Satisfy Your Craving: Here’s Where to Find Dino Beef Ribs Near You

Dino beef ribs, also known as beef plate ribs, have become an extremely popular item in recent years. These gigantic, meaty ribs are a favorite for backyard barbecue enthusiasts and professional pitmasters alike. Their popularity has exploded thanks to TV shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives highlighting these impressive cuts of beef.

If you’ve seen photos of these massive ribs and are wondering where you can get your hands on some, you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information you need to track down dino beef ribs near you.

What Are Dino Beef Ribs?

First, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what exactly dino beef ribs are.

Dino ribs come from the plate primal of the cow, which is along the belly. They are cut perpendicular to the bone and include long, whole beef ribs with plenty of meat attached. A full dino rib is around 18-24 inches long and can weigh 5 pounds or more!

These ribs are called “dino” ribs thanks to their sheer mammoth size One or two of these ribs is enough to feed a crowd, Their large size also requires low and slow cooking methods like smoking and barbecuing to fully break down the connective tissue

The end result is beef ribs with incredibly rich, beefy flavor and meat so tender it falls right off the bone. It’s easy to see why these ribs have become so popular!

Where to Buy Dino Beef Ribs

Now that your appetite is whetted, here are some of the best places to find dino beef ribs close to home:

Your Local Butcher Shop

Your local butcher or meat market is a good starting point when searching for dino ribs Many butcher shops have connections with local ranches and farms to source special cuts of meat, Explain exactly what you’re looking for and they may be able to special order dino ribs for you

Be aware that dino ribs are highly coveted and stocks are limited. Ask when they expect to have them available and request they contact you when they come in. Forming a relationship with your local butcher can help ensure you get first dibs on these popular ribs when they become available.

Costco

Costco is another reliable source for dino beef ribs, though availability can vary by location and season. Call your local Costco and ask if they carry them or check the meat counters when you visit.

The ribs are cryovacked in pairs and generally cost $4.99-$7.99 per pound. Buying them at Costco allows you to purchase quality dino ribs at a wholesale price without buying an entire case.

Restaurant Suppliers

Restaurant and foodservice suppliers like Sysco and US Foods sometimes carry dino beef ribs for sale. You’ll likely have to purchase a full case, but this ensures you can stock up. Use the supplier locator tools on their websites to find one near you.

Then call and speak with a sales representative about purchasing dino ribs. You may need to provide proof that you operate a food business to set up an account. If you plan on ordering dino ribs frequently, the case quantity may be worthwhile.

Online Butchers and Specialty Meat Companies

Online meat purveyors are another excellent option if good local sources are hard to find. Many now offer overnight nationwide shipping packed with dry ice or gel packs to keep the ribs fresh.

A few reputable companies to check out are:

• Snake River Farms – This premier producer sells American Wagyu beef and offers dino rib packs for overnight delivery. Their ribs are beautifully marbled and incredibly tasty.

• Porter Road – This Nashville butcher shop ships dino beef ribs nationwide and has an informative beef guide on their website.

• Holy Grail Steak Co. – Specializing in Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, they also carry dino ribs from time to time. Sign up for notifications on their website.

• Crowd Cow – Search their marketplaces for independent ranches and farms selling dino ribs for delivery. Availability varies.

Direct from Ranches

Ordering direct from ranches that raise cattle can be an incredibly rewarding way to source dino ribs. You’ll know exactly where your beef is coming from and can sometimes even buy a whole side of dino ribs.

Two outstanding ranches to check out are Chapman 3C Cattle Company based in Hico, Texas and MM Cattle Company from California. Both sell dino ribs online and are dedicated to sustainable, ethical ranching.

Ordering direct does often require purchasing larger quantities. If this isn’t feasible, consider going in on an order with a group and splitting the ribs. It’s an amazing way to try true farm-to-table beef.

How Far in Advance Should I Buy Dino Ribs?

Due to their popularity and limited availability, it’s smart to plan ahead when buying dino ribs. Here are some tips:

• Check with local stores 1-2 weeks in advance to allow time for ordering. For an especially large cookout, give even more notice.

• If ordering online, check sites 2-3 weeks ahead of your cook date. This accounts for potential shipping delays.

• Sign up for notifications so you’re alerted right away when dino ribs come back in stock online. Supplies go fast!

• Buy and store ribs in a deep freezer if you find a good deal with extra time to spare. They keep well frozen for 4-6 months.

Planning ahead takes a bit more patience, but helps ensure you’ll have these incredible ribs when you need them. The wait is well worth it!

How Should I Cook Dino Beef Ribs?

Dino ribs really shine when prepared using low and slow barbecue methods. The connective tissue in the meat breaks down over several hours, leaving them fall-apart tender. Here are two fantastic ways to cook them:

Smoking

Smoking dino beef ribs over indirect low heat is hands down the best way to unlock their full potential. Place them bone-side down on the smoker rack and use your favorite rub.

Cook at 225-250°F for 5-8 hours until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads at least 200°F. Spritz with apple cider vinegar or beef broth during cooking. The results are unbelievable!

Braising

For a more hands-off approach, braise the ribs in liquid like beef broth or wine in a Dutch oven with aromatics. Cook covered for 2-3 hours at 300°F until fork tender.

Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to reduce and thicken the braising liquid into a luxurious sauce. Serve the fall-apart ribs coated in the rich sauce.

Satisfy Your Dino Rib Fix

Genuine dino beef ribs can be challenging to source, but are an incredible addition to any barbecue menu. Hopefully this guide has helped you learn where to find them close to home.

With some advance planning and effort tracking them down, you’ll be rewarded with the biggest, meatiest ribs around. Then fire up your smoker or Dutch oven and enjoy the mouthwatering flavor of slow-cooked dino ribs! Your guests will be amazed.