Not too many non-chains around here, lol.
When I think of Ribs, I think of TW Lee's in Lexington. Not sure if it is still there.
There is a place in another town about 19 miles from here call the City Cafe. They used to have this steak that was to die for..but they changed their menu
Something they haven't changed is their desserts -- they do a lot of catering of desserts to fancy hotels, etc. The dessert case is in the dining room area so you can see everything before you order. They have a sampler plate of minitures so you can try everything at once.
In Atlanta, the Swan Coach House rest. has wonderful chicken salad and it's dessert is in a pastery-shaped swan!
The Spagetti Warehouse is wonderful too!