The Best of the Barbecue
When it comes to summer dining, there are few things as quintessential as barbecue. This revered American pastime is at its craveable peak in July, as patriotism and pulled pork go hand-in-hand. We may not be in North Carolina, Memphis, or deep Texas, but Chicago is not lax in the barbecue department. In fact, the city is chock full of exceptional regional ’cue. In honor of patriotic meaty appetites, here’s a roundup of some of the best barbecue restaurants in Chicago and some of their can’t-miss specialties.
A list of exceptional barbecue in Chicago pretty much has to start with Smoque BBQ, one of the most consistent, popular, and succulent destinations in town. Barry Sorkin’s casual eatery offers a slick version of regionally inspired barbecue, covering all the bases from ribs and brisket to Texas sausage and peach cobbler. One nifty way to experience Smoque, especially for newbies, is their 1/2 and 1/2 sandwich combo, wherein guests get half a pulled pork sandwich and half a brisket sandwich, the latter available sliced or chopped. Sandwich platters come with slaw and a side (hint: the BBQ beans and brisket chili are killer).
For down-home barbecue in a spiffed up motif, head to Lillie’s Q. This full-service restaurant offers a polished rendition of an all-encompassing barbecue experience, featuring an ample menu of entrees, appetizers, sides, and drinks. It’s the largest menu among Chicago’s most reputable barbecue haunts, but don’t let that intimidate you. This place is brimming with deliciousness, from meaty and hefty beer batter fried pickles and luscious hush puppies with sweet potato dressing to a tri-tip sandwich as velvety as slivered roast beef and smoked fried chicken, which imbues the classic comfort food with a heady aroma in the breast, leg, and thigh. Lillie’s Q also boasts an impressive lineup of housemade and bottled sauces, which are fun to experiment with table side, and also fun to purchase and take home.
bellyQ is a great locale for barbecue with an Asian accent. Bill Kim’s sprawling Asian barbecue-focused restaurant features plenty of straight-up Asian dishes alongside American classics emboldened with Asian flare. Take the chickpea hush puppies for example, spiced with togarashi and horseradish sauce. Or the Asian cole slaw with nuoc cham. Or the tamarind-glazed smoked beef ribs. Or the baby back ribs with housemade hoisin. The list goes on and on, making for an immersive, exploratory dining experience unlike any barbecue eatery in Chicago.
While much of the Loop hustles around frantically at the lunch rush, Blackwood BBQ slows things down with its concise menu of slow-cooked meats. The smokiest, most aromatic restaurant in the Loop provides some of the most savorous dishes. The menu may be small, with just three main items, but it’s mighty. Brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken are available as sandwiches, platters, or sandwiches, with optional sides. End of story. Blackwood’s template is still casual quick service, but the difference is in the slow, carefully cooked flavor and texture. Meats cook for upwards of 14 hours, resulting in succulent, fork-tender lunch fodder.
Speaking of small but mighty, look no further than smalls. This diminutive Irving Park eatery is as tiny as the name suggests, with a focused menu to match, but flavors and aromas are epic. The formula here is barbecue and fried chicken with a slight Asian tilt. Think smoked brisket with Tiger Cry sauce and toasted garlic rice, buttermilk brined fried chicken with Filipino-inspired banana ketchup, and barbecue brisket bibimbap.
Chicken is king at Lem’s Bar-B-Q, one of your best bets for barbecue on the south side. With plenty of meaty options around these parts, Lem’s stands out for its poultry focus. The crux of the menu is fried chicken in various cuts and sizes, including breast, wings, livers, and gizzards. Adjoined with a side of barbecue sauce, the chicken really soars. There’s also ribs, hot links, and classic humble sides such as potato salad, cole slaw, and white bread.
Smoque BBQ
3800 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago
(773) 545-7427
Website
Lillie’s Q
1856 W. North Avenue, Chicago
(773) 772-5500
Website
bellyQ
1400 W. Randolph Street, Chicago
(312) 563-1010
Website
Blackwood BBQ
305 W. Lake Street, Chicago
(312) 621-9663
Website
smalls
4009 N. Albany Avenue, Chicago
(312) 857-4221
Website
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
311 E. 75th Street, Chicago
(773) 994-2428
Website
