Ricky D’s Rib Shack

All I have to say is that the ribs are great. I’m glad he has partnered with the hops company, now I know where to get good ribs at all times along with beer.

I contacted Ricky earlier this week to provide baby back ribs and wings for tailgating and the experience was fantastic from start to finish. Ricky was accommodating, timely, helpful and his ribs were, in the words of one of my guests, life-​changing.
My husband grew up in Kansas and we have spent time in Nashville and Austin, so we know our BBQ. The baby backs were meaty, tender, smoky, tangy, with just the right mix of bite and sweet. The wings were also excellent — plenty of meat, mouthwatering sauce, and satisfying crunch. We can’t wait to try our other menu options. We also look forward to checking out the beer garden in Derby, CT that Ricky is helping to open soon.

Saw these guys on Chapel St. outside of the Yale Art Gallery last week, and since I’m never one to say no to barbequed meats, that was that. The pulled pork sandwich hit almost all my checkboxes: juicy pork, tons of flavorful sauce, and crunchy coleslaw all spilling out of a sadly overwhelmed bun. If I had one complaint, it would be that the sauce could use some added spiciness. Their brisket was also perfectly cooked and not at all fatty. At $ 7 – 8 a sandwich, it’s not the cheapest food truck but still a great deal, and they take credit cards. I’m going to have to Twitter stalk them so I can get more of this deliciousness.

Ricky’s D’s Rib shack has the best ribs I have ever had. It was a very nice surprise.

Overall I thought it was ok, but nothing special. In fact, when you consider the pricing ($ 7 for a modest sized sandwich and $ 2 for a side), I don’t really see the value considering this is a food truck.
This is an issue I’m increasingly seeing across the board — many trucks are pushing prices to the point that you’re not saving anything versus a bricks and mortar restaurant.
Anyway, the pulled pork sandwich was good, but for me not as good as Uncle Willie’s. I also thought it was a bit skimpy on the meat.

This was a truck represented at the New Haven Food Truck Festival last month and I LOVED the pulled pork sandwich. The coleslaw on top gave it a nice crunch and the sauce was perfect. Oh, and the bread? Ridiculously soft.
Followed him on Twitter so I can find him in New Haven! Hopefully an actual restaurant opens soon. fingers crossed.

Ricky D’s is hard to find if you are not following him on social media due to the ongoing construction on Chapel St. The smokey truck, with its signature happy piggy on the outside has become a staple sight in events and gatherings around the area as well. There are not too many food trucks that have achieved the quality that Rick D has been able to achieve and sustain. The basic formula of «meat-​only» is a tricky one to keep up and he does it with such finesse and never-​compromising quality. The beef brisket sandwich is a great way to start, deliciously succulent with the perfect balance of crunchy caramelized strands of meat mixed in. However, the star dish of the show has to be the beef ribs, that you can find only on a lucky day.
There is something magical about the meat that is served on this truck with the friendliest owner. It is tender, fresh and always consistent.