Ribs Against the Machine — Restaurant in Burbank

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — Ribs Against the Machine is a Flavor Revolution

If you’re a fan of BBQ that hits like your favorite rock anthem, Ribs Against the Machine in Burbank, CA is a culinary experience you do not want to miss. I came in hungry, I left full, and I’ve been daydreaming about their food ever since.

Let’s start with the star of the show: the ribs. These aren’t your average backyard ribs. These are slow-smoked, fall-off-the-bone masterpieces with a perfect bark and just the right amount of smoky sweetness. You get that tender, juicy meat that peels cleanly from the bone, infused with deep, complex flavors that clearly come from hours of care and real wood smoke. The dry rub? Bold and perfectly balanced. The sauce? Absolute fire. Rich, tangy, with a little heat that builds in the best way. It’s the kind of BBQ that makes you stop mid-bite, look around, and silently thank whoever’s running that smoker in the back.

But don’t stop there — the sides deserve their own standing ovation. The mac and cheese is ultra-creamy, topped with this crispy golden crust that adds texture and flavor in every bite. It’s comfort food taken to the next level. The cornbread? Sweet, buttery, with just the right amount of crumb — you’ll want to order an extra slice (or two) for the road. Their collard greens are smoky and seasoned beautifully, with just enough bite left in the leaves to make each forkful satisfying. Even the fries are killer — crisp, golden, and served hot with a seasoned salt blend that should honestly be bottled and sold.

Now, if you’re into trying something different, do not sleep on the brisket tacos. They’re loaded with tender smoked brisket, pickled onions, a tangy slaw, and a drizzle of house-made sauce that pulls the whole thing together. It’s BBQ meets street taco, and it’s outrageously good.

Beyond the food, the vibe is fantastic — laid-back, rock-and-roll themed, and full of personality. The staff are friendly, quick, and clearly passionate about what they do. You can tell this place was built on love for great food, great music, and great people. It’s the kind of joint that feels like your favorite band playing a private show just for you — intimate, energetic, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Burbank, Ribs Against the Machine is an absolute must-visit. Bring your appetite, wear stretchy pants, and prepare to be blown away.

Pro tip: Get there early or order ahead — this place gets busy for a reason. And don’t forget to grab some extra napkins. You’re...

One of my coworkers came back from lunch absolutely raving about this spot, and honestly? He undersold it.

Ribs Against the Machine is one of those rare finds that hits you before you even park the car. The smoky, slow-cooked aroma floats down the street like it knows exactly what it’s doing. Walk in, and the vibe is just right. Cozy, warm, unpretentious. The kind of place where you immediately feel like you’re in good hands.

I had a chance to chat with the owner/chef, and the man is as passionate as he is humble. He told me a bit about his journey, from pop-up hustle to finally opening their brick-and-mortar and it genuinely made the food hit even harder. You can taste the dedication. Every bite feels like someone really gave a damn.

Let’s talk ribs. The beef ribs? A masterpiece. It’s tough to find spots that even offer them, let alone do them right. Here, they’re fall-off-the-bone tender with this unreal bark, and they offer three dry rub heat levels. I went for medium and it was chef’s kiss.

Great barbecue never needs sauce, but their sauce? Dangerous. I asked for it on the side, just to see how the meat held up solo (it held up perfectly), but I had to dip into the sauce after, and I’m so glad I did. Sweet, tangy, just enough kick.

Sides? I grabbed the mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. Creamy, comforting, and honestly, the portions were so generous I turned it into two meals. No complaints.

This...

Food was good but portion was extremely small.I am 160lbs obviously I eat a little.I ordered the rib plate.They only had pork ribs ATT and it came with potatoes and a peace of corn bread and fountain drink.Price was $28 plus the automatic tip display comes up for ordering take out 😳😳,I am now $35 into this meal that I am taking home.I was the only one inside and I waited 27 min for order.I got home excited to eat the ribs and when a I opened up the lid I was surprised to see 4 super tiny pork ribs. Each rib was a size of my thumb no bigger.And I mean no bigger.One rib was one bite 😂😂😂. I felt I had ordered from a kids menu.So 4 bites,😳😳 you can do the math.Weighing 160 pounds I finished the meal in a blink and had to run back out to grab something else. If you Like appetizers or a kids menu this is the way to go. In order for me to eat good there it would cost me $70. definitely not gonna happen. I will not...