Restaurant Review Round-Up: Charlotte's Rib BBQ

It's hard to go wrong with barbeque, but it can be in a class of its own when its done right. To get the verdict on what's happening with the art of grilling in Ballwin and Ellisville, the Restaruant Review Round-Up is lifting the lid on Charlotte's Rib BBQ this week. 

Originally established in Kirkwood in 1978, they packed up shop a year later and opened in Ballwin in 1979. The family-owned restaurant's co-founder, Herb Schwartz, won the grand prize at the American Royal Barbeque Cook-Off in 1981 for his expertly smoked pork and trademark sauce, according to the company's website. 

The following reviews collected by Patch are a representative sample aimed at giving you a flavor of what local residents are saying about Charlotte's Rib BBQ. You can add a review of your own right here on Patch.    

Reviewers here on the Ballwin-Ellisville Patch seem fiercely proud of the local joint, but the best barbeque is a hotly contested subject in the St. Louis area. What's your verdict? 

From Patch:

Brian Klugesherz gave it 5/5 stars and said: "This place is the best around ive tried all the others but it is not like id go back to them. Charolettes Rib or NOTHING!"

A user simply known as "F" gave it 5/5 stars and said: "By far best BBQ in STL. I love there Ribs very meaty and moist and tender. The french fries are addictive. I have never had a bad meal and have eaten there for years They make everything from scratch so you know your getting healthy fresh food. The sauce is amazing I love the 'Spicy Southern' I buy it at Dierbergs market.. If you want great st. louis bbq you have to try Charlottes Rib BBQ."

From Yelp:

Jamie C. gave it 3/5 stars and said: "Hard to find and just average food.  The ham looked like it was right out of the deli pack and lightly grilled.  We had the combo sampler.  Liked the brisket and the ribs were just ok.  Sauce is on the sweet side but tasted good with the fries.  With many choices in the area, not sure we will be back."

A.S. gave it 5/5 stars and said: "LOVE their BBQ. Anytime I have guests from out of town, the first stop to experience authentic and delicious BBQ is Charlottes Ribs. If you can make it in for their Thursday special of burnt ends, its a treat!"

From Urban Spoon:

Off Yonder liked it and said: "I just had the 1/3 rack (4 ribs) a la cart and it was great. The ribs are pretty big, so I ordered just right for a lunch meeting. Nice and messy as it should be. No handy wipes offered, which was fine to minimize waste and I just went to the bathroom to wash my hands. Good stuff."