Turkey Winner

If you just can't wait for that Thanksgiving bird this year, The Rib Cage Bar & Grill in Cleveland Heights has a twist on the holiday staple with its turkey ribs ($17). Yes, we know what you're thinking, but the ribs are actually on-the-bone pieces of white meat. "We smoke the whole turkey," says Drew Perna, the restaurant's general manager. "We leave the breast bone attached to the meat and cross cut it into strips." The result is tender and juicy turkey doused in any of their made-from-scratch sauces — including the tangy Carolina mustard vinegar we enjoyed — plus your choice of two sides, such as bourbon baked beans, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob or coleslaw. It all adds up to a get-your-fingers-messy situation that had us giving thanks. "It'll definitely get you in the season," Perna says. 2214 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-7427, facebook.com/theribcagebargrill