NORTH CENTER — Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse will return to Ribfest Chicago 2013 to defend its "best ribs" crown against a host of other rib vendors announced Thursday by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.
Rub's (formerly known as Rub BBQ Company) will compete against 2012's People's Choice winner Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, Real Urban Barbecue (2012's third place "best ribs" contender), Smoke Daddy and more during the three-day festival, scheduled for June 7-9.
Winners of the Best Ribs and People's Choice awards are traditionally announced the final evening of the festival.
Ribfest also features a pair of music stages, with the complete band lineup also released on Thursday.
Southern indie rockers The Features (championed by Kings of Leon) headline the festival's opening night, Friday, June 7.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Isbell is formerly of Drive-By Truckers) get top billing Saturday night with their brand of progressive-alt country.
Scottish rockers We Were Promised Jetpacks will close out the festival Sunday, June 9.
