Ribs Binge: The Battle of Baby Back Between Oak Forest, Orland and Tinley

This past week it felt like summer for a few days, and I assume it will again (at some point), so I am ready for all the best BBQ that this season has to offer. In this rendition of the Chowdown Showdown, I was tasked with finding some of the best ribs in the area.  The three contenders were Mickey's in Oak Forest, Nick's in Tinley Park, and The Patio in Orland Park. 

  — 15221 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest

A previous winner for our challenge, I was curious to see if they could bring it with their BBQ as well. I ordered the half-rack of ribs which comes with your choice of fries or a baked potato (my choice), as well as coleslaw and garlic bread. At first bite I was disappointed in the sauce as it didn't carry much flavor. The meat was tender on some bites but a bit chewy on others. Overall I was unimpressed and left wanting more.

Thumbs Up: The tender bites were good, and you get a big meal for a good price.
Thumbs Down: Not many tender bites, and an underwhelming BBQ sauce.

Nick's Barbecue — 16638 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park

With five locations all around the south suburbs and a slogan of "The Place For Ribs," Nick's was no underdog here and I went in with high hopes. Once again I ordered a half rack of ribs and they let you pick three sides from a big list. I chose mac and cheese, potato wedges, and garlic bread. The ribs here actually looked tastier than those at Mickey's, with good color and slight char. They also bring you out a bottle of their own BBQ sauce to use at your convenience. The meat was tender for the most part and the sauce had really good flavor, so I added a little extra. The sides were small but a perfect compliment to the ribs.

Thumbs Up: Great BBQ sauce and good overall flavor. Lots of options for sides.
Thumbs Down: Some bites were a bit fatty, but it comes with the territory.

The Patio — 7830 W. 159th St., Orland Park

Also boasting five locations in the suburbs and a stand at Toyota Park, The Patio is a local favorite and well-known for their ribs. I ordered the 1/2 rack which came with your choice of garlic mashed potatoes (my pick), fries, or a baked potato. The ribs looked fantastic and tasted even better, full of tender white meat. They also had a bottle of their BBQ sauce on the table and even a second option of a "hot and spicy" sauce, both of which were delicious. And the garlic mashed were a welcome change of pace.

Thumbs Up: Great sauce, quality meat, and great overall flavor.
Thumbs Down: Like most ribs, a few tough spots. Also, only one side dish.

At the end of my mouth-watering adventure, I had to sit down and make a decision. For me (and I would think most others), the most important factors were the tenderness of the meat and the sauce. Mickey's lacked in both, and though Nick's put forth a good effort in both categories, The Patio was a clear step above the others so they walk away with the BBQ crown.