Rib Shack Smoke House — Restaurant in Omaha

This was such a cute, quaint little BBQ spot with an atmosphere of real care and commitment to making a great experience. The menu and dining area are very professional for such a small operation, and the staff was exceptionally welcoming and friendly. They were very quick to bring out the food as well, and even offered samples while we were waiting on our food while engaging in polite and friendly conversation. The food was excellent too! The sides were well portioned (I had the sweet potato fries, collard greens & turkey, and a piece of cornbread - all of excellent quality), and I tried the catfish nuggets, shrimp, ribs, and pulled pork. The sweet and spicy sauce they had went perfect with the fish/shrimp, and it was served with hot sauce and some of the best tartar sauce I think I've ever tried. The jumbo shrimp were fried PERFECTLY - they were lightly breaded but very crispy, definitely a highlight I did not expect from a BBQ joint. The large and meaty catfish nuggets were also breaded excellently and served straight out of the fryer in a larger portion than expected. The pulled pork was tender and tasty and you get a lot with the combo. The 3 ribs were fall-off-the bone and I will definitely be getting a full rack next time I come - the barbecue sauce on the meat was generous and delightfully modest, giving a perfect balance of flavor and richness. And when we were finishing up, the staff was attentive enough to offer bags and extra sauces. Overall the price was quite affordable, even as far as what you'd expect from a BBQ place with the quality of meats and the time and care spent preparing the food. I will certainly be returning to try out their beef ribs, peach cobbler, and assortment of sandwiches when I'm in the area again. It was a surprisingly pleasant and...

We were craving some good catfish tonight and stumbled upon Rib Shack Smoke House off Q. HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS HOUSE OF DELICIOUSNESS!? First off the staff was so kind! Had a second to chat with the owner who mentioned they moved up here from St. Louis for her hubby to have a heart transplant. She said they’re both foodies and want everything on the menu to be perfect- well they definitely nailed it! She also said they opened during Covid which hindered a good start to their business and not many people know they exist— I’m hoping we can change that 🙌🏼

What we had: Catfish: The batter… oooh she’s crispy and flavorful but not overpowering the flavor of the fish. It was laid on a bed on bread and crispy pickles.

Spaghetti: tastes just like mom’s spaghetti with meat. I feel like sometimes the spaghetti can be a disappointing side as it’s usually sauce from a jar- NOT HERE- it’s full of flavor!

Mac and cheese: my wife’s favorite side! Nice little crisp on the top- not overly cheesy and good flavor.

Fried okra: absolutely perfect. Tastes like they just picked it from the garden and fried it up

Cornbread: dense, sweet, phenomenal

Pulled pork sandwich: SO FREAKING JUICY! They added coleslaw and those thick crispy pickles to make it absolute perfection

Collard greens: dear god baby Jesus were they delectable. Not overly drenched in vinegar, warm and honestly perfect.

I think what I love the most is they offered for you to try things before buying them. They were not going to have anymore ribs available for another hour and offered multiple different sides for folks who came in before they were ready so they could pick out something they knew they’d love for dinner. Nearly every single person opted for the ribs tips instead- they must’ve...

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The owners greeted every patron with warmth and hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere that set the tone for our experience.

We ordered the Number 3, a hearty combination of St. Louis Ribs and brisket, accompanied by three sides. The ribs and brisket were a culinary delight – the meats were tender, juicy, and infused with a perfect balance of smokiness and flavor. Evidently, these dishes were prepared with care and expertise, reflecting a mastery of barbecue cooking.

Each side dish was a standout. The mac and cheese was creamy and well-prepared, striking the right note of comfort food. The beans, enhanced with a unique sauce and added meat, were indescribably delicious, offering a depth of flavor that complemented the main course. The crisp and fresh coleslaw was easily one of the best I've had – a perfect blend of tangy and sweet.

The cornbread was a nostalgic nod to southern cooking – warm, comforting, and reminiscent of traditional recipes. It was the perfect accompaniment to the meal, adding a touch of homeliness.

The only aspect that left us pondering was the sauce. It wasn't that it was lacking in taste; instead, its complex spice profile left us undecided. The sauce was good, but its unique blend of spices was something we couldn't quite pinpoint, adding an intriguing element to our experience.

The attention to detail in every dish, from the main course to the sides, was evident, and the exceptional service matched the food quality. It's a place that serves excellent food and makes you feel at home, a rare combination that will surely draw us...