When eating ribs, do you prefer baby back or spare? Not really sure of the difference? Don’t be ashamed; you are not alone. Many people have no clue what separates these two common versions of barbecued ribs. And although you really can’t go wrong with either option, it helps to know the difference between the two.

Continue reading to learn the key differences between baby back ribs and spareribs, plus, where to get the tastiest BBQ baby back rib special tonight in Downtown Indianapolis!

Barbecue Ribs Dinner Special Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Comparing Baby Back Ribs to Spareribs

To an untrained palate, it may seem like all ribs are the same. But to a barbecue ribs lover, the difference is distinct. The confusion often happens with baby back ribs and spareribs because many diners can’t recall what it is that truly sets them apart. To understand the difference, you need to know that pork ribs come from the same two places on a pig, and the type of ribs depend on the area in which the meat is cut.

Facts About Spareribs

Spareribs are also known as side ribs. You can think of them as the bigger brother to baby backs. They come from the underbelly of the pig where the bacon comes from. Compared to the popular baby back cut, spareribs are thicker and meatier, and generally come with the sternum, costal cartilage, and flap still attached.

These are the ribs that are traditionally prepared St. Louis style or Louisiana style, which is something you will commonly see at restaurants and barbecue competitions. In these cases, spareribs that are prepared in these styles usually have their costal cartilage trimmed from the top and the flaps removed from the back, giving the meat a uniform rectangular shape.

Facts About Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are also referred to as loin ribs or back ribs. They are cut from the backside of a pig along the spine, which also happens to be very close to the area where pork chops are cut from. Compared to spareribs, they are less meaty and fatty, and cook much faster; however, they still retain flavors and moisture very well when cooked properly, making them very tender. They are also the more commercially-promoted meat. This actually contributes to their higher price points because they are higher in demand due to mass marketing.

We get it; now your mouth is watering for some delicious, fall-of-the-bone ribs in Indy! Well, you are in luck! Just come into English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery tonight for our mouth-watering barbequed baby back rib dinner special in Downtown Indianapolis! Enjoy food and drink specials all week long, including weekend brunch!