Empire BBQ Repeats Rib King NYC Win

Industry City was buzzing during Rib King NYC. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)

This past weekend, hundreds of barbecue fans gathered in Industry City, Brooklyn, to taste delicious ribs, sip unique drinks, and see who would be crowned the next Rib King of NYC. Turns out, it was a repeat performance.

Empire BBQ was the top winner at Rib King NYC. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)

Vincent Mangual of Empire BBQ won the top prize for the second year in a row, showing he is the real deal Rib King. Mangual's perfectly cooked Creekstone Farm spare ribs were covered with sweet BBQ sauce, pickles, and jalapeno peach corn bread crumbs on top that provided amazing texture and flavors.

The delicious rib from Smoke Sweats at Rib King NYC. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)

Anthony Scerri of Smoke Sweats BBQ, following his Brisket King NYC 2025 victory, won Runner-Up just like last year with his rib, which he called "The Bride." It was St. Louis cut rib smoked in almond cabernet wood for 4 hours, dressed with "Ala-Brooklyn" white sauce, and topped with diamond dust and Achilles Heat Chili Crisp. The judges informed me it was a true toss-up between first and second place.

Brothers Barbecue at Rib King NYC. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)

The Friends of Firefighters People's Choice Award went to Brothers Barbecue, which served up its incredible "Mama's Sticky Ribs." These spare ribs featured an intensely sweet and savory sauce that the Brothers' mother made growing up, and it's a variation on the sauce they typically serve at their restaurants.

Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue at Rib King. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)

The full winners list includes:

Congrats to all the winners, and kudos to Jimmy Carbone and the Food Karma Projects crew for another amazing Rib King NYC in Brooklyn.

Jimmy Carbone of Food Karma Projects and Sean Ludwig of NYC BBQ. (Photo by Chris Gampat)

See more photos and moments from Rib King NYC 2025 on NYC BBQ's Instagram.

Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ

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