Frankie’s Place for Ribs

Ok. This place was like revisiting 1982. Super dated décor. I wouldn’t care if the food was good and it was generally clean, but it isn’t. My food was prompt but was room temperature at best. The pork had no smokiness or any other flavor besides plain white vinegar. The steak fries were good but the corn bread was very average and the coleslaw was soppy with excess dressing. Never going back. Server was pleasant. Hopefully she gets a job somewhere better… peak time on a Friday and next to no tables… I bet I know why!

You should re-​think about going here… Slow service… And we threw away our left overs!!!

Frankie’s is pretty average for a BBQ spot to me. Although their portions are usually fine for me, they can be inconsistent, and some people I go with leave unsatisfied and still hungry.
Not my first choice for BBQ, but I’ll still come back for their cornbread!

My friend and I have been here before. We came during dinner time. I like the atmosphere of this place. Not really modern but has a cozy home feel to it. It is a nice and clean looking place too.
We got the chicken fingers as an appatizer. Not really all that. I would say they weren’t far from just being chicken nuggets really. The waitress brought us cornbread too. It was way crumbly. I’m all for that but it fell apart when I tried to add butter to it. It was a little bland too. Needless to say I only ate one.
I was really happy when the main attraction came out. Really a plate full. It was all delicious. I was only able to eat one beef rib and took the rest home. The sides were pretty good; although the coleslaw was a little runny for my taste. Overall it was a good and satisfying meal.

My favorite in the Kempsville area. So good, love the soup and cornbread that comes with the lunches, and they always have the best country music on! Keep up the greatness.

Bookmark checked!
So I have to say that my journey of searching for the best barbeque joint continues. I found this place through friends in Unilocal and the reviews werr pretty much inviting. People describe how exciting and enjoyed as well the hospitality service. In my defense I will only believe if I l’ve experience and see in my own eyes. I was waiting for the right moment that my taste buds greed for a sumptuous meaty and juicy barbeque.
This is a kind of place that as soon as you enter the restaurant you’ll feel the warmest and welcoming vibes without indicating anything. Like other most places I’ve visited I find this restaurant very interesting. The homey and cheerful atmosphere are just the quality that makes this entire place unique and different.
Today I have only one purpose to indulge myself with a delectable and mouthwatering ribs. So I didn’t order any appetizer and directly to the main course. The complimentary corn bread was a good start for a delightful meal. The highlight of my visit was the combination of BABY BACK PORK RIBS & BEEF RIBS with a side of sweet potato fries and green beans. I have to admit the ribs was exquisite. The meat was perfectly well seasoned, its tender and pulled off the bones. The techniques and preparation how the ribs was cooked is sensational. The dry rub and mixed spices flavored and enrich every inch of the meat. I love the outside crust of the meat but what makes it exceptional the meat was moist and juicy. I also applaud the chef for creating a signature sauce that blended so well and complimented the ribs. On the contrary, I didn’t much care for the sides. I thought they were average. I am glad that the star of my dish was good as I expected.
Truly it was an absolutely wonderful visit. I can’t be more happy that I came here today because it was worth it. As much as I’ve enjoyed the food; I also commend the spectacular customer service. The staff was attentive and ensure that everything comes to the the table on time. Surely I will come back.

We (our company) orders take out all the time. Food is great… but the lady on the phone is always so rude. Must be owner because no one would employ her. Get past her and enjoy!

What a pleasant experience.
Our waitress, Chelsea, was amazing. She was very attentive and cordial.
The cornbread was great. The sweet tea was as well.
My girlfriend ordered the BBQ Chicken and Baby Back Ribs. She loved them.
I ordered the Steak Sandwich and Fries. Both were delicious.
I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. I’d definitely go back.

This I was my second visit to Frankie’s Place of Ribs within 8 days. The first time, I got a barbeque sandwich with sweet potato fries and coleslaw to eat at the restaurant. I also got a half rib appetizer to take home for later. Since my waitress’s shift was over, I left her tip with a large guy behind the counter.
On my second visit, I ordered the barbeque sandwich again. It was as delicious as it was a week ago. Our waiter was fabulous and attentive.
I saw the waitress I had the previous week and motioned for her to come over. I asked her if she had received the tip I had left for her the previous week and she had not. Sadly people can not be trusted when it comes to money, not even with people they work with everyday.
I will be going back and so will the person I took with me the second time I went. We both loved our food (barbeque sandwiches). I found out they sell barbeque and also coleslaw (sides) by the 8 oz, 16 oz and 24 oz container sizes. Summertime parties, here we come.

Every time my brother comes to town we eat at Frankie’s, it’s tradition. Frankie’s has LITERALLY the best southern bbq ribs I’ve ever eaten! Queen rack, applesauce, steak fries every time. The homemade bbq sauce and cornbread are to die for! I’ve never been dissatisfied. I would eat here everyday if I could afford it.

Bookmarked for a few months now, I finally had a chance to stop by Frankie’s Place for Ribs for ribs. Sure, they have fish and chicken and salads on the menu, but I’m gonna be having ribs. Because that’s the kind of Unilocaler that I am.
A couple of choices here, including the Queen (full rack) and King (rack and a half) and beef ribs too, but I thought the Queen was the right way to go. With steak fries that were crispy on the outside and a little fluffy on the inside. Not greasy at all. The cole slaw was forgettable.
Ribs were meaty and moist, but a little dull of flavor. I hate to be the one putting barbecue sauce on ribs, but I thought that towards the middle of the rack, they really needed it. The ribs pulled apart easily and I was able to eat with one hand and a fork. Gotta keep one hand clean for Facebooking, amirite?
No beer specials. My Corona arrived with a slice of lime for $ 3.75.
Service was good. I think my «I’m good» vibe suggested that I didn’t need constant interruption.
It was A-​OK. I’d return for the ribs.

So I have to say that one of my favorite rib spots is a fun family place over in hampton, but because I live in Norfolk it can be a bit of a hike. I decided to hop on Unilocal and find some great ribs closer to home and I was led to Frankie’s over in the fairfield shopping center. I try to break down all my reviews into the food, the service, the overall appearance of the establishment, and my final say. If you like my reviews take a second and click the like !!!
**** The Food ****
I’d say as far as ribs go, this place has to be in the top few for best BEEF ribs, but as I ordered both the baby-​back and the Beef, I’d say the baby-​back ribs were just average.
The food came out in a Great portion size that is plenty good enough for two people for the dinner platter. I’d say the sides were just ok to be honest. I had the sweet potato fries and they weren’t anything really to write home about. I also had the coleslaw, and it was sweet, crunchy, and fresh, although I like my coleslaw a little more saucy.
My only complaint about the food was that it didn’t come to the table hot. It came about room temperature where the fat had kinda started to solidify a bit on the ribs themselves. The Beef ribs had a delicious texture, and flavor though ! The baby-​back weren’t bad either, although not nearly as killer as the beef ribs were.
The plating of the food was good, and the meal came with complimentary corn muffins which were both sweet and very soft.
****The Servers****
I’d say the service was average to good. My waitress was definitely busy taking care of some other tasks while she served me, but I felt she did a pretty good job. I kind of got the feeling that this is a place where «everyone knows your name», but I wasn’t in that group lol. I don’t think she went out of her way to please me, but She earned a 25% tip, which is what I typically give to waiters that do what’s expected and do things timely. I really would have loved a warm welcome to Frankie’s, what can I get you to drink today when she first came up to the table. Maybe I’m spoiled by the other restaurants that do this ALL the time.
****The Appearance****
I’d say this is very typical BBQ, southern styled in general. The interior, nor the exterior is going to wow you, but its adequate. The lighting inside for dinner was subdued, and they had some sports on in the TV’s. I was comfortable, but this is definitely not the «romantic» spot, but then again its ribs. I’ll probably bring my friends here sometime, or my parents. At the end of the day its adequate though, and we are here for the FOOD.
**** Final Say ****
The Beef Ribs were AMAZING, the service was alright, and if that’s all you are coming here for you won’t be disappointed. I would come back for the beef ribs. The rest I can all find other places for less.

This was the second time we went here. My husband and I split the rack and a half ribs. And I tell you what, they were amazing both times.
There were two issues I encountered. The first was as soon as we walked in, there was no one to sest us, so we were a bit confused as to if we were supposed to seat ourselves or wait. The manager came up, made a light joke about ‘how I am sure they are all working hard over there’, and sat us at a table.
The second issue I had was [compared to the first visit my husband and I had] our rack and a half somehow got smaller. I know because my husband pictured them the first time because he was in awe of how amazing they looked.
Now, the sauce on the ribs was amazing. The meat literally fell off the bone. I got the sweet potato fires and my husband got the baked beans, both were delicious! Our son got the kids tenders with steak fries and my husband said they were awesome.
My in laws got the bbq plate, which was supposed to be NC style bbq, but since we are a family actually from NC… lets just say it is not NC style, but it was very good. All of our food was gone, literally no one had food left over on their plate.
Also, their corn bread was YUMMY!

I don’t know how this place gets voted the best of the beach all the time because the food was gross and the service was poor. I tried to doctor up my food with the sauce, which was even worse. Definitely won’t be going back!

Over the past seven years that I’ve known my fiancé, one thing that he continuously raves about are the ribs from Frankie’s. It was no question that while we were down here on vacation that we would stop by and I finally had the opportunity to try these ribs that I have heard so much about. The restaurant is located in a strip mall about 20 minutes away from where the majority of the beachfront hotels are located (along the boardwalk and Atlantic Ave). We ordered the ribs to go and got the party pack, which included several racks of ribs, large containers of coleslaw and beans, and cornbread. Also got a few orders of their onion loaf which came with a dipping sauce. We were told that the wait time would be around 25 minutes for everything so we walked around for a little bit and since we got there earlier than the standard dinnertime, the place was not busy and we were able to get our food a little sooner than expected.
The food traveled pretty well and by the time we got to our hotel, everything was still warm and ready to be eaten. The ribs definitely lived up to the hype. They were falling off the bone and melt in your mouth delicious. The ribs are pretty small in size, so you’re going to find yourself eating a lot more than expected because of the size and great taste of the ribs. The sauce they had them in was perfection. It didn’t deter too much from the actual rib taste and wasn’t overpowering in taste. The other components of the meal were pretty good as well. The beans also had a slight BBQ flavor and went well with the ribs. The cornbread was tasty and it was a great size for dinner. The onion loaf was okay, it might be a dish that’s served actually in the restaurant. It was a little too soggy for my liking.
Can’t really comment on the service because we got take out, but for the brief time we were in the restaurant, everyone was pleasant and welcoming. If you’re in the area, try the food here. I haven’t had restaurant ribs that delicious in a long time and I’m so happy I finally got to try out Frankie’s.

I’ve been a long time fan of Frankie’s since they were in their old location. Every time I’m back in Virginia Beach, I always stop by.
This trip, the ribs did not disappoint. The fries were standard steak fries and the baked potato was alright. The onion loaf (always a must!) was tasty though I could’ve done with it a bit more cooked.
Other people in my party ordered burgers and chicken and both seems to be standard fare.
I remember years ago having to wait for a table because the place was so packed. This time it was dead inside. One other family came in while we were there. Maybe its nostalgia that always brings me back. The ribs certainly are delicious. But this location is just far enough away from the beach that I’m not sure how to justify it. When we’ve brought friends, they’ve always said that it was alright. And it is… alright.
So basically, Frankie’s is A-​Ok. I’m sure I’ll be back because I always go back. Because it’s Frankie’s.

I’ve been going here for years! The food taste just as great. When you walk in the smell of BBQ just hits you in the face!
I love the onion loaf appetizer, which is string onion rings piled high. There isn’t a lot of sides to choose from like other BBQ places offer and to me the sides are small portions but it will do.
I’ve had pretty much everything here, my fav is the Queen beef rib. The ribs, what they’re famous for, has plenty of meat, it’s tender, and you can tell it cooks for hours. They have variation of BBQ sauce from vinegarette tangy to sweet.
They also offer fried fish if you don’t want anything meaty, that’s also good because it’s something for everyone. They offer free rice soup with all the entrees we order which I think it’s an added touch of customer service.
Frankie’s Ribs is a staple to this area, been here for a long time so you must try it out if ever around.

I love good barbecue. Frankie’s place for ribs it’s just average.
I had Delmonico steak, baked potato and fries. Delmonico steak was delicious, except for the fact that I ordered it medium well and got it well done. Fries were good, but baked potato was tasteless.
My husband got king baby back ribs (slab and a half) and sweet potato fries. They were so-​so. Few days before he had baby back ribs in another place and they were a lot better.
Sweet potato fries were really good and so was the cornbread muffin.
They only had a wine list and when we asked what beers they have, waitress said, «just regular domestic». It’s not that hard to name few (it wasn’t busy).
Overall, it was average and if I live around I wouldn’t mind to go and try them out again.

Two words. BEEF. RIBS.
The beef ribs are some of the best ribs you can get in the area. Everything else is just okay to me, though, hence the 3 star rating. The last time I got beef ribs, they were so small that I had to ask them if I could a new rack. They gladly gave me a few extra ribs though, so +1 for service! The visit before that though, I was plenty satisfied. So they’re somewhat inconsistent. But how ever many ribs you get, you’ve got to use their barbecue sauce.
There are no sides on their menu that really blow my mine. They’re all just okay with me. The cornbread that they give you is solid.
Overall, the place it alright. I only get the beef ribs there though, so maybe it’s time to venture outside of my comfort zone.

I am absolutely in love with their beef ribs! I’ve been coming here for years, and I have not gotten anything else! I’ve also converted a bunch of my friends into Frankie’s beef ribs lovers! I’ve tried beef ribs at other places and they don’t compare! Also, if you come during lunch, it’s cheaper. Another awesome thing about coming during lunch… The complimentary soup, which is my second fave thing at Frankie’s! Love, love, love!