After Charlie Robinson earned the first-place trophy at Mike Royko’s rib fest in 1984, more people began sharing their craft of making ribs in local contests. In 1986, Forest Park’s Upper Deck Restaurant was able to boast that their sauce, prepared by cook Mike Lane, was the 4th place finisher in the INC Ribfest (formerly sponsored by Mike Royko). When Ed and Sheri Hilton opened Classic Ribs in 1987 at 315 Harlem, it was a welcome sight to have another rib provider to sample on Harlem. With 14 tables and a menu of “magically delicious” ribs, three types of fish, chicken and grilled sandwiches, it quickly gained a faithful customer base.
