"The best ribs in town” is not a claim to make lightly, but for four years running Sticky Fingers has earned that very designation from Chattanooga’s “Best of the Best” competition and with an eye for detail and over two decades of experience, it’s safe to say they have earned that reputation fairly.
Of the four main regional styles of barbecue, Sticky Fingers specializes in “Memphis style” ribs where ribs are slow-cooked (either dry or wet) in a pit. The St. Louis cut ribs are smoked for six and a half hours and every rib is checked for “bone-off” status before being served, meaning that the meat isn’t done until it falls effortlessly from the bone.
Sticky Fingers has a “no-reheating” policy which simply means that their barbecue is served fresh off the pit, or “pit to plate” as they say around the kitchen, ensuring the highest quality and tenderest meat. The hungry customer has a choice of five signature sauces/dry rubs. Memphis Style Wet or Memphis Original is for the classic connoisseur while Carolina Sweet is their honey-based best seller.
Southern Heat features a dash of fiery habanero for just the right amount of kick. Tennessee Whiskey is a traditional sauce with a little hint of “something extra” and the Memphis Style Dry rub is a classic mustard based preparation with a (secret) combination of seasonings and spices.
Sticky Fingers isn’t just ribs though. The restaurant features an impressive array of sandwiches, burgers, salads, appetizers and all the traditional sides one comes to expect with excellent barbecue. There are two locations (downtown and Hamilton Place) offering a comfortable, nostalgic sit-down dining experience. The downtown location also features a 100-person banquet room for special events.
In addition to their success as a brick and mortar restaurant, Sticky Fingers also runs a highly successful, popular catering service and accommodate virtually any kind of event from weddings to corporate retreats. Their delivery service is also handy if you just can’t make it out of the office and their email club means a free Sticky Fingers dinner on your birthday.