Robinson's No. 1 Ribs

Robinson's No. 1 Ribs specializes in slab ribs and a distinctive 200-year-old family sauce recipe derived from founder Charlie Robinson’s Mississippi roots. This Oak Park institution is famously known for winning the inaugural Mike Royko Ribfest in 1982, beating out 400 competitors to establish its reputation. The restaurant currently operates as a bar and grill offering dine-in, carryout, and catering services.

Visit Robinson's No. 1 Ribs for award-winning BBQ, featuring a 200-year-old family recipe refined by Charlie Robinson himself. Conveniently located in Oak Park, it's easily accessible by public transport.

Charlie Robinson, originally from Lambert, Mississippi, moved to Chicago after earning a degree from York College in Nebraska. He initially worked in the ice cream industry but carried with him a 200-year-old family BBQ sauce recipe, passed down through 14 generations. He refined this recipe in his Oak Park kitchen and entered the Mike Royko Ribfest in 1982. Robinson's sauce was declared the winner over columnist Mike Royko's. This led to the establishment of his restaurant, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs, and the bottling of his BBQ sauce. The business has been known for Charlie Robinson's Famous BBQ and BBQ Sauce since 1983.