Championship ribs are the name of the game at Rib King NYC, the annual BBQ festival celebrated on the heels of Memorial Day weekend. But for 2025, this all-you-can-eat and drink fest has even more to, well, eat.
On May 24, Rib King NYC returns to Industry City. Thirteen top chefs from across NYC will battle it out for the title of best ribs in the city. Returning faces include defending champion Vincent Mangual of Empire BBQ, 2024 runner-up Anthony Scerri of Smoke Sweats and People's Choice winner Darlene Lawrence of Sands Jerk Hut. New competitors include Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Oak Marprasert of KAM RAI THAI and Gavin, Jamie and Chris Farella of Brothers Barbecue.
Back from that big fryer in the sky, Jimmy's No. 43 is returning for one day only. Known for its robust beer and cider collection, the once beloved East Village restaurant will fire up plant-based options throughout the day. The festival will also include a Masienda station to cook up freshly made sopes and tortillas made with masa harina. But beyond unlimited eats, there are also unlimited drinks, with pours from a handful of NYC-based distilleries, including The New York Distilling Company, Upstate Vodka, Brooklyn Gin and Fort Hamilton Distillery. As an added plus, a handful of zero-proof options will also be available. And if you still have room for a sweet treat, MuMsKitchens NYC, Tipsy Scoop Boozy Ice Cream and Aurelia Gelato will be there to satiate your second stomach.
Tickets range from $50 for general admission to $75 for VIP. Buy your tickets here.