Robb gives Ribbs personality.(Dining)

Byline: Charlotte Balcomb Lane OF THE JOURNAL

Owner's enjoyment rubs off on customers

The first time I ate at Robb's Ribbs, I made a mistake and ordered carry-out. Why would carry-out be a mistake?

Because eating barbecue without the smell of smoke is like watching a movie without the soundtrack. You only get half the experience.

So, the next time I ate at Robb's Ribbs, I sat in the restaurant where I could smell the smoke, admire the various pieces of pig art, study the caricatures painted on the walls and listen to the rockabilly music playing.

Surprise, surprise. I liked the food much better, especially the signature $6.55 "pork leg" sandwich tinged with pink and the extra-peppery, slightly sweet pinto beans. …