The Hill Family Credit: Douglas Trattner
In March, we revealed plans by the Cleveland Heights-based Rib Cage Smokehouse (2214 Lee Rd., 216-321-RIBS) to expand to Ohio City. Today we learned that opening day will be Wednesday, May 23.

Since 2012, the Rib Cage in the Cedar-Lee District has been dishing up Southern-styled barbecue that is smoked on site in a custom-built brick pit. Owner Robert Hill, along with sons Robert, Ronnell and Brandon, has built up a loyal following for his restaurant’s slow-smoked brisket, ribs and chicken, all of which is served up in a relaxed saloon setting.

Credit: Rob Hill
That’s the plan going forward in Ohio City as well, says Hill, who quickly turned around the Orale Contemporary Mexican space (1834 West 25th St.) into warm and woodsy saloon.

In addition to smoked meat dinners built around brisket, half chickens, turkey ribs, spare ribs, baby back ribs, pulled pork and chicken wings, there are a variety of sandwiches. A range of sauces includes Carolina mustard-vinegar, spicy bbq, Jamaican jerk and sweet Thai chili. The Rib Cage also prepares fried, grilled or blackened fish dinners made from tilapia, perch and catfish, and sides like candied yams, red beans and rice, bourbon baked beans, collard greens, mac and cheese, and fresh-cut fries. To start, there are rib tips, alligator bites and fried green tomatoes.

Rib Cage will have a full bar.

Credit: Rob Hill
Credit: Rob Hill

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This article appears in May 16-22, 2018.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

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