Spare Rib Restaurant in Commack stands as a beloved culinary destination renowned for its hearty American cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Long Island, this establishment has built a reputation not only for its signature ribs but also for a diverse menu that caters to a wide array of tastes.
Whether you’re seeking a casual night out, a family dinner, or a place to savor classic comfort foods, Spare Rib promises a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable. From expertly smoked meats to fresh seafood and flavorful sides, every dish is crafted with attention to detail and an emphasis on quality ingredients.
The menu at Spare Rib reflects a deep understanding of traditional American flavors while embracing a few contemporary twists that keep the offerings exciting. Diners consistently praise the balance between generous portions and nuanced seasoning.
Beyond the food, the restaurant’s friendly service and cozy ambiance make it a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Exploring the Spare Rib Commack menu reveals a thoughtful blend of staples and specialties designed to appeal to all palates and occasions.
Appetizers and Starters
Beginning your meal at Spare Rib with an appetizer is a perfect way to whet the appetite. The starters are crafted to offer a variety of textures and flavors, setting the tone for the courses to come.
Whether you prefer something light or a more indulgent bite, the options are plentiful and thoughtfully prepared.
Among the most popular appetizers are the classic Buffalo wings, known for their perfect balance of heat and tang. Another favorite is the loaded potato skins, which come generously topped with melted cheese, bacon, and scallions.
For those seeking a lighter start, the house salad or vegetable platter offers fresh, crisp veggies with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Buffalo Wings: Spicy, smoky, and served with blue cheese dressing
- Loaded Potato Skins: Crispy skins topped with cheddar, bacon, and chives
- Calamari Fritti: Lightly breaded and fried, served with marinara sauce
- House Salad: Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and house vinaigrette
Signature Starters
Spare Rib excels in creating starters that are not only delicious but also distinctive. Their “Rib Tips” appetizer is a standout, featuring tender pieces of rib meat slow-cooked and glazed with their proprietary barbecue sauce.
“The Rib Tips at Spare Rib capture the essence of smoky, tender perfection in every bite.” – Local Food Critic
Additionally, the BBQ Nachos combine crispy tortilla chips with cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and pulled pork, offering a flavorful fusion of textures and spices. These starters are designed to be shared, encouraging a convivial dining experience.
Main Courses: Ribs and Barbecue
The centerpiece of Spare Rib’s menu is undeniably the ribs and barbecue offerings. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s commitment to traditional slow-smoking techniques and rich, complex sauces.
Each rack or plate is prepared with care to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.
Spare Rib offers a variety of rib options, including St. Louis-style pork ribs and beef ribs, each seasoned with their signature dry rub before being smoked to juicy perfection.
The barbecue sauces range from sweet and tangy to spicy and smoky, allowing guests to customize their experience.
- St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs: Tender, meaty ribs with a balanced dry rub
- Beef Ribs: Large, flavorful cuts with a robust smoky flavor
- Half or Full Rack Options: Perfect for individual diners or sharing
Barbecue Sauces Comparison
| Sauce Type | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Sweet & Tangy | Honey and tomato base with a mild kick | Pork ribs and chicken |
| Spicy Chipotle | Smoky with a medium heat level | Beef ribs and brisket |
| Classic Smoky | Rich, deep smoke flavor with slight sweetness | All barbecue meats |
Each barbecue dish is complemented by classic Southern-style sides, making the meal hearty and fulfilling. The slow-smoking process used by Spare Rib ensures that every bite melts in your mouth, with the sauce enhancing rather than overpowering the natural flavors.
Seafood Selections
Beyond its renowned ribs, Spare Rib also offers a carefully curated selection of seafood dishes. These options demonstrate the kitchen’s versatility and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Seafood lovers will find a variety of preparations that range from fried classics to grilled specialties.
The seafood menu features items like fried shrimp, grilled salmon, and crab cakes, all prepared with distinctive house seasonings. The restaurant sources its seafood from trusted suppliers to guarantee freshness and sustainability.
This approach ensures that each dish is flavorful and responsibly made.
- Fried Shrimp Basket: Crispy, golden shrimp served with cocktail sauce
- Grilled Salmon: Seasoned with herbs and served with lemon butter sauce
- Crab Cakes: Lump crab meat with subtle spices and a tangy remoulade
Seafood Pairings and Sides
Seafood entrees are often paired with light, refreshing sides such as coleslaw, steamed vegetables, or rice pilaf. This helps balance the richness of fried or grilled seafood, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
“The grilled salmon at Spare Rib is a standout, perfectly cooked and bursting with fresh flavor.” – Regular Patron
Whether you prefer fried or grilled, the seafood options at Spare Rib provide a delightful alternative to the heavier barbecue fare, appealing to those seeking a lighter yet satisfying meal.
Burgers and Sandwiches
For guests looking for a quick yet delicious meal, the burger and sandwich section of the menu delivers a variety of choices that satisfy both traditional and adventurous tastes. Each sandwich is made to order with fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and artisan buns.
The burger options range from classic cheeseburgers to more inventive creations featuring toppings like bacon, mushrooms, and blue cheese. Sandwiches include pulled pork, grilled chicken, and even vegetarian options, ensuring there is something for every diner.
- Classic Cheeseburger: Juicy beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, and tomato
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Slow-cooked pork with barbecue sauce on a toasted bun
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Marinated chicken breast with lettuce and mayo
- Veggie Burger: House-made patty with fresh toppings and special sauce
Customization Options
Spare Rib encourages guests to customize their burgers and sandwiches. Extras such as avocado, jalapeños, or fried onions are available to enhance flavors and add texture.
This flexibility allows diners to tailor their meals precisely to their preferences.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully prepared to ensure flavor and satisfaction, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to inclusive dining.
Sides and Accompaniments
The sides at Spare Rib are essential complements to the main dishes, designed to provide both classic comfort and fresh balance. The menu offers a variety of traditional Southern sides, as well as some creative twists that elevate the overall meal experience.
Popular choices include creamy mac and cheese, crispy French fries, and homemade coleslaw. Each side is made fresh daily and can be ordered à la carte or as part of combo meals.
- Mac and Cheese: Rich, creamy, and baked with a golden crust
- French Fries: Crisp and seasoned with a house blend of spices
- Coleslaw: Tangy and crunchy, balancing richer dishes
- Baked Beans: Slow-cooked with smoky bacon
Comparison of Popular Sides
| Side | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Mac and Cheese | Creamy, cheesy, and rich | Ribs, burgers |
| French Fries | Salty and crispy | Sandwiches, seafood |
| Coleslaw | Tangy and fresh | Barbecue, fried foods |
| Baked Beans | Sweet, smoky, and hearty | Ribs, pulled pork |
These sides are crafted to round out the meal perfectly, providing contrast and complement to the main entrees. Their quality and flavor contribute significantly to the overall dining satisfaction at Spare Rib.
Desserts and Sweet Endings
Concluding the meal with a dessert from Spare Rib is a delightful experience. The dessert menu features classic American sweets that offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
These treats are great for sharing or indulging solo after a filling meal.
Signature desserts include warm apple crisp, homemade cheesecake, and rich chocolate cake. Each dessert is made in-house, emphasizing freshness and quality ingredients.
These offerings provide a comforting and satisfying finish to your dining experience.
- Warm Apple Crisp: Served with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon
- Homemade Cheesecake: Creamy and smooth with a graham cracker crust
- Chocolate Cake: Moist layers with rich chocolate frosting
Dessert Highlights
“The apple crisp at Spare Rib is a must-try—warm, fragrant, and perfectly paired with ice cream.” – Dessert Enthusiast
Guests looking for something lighter can opt for seasonal fresh fruit or sorbet, ensuring that all dessert preferences are accommodated. The dessert selection complements the hearty menu, rounding out the meal with just the right touch of sweetness.
Beverages and Drinks
Spare Rib offers an extensive beverage menu designed to pair well with their bold and flavorful dishes. From classic soft drinks to carefully selected wines and craft beers, the drink options cater to a wide range of preferences.
The beverage menu enhances the meal, providing refreshing and complementary flavors.
The restaurant features a variety of local and regional craft beers that pair exceptionally well with barbecue and smoked meats. The wine list includes reds, whites, and rosés chosen to complement various dishes on the menu.
Non-alcoholic options such as fresh lemonade, iced tea, and specialty sodas are also available.
- Craft Beers: Local brews selected to match barbecue flavors
- Wines: Reds and whites for pairing with ribs, seafood, and salads
- Soft Drinks: Classic and specialty sodas including root beer and ginger ale
- Fresh Lemonade and Iced Tea: House-made and refreshing
Drink Pairing Recommendations
| Dish | Recommended Beverage |
| Ribs | Smoky amber ale or bold red wine |
| Grilled Salmon | Crisp white wine or light lager |
| Burgers | Classic cola or hoppy pale ale |
| Desserts | Sweet dessert wine or coffee |
“The thoughtful beverage pairings at Spare Rib elevate the dining experience, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the food.” – Beverage Sommelier
Whether you’re seeking a cold beer to cut through smoky ribs or a delicate wine to accompany grilled fish, Spare Rib’s drink menu ensures every sip complements your meal beautifully.
Conclusion
Spare Rib Restaurant in Commack offers a menu rich in tradition and flavor, perfectly capturing the essence of American barbecue and comfort food. From the first bite of tender, smoky ribs to the final taste of a warm apple crisp, every dish is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
The diverse menu caters to a wide range of palates, balancing hearty meat dishes with fresh seafood and vibrant sides.
The thoughtful preparation and attention to detail found throughout the menu make Spare Rib a standout dining destination. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the warm atmosphere paired with expertly crafted food ensures an exceptional experience.
The variety of options, from appetizers to desserts, supports a full meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. By combining traditional flavors with a modern touch, Spare Rib continues to delight guests seeking authentic, flavorful meals in a welcoming setting.
Choosing Spare Rib means embracing a culinary journey that celebrates the best of American cuisine with a focus on quality, taste, and comfort. The Commack location embodies these values fully, making it a top choice for those craving delicious ribs and much more.
