Wholesale Pork Spare Ribs in Chicago
Spare ribs are the big, meaty, full-flavored rib that serious BBQ joints in Chicago build their reputation on. They are larger and fattier than baby backs, with more meat between the bones and a longer cook time that rewards patience with deep, smoky richness.
About this
cut
Spare ribs come from the lower rib cage and belly area of the pig — below the back ribs and extending down toward the sternum. They are larger, flatter, and meatier than baby backs, with more fat and connective tissue that breaks down during a long smoke into rich, tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
We offer full spare ribs and St. Louis cut ribs (the spare rib trimmed square by removing the brisket bone and skirt). St. Louis cut is the standard for competition and restaurant BBQ — even-shaped racks that cook uniformly and plate cleanly.
Available specs & cuts
Why buy
from IMC
Spare ribs are a cut where the trim matters as much as the meat. A clean St. Louis cut — square, even, with the brisket bone and skirt removed — means uniform racks that cook evenly and plate consistently. Our Master Butchers trim every rack to your spec, and we source from trusted suppliers like Compart Family Farms. Standing routes across Chicagoland.
Chicagoland
delivery
Standing routes across Chicago and the near suburbs, with will-call pickup at the West Grand dock. We deliver to BBQ joints, restaurants, and catering kitchens throughout Chicagoland.
Frequently asked questions
What is a St. Louis cut spare rib?
A St. Louis cut is a spare rib trimmed into a uniform rectangular shape by removing the brisket bone, skirt meat, and cartilage. This gives you even racks that cook uniformly and plate cleanly — the standard for restaurant and competition BBQ.
Are spare ribs or baby backs better for BBQ?
It depends on your program. Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and fattier with a longer cook time and deeper flavor — preferred by traditional BBQ joints. Baby backs are smaller, leaner, and more tender with a faster cook time — preferred for quicker service. Many accounts run both.
Can you trim spare ribs to St. Louis cut for us?
Yes. We trim spare ribs to St. Louis cut in-house, so they arrive ready for the smoker — square, even, with the brisket bone and skirt removed. Tell us your preferred rack weight and we will pack accordingly.
Add Pork Spare Ribs to your quote list.
We will price it and call you back.
