From classic Texas-style barbecue to North Carolina-style barbecue, these five barbecue restaurants in Chicago offer a wide variety of dishes that cater to every barbecue lover’s taste buds. Chicago is home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the country, and these five restaurants have set themselves apart as top contenders in the city.
1. Smoque BBQ: Smoque BBQ, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago that has consistently ranked as one of the top barbecue joints in the city. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and is known for its slow-cooked meats, including beef brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis-style ribs. The meat is dry-rubbed and smoked over apple and oak wood, giving it a distinctive flavor. Smoque BBQ’s sides, including the mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread, are also popular.
2. Green Street Smoked Meats: Green Street Smoked Meats, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a popular barbecue restaurant in the West Loop area of Chicago that has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp. The restaurant is known for its Texas-style barbecue, including brisket, sausage, and ribs. Green Street Smoked Meats’ meat is cooked over wood-fired pits, giving it a unique smoky flavor. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beer and cocktails.
3. Bub City: Bub City, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a barbecue restaurant and bar located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and is known for its Southern-style barbecue and live country music. Bub City’s menu includes brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. The restaurant also has a great selection of whiskey and bourbon.
4. Lillie’s Q: Lillie’s Q, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a barbecue restaurant located in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and is known for its award-winning barbecue sauces. Lillie’s Q’s menu includes pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, as well as sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beer and whiskey.
5. The Pit: The Pit, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a barbecue restaurant located in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a 4-star rating on Yelp and is known for its North Carolina-style barbecue. The Pit’s menu includes pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, as well as sides like hush puppies and collard greens. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beer and whiskey.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Chicago
Smoque BBQ
Address: 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Phone Number: (773) 545-7427
Smoque BBQ, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago that specializes in slow-cooked meats. The restaurant has a rustic interior with exposed brick walls and wooden tables and chairs. The kitchen is visible from the dining area, allowing customers to watch the chefs as they prepare their food.
One of Smoque BBQ’s signature dishes is the beef brisket, which is cooked for over 12 hours and served sliced or chopped. Another popular dish is the St. Louis-style ribs, which are coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The restaurant also serves pulled pork, smoked chicken, and hot links. All the meats are slow-cooked in a custom-built smoker, which uses apple and oak wood to give the meat a distinct smoky flavor.
What sets Smoque BBQ apart from other barbecue restaurants is their attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. They make all their sauces from scratch and offer a variety of options, including a Carolina-style vinegar sauce and a spicy mustard sauce. Their sides, including the mac and cheese and the collard greens, are also made fresh and are the perfect complement to their meat dishes.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Beef Brisket: Slow-cooked for over 12 hours and served sliced or chopped. The brisket is coated in a dry rub and smoked over apple and oak wood for a distinct smoky flavor.
▣ St. Louis-Style Ribs: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The ribs are tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze.
▣ Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked for several hours and served pulled with a Carolina-style vinegar sauce. The pork is tender and flavorful, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
▣ Hot Links: Made with a blend of pork and beef and smoked over apple and oak wood. The hot links have a spicy kick and are served with a side of barbecue sauce.
▣ Mac and Cheese: Made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. The mac and cheese is creamy and flavorful, with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Smoque BBQ’s service is friendly and efficient. Customers can order at the counter and then take a seat in the dining area. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on customers’ preferences. The restaurant is busy on weekends and during peak hours, so customers may experience a wait time for their food.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich and it was amazing! The meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce was delicious. The mac and cheese was also really good. I would definitely recommend this place.”
“The ribs are the best I’ve ever had! The meat falls off the bone and the sauce is perfect. I also really liked the hot links, which had a nice spicy kick. Overall, a great barbecue restaurant.”
“I came here with a group and we ordered a little bit of everything. The brisket was my favorite, but everything was really good. The sides were also delicious, especially the collard greens. The staff was friendly and helpful. I would definitely come back.”
Smoque BBQ is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago that specializes in slow-cooked meats. The restaurant has a rustic interior and offers a variety of dishes, including beef brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, and pulled pork. Their attention to detail, from making all their sauces from scratch to allowing customers to watch the chefs as they prepare their food adds to the overall experience. They can definitely be counted among the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago.
Green Street Smoked Meats
Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Phone Number: (312) 754-0431
Green Street Smoked Meats, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago that specializes in Texas-style barbecue. The restaurant has a spacious interior with a rustic decor, including exposed brick walls and wooden tables and chairs. The kitchen is visible from the dining area, allowing customers to watch as the chefs prepare their food.
One of Green Street Smoked Meats’ signature dishes is the beef brisket, which is smoked for up to 14 hours and served sliced or chopped. Another popular dish is the hot links, which are made with pork and beef and have a spicy kick. The restaurant also serves pork ribs, pulled pork, and turkey breast. All the meats are smoked over oak and hickory wood, giving them a distinct smoky flavor.
What sets Green Street Smoked Meats apart from other barbecue restaurants is their unique approach to service. Customers order their food at the counter and then take a seat in the communal dining area, where they can enjoy their meal and socialize with other diners. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beer and cocktails, which customers can order from the bar.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Beef Brisket: Smoked for up to 14 hours and served sliced or chopped. The brisket is tender and flavorful, with a crispy bark and a smoky flavor.
▣ Hot Links: Made with pork and beef and smoked over oak and hickory wood. The hot links have a spicy kick and are served with a side of pickles and onions.
▣ Pork Ribs: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The ribs are tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze.
▣ Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked for several hours and served pulled with a side of barbecue sauce. The pork is tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor.
▣ Turkey Breast: Smoked over oak and hickory wood and served sliced. The turkey breast is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy skin.
Green Street Smoked Meats’ service is friendly and efficient. Customers order their food at the counter and then take a seat in the communal dining area, where they can enjoy their meal and socialize with other diners. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on customers’ preferences.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket was amazing! It was tender and juicy, with a crispy bark and a smoky flavor. I also really liked the hot links, which had a nice spicy kick. The communal seating was a unique experience and added to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant.”
“The pork ribs were some of the best I’ve ever had! They were tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze. The sides were also really good, especially the baked beans. I would definitely recommend this place.”
“I had the turkey breast and it was delicious! It was tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor and a crispy skin. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the communal seating made for a fun dining experience.”
Green Street Smoked Meats is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago that specializes in Texas-style barbecue. The restaurant has a spacious interior and offers a variety of dishes, including beef brisket, hot links, and pork ribs. Their unique approach to service, with communal seating and a great selection of craft beer and cocktails, adds to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Chicago.
Bub City
Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Phone Number: (312) 610-4200
Bub City, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a barbecue restaurant and bar located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a Western-inspired interior, with rustic decor and wooden tables and chairs. The bar area is separate from the dining area and offers a great selection of whiskey and bourbon.
One of Bub City’s signature dishes is the 18-hour beef brisket, which is slow-cooked and served sliced or chopped. Another popular dish is the pulled pork, which is slow-cooked and served with a Carolina-style vinegar sauce. The restaurant also serves St. Louis-style ribs, hot links, and smoked chicken wings. All the meats are smoked over hickory and apple wood, giving them a distinct smoky flavor.
What sets Bub City apart from other barbecue restaurants is their live country music. The restaurant has a stage area where musicians perform throughout the week, adding to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Beef Brisket: Slow-cooked for 18 hours and served sliced or chopped. The brisket is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark.
▣ Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked and served with a Carolina-style vinegar sauce. The pork is tender and juicy, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
▣ St. Louis-Style Ribs: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The ribs are tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze.
▣ Hot Links: Made with pork and beef and smoked over hickory and apple wood. The hot links have a spicy kick and are served with a side of barbecue sauce.
▣ Smoked Chicken Wings: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The wings are tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy skin.
Bub City’s service is friendly and efficient. Customers can order at the bar or at the table, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on customers’ preferences. The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours, so customers may experience a wait time for their food.
Customer Reviews:
“The beef brisket was amazing! It was tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark. The live country music added to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. I would definitely come back.”
“The pulled pork was some of the best I’ve ever had! It was tender and juicy, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. The sides were also really good, especially the mac and cheese. The staff was friendly and helpful.”
“The St. Louis-style ribs were delicious! They were tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze. The hot links were also really good, with a nice spicy kick. The live country music was a great touch.”
Bub City is a barbecue restaurant and bar located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a Western-inspired interior and offers a variety of dishes, including beef brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis-style ribs. The live country music adds to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Chicago.
Lillie’s Q
Address: 1856 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Phone Number: (773) 772-5500
Lillie’s Q, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a barbecue restaurant located in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a cozy interior, with wooden tables and chairs and a rustic decor. The kitchen is visible from the dining area, allowing customers to watch as the chefs prepare their food.
One of Lillie’s Q’s signature dishes is the tri-tip steak, which is dry-rubbed and smoked over pecan wood. Another popular dish is the pulled pork, which is slow-cooked and served with a Carolina-style mustard sauce. The restaurant also serves baby back ribs, beef brisket, and chicken. All the meats are slow-cooked in a custom-built smoker, giving them a distinct smoky flavor.
What sets Lillie’s Q apart from other barbecue restaurants is their award-winning barbecue sauces. They make all their sauces from scratch and offer a variety of options, including a Carolina-style mustard sauce, a spicy vinegar sauce, and a sweet and tangy sauce.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Tri-Tip Steak: Dry-rubbed and smoked over pecan wood. The steak is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark.
▣ Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked and served with a Carolina-style mustard sauce. The pork is tender and juicy, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
▣ Baby Back Ribs: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The ribs are tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze.
▣ Beef Brisket: Slow-cooked and served sliced or chopped. The brisket is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark.
▣ Smoked Chicken: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The chicken is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy skin.
Lillie’s Q’s service is friendly and efficient. Customers can order at the counter and then take a seat in the dining area. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on customers’ preferences.
Customer Reviews:
“The tri-tip steak was amazing! It was tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark. The Carolina-style mustard sauce was the perfect complement. The staff was friendly and helpful.”
“The pulled pork was delicious! It was tender and juicy, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. The sides were also really good, especially the mac and cheese. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations.”
“The baby back ribs were some of the best I’ve ever had! They were tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze. The award-winning sauces were also really good, especially the spicy vinegar sauce. I would definitely come back.”
Lillie’s Q is a barbecue restaurant located in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago that specializes in slow-cooked meats and award-winning barbecue sauces. The restaurant has a cozy interior and offers a variety of dishes, including tri-tip steak, pulled pork, and baby back ribs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and the custom-built smoker gives the meats a distinct smoky flavor. They stand out among the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago.
The Pit
Address: 4212 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Phone Number: (773) 961-7997
The Pit, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Chicago, is a barbecue restaurant located in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant specializes in North Carolina-style barbecue, which is characterized by a vinegar-based sauce. The interior of the restaurant is casual and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and a cozy atmosphere.
One of The Pit’s signature dishes is the pulled pork, which is slow-cooked and served with a vinegar-based sauce. Another popular dish is the beef brisket, which is slow-cooked and served sliced or chopped. The restaurant also serves ribs, hot links, and smoked chicken. All the meats are smoked over hickory wood, giving them a distinct smoky flavor.
What sets The Pit apart from other barbecue restaurants is their focus on North Carolina-style barbecue. They make all their sauces from scratch and offer a variety of options, including a vinegar-based sauce, a mustard-based sauce, and a spicy sauce.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked and served with a vinegar-based sauce. The pork is tender and flavorful, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
▣ Beef Brisket: Slow-cooked and served sliced or chopped. The brisket is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark.
▣ Ribs: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The ribs are tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze.
▣ Hot Links: Made with pork and beef and smoked over hickory wood. The hot links have a spicy kick and are served with a side of barbecue sauce.
▣ Smoked Chicken: Coated in a dry rub and smoked for several hours. The chicken is tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy skin.
The Pit’s service is friendly and efficient. Customers can order at the counter and then take a seat in the dining area. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on customers’ preferences.
Customer Reviews:
“The pulled pork was amazing! It was tender and juicy, with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. The vinegar-based sauce was the perfect complement. The staff was friendly and helpful.”
“The beef brisket was some of the best I’ve ever had! It was tender and flavorful, with a smoky flavor and a crispy bark. The sides were also really good, especially the collard greens. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations.”
“The ribs were delicious! They were tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze. The hot links were also really good, with a nice spicy kick. The craft beer selection was great too. I would definitely come back.”
The Pit is a barbecue restaurant located in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago that specializes in North Carolina-style barbecue. The restaurant has a casual and rustic atmosphere and offers a variety of dishes, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and the hickory wood gives the meats a distinct smoky flavor. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beer and whiskey. They rank amid the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Chicago for good reasons.
Whether you’re looking for award-winning sauces or a unique atmosphere, these five barbecue restaurants in Chicago have it all. The Pit, Lillie’s Q, Bub City, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Smoque BBQ are all worth a visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Chicago’s barbecue scene.
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