Chicago’s barbecue scene features terrific smoky cuisine right here in the midwest! Here are our best Chicago barbecue picks.
Earl’s BBQ
Earl’s BBQ in Jefferson Park is perfect for those days where you want something delicious and quick. There is even a drive-thru, so you won’t have to leave your car. This family owned and operated joint smokes its meats daily, so you know you’re getting consistent, top-tier quality. Its donuts are also made per order, ensuring they’re always warm and crispy.
City Barbeque
City Barbeque, located in Park Ridge, is the definition of soul food. Its chefs put heart and care into their food on a daily basis, taking the phrase “low and slow” to heart. They also offer five sauces based on regional BBQ styles: Original, Brush Fire, LowCo, Sweet City, and Swine Wine. Just don’t ask for the recipe — it’s a secret!
Smoke Daddy BBQ
Opened since 1994, Smoke Daddy knows what it’s doing when it comes to barbeque. With a location in both Wicker Park and Wrigleyville, it’s a must-visit no matter where you are in the city. Patrons can even enjoy live music every Friday night at the Wicker Park restaurant. Smoke Daddy takes pride in its ribs, pulled meats, and classic cocktail menu.
Honky Tonk BBQ
Get a taste of Memphis at Honky Tonk “The Tonk” BBQ, located in Pilsen Yards. It serves their food in the traditional Memphis style, characterized by dry-rubbed meats slow roasted over wood and charcoal. You can also enjoy three signature, house-made sauces: Chicago Sweet, Memphis Tangy, and Carolina Mustard-Butter-Garlic.
Smoque BBQ
Smoque BBQ in Irving Park offers high-quality eats with a casual neighborhood atmosphere. Created by self-proclaimed “five regular guys,” Smoque’s humble beginnings are contrasted by its national praise. They make their sauces, rubs, and sides from scratch in their own kitchen, letting customers taste the love in every bite.
Green Street Smoked Meats
Green Street Smoked Meats is the perfect spot for classic barbecue lovers and trendy foodies alike. Located in the stylish West Loop neighborhood, Green Street draws in customers with its chic atmosphere and Central-Texas inspired barbecue. With meats by the pound, signature sandwiches, and craft cocktails, this food joint will not disappoint.
Soul and Smoke
At its Avondale location, Soul and Smoke provides signature smoked meats and handcrafted cocktails with a riverside view. Enjoy delicious barbecue in the sunlit dining room, or check out the patio for “Soul Sundays.” Every Sunday this summer from 1 to 4pm, Soul and Smoke will feature DJ sets from Soul Authority DJ’s. Sip, eat, and dance while enjoying some delicious Chicago BBQ.
Bub City
Most Chicagoans know River North’s Bub City as a buzzy nightlife spot for live country music. However, Bub City dishes up mouthwatering house-smoked meats, burgers, chicken and more. Bub City is one of the hottest destinations for barbecue, whiskey and music, and is open for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late night dining.
Chicago Q
Chicago Q’s Savannah-style dining room and inventive menu bring Southern charm to the City. Enjoy BBQ staples like pulled pork and brisket or step outside of your comfort zone and try the Creole Fried Alligator or Brisket Meatballs. Chicago Q’s dishes also pair perfectly with the best selection of rare and exclusive bourbons in Chicago.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse
At Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Chef Dominique Leach combined her prestigious culinary expertise with fond memories of her grandma’s home cooking. Leach is inspired by flavors from her Grandma’s Mississippi fare and blends them into soul-filled barbeque. Dishes like the Brisket Mac & Cheese and the Pulled Pork Sandwich are sure to make your mouth water.
Slab BBQ
Slab BBQ, located in the South Shore (1918 E 71 street), is a family owned and operated business dedicated to providing the community with affordable and quality meats. It also takes pride in its sweet and tangy sauce, which will complement your perfectly cooked ribs.
Offset BBQ
Offset BBQ claims it is “Not Your Average BBQ.” Although they serve traditional BBQ plates, the sandwiches, sides and rice bowls are a creative breath of fresh air. The dishes also use a variety of international influences, from the Puerto Rican jibarito sandwich to the Irish classic corned beef hash.
Blackwood BBQ
Blackwood BBQ has a ton of locations: Schaumburg, Franklin and Adams, Michigan Ave, and more. Whenever you find yourself in the Chicagoland area looking for some premium smoked meats, you’re bound to stumble across a Blackwood BBQ. Blackwood sources its food from trusted partners and cooks everything from scratch, so you know you’re getting fresh meals every time.
Chicago Culinary Kitchen
Looking for top-tier barbecue without venturing downtown? Look no further than Chicago Culinary Kitchen in Palatine. Pitmasters Greg and Kristina Gaardbo promise guests legendary barbecue, craft beers, and classic cocktails. They serve their meats Texas-style, but also take inspiration from their international travels.
Lillie’s Q
Lillie’s Q on Ashland Avenue combines regional tradition with innovation and is always inspired by family. The restaurant’s founder Chef Charlie McKenna derived the spot’s namesake from his Grandma Lillie, a southerner born and raised. Chef Charlie offers a variety of sauces, rubs, chips and more to midwesterners looking for authentic southern barbecue.
