10 Best BBQ Restaurants Chicago, IL
Chicago is an exciting city with many dining options. If you are craving barbecue, you will not be short of options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a spot for date night or a night out with friends, you have options. That being said, it is good to know what are the best BBQ restaurants Chicago has to offer.
1. Chicago Q
1160 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312)-642-1160
At Chicago Q, you can enjoy delicious barbecue in an upscale venue. The brisket is very popular amongst patrons. As for the ribs, they are so tender that they fall off the bone. Try the pulled pork chili. If you want to try gator, the fried alligator is so good. The macaroni and cheese is smooth and creamy. You will enjoy the cornbread as well as the hushpuppies. The portion sizes are generous. As for cocktails, the whiskey cocktails match well with the BBQ. For dessert, the carrot cake is everything.
2. Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312)-754-0431
When you walk into Green Street Smoked Meats, you will notice that the interior is covered in lights, giving the restaurant a warm ambiance. The brisket here is top-notch, and it may be the best brisket in Chicago. You will like the pork belly because it is smoked and full of flavor. The ribs are well-marinated. The elite style corn is creamy. If you enjoy cornbread, you should order it here. It is soft and moist. You can find some nice beers on tap. The margarita is fresh and has the right amount of sweetener. Prices are reasonable here. The staff is polite and friendly.
3. Smoque BBQ
3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
(773)-545-7427
Smoque BBQ is a popular place in Chicago. The brisket is flavorful and melts in your mouth. You will enjoy the baby back ribs because they are super meaty. If you want to try a favorite on the menu, try the BBQ Gumbo. The sausage is moist. You will like the burnt ends here. They are thick and juicy. The macaroni cheese has jalapenos in it which makes it more flavorful. For dessert, try the bread pudding. The peach cobbler is also good.
4. Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park
1804 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773)-772-6656
If you like your barbecue to be on the sweet side, Smoke Daddy BBQ is the place for you. The brisket is very tender. Meats are smoked in-house daily. The sweet and smoky sauce is superb. You may also like the sweet honey sauce. With the rib sampler, you can get rib tips, baby back ribs, and spare ribs. The ribs have a nice smoky taste. Try the pork ends and hushpuppies. They are delicious. The Carolina-style slaw is killer. As for the staff, they are attentive and know the menu very well.
5. Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago
465 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312)-280-9200
Carson’s Ribs has a nice balance of casual and upscale. Try the burgers and ribs. The ribs are expertly smoked and tender. They are so good that they don’t require extra sauce. The crab cakes are perfectly done. Definitely try the crusted pork chops because they are perfect. You will love the coleslaw here. The tiramisu and key lime pie are exceptional. If you like cocktails, try the Bee’s Knees. The staff is very professional. As for the prices, they are reasonable.
6. Lem’s Bar-B-Q
311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773)-994-2428
The decor of Lem’s Bar-B-Q is no-frills, but don’t let that fool you. It is a family business that has been around for almost 50 years. The rib tips are tender. You will also enjoy the hot links and ribs. Even the leftovers are phenomenal. The portion sizes are generous. There is a long wait when you get there. Sometimes, the line is wrapped around the building. However, if you call ahead, the staff will add you to the waitlist. Then, you won’t have to wait as long.
7. Honky Tonk BBQ
1213 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312)-226-7427
Honky Tonk BBQ is a rustic restaurant where you can enjoy live music. The food is well seasoned. The brisket is Mount St. Helen’s Prime Beef. It has no preservatives or chemicals. You have to try the hot link. The meat is smoked with apple and cherry wood. The sauces are made in-house and include Butter Garlic, Mango Habanero, and Buffalo. As for sides, try the garlic mash. It is smooth and creamy. If you like vinegar-based coleslaw, you should order it. The cornbread is so good. Portion sizes are generous here.
8. Bub City
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312)-610-4200
Bub City offers great barbecue and live country music. It is a fun place for having drinks with friends on a night out. They have some nice whiskey options. The brisket is well smoked. If you like nachos, the brisket nachos are next level. Go for the rib and chicken wings combo because the portion is very generous. The Bloody Mary has a nice smoky taste that is reminiscent of bacon. If you want something refreshing, you will like the back porch iced tea. The servers are very accommodating.
9. Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312)-467-9696
Weber Grill Restaurant is a good place for eating barbecue in the sandwich form. The interior is reminiscent of a diner with booths lining the corridor. The juicy and tasty ribs, burgers, and char steaks are all prepared on the Weber kettles. Their fries are thin and crispy. As for the pulled pork sandwich, the sauce has a nice hickory barbecue flavor. If you like ale, order the Kentucky Bourbon Barre Ale. The hand-shaken margaritas are smooth and delicious.
10. Daebak Korean BBQ
2017 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312)-631-3913
The vibe of Daebak Korean BBQ is very family friendly. K-Pop music videos are played on the large TV. You can grill your meat in a number of delicious marinades and sauces. Order the chili garlic sauce wings. It seems like the side dishes are never ending. The Mozrella corn dog is delicious. The servers are friendly and will answer any questions you have. If you don’t know what you are doing, the waitstaff can grill the meat for you.
When deciding on the best BBQ Restaurants Chicago has to offer, you will find that there are many BBQ options in the city. Some of them are upscale. Some are family friendly. There are even a few that offer live music. Regardless of what you are into, you can find a restaurant that is appropriate for you.
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