Before you head out for Memphis-style ribs, it helps to know the half-slab versus full-slab cost difference. Checking the Red Hot & Blue Menu with Prices before you arrive can save you from sticker shock at the register. This guide breaks down the current costs, portion sizes, and combo deals so you can order like a regular.
Red Hot & Blue is a chain that started in Arlington, Virginia, back in 1988. They focus on slow-smoked meats, tangy sauces, and Southern sides. Prices do vary by location, but the figures below reflect the standard national averages from recent menu drops.
Red Hot & Blue Menu With Prices
Below is the full pricing structure for the main categories. You will see that the appetizers run from about $8 to $14, while the signature ribs are the most expensive item on the board. Sides are usually sold a la carte, but you can bundle them into a platter for a better deal.
Appetizers And Starters
- Smoked Wings (6 pc) – $9.99
- Smoked Wings (12 pc) – $17.99
- Queso Dip with Chips – $8.49
- Onion Rings – $7.29
- Fried Pickles – $7.99
- Chili Nachos – $10.49
- BBQ Nachos (with pulled pork) – $12.99
- Deviled Eggs (3 pc) – $5.99
Most appetizers are shareable for two people. The BBQ Nachos are surprisingly filling, so you might skip a main course if you order those.
Ribs And Combos
Ribs are the anchor of this menu. You can get them dry-rubbed or wet with sauce. The half-slab is about 6 bones, while the full slab has 12 bones.
- Half Slab of Ribs – $17.99
- Full Slab of Ribs – $24.99
- Full Slab with 2 Sides – $28.99
- Rib & Chicken Combo (Half Rack + Quarter Chicken) – $21.99
- Rib & Pulled Pork Combo – $21.49
- Rib & Brisket Combo – $23.99
- Rib Tips (Half Pound) – $11.99
If you are feeding a group, the “Big Daddy Platter” serves four people and costs around $59.99. That includes a full slab, half chicken, pulled pork, and brisket with four sides.
Sandwiches And Burgers
The sandwich section is more affordable. You can get a decent lunch for under $12 if you skip the combo meal.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich – $9.99
- Brisket Sandwich – $11.99
- Smoked Turkey Sandwich – $10.49
- Chicken Sandwich (Fried or Grilled) – $9.79
- Memphis Burger (1/2 lb) – $10.99
- BBQ Bacon Burger – $12.49
- BLT – $9.29
All sandwiches come with one side. If you want two sides, you will pay an extra $1.50. The brisket sandwich is the most popular choice because they slice it thin and pile it high.
Platters And Dinners
Platters are for people who want a full meal. Each platter includes two sides and a piece of cornbread.
- Pulled Pork Platter – $14.99
- Brisket Platter – $17.99
- Smoked Chicken (Quarter) – $11.49
- Smoked Chicken (Half) – $14.99
- Turkey Platter – $15.49
- BBQ Salad with Pulled Pork – $12.99
- Catfish Platter (Fried) – $15.99
The catfish platter is a regional addition. It is not available at every location, so call ahead if that is what you want.
Sides And Extras
Sides are not huge. A single side is about 4 ounces, which is smaller than you might expect. Order extra if you are very hungry.
- Cole Slaw – $2.79
- Mac and Cheese – $3.29
- Baked Beans – $2.99
- Collard Greens – $2.99
- French Fries – $2.79
- Sweet Potato Fries – $3.49
- Corn on the Cob – $2.49
- Cornbread (2 pc) – $2.29
You can also order a “Side Sampler” which gives you three small sides for $6.99. This is a good way to try the collard greens without committing to a full portion.
Desserts And Drinks
- Banana Pudding – $4.99
- Chocolate Cake – $5.49
- Peach Cobbler – $4.79
- Soft Drinks (Unlimited Refills) – $2.99
- Sweet Tea – $2.99
- Bottled Water – $2.49
Desserts are made in-house at most locations. The banana pudding is the standout item and often sells out by evening.
How To Save Money On This Menu
You can cut your bill by 15 to 20 percent if you follow a few simple rules. First, skip the appetizers. The portions are small for the price. Second, order the lunch special if you are dining before 4 PM.
Here is a step-by-step plan for ordering on a budget:
- Check the daily specials board near the counter. Many locations offer a “Pulled Pork Sandwich + Chips + Drink” for $8.99 on Tuesdays.
- Order the half slab instead of the full slab. The half slab is usually enough for one person, especially if you add a side.
- Ask for sauce on the side. The ribs are already smoked with a dry rub, so you do not need extra sauce.
- Share a combo platter with a friend. The Rib & Chicken Combo at $21.99 can feed two light eaters.
- Skip the bottled soda and get the fountain drink. It is cheaper and has free refills.
Another tip is to sign up for their email club. You get a free dessert on your birthday and occasional coupons for 10% off your total order.
Nutritional Facts And Allergen Info
If you are tracking calories, the menu is not exactly diet-friendly. A full slab of ribs with sauce has roughly 1,400 calories. The pulled pork platter is around 800 calories without the cornbread.
Here are some common allergen notes:
- Most sauces contain gluten and soy.
- The fried items are cooked in shared oil with shellfish.
- The mac and cheese contains milk and wheat.
- The collard greens are cooked with pork for flavor.
If you have a severe allergy, tell the cashier. They can prepare your meat on a clean cutting board, but cross-contamination is still possible in the kitchen.
Comparing Red Hot & Blue To Other BBQ Chains
Red Hot & Blue sits in the mid-range for BBQ pricing. A full slab here costs about $25, which is cheaper than Famous Dave’s (around $30) but more expensive than Dickey’s (around $20). The quality is better than fast-food BBQ but not as premium as local smokehouses.
The key difference is the sauce. Red Hot & Blue uses a vinegar-based sauce that is thinner than the thick, sweet sauces from Kansas City style chains. If you prefer a sweeter taste, ask for the “Memphis Sweet” variant at the counter.
Portion sizes are smaller than competitors. A half slab at Red Hot & Blue is about 6 bones, while some chains give you 7 or 8 bones for the same price. This is something to keep in mind if you are sharing.
Location And Price Variations
Prices are not uniform across all states. A franchise in New York City will charge about 10% more than a location in Virginia. The table below shows the average price differences based on region:
- Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD, DC) – Standard prices as listed above
- Southeast (NC, SC, GA) – About 5% lower on platters
- Midwest (IL, IN) – About 3% higher on ribs
- Northeast (NY, NJ) – About 10% higher on everything
You can check the exact price at your local store by using the online ordering portal. The website will show the current menu with your store’s specific prices. Do not rely on third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, because they add a 15% markup to every item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Red Hot & Blue offer a senior discount?
Yes, most corporate locations offer a 10% discount for guests over 65. You need to ask for it before you pay. Franchise locations may not honor this, so it is hit or miss.
Are there any gluten-free options on the menu?
The smoked meats (ribs, pulled pork, brisket, turkey) are gluten-free on their own. However, the dry rub may contain trace amounts of wheat. The sauces are not gluten-free. You can order meat without sauce and choose a side like cole slaw or green beans.
Can I buy just the sauce bottles?
Yes, Red Hot & Blue sells their sauces in 16 oz bottles at the counter. The price is usually $6.99 per bottle. You can choose from Original, Sweet, or Hot varieties.
What is the difference between wet and dry ribs?
Dry ribs are rubbed with a spice mix and smoked without sauce. Wet ribs are basted with sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The dry rub is spicier, while the wet ribs are sweeter and stickier.
Does the restaurant offer catering for large events?
Yes, they have catering trays that serve 10 to 20 people. A full slab tray (3 slabs) costs around $75. You can order online with 24 hours notice. They also provide disposable serving utensils and napkins.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The Red Hot & Blue menu with prices is straightforward once you understand the portion sizing. The half slab is the best value for a single person, coming in at just under $18. If you are dining with a partner, split the full slab with two sides for about $29 total, which is cheaper than ordering two separate platters.
One last warning: the prices listed on the official website are often outdated. Restaurants have been raising prices due to food costs, so expect to pay about $1 to $2 more than the figures shown here. Always confirm at the counter before you order if you are on a strict budget.
For the best experience, go during lunch hours on a weekday. The service is faster, the meat is fresher (since they just pulled it from the smoker), and you can take advantage of the lunch specials that are not available after 4 PM. The ribs are smoked for 6 hours, so morning batches are usually more tender than evening ones that have been sitting under a heat lamp.
If you are ordering for takeout, check your bag before you leave the counter. Missing sides are a common complaint. The staff will fix it immediately if you catch it in store, but once you drive home, you are out of luck.
Overall, Red Hot & Blue offers decent value for chain BBQ. It is not the cheapest option, but the smoky flavor and the variety of sauces make it worth a visit. Just remember to bring cash if you want to tip the counter staff, because some locations do not allow tips on credit cards.
Now you know the exact costs and the best ordering strategy. Go ahead and plan your meal, and you will not have to guess about the final bill.