Ricky D's Rib Shack

302 Winchester Ave, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
$$$ Barbecue restaurant
(371 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Ricky D's Rib Shack, a barbecue haven nestled at 302 Winchester Ave in New Haven, CT. This delightful eatery is the embodiment of authentic Southern barbecue, bringing mouthwatering flavors and a vibrant atmosphere to local diners and visitors alike. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a delicious meal, Ricky D's promises an unforgettable culinary experience.

The moment you step into Ricky D's, you are enveloped by the rich, smoky aroma of barbecue that wafts through the air. The restaurant features a clean, inviting, and family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a hearty meal with loved ones. The decor is cozy, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a long day or to celebrate special occasions. When it comes to the food, the menu is filled with delectable options that are sure to tempt your taste buds.

At the heart of Ricky D's offerings are their signature barbecue dishes, prepared with careful attention to flavor and quality. Indulge in their Beef Brisket, tender and bursting with smoky flavors for just $25.00 per pound. Or try the Pulled Pork and Chopped Chicken, both priced at $21.25, featuring juicy and perfectly seasoned meats that melt in your mouth. The Kielbasa ($23.00) brings a delightful twist with its smoky essence, adding variety to your meal.

Don't forget to enhance your feast with mouthwatering add-ons! For just $0.99, you can pile on some crunchy slaw or an extra bun, while cheese, sauce, and even more meat can elevate your barbecue experience for a small additional cost. And if you have a sweet tooth, consider indulging in their Red Velvet Cake slice for $4.00 or one of their delicious muffins or pastries—perfect for rounding out your meal or enjoying with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Ricky D's Rib Shack has garnered rave reviews from satisfied customers who can’t get enough of the delightful barbecue. One happy diner, Steven, praises it as "the best BBQ in CT," noting the authentic flavor and friendly service that remain consistent over years. Felicia Wilson, a first-time visitor, was captivated by the juicy and perfectly smoked ribs, commending the inviting atmosphere and genuine hospitality. With such positive feedback, it's no surprise that patrons describe their meals here as memorable, likening the experience to savoring the warmth of a home-cooked feast.

If you’re looking for a barbecue restaurant that combines flavorful food, an uplifting ambiance, and welcoming service, make your way to Ricky D’s Rib Shack. Bring your appetite, gather your friends and family, and discover why this local gem is a beloved fixture in New Haven. Your taste buds will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

371 Reviews
Steven

21 Sep 2025

By far the best BBQ in CT, let alone New Haven. Authentic flavor with genuine care in the food. Good portions and reasonable prices. I started coming here before covid but haven't recently been after moving. Today I got to stop in and see the same friendly faces I did years ago, and the food is still as amazing as I remember. I absolutely cannot recommend Ricky D's enough. If you're driving by or even want to take a trip, this is a MUST VISIT!!

Felicia Wilson

31 Aug 2025

Somebody finally got it right! This was my first visit to the location on Winchester Ave, New Haven CT, in the Science Park District. I was truly impressed. The atmosphere is clean, inviting, and family-friendly. The barbecue ribs were tender, juicy, and smoked to perfection. I met the owner, Ricky D, who has his own signature BBQ sauce and seasonings. His BBQ has just the right amount of twang & heat. We tried the wings as well with baked beans and cole slaw. Dinners come with 2 sides & cornbread. We had Mac & Cheese & Collard Greens, which were absolutely delicious. You can tell that Ricky D puts his heart & soul into what he does. If you are looking for BBQ I highly recommend Ricky D's Rib Shack. The next time, I'm going to try his brisket. With that being said, I'll be back!

Oneil W. Isaacs Jr

18 Aug 2025

I went there yesterday, I can easily say this is the best BBQ spot in Connecticut so far. I tried their ribs, and I have to say that it is cooked to perfection, very tender, and flavor. I tried their brisket sandwich, and it is the best sandwich I ever had. I would recommend anyone to try their brisket sandwich. I also had their Mac and Chesse, I had to give it a 7/10 for that, because I would prefer a creamy and flavor Mac and Cheese but it's not bad at all. Their fries are ok. They also give me the cornbread and I give that 8.5/10 for that because it's made great however, I wish it could be a little bit buttery. But the ribs and brisket sandwich are top tier. This restaurant will go places for sure. Shout out to the owner as well, the fact that he cares about his customers, makes me want to continuously give him my support.

Chantelle Amour

13 Aug 2025

I tried the family dinner, and it was absolutely delicious! I had no idea this restaurant even existed. I just happened to be driving by and decided to stop in. I ordered the ribs, collard greens, and potato salad. I couldn’t decide on a side, so the chef brought me a sample of the potato salad to help me choose (how nice). The cornbread was moist, and everything was full of flavor. I’ll definitely be back!

Dave Negrelli

14 Jul 2025

I've been here a few times, and this is top tier BBQ. I love grabbing one of the Soul Bowls to-go. For the price of a fast food value meal, you get amazing smoky, tangy and tender brisket, collared greens, Mac & cheese, rice, and beans. Amazing flavor, quality, and value. Definitely worth checking this place out if you haven't yet. I'll keep coming back for sure.

Amy Rodriguez

11 Jul 2025

First time here! Ordered the baked potato with brisket! Included sour cream, butter, cheese and bbq sauce. I like baked potatoes but I LOVED the one I ordered from here today. The brisket was juicy and tender and the potato was a decent size! Really enjoyed my meal, music was good too :) Going to recommend this place to my coworkers and I deff recommend anyone reading this review to try it out too!

Shanise T

25 Jun 2025

This place was great! I had a combo #2, which came with half slab of ribs, 6 wings, 2 sides & cornbread. My absolute favorite was the mac! I bought another one before I left. The ribs were tender & the wings (a rub) was fabulous! It was a lot of food, so I have leftovers & I can't wait to eat it tomorrow! Fantastic service! We didn't wait long & everything came out hot. Great location & plenty of parking. I will definitely be going again!

James Bailey

17 Jun 2025

The sauce was sweet and tangy which was good. I had the ribs. The meat was tender. The dry rub was ok. I can tell the ribs were not fresh that day. Not that it’s a bad thing. The folks were great, 5 stars for the service and atmosphere. The Mac and cheese I will not get again. All I tasted was the noodles. I will go back to try different things.

Listing Image

Basilique

1065 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1L8, Canada
(895 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Elm Place

40 Elm St, Greater Sudbury, ON P3C 1S8, Canada
Business center
(1302 Reviews)
Checking Featured
Listing Image

Alloush Grill

37091 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, United States
Mediterranean restaurant
(1187 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Eddie's Italian Eatery

1065 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
Italian restaurant
(808 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Trattoria da Vittorio

150 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, United States
Italian restaurant
(788 Reviews)

Join the Ricky D's Rib Shack Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.