The rib sandwich, (not to be confused with McRib) is something of a standard in the world of barbecue. It is not, however, a standard in the world of sandwiches. The reason it is a strange kind of sandwich is because it is not, technically, a sandwich. If you go into any self-respecting BBQ place south of the Mason-Dixon line, and you order a barbecued rib sandwich, you will get:

  • Three, (possibly four) barbecued ribs.
  • A bun (on the side).
If you're at least a little familiar with the nature of ribs, you'll see the problem here. Ribs have big bones running through the middle of them. The concept of a BBQ rib sandwich is essentially like that of a chicken leg sandwich, only dripping with sauce.