joints in the south (and they also have chicken and other stuff). Great place for groups or Kids. The place is fun and always croweded. Try it and you'll like it. Ya all come back now - ya hear.
(4)Nicole C.
Oh Michelbob's, how I lust for you. How I wish you were located in New York City so I could pig out on your dreamy ribs more often. I've been coming to Naples to visit the grandparents forever, and every time we come our first and most important request is to pay Michelbob's a long overdue visit. Best onion rings I have ever had in my life. They are crunchy and spicy and super addictive. I got the combo that came with smoked pork and a half rack of ribs. You also get cole slaw (YUM!), baked beans (YUM!) and a baked potato (or fries). The baked potato paired with the sour cream and the seasoning powder thingy that is provided at every table is fantastical, and when paired with some of that deliciously tender smoked pork which is paired with the tangy barbecue sauce makes it even freaking better. And the ribs? My goodness what is their secret? They just fall off the bone they are so good. Michelbob's speaks to my inner caveman/cannibal. And how cool are the big plastic cups you get when ordering soft drinks? I definitely brought that sucker home with me to New York as an awesomely awesome souvenir. And PS, we got here early at around 5:30PM and didn't have to wait for a table. Anytime after 6:00PM and you're gonna have to wait. But trust me, it's totally worth it. OH, and apparently they FedEx ribs to anywhere in the country. How cool is that? 5 stars baby! Oh YEAH!
(5)Jay S.
I don't know... We had a great meal here and there's no denying the ribs were (very) good, but I'm not sure that they are "the best ribs I've ever had" - I think I reserve that sentiment for the Texas salt&pepper beef ribs at Blue Smoke in (gulp, "Yankee country"!) NYC. I was disapointed to see beef ribs aren't even on the menu here... Same goes for the onion rings, very nice, no complaints, but "the best in America"? Come on Yelpers, I really don't think so. In short, if you're in Naples, and you like meat, go to Michelbob's. You'll like it a lot. You might even love it. You will almost certainly wait 20 minutes to get in and have the chance to get in and decide which it is... But let's call a spade a spade. This is a great rib shack, with a great atmosphere, long lines and mediocre service. And let's save the "best ever!" reviews for the restaurants that truly deserve it.
(4)Greer R.
I love me some Michelbob's. While I'm not as a big a barbecue fan as a Floridian should be, whenever I'm in the Fort Myers/Naples area, I make a point to get some ribs here. Michelbob's makes a big deal about their imported meat and their ability to ship almost anywhere, but the important thing is that their ribs (and other meats) are simply excellent. The sides are nothing to sneeze at, either. A lot of people rave about the onion rings, but I'd rate them as a mere above-average. Pairing so well with the barbecue, I think, makes people overappreciate them. That said, all the sides are solid. The shop is a lot of fun to sit around, with its dual Coca-Cola and Canadian back-country fishing themes. Michelbob's is a deserving Southwest Florida institution and definitely worth a stop. A word of caution, however: the restaurant does have seasonal hours, so if you're unfamiliar with them, call ahead of time to make sure they're open.
(4)Don C.
After reading all the reviews, and being a northerner who is a BBQ fanatic, I had to stop here for some ribs. My short take was that I was in strong like, but not in love. Onion Rings Sweet Jesus. You have to get these. I don't like onion rings, they are usually too heavy or too thick a cut of the onion. Make sure you get the largest size, they are perfect. Ribs The ribs are pretty amazing. I would say they are some of the best ribs I have had. Definitely in the top 5. The meat was tender, not fatty or sinewy, pretty perfect. Sauces Some of the best sauces I have had. Very well done. Other Meat options We got everything but the chicken as an option between us. The "sliced pork" and "sliced beef" were ok. I asked our waitress if we were going to get pulled pork and brisket, she claimed yes, but in reality I don't believe her. Essentially imagine a pork shoulder being slow roasted then deli cut. Stick with the ribs. I was disappointed I was hoping for some good brisket or pulled pork.. Sides We just had the fries, cole slaw, and beans. Again, nothing really to see here.. everything was fair to middlin. Desert You must order the key lime pie. It was pretty fantastic. Service Our server was fine. Drinks Good drink deals, given this is retirement town. So, can't go wrong there..
(4)Mike D.
This is going to be difficult. They are the sole proprietors of the best ribs in the universe. I have NEVER had better ribs in my life. It was a life changing experience. The onion rings are also out of this world. There are so many different sauces to chose from and one is better than the next. I love to eat here when i visit from Boston. It is a must if you LOVE ribs. The animals that the ribs come from re tulip fed in Denmark Come on now How can you beat that!!!
(5)Tanny A.
Stick with ribs... The meet is cooked to perfection and the sauces are good
(5)Paul W.
Great for kids, if they like ribs. Family pack (4 ribs, beans, slaw, garlic toast) fed 4.5 guys on a 'guy week' successfully.
(4)Dayna O.
Good bbq. Nice atmosphere. Good location.
(4)Scott M.
Talk about a tourist trap! This place is way overrated in my opinion. If your visiting or staying near down town Naples and ask your hotel or friends where to eat good bbq 99.9% of them are going to say Michelbob's WRONG!! Brown Bag and Porkey's bbq blow this place out of the water. I've been dragged here acouple of times in my life and the experience was not good. Ordered the ribs which were on the dry side, but I'll give them credit they had some good bbq sauce (which is hard to screw up). I just lathered it on inorder to get the bad taste out of my mouth. Sides were small. Lol dont even bother ordering a Pepsi because throughout the entire place there's Coke signs everywhere. I knew this and asked to waitress anyways for a Pepsi and she gave me a nasty sligh remark. Which I thought was hilarious. Oh, and be sure either to rob a bank or hit the lottery before coming here cause it's a tad-bit on the pricey side.
(2)Jeff G.
Yes very good ribs. Also don't overlook the smoked sliced beef, melts in your mouth - craving it right know. Great atmosphere .
(4)joel s.
when this restaurant is on it's game, very few restaurants make ribs better. the meat falls off the bone and the ribs are usually cooked to perfection. one does not even need to add additional sauce. although this is not a place to sit and dine, the service is consistently good. for the most part, the ribs are as well.
(4)Erin D.
I love their BBQ pork ribs! The meat is usually tender and moist. The BBQ sauces are made in-house and are wonderfully flavorful. The ribs come with baked beans, coleslaw, garlic bread, and a choice of potato. They seem to often run out of baked potatoes at lunch, so get here early if you want one. They also have a very good pulled pork sandwich, which is pretty cheap. The ribs are expensive, so if you don't feel like paying close to $20 for a rack of ribs at dinner I recommend arriving early to take advantage of their early bird menu or coming for lunch instead. As for the atmosphere, it doesn't have much. Think picnic tables, TVs playing fishing shows, and lots of old paraphernalia. But as long as you come here for the ribs and not the atmosphere, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Cristina S.
Wooooooo ribs. Best Ribs in America wooooooo. Best sauce in the WORLD woooooo. Literally, can't get enough of Michelbob's ribs. It's a definite must for any serious rib person. Eat in the restaurant in Naples (they only have take-out in Marco Island) & have a family feast which comes with 2 1/2 slabs of ribs, smoked roast beef, smoked pork, chicken, corn on the cob, fries, cole slaw & baked potato - whew. It really serves about 3 people but order more ribs because that's all you'll want to eat. The restaurant has a great, fast waitstaff & they thrive off their claim to fame. They are as nice to you & your party of 3 as they are to the baseball team party of 20. Their sauces, (at each table) can be taken home & the ribs are so good you can ship them home by the truckload to enjoy them whenever you want. Hands down... my favorite rib place ever...
(5)Nick R.
Great ribs, beans and cole slaw. The garlic toast, however, was akin to the store-bought loaf in the Publix frozen section. I'll go here again when I'm in town.
(4)Divya R.
The ribs were cooked perfectly but the taste was lacking. Don't get the smoked beef no taste at all
(3)Samantha S.
I had their food at an event they catered. Compared to other BBQ restaurants or caterers (locally owned and chains) I wasn't impressed. Meat was dry and the sauce wasn't that tasty.
(2)Atom M.
They have won national championships for their ribs. Get a special they are the best deal. They are always packed though and close sometimes off-season so call first.
(5)Eric S.
this is my 3rd time there... I really like this place, service is hit or miss. Food quality is consistently good. The sauce is great, the baby back ribs are great. Next time we are going to get the family sampler!
(4)John H.
hype. its all hype. 30 minute wait for a table on a wednesday night, was PUMPED to get in and eat after all the reviews here. sure there are a lot of newspaper articles on the walls with praises. sure they offer take home cups with drinks. onion rings bragged up. mediocre. ribs bragged up. they were very tender. but again mediocre on the taste. the dry rub offered at the table....not very tasty....bbq sauces....not very tasty. other than the ribs being very tender they were not that tasty overall. the fries were crisp. the coleslaw was good. the beans.....eh. and the beans are the true TEST of a bbq joints overall scrumptiousness. other than the advertisements at EVERY possible place for their fishing lodge and storage units being "tacky" the decor is typical bbq, and the staff was friendly, but i don't think i would wait again for a seat here. i think there is a bbq over on collier blvd i'll try next time.
(2)Tamara S.
We grabbed 3 racks a la carte and a pint of coleslaw for dinner - we had baked beans & mashed potatoes at the house, and voila, dinner for 4. The ribs are fantastic - fall off the bone, meaty, cooked for 6 hours kinda ribs. They have sweet sauce and tangy sauce, and we mixed them up. Smoky and delicious. The coleslaw was good - creamy, not vinegary, but not drowning in dressing.
(4)lAy O.
It was ribs. The meat quality wasn't amazing and the sauce was good. The first night we walked in at 8 and there kitchen closes at 8 so they kicked us out. The second night the waitress barely looked at us and seemed bothered.
(3)