Wes’ Rib House: super BBQ since 1973

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We remember Wes’ Rib House when it first opened on Broad St. in Providence in 1973, following the smoky aroma of the BBQ when they relocated on Dike St. in the heart of Olneyville 10 years later.

When we told friends we were going to Wes’ the reaction from a few was, “I haven’t been there in years. They had great food.” The food is still great, and the atmosphere has improved 100 percent.

Owner Michael Solomon, who has been involved with Wes’ from the beginning, became the sole owner, buying out his partners in 1996, renovating the restaurant in 2012, and turning it into a first class, intimate, friendly gathering place for those who love barbeque.

The building is now completely handicapped accessible, with an elevator available from street level to the second floor dining room and bar, seating over 100, and the third floor function room, seating over 130.

Framed awards line the short staircase that takes you to the restaurant, where you have the choice of sitting in a large open area with a bar and giant screen TV or a more intimate dining room. The original dining area is up one flight and serves as a function room.

Meat lovers, especially BBQ lovers, are in their glory at Wes’, with ribs, chicken, pork, beef and ham in all forms, cooked to perfection. If you have to bring along a non-meat-lover, they have catfish and salmon on the menu.

Dinners are plentiful and affordable, beginning with a good portion of your favorite meat, complete with warm corn bread, cole slaw and baked beans for only $9.50.

Two, three and four meat combinations range from $13.50 to $18.75, giving you a great variety and probably a doggy bag that you’ll never share with your dog. Our favorites are the St. Louis ribs, which are smaller and very tender.

Chef Ken McKen has been cooking at Wes’ for 27 years and has it down to a science. Ask for his special pulled pork, which has some secret ingredients that keep it tender, juicy and very tasty.

On our last visit we tried a dish that I don’t remember ever having: smoked pig. A huge portion of pork shoulder cubes were barbequed and marinated and smothered in a delicious sauce and served with the usual sides. At $17.50, it was one of the best dinners I have ever had.

Hot and mild sauce is available on the tables, along with plenty of napkins. We used plenty of napkins, but let the chef’s sauces suffice.

The chef also has a wicked good sweet potato pie for $4.25. You may wish to order it to go after attempting to clean your plate.

Speaking of “To Go,” Wes’ does a huge take-out business. You can order off the menu or order by the piece.

Wes’ Rib House opens daily at 11:30 a.m., serving lunch specials, ranging from $6.85 for one meat to $8.35 for two meats, until 3:30. A variety of sandwiches are also available.

Wes’ is the only restaurant I know of in Rhode Island that stays open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Solomon says that the restaurant attracts an orderly crowd that enjoys a late night snack.

Solomon also owns Cozy Caterers, a popular Rhode Island catering company that has just moved to Warwick.

Wes’ Rib House is located at 38 Dike St. in Olneyville. Take Route 10 to the Olneyville exit. Stay to the left at the light and take your first left into the parking lot. It took us less than 10 minutes from Edgewood. Their phone number is 421-9090.

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