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Chicago BBQ Restaurants

Author: Jeremie Rosley

Categories: Restaurants At the Table



Two factors confirm Chicago's status as the northern boundary of barbecue country: its role as "Slaughterhouse to the World" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries means we're known for carnivore cuisine. Then, came the Great Migration of African Americans from the South, which brought jazz, blues and, most importantly, soul food.


These two put together mean one thing: Chicago is HOT for barbecue.

Chicago BBQ-Downtown

At Weber Grill Restaurant, the name itself evokes the lazy days of summer, smoke and barbecue. The restaurant exploits this idea by using actual grills as a design element. The cuisine is classic barbecue, but also much more: gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, as are seafood, steaks and beer can chicken!

Chicago BBQ-Most Foodie

Barbecue ribs meet live music at Wicker Park's Smoke Daddy. Try the ribs with original, mustard or sweet 'n' smoky barbecue sauce. Mac and cheese and baked bean sides are not to be missed!

Stop by Honey One, operated by the Adamses, a father/son team originally from Arkansas. This Logan Square Spot was the first barbeque restaurant on the North Side to use hickory rather than gas to prepare their BBQ. Their baby back ribs have become a citywide sensation. One truly unique Southern delight offered by Honey One is fried gizzards, or chicken livers. Although it may sound off-putting to the uninitiated, gizzards are rich, creamy and delicious – the country cousins of foie gras.

Chicago BBQ-Most Famous/Historic

First-time visitors to the Windy City would do well to stop at Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern.  This site was originally built in the 19th century and housed a speakeasy in the early 20th.  However it didn’t become famous until it became a favorite of Frank Sinatra's.  Old Blue Eyes order? “Ribs, and keep ‘em coming.”  More recently, scenes from The Dark Knight were filmed here.  Not only is standard barbecue fare served, but filet mignon and beer-battered cod as well.

While in Lincoln Park, visit Robinson's No. 1 Ribs.  Charlie Robinson's BBQ recipe won Chicago journalist Mike Royko's first ever Ribfest in 1982, and since then Robinson's ribs have been the stuff of legend.  Featured each year at the Taste of Chicago, Robinson's now has locations in Oak Park, Union Station, and the location in Lincoln Park.  Housed in a former B&B, the ambiance is played up with a back patio that's handicapped- and pet-friendly.

Known around the world as a result of their thriving mail order business--you can get them anywhere in the world--Carson's Ribs are also to be had on location here in Chicago. Succulent and meaty, the ribs themselves are worthy hosts to the Carson's BBQ sauce that Chicagoans love, as well. Want to order some ribs now?

Chicago BBQ-Further Afoot

Currently the most talked-about 'cue spot in Chicago, Smoque uses two Southern Pride smokers to create authentic barbecue. A little out of the way, this Old Irving spot starts off with a Memphis-style dry rub on their ribs, available in baby-back or meatier St. Louis style. Sides include standard barbecue faves: mac and cheese, coleslaw and cornbread. Stay for the peach cobbler!

Want authentic? Coleman’s Barbeque is as real as real gets.  It’s an Austin neighborhood joint with awesome rib tips in the city and the to-die-for sweet potato pie. Coleman’s is carry-out-only and their delicious BBQ is priced to a Southern sensibility.  Rib tips and fries start at $5.50.  This place is real, and really worth the trip.

 

Tags

Culinaryfamily friendly

nearby places of interest

Hecky's Barbecue
1902 Green Bay Rd., Evanston, IL 60201

This Northwestern University barbecue favorite is a little trek out of downtown Chicago, but definitely worth it!

Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.

R.J. Grunts
2056 N. Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

A comfortable atmosphere with American fare is served at this historic restaurant--historic because it was the very first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, the company founded by culinary entrepreneur Rich Melman. Another interesting note is that R.J. Grunts was the original restaurant to establish the theme that has been followed by other, more commercial "flair" restaurants.  

Risque Cafe
3419 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60657

This opened-in-2007 Chicago barbecue spot specializes in smoked meats, American microbrews...and soft-core B-movies.

Robinson's #1 - Lincoln Park
655 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago Loop barbecue staple's Lincoln Park spot-- with delivery! Fans swear by the barbecue sauce, diners love the bed-and-breakfast feel, complete with an outdoor patio.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roy's
720 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Hawaiian fusion spot has outposts all over the world. It serves Hawaiian cuisine with French and Japanese influences. 

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.  

Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606

Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria. 

Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

A crashingly original BYO restaurant headed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Michael Carlson. The surroundings are simple, yet elegant, and the food is of a level with top kitchens practicing avant garde dining mixed with a dose of molecular gastronomy. If that confuses you, this might not be the right experience for you unless you're heartily open to new things.  

Shochu
3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.   

Shor
2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

This classic, Chicago-style grill operates out of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. It's a perfect, convenient stop for those attending a convention or a performance at the Arie Crown Theater.

Smoke Shack
800 W. Altgeld St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago Late-night barbecue revelers rejoice! This Lincoln Park venue stays open until 5 a.m. on weekends, 3 a.m. during the week.

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

Tocco
1266 N. Milwaukee Ave. , Chicago, IL 60622

Tocco provides refined renditions of favorite Italian comfort foods like pizza and pasta. 

Trader Vic's
1030 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This delectable restaurant is island inspired with an Asian fare. This creates for some creative and tastey culinary cooking. It is great for dinner and has a sushi an bar lounge open until midnight.  

Twin Anchors
1655 N. Sedgwick St., Chicago, IL 60614

This old-school tavern has been serving up legendary ribs to celebs like Frank Sinatra since 1932.

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.  

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Trader Vic's
1030 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This delectable restaurant is island inspired with an Asian fare. This creates for some creative and tastey culinary cooking. It is great for dinner and has a sushi an bar lounge open until midnight.  

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