Chicago - BBQ in Chicago

While our city can do baby back ribs and rib tips very well, we fall far short of a good brisket or pulled pork BBQ!!

Some of my recent BBQ eats:

Hillery's in North Chicago. Hillary's specialty is a smoked pork shoulder. Very good for Chicago, but not in the same league as a Texas brisket.

There are other BBQ joints in the Chicago Area that I will add as I get to them.

Anybody have any BBQ places they like. I would prefer non-rib joints.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited Dec 11, 2003).]

Just ate at Famous Dave's BBQ in Addison, IL.
Dave's is located on Lake Street (rt.20) about 1/2 mile east of 355.

I did not realize that FD was a chain restaurant, but they have about 50 locations w/half those in MN and IL.

Tried the ribs, brisket and chopped pork.

The ribs were pork spareribs, not babybacks.
The meat fell off the bone and the sauce added was very little. All in all a very enjoyable rib.

The "Texas" beef brisket was smoked very well, but was not sliced properly (slightly forgivable as a brisket is not an easy thing to slice). The slices were thick and tender but were missing a certain something I could not put my tastebuds on. Still a good brisket.

The "Georgia" Chopped pork was very mediocre and the sauce that was applied was not good.
I would recommend sauce off and apply one of the 4 sauces provided at your table.

I like sauces of any kind and at your table are four: a sweet/spicy, a "Georgia" mustard (mustard/vinegary), a devil's (too much spice taste), and a house sauce (OK). My favorites were the sweet/spicy (on the brisket) and the "Georgia" mustard on the pork. The ribs I did not add any sauce to.

My two usual sides w/BBQ is coleslaw and potato salad. The slaw was fine, but the potato salad had celery added to it, which ruins it for me.

Overall, Famous Dave's was good. Best brisket so far in Chicagoland I've had.

Salt Creek BBQ in Elk Grove. SC is located at 522 Devon.

Shredded pork had too much sauce and not enough flavor. Cajun Link was good. Brisket had a good smoke flavor but was not tender, so they sliced it ultra thin to make up for it. The brisket was good in a pinch.

Potato salad and coleslaw were fine.

Wife and I ate at the Weber Grill Restaurant, 920 N. Milwaukee (just north of Lake-Cook rd.), Wheeling phone: 847.215.0996

Yes it is THE weber grill maker who has opened this restaurant, they also have a location in Lombard at 2331 Fountain Square Drive, phone: 630.953.8880

Real charcoal on a real grill? I'm thinking great eats. Disappointment.

I tried the BBQ Sampler which has ribs (baby back), sausage link, pulled pork and 1/4 chicken.

The ribs were so-so, most people do better at home easily. The sausage link was something you'd buy in the grocery store (fine if I'm cooking, but not when I'm paying some decent $$). Pulled pork had ZERO flavor. The 1/4 chicken was good and very moist, cooked perfect, but then again most can cook chicken on the grill at home.

Wife had the BBQ shrimp/chicken platter. Shrimp were done right (not always easy to do) and again so was the chicken.

We each had one draft beer apiece, the meals and an ok fried calamari appetizer. Bill was $58!! Which was WAY TOO MUCH for food that I can cook better at home.

The manager stated that Weber was going to open other restaurants, but did not say where.

No question on this one...Robinson's Ribs!!! Thankfully, they bottle their sauce and happen to seel it here in Dubuque, so I can make my own ribs at home. but, nothing compares to a slab at one of their Chicagoland locations!!!

Another good one, if you are around Northwestern (Evanston area) is Hecky's. It's only a takeout joint, but you will NOT be dissapointed.

Go get 'em!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/wink.gif

Thanks E,

I used to do biz w/Mr. Robinson and have dined w/him and his ribs. Very good.

Hecky's is good, but I feel they have gone downhill slightly since the years ago, so I don't make the trip to Evanston much, but being a Q lover, I stop if in the area.

Have you had any non rib BBQ in the Chicago area that you like?

What do you mean non-rib...are you asking about pulled pork and the like, or something else?

I'm pretty much a "rib man" myself...get 'em wherever I go! I'm a BBQ fanatic, and will always try for Hot Wing places as well when I travel.

Sorry I can't help you on the non-rib side of things. Any place else around the US you travel that you want to know about? I've been to a number of places and can possibly offer some suggestions.

[This message has been edited by E (edited 02-13-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by E:
What do you mean non-rib...are you asking about pulled pork and the like, or something else?</font>

you got it. A buddy has a smoker and I have some awesome(IMO) rib recipies, so in my book, I do as good as ribs (and chicken) as anyone.

What I can not do is come close to the pulled pork sandwiches of the Carolinas.

I can do brisket well, but not like they do in Texas.

That's why I ask.

If you've got any BBQ restaurants for the south, I started a thread on the best BBQ in the South in the FT dining South US section.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 02-13-2002).]

Thanks SW! I'll check that thread out sometime soon.

Ate at Uncle Bub's BBQ today, 132 South Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL.
Phone: 630.493.9000 open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 12noon-9pm.

Had the usual(for me) holy BBQ trio of sliced Beef, hot link, and pulled pork.

The link was the best I have had ANYWHERE. The menu states it is homemade.
The texture was firm; it was very lean w/o much fat and with a good spice kick.
VERY GOOD!!!

Pulled pork was more of a shredded pork. Decent smoke flavor (would have like to taste
More), but it would make a great sandwich.

The sliced beef was not brisket, I believe it was a roast (horrors!!!) and sliced very very thin, almost shaved. It had no flavor and was very disappointing.

While the meat items came w/sauce on them. I would recommend asking for no sauce added to your plate. There are two BBQ sauces to choose from at your table. A regular and spicy. These sauces have a lot of molasses taste to them. I preferred the spicy.

My usual sides of coleslaw and potato salad were fine; I give the nod to the potato salad.

Uncle Bub's serves ribs as well. It is the only BBQ joint I know of that serves them by market price (like most lobster dishes I see).

Ms. Rose BBQ, 5426 South State, Chicago,
Phone: 773.268.3401/02 Open Mon-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-Midnight, Closed Sun.

Had the Rib tips, Ribs and Hot Links.

Rib tips and ribs were not falling off the bone, but were tender enough with deep smoked taste. They were also quite moist.

Mild BBQ sauce was the best, Spicy tasted not quite right.

The Link (as most s. side links) was not good.

Attempted to stop by Curt's Hometown BBQ, 8210 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, but it looked like it has closed down.

That's OK as I'm on the s. side which has multiple BBQ spots.

Ended up at Barbara Ann's BBQ, 7617 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago about 5pm. Ordered the ribs and ribtips. Barbara Ann's sauce is a sweet one, but went very well with her ribs/tips. She also provides homemade sweet potato pie (WOW, Terrific!). Thumbs up for Barbara Ann's.

I got so excited when I found out that Chuck's BBQ (5557 W.79th, Burbank, IL 708.229.8700) served brisket that I cancelled some afternoon appointments to make my journey from DesPlaines to Burbank for lunch at Chuck's. While I'm glad I made the trip, was able to cancel another BBQ "need to visit" off my list, I was disappointed.

I had the "Super Sampler" which one can choose three meats, two sides. I sampled the brisket, pulled pork and a hot link.

If one has enjoyed a Texas Brisket, the brisket at Chuck's will be a HUGE disappointment. Chuck's brisket is sliced thin like corned beef, is not super tender and does not have a heavy smoke flavor. While it may make a good sandwich as posted elsewhere, it will not satisfy someone who has had "true" brisket as I was fortunate to have three weeks ago outside Dallas and San Antonio.

I was able to speak with the chef who inquired if I liked the meal. I stated it was OK and asked if he had ever been to Texas and why can't anyone around here do a Texas style brisket. He mentioned that they do not do enough volume in brisket to serve the Texas style brisket and that his is very tender when pulled out of the smoker. I don't quite buy that explanation as if the brisket was tender; he could slice it much thicker than was served to me. Also, the brisket I bring home from various parts of the US always reheats very well due to the natural fat content of the meat. So I don't buy the "volume" argument either.

I then tasted the pulled pork. Again, if one has had pulled pork in the Carolinas, Chuck's pulled pork does not come close. However, the "hot" BBQ sauce has a good molasses flavor to it and was good with the pulled pork. It would make a better sandwich than straight up on a plate like I had.

The hot link was 7 out of 10 for me. Nice kick, not too finely ground meat.

The sides I had were the potato salad and coleslaw. Potato salad was very good, but the slaw was almost a soup. I finished fishing the slaw out of the cup and was left with a ½ cup filled w/the dressing.

So I'm back to my search for good pulled pork and brisket in the North. I've been searching high and low and am beginning to think I'm not going to find it. Oh well, thank God for road trips!

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 04-25-2002).]

I saw an advertisement for a place in Chicago that served North Carolina-style BBQ; does anybody have info on which restaurant this is? It's next to impossible to find that kind of BBQ this far north.

While I'm here I gotta put in my plug for the Ribfest in Naperville over July 4th. It will not disappoint, and offers many non-Rib alternatives if that is your thing. You can find more details at http://www.ribfest.net/.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BBQ_Pork_Sandwich:
I saw an advertisement for a place in Chicago that served North Carolina-style BBQ; does anybody have info on which restaurant this is?</font>

Any idea? possible hints?

I believe you are talking about "Brother Jimmy's" that moved this year from Sheffield to 3616 N. Clark (Clark/Waveland). I'm not a fan of NC style BBQ, so I didn't care for it, but I know some NC transplants that love it. I have heard it is a chain, albeit a small one.

Ate at brother Jimmy's in '94-96
Was good for a northside place. And that it was northern style (dry not saucy). But I am not a conno-suer and like meat in many different manners. At the time they had places in NYC and one location in some weird tropical Island. I still have a tee-shirt. I used to go there with NC basketball fans who raved about the food.

BUT, Sweet willieHave you been to "RIBS n BIBS" on the South side? (Hyde Park). This is an Epic 'que place. Only can get food to go. Need to pass money through bulletproof window but don't let that scare you. On 53rd street south. Their food was a staple of my diet when I lived in Hyde Park. The place kept burning down but has been a south side tradition (like Harold's fried Chicken) FOREVER. I would suggest you try here instead of going out to the 'burbs, I mean, c'mon, what kind of 'que is in 847?

Also there was a very good restaurant, I cannot remember the name, in the Kimbark shopping center, just off of Lake Park and the 47th street exit off of LSD, that had a very good thing going when I was there. Darn, can't remember their name...but they were just coming on line and doing it well. Not sure about their 'que but they did good cajun.

Good luck! Keep reporting back!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gregseattle:
BUT, Sweet willieHave you been to "RIBS n BIBS" on the South side? (Hyde Park). This is an Epic 'que place.</font>

It has been on my list, the S.side spots I get to are usually in the 40-60's. I will start to explore the HydePark area at some point. Too much que, to little time.

Harold's YUM http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

sweetwillie, I think you have the most honorable mission. I will do the best that I can to find some 'que out here that I can write "home" about, though I doubt it will be before you visit the west coast. I'll let you know.

Good luck on your quest!!!!

Try Calo's, way up in Andersonville, I think on Clark - I used to order Linguine Carbonara (which is to die for!), but now and then I'd get the ribs - very sweet and tender. And reasonable.

Also, don't know if it's still there, but there was that rib shack place on Irving Park Road at Ashland, around the corner from the Ten Cat. Supposedly very, very authentic, but I always found their ribs too tough.

I lived 1 blocks from Calo's back in the mid-90s! (I was on Berwyn and Clark) But never had their ribs! Rats.

Andersonville is a fun neighborhood for food that is ethnically diverse.
Small world!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gregseattle:
I lived 1 blocks from Calo's back in the mid-90s! (I was on Berwyn and Clark) But never had their ribs! Rats.

Andersonville is a fun neighborhood for food that is ethnically diverse.
Small world!</font>

Yes, you missed some mighty tasty ribs, gregseattle! Reza's was always one of my favorite Chicago restaurants, and that was also in your nabe...

Reza's was 15 seconds from my front door. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/wink.gif Equally yum. Man, I miss Chicago food sooooooooooo much.

Sweet willie, tell us all another story...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by anonplz:
Also, don't know if it's still there, but there was that rib shack place on Irving Park Road at Ashland, around the corner from the Ten Cat. Supposedly very, very authentic, but I always found their ribs too tough.</font>
I think the place you are thinking of is "N N Smokehouse" which moved further down Irving Park (around 3600) and I think may have now closed. Although a new BBQ place went in in it's old location at Ashland. I've never been, but I glance over every time I drive by and it's never busy (so I'm guessing it can't be that good! :-) )

Sweet Willie , I just found out there is a ribfest this weekend at 1400 W. Randolph. Couldn't help but think of you! http://www.metromix.com/top/1,1419,M-Metromix-Festivals-rockinribfestmmxfront!EventDetail-72503,00.html

Sweet Willie,

Have you seen the July issue of CHICAGO magazine...bet 'Que around town. Make sure to cehck it out! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by E:
Sweet Willie,

Have you seen the July issue of CHICAGO magazine...bet 'Que around town. Make sure to cehck it out! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif</font>

of course! http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/frown.gif just as my subscription runs out. I'll make certain to pick up a copy.
Thanks.

As for Chicago que, I just ran into a BBQ joint on Howard (the border of Chicago and Evanston), and I do mean ran into. I backed into this place w/a UHaul trailor, thank Heavens UHaul's equipment is usually so beat up, they did not notice my rearranged gate.

Crash aside, the place I speak of is Buffalo Joe's. There are two more locations, one on Clark in Evanston and the other is ?.

I wanted to hate this place, typical neon colored signs advertising specials, Buffalo Joe's even looks very franchised. But I was hungry and had not had any Q for awhile so the green neon colored sign advertising great rib tips caught my eye.

Rib tips were tender w/a nice amount of charring. Lots of sauce, but it is not a very sweet sauce. Served over Very good fries (for some reason a tough thing for Q joints to serve well). I brought back some for the guys at our worksite. All agreed it was some tasty Q.

While there is better in Chicago Metro area, Buffalo Joe's sure was a tasty meal.

Small ribtip meal is $5.29, large is $8.59 and serves three.

Willie,

I need a point of comparison to gauge your reaction to the 'que in Chicago. Please tell me you have been to Flints in Oakland, CA and how their 2 or 3 way (links and sliced beef at the very least) stack up. Sauces in mild medium or hot. Meat, a scoop of potato salad and two slices of brown bread are a meal. Swee potato pie if you are extra hungry.

Mollases based and mighty fine. You either have been there or just incurred a great reason to come out and do some sampling.

Mike

------------------
Markbach's FT picture page (http://photos.markbach.com/gallery/mjm)
My Starbucks City Mug Collection Page (http://www.twics.com/~mjm/mugs.html)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mjm:
Willie,

I need a point of comparison to gauge your reaction to the 'que in Chicago. Please tell me you have been to Flints in Oakland, CA .....</font>

Mike,

No I have not, but I am treating my nephew to a SFO weekend and we are attending a concert in the Berkeley area.

You have just given me the perfect spot to try for dinner.

Thanks,

Willie

PS: I WILL leave feedback in re: to your ?

Willie,

Just sent e-mail on another place in Berkeley you may want to try if time allows.

Mike

Sorry Chi-town BBQ fans, it has been awhile since I've dined on BBQ in our area.

I've wanted to try the Smoke Country House BBQ at 1465 W. Irving Park for a long time.

Finally tried it this evening.

Terrible, not bad, but terrible!!!!
I had the Country Platter which is a sampler of the ribs, brisket, pork and turkey.

First of all the whole plate was swimming in BBQ sauce, almost had to fish for the meats.

Ribs were spareribs and were very tough.
Brisket was sliced very thin and lacked any flavor.
Turkey tasted like someone took a turkey roast, sliced it and threw it into the "bowl" of sauce on my plate.
Pork was great texture, but that is the only thing good I can say about it.

As stated, just terrible.

This place used to be called the NN Smokehouse and I had always heard good things about it. I know this location had been closed for awhile, I'm guessing that there are new owners.

Unfortunately for them, they do not know how to do BBQ.

DO NOT GO!

SweetWillie, it's been years since I went there (my ex-boss adored the place), but have you been to Merle's in Evanston lately? I always thought highly of it back when they first opened (not that it was necessarily authentic, but it was good) but that was before the original owner passed away. Then I moved, and nobody I know that still lives in Evanston likes BBQ... http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/frown.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ElmhurstNick:
....but have you been to Merle's in Evanston lately?</font>

If Merle's is the place I'm thinking of, on the north side of Evanston, a southern food/BBQ mix type place, then no I have not been, but it is on my list to go before my project in Evanston comes to an end.

I'm leery of going to a southern food/bbq mix after my very mediocre experience at the Dixie Bait Shop. Merle's kind of looks like the same type of place.

Merle's is some of the best bbq I've had in chicago (evanston). Avoid it on NU sports game days or you might get exactly the same feeling of chain-ness that you are trying to avoid (think BW3 every night). Most of the time its heavy on the locals, especially at the bar. But I make the drive from the city for merles when I feel the need for some bbq.

visited Merle's today. Had the trio of BBQ sandwiches.

Buns were stale, but I was more interested in the q.

Chicken was mediocre, but then again, I'm not a fan of pit chicken when chicken grilled is so good IMO.

Beef was interesting, good, but not near a Texas style brisket. A little to finely shredded for my taste.

The pork was the best in Chicago, hands down IMO. Really enjoyed it.

Had two sides with the meal, Lexington slaw and mashed potato salad. Lexington slaw is a vinegar based slaw and was very tangy. The mashed potato salad had way too much cumin (I believe) that overpowered every other taste.

The pork I will go back for. While it does not live up to the BBQ standards for the SE US, it is VERY good for Chicago.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 12-06-2002).]

Not even going to go into my normal detail.

Dined at the Smokey Bones BBQ in Schaumburg today. STAY AWAY!!!!!

http://www.smokeybones.com/

Smokey Joe's is the newest offshoot of Darden (olive garden, red lobster) so I can only assume the worst.

Have you tried Smokedaddy on Division (west of ashland, east of Damen). Ribs are OK, chicken is terrible but I remember the pulled pork and brisket to be pretty good. And so are the french fries.

Apparently they have recently changed owners. Hopefully that doesnt have a negative effect on the food.

it has been awhile since I posted a BBQ review, but here goes.

So I’m on the way to the vet w/my dog to board her today. I always like to give her a really good walk before she gets put in the kennel for a few days. As she is in this grassy field, I look up and see Bobby Q’s. I assume it is a BBQ place and go in. My hunch is correct and I order a three combo of beef brisket, pulled pork and links. It is early so I’m the only one in the restaurant, I start talking to the chef/owner’s wife. I ask how the chef got his pork and brisket knowledge. She mentioned them living in FL and her husband loving bbq all his life (who hasn’t is what I thought) and then learning how to cook w/a smoker. She showed me some sauce awards they had won, one of the awards was a top 10 in the nation. On to the food.

Brisket was sliced way thin and not smoked enough. She had mentioned they did not want to have a heavy smoke brisket in case they would turn off the northern customer. Too bad because it needed the heavier smoke flavor. Good and tender though.

Links were firm w/a good bite. Good food.

The pulled pork was my favorite though, dare I say my favorite to date in Chicago, but then again this is Chicago/the north so that is not really saying much. Do yourself a favor and ask for the sauce off. Again, the pork could use more smoke flavor but it was very enjoyable.

Sides of mashed potato (real) and slaw were good, mac n’ cheese was ok.

They also smoke/cook bone in turkey and bone in ham. I’ll try those at some point.

Bobby Q’s
1279 N. Rand Road
Prospect Crossing Shopping Center
Arlington Hts, IL
847.590.0400

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by charles:
Have you tried Smokedaddy on Division (west of ashland, east of Damen). Ribs are OK, chicken is terrible but I remember the pulled pork and brisket to be pretty good. And so are the french fries. </font>

Tried Smoke Daddy BBQ today for lunch.

Smoke Daddy occupies a divey spot on west Division street. There are 10 tables for outdoor seating which was great as today was glorious out.

Ordered the Combo BBQ platter, I chose the pork and beef. Also ordered a ½ slab of ribs.

Sides were cornbread, coleslaw and sweet potato fries.

Sauces on the side at Smoke Daddy include a dark heavy sweet molasses, a zippy light tomato and hot/vinegar sauce that was mostly hot.

The beef is supposedly brisket but was chopped, not slices like I like it. Pork was shredded and had a very heavy spice flavor to it almost like a version of Spanish stew I make. Both meats were fine, but affirm my belief that the Chicago area does not make good/great pulled pork or brisket. If one has traveled and partook of a brisket in Texas or pulled pork in the Carolinas, you will know I speak the truth.

Ribs were ok, chewy (but I like them like that), they had the heavy sweet molasses sauce on them.

Smoke Daddy is good if you are looking to cure a long time fix you’ve had, but is not great BBQ.

My favorite item were the sweet potato fries w/the heavy sweet molasses sauce.

Smoke Daddy
1804 W. Division Street
Chicago
773.772.MOJO
http://www.smokedaddy.com

Gale Street Inn

On my way back to my office today, I passed by Gale Street Inn. I was in a BBQ mood today and have always wanted to try GSI’s ribs as they are often mentioned as one of the best rib places in Chicago.

Stopped at the bar and ordered a slab.

Ribs were good, good flavor/good texture. Sauce was decent. I may have overhyped myself after for years reading positive press, but I failed to see why GSI is in the top 10 of rib places for Chicago.

Gale Street Inn
Address/hours/info: http://www.galestreet.com/index1.html

Sweet Willie,

Many, many moons ago used to live within a short walk from Gale Street Inn. My wife and I always wanted to try the ribs, but we did not for the longest time solely because of the long lines. Instead we went to the corner and ate at St. George and the Dragon if I remember correctly. We were happy going their until we finally got a table at the Gale Street Inn. Gale Street Inn was much, much better and could never return to St. George and the Dragon. St. George and the Dragon subsequently burnt down to the ground.

Although we enjoyed this Gale Street Inn, I would not go out of my way for it.

Their is a 2nd Gale Street Inn in Mundelin. Think it is under seperate ownership from the orignal. Haven't gone for a couple of years. The food is OK. What really makes the place is that its on a lake, you can eat outside or inside with a beautiful view.

In case you can’t tell, I’ve been on a rib/bbq tear lately. So when a buddy in from out of town mentioned that he had switched to a later flight at O’Hare and asked where we should go for ribs,
I mentioned Twin Anchors which is kind of on the way to O’Hare from downtown.

Twin Anchors used to be a speakeasy and it is a very cool setting, big circular booths up front where the bar is. They even have some limited outdoor seating, but my buddy felt like lounging/eating at the bar, which I guess is a no-no but we were there early enough they let us do it anyway. He’s from LA anyways so he doesn’t value the chance to eat/be outdoors like I do (being a Chicagoan).

Onto the food, we split a slab w/the “zesty” sauce which is really not zesty at all, some onion rings, a side of slaw comes w/the ribs.

The rib bones were able to be pulled out w/o taking any meat, not always a good sign in my book as I like some chewyness to my ribs. The first part of tasting the meat was a good pork flavor and the sauce, and then came through a boiled meat flavor. I asked if they par-boiled the ribs and was told no, but I’ve done ribs many many different ways at home and I’m very sure they par-boil as the taste is pretty unmistakable. Buddy had the same opinion. Ribs are better than what I had recently at Gale Street Inn, but are for sure not my favorite in Chicago.

Onion rings were normal, ok rings. Slaw was a small portion, good though.

Go for drinks and a burger here as the place is a very neat/cool place to have a drink/bite, better ribs are elsewhere.

Twin Anchors
1655 N. Sedgewick St.
Chicago
312-266-1616

I was trying a Johnnie’s Italian beef in Elmwood Park when I drove north on Thatcher and bumped into Russell’s. Seeing as I was on a food quest today and I love BBQ, I stopped in.

Sampled the beef sandwich, pork sandwich and ½ slab ribs.

Horrible, horrible stuff, ALL of it.

I found out the beef is a top sirloin (what??!! For BBQ??!!), sliced thin and BBQ sauce put on top. YUCK.

Pork is a pork loin, cooked and sliced thin w/BBQ sauce put on top. YUCK.

Ribs were stringy, swear they tasted as if they had been fried. Just not good. YUCK.

Stay away. Now that I think about it, I believe there is a Russell’s on Algonquin in Rolling Meadows as well.

Russell's Barbecue
1621 N. Thatcher Ave
Elmwood Park
708-453-7065

Ok Sweet Willie, I am going to put you to the test.

Here are some BBQ joints I know of:

Pizza Ribs and Things: 103rd & King Drive
Spice is Nice: 105th and Halsted
George's: 147th St in Dixmoor
Leon's : 83rd and Cottage Grove
The Patio: There are 2 locations (89th and Harlem in Bridgeview and 7700 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park)

But my absolute fave is DD&S BBQ on 71st and Cottage Grove.

Carson's is OK, but they tend to kind of overcook the ribs. Their chicken is pretty good, though.

SW, I am a firm believer that the sauce is an integral component of the BBQ. Do you agree?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PrinzII:
SW, I am a firm believer that the sauce is an integral component of the BBQ. Do you agree?</font>

For "northern" BBQ, I would agree.

However a texas brisket if done right, sauce is an afterthought. The same could be said for pulled pork in the Carolinas but then I like the various mustard, tomato or vinegar sauces that are served. There are also dry BBQ's, not all is wet. Although I will state that gernerally I'm a sauce loving guy.

You mentioned Leon's, way back when Leon's had an outpost (take out only) on Clark just north of Fullerton. Man I miss that place, best Que on the northside for years IMO. I did take out from the a S side Leons and it was good as I remember.

The others that I did not have on my list are now there, thanks!

SW, have you checked out Coleman's on the West Side?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PrinzII:
SW, have you checked out Coleman's on the West Side?</font>

nope, had not heard about it, should I?

Most definitely. Coleman's is a good BBQ joint.

SW, looks like I am going to get you out in the 100s because there are a ton of spots out this way.

I gave you some of my favorites. I do need to add a place on 95th slightly west of I-294 in Hickory Hills. I'll get you the info as soon as I can.

BTW, I am not a fan of Kenny's at all. Sauce tastes like catsup to me.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
I was trying a Johnnie’s Italian beef in Elmwood Park when I drove north on Thatcher and bumped into Russell’s. Seeing as I was on a food quest today and I love BBQ, I stopped in.</font>Oh no, no, no... I'm so sorry about that. We tried Russell's years and years ago because my aunt lives at Narraganset and North, and it was pitiful.

Lately, I've been getting my fix at the Patio on Rt 83 and 75th Street in Darien, as that's close to my new residence. To me, it is not real BBQ, it is Greek Restaurant Owner BBQ. [Having come from a Greek Restaurant family, this is not a bad thing to me, but I realize it for what it is and is not.]

They do a good job with the chicken as long as you say you want it well done, and their ribs are above average and inexpensive. The pulled meat is so-so, and not plentiful enough on the combos.

Did you get a chance to try the places I listed, SW?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PrinzII:
Did you get a chance to try the places I listed, SW?</font>

not yet as I've started a new job and need to put much time to become knowledgeable about the products. I am outside sales though, so they are on my list and as I get around the Chicago area we will slowly and surely check them out. (but I will admit, I've got 30 other BBQ places I have yet to try as well http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif )

SW, let me know. I don't mind chatting BBQ. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PrinzII:
SW, let me know. I don't mind chatting BBQ. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif</font>

You guys can chat while I do the eating. As a witness to many of our eating outings, as soon as the food comes out, the conversation pretty much stops for awhile. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

Turned a fellow salesperson onto Hillery's BBQ today. Too funny to see him dig into his meal with gusto only to get BBQ sauce all over his shirt and tie. Our client's gave him a hard time about it the rest of the afternoon.

Hillery's does a great BBQ pork shoulder, lots of good smoke flavor.

Hillery's Bar-B-Q
1617 14th Street
North Chicago, IL
847.473.1722

Any new developments other than Hillery's?

PrinzII YGM

Lem's on State Street (around 59th) is now closed, a moment of silence please.......

Fortunately another location of Lems is open.

Lem's BBQ House
311 E 75th St
Chicago
773-994-2428
closed Tue

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PrinzII:
SW, have you checked out Coleman's on the West Side?</font>

Tried the rib tips at Colemans No 1. Good smoke flavor, tender yet not mushy falling off the bone texture (which is NOT desirable with ribs IMO).

Was expecting a typical sweet BBQ sauce, but Colemans has a nice vinegar zip to it. Quite good with the tips.

Fries sucked but most do any almost any BBQ place.

Fried chicken wings were decent, would have been really good if mixed from the fryer with some hot sauce but I wanted to try the wing as is.

Colemans No 1 Hickory Bar B Q
555 N Cicero Ave
Chicago
773.626.9299
&
Colemans No 2 Hickory Bar B Q
5754 W Chicago Ave
Chicago
773.287.0363

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
Just ate at Famous Dave's BBQ in Addison, IL.
Dave's is located on Lake Street (rt.20) about 1/2 mile east of 355.

I did not realize that FD was a chain restaurant, but they have about 50 locations w/half those in MN and IL.

Tried the ribs, brisket and chopped pork.

The ribs were pork spareribs, not babybacks.
The meat fell off the bone and the sauce added was very little. All in all a very enjoyable rib.

The "Texas" beef brisket was smoked very well, but was not sliced properly (slightly forgivable as a brisket is not an easy thing to slice). The slices were thick and tender but were missing a certain something I could not put my tastebuds on. Still a good brisket.

The "Georgia" Chopped pork was very mediocre and the sauce that was applied was not good.
I would recommend sauce off and apply one of the 4 sauces provided at your table.

I like sauces of any kind and at your table are four: a sweet/spicy, a "Georgia" mustard (mustard/vinegary), a devil's (too much spice taste), and a house sauce (OK). My favorites were the sweet/spicy (on the brisket) and the "Georgia" mustard on the pork. The ribs I did not add any sauce to.

My two usual sides w/BBQ is coleslaw and potato salad. The slaw was fine, but the potato salad had celery added to it, which ruins it for me.

Overall, Famous Dave's was good. Best brisket so far in Chicagoland I've had.</font>

Famous Daves in MSN is the site of my WORST BBQ EVER experience. I ordered a barbecued chicken sandwich, I got slimy pressed chicken loaf drowned in thin sauce with too much vinegar. Did I mention the stale white bread? YUCK!!!

Tuesday used a coupon to try Bobby Q's after a group of us got wittled down to two. Kinda recall that we had a BBQ topic and found it! Also found Sweet Willie has a review of this restaurant (after having dinner).


Walking in was enjoyable, if not the best part of the dining experience. The BBQ scent reminded me how much I enjoy BBQ. Both my friend and myself were quite hungry and the scent made us want to order everything on the menu right away. We got seated and managed to put off dinner for a while to enjoy a brew. They brought out the bottles with a very ice cold glass which made the beer better.

We decided to split two dinners... BBQ pork and the ribs. The pork was quite enjoyable and will order it again. The ribs were ok, but not on the level of my current favorite--(Johnny's on Lake and Milwaukee).

Most interesting item was a side--baked beans. Can't remember the last time I ordered them. What a nice change of pace. The beans had a great spicey kick. The best I've ever had. My friend, who does not like spicey food also ordered the beans and enjoyed them. The accompanying cole slaw was excellent.

We had an enjoyable time and will do it again. Would not suggest traveling a long distance, but if your in the area (Rand and Old Willow - in the Dominick's shopping center) its a great change of pace.

SW, I am still determined to get you in the 100s (as soon as I clear up a few personal issues). :D

SW, I am still determined to get you in the 100s (as soon as I clear up a few personal issues). :D
HOLY SH.... !!! I thought you were history. Just give me a PM, always up for a BBQ hunt.

After living in Chicago for many years, finally got around to Stevie B's (1400 N. Ashland). I had always heard it was just OK - we're on a quest to find more Idine restaurants. I was surprised how good it was and the sides we had were excellent: beans, cole slaw and especially, mac and cheese. Very good key lime pie, supposedly Steve's mom's recipe.

We had been to Smoke Daddy's recently and were not impressed and it is NOT CHEAP, especially for a hole in the wall.

Used to love the rib tips at Leon's when he had a place on Clark/Fullerton. A huge pile for about 4.95 or so.

Is the Glass Dome Hickory Pit still around on the sout'west side? They used to have great ribs. Maybe they still do?

Used to love the rib tips at Leon's when he had a place on Clark/Fullerton. A huge pile for about 4.95 or so.

UNDERSTATEMENT! miss that place dearly.

UNDERSTATEMENT! miss that place dearly.

I remembered (with a little help from Google)! The new one is on Ashland at Fullerton! Carry out only (just like Clark) and cash only!

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/localguide/neighborhoods/lincolnpark/44664,0,477509.venue

Stopped by Leon's on Ashland last week. Same great rib tips. Unfortunately, instead of BBQ chicken, they have ONLY fried chicken.

Turned a fellow salesperson onto Hillery's BBQ today. Too funny to see him dig into his meal with gusto only to get BBQ sauce all over his shirt and tie. Our client's gave him a hard time about it the rest of the afternoon.

Hillery's does a great BBQ pork shoulder, lots of good smoke flavor.

Hillery's Bar-B-Q
1617 14th Street
North Chicago, IL
847.473.1722

Dined here this afternoon for lunch with fellow FT'ers Blort and bseller.

the Pork Shoulder is STILL the meat to get, so good.

Dined here this afternoon for lunch with fellow FT'ers Blort and bseller.

the Pork Shoulder is STILL the meat to get, so good.

While I didn't have the Pork Shoulder,,,,(and perhaps I should have given how much others enjoyed it! :) ).....I did have a HUGE platter of beef ribs, which were "unfortunately" from a completely different type of animal than I had been expecting.....silly me.

OTOH: while I am primarily a pork rib kinda guy, these beef ribs were very tender, not overly "sauced", and certainly not just a series of rib tips, as I've come to expect from places that don't do them well.....

They were tasty, and quite filling (at least the ones I could down at lunch were!)....and I'd do them again, tho perhaps not before trying the pork shoulder....Hillery's is a must for North Chicagoans.....Best, Dave

It had been awhile since I’ve had some BBQ, I looked in my 98 page word document of Chicago places to try, out of the BBQ places leaped Honey 1 BBQ.

Honey 1 is the typical take-out only, exchange $ and the food through bullet proof glass, not in a great neighborhood, type Chicago BBQ joint.

Only BBQ available on the menu are links, rib tips and ribs.

Links were ehh, so-so.

Ribs were good-very good

By far the best meat was the rib-tips. Deep smokey flavors and a sauce that has a heat quotient that builds up on you. Don’t get me wrong, it is not overly hot, after a few tips I noticed my lips were burning slightly, in a good way. Some of the best tips in Chicago.

Fries as with almost every single BBQ joint in Chicago sucked. For some reason these places can dole out the loving long-term care needed to smoke meats but some quick frying they can’t master. My guess is, they know one doesn’t come for the fries.

Honey 1 BBQ
5135 W Division Street
Chicago, IL
773.626.5436
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 12pm-6pm

Willie, I am going to make it a personal mission to get you into the 100s and maybe a trip to the Patio.

Another poster mentioned Ribs & Bibs which is a pretty good spot. However, it seems that the South Side and parts of the West Side have a lot of smaller BBQ joints that are very good.

BTW, there is a Famous Dave's in Orland Park.

just saw an ad about a new place called Horseshoe and it states Texas BBQ has arrived! http://www.horseshoechicago.com/

Their website shows beef brisket is served. We'll see, with the total crap for beef BBQ that is in Chicago (read, there isn't any good beef brisket BBQ in Chicago), I'm not holding out too much hope.

A buddy had mentioned he thought highly of the BBQ at Legends. Had just met with a client and was heading back to the office when I passed by around lunchtime, so I stopped in.

Tried the pulled pork sandwich and a mini order of the rib tips and hot links.

The bad: they forgot the hot links in the order

The ok: chopped pork was ok for Chicago, but would not qualify in the Carolinas

The Good: rib tips, great chew, good sauce, not as much smoke as I would like, but for sure good.

I would not go out of my way for Legends, but if jonesen for a BBQ fix, I would stop in again if out that way.

Legends BBQ
1 mile south of I-88
1201 North Lake (Rt 31)
Aurora, IL 60505
630.264.7801
Hours: M-Thur 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun noon-10pm

will someone define the 100's?

i maybe ex-Chicago for a while and wouldn't mind trying some BBQ before I take off in mid-March.

Willie, I am going to make it a personal mission to get you into the 100s and maybe a trip to the Patio. He doesn't even have to get down to the 100s - I go to the Patio at 75th/83 about once/month. It's spitting distance from I-55, maybe 30 minutes from Willieland when there's moderate non-rush-hour traffic.

He's coming to Uncle Bub's in Westmont on Monday night, so the Patio is about the same drive time-wise. And there's a Culver's only about a mile away. :)

will someone define the 100's?the part of the city and close in suburbs such as Chicago Ridge in the general vicinity of 95th Street and a couple of miles south, between roughly Crawford and Harlem.

He doesn't even have to get down to the 100s - I go to the Patio at 75th/83 about once/month. It's spitting distance from I-55, maybe 30 minutes from Willieland when there's moderate non-rush-hour traffic.

He's coming to Uncle Bub's in Westmont on Monday night, so the Patio is about the same drive time-wise. And there's a Culver's only about a mile away. :)

A butterburger at Culvers, THAT would be a reason to go to the suburbs! :D

will someone define the 100's?

Numbered streets on the south side, street numbers above 100th. ie, far south side.

Real time dinner review of Uncle Bub's.

Menu: Not bad, reasonable price, carry outs were done efficiently. Since I was going to cook tomorrow night and now I'm not because I'm leaving for ABQ the next morning and don't want leftovers, I ordered both the Monday special (7 big beef ribs, two sides, and a cornbread for $14) as well as a pound of hot links (3 full sized and a runt). Total came to $22. Drove home and changed into more appropriate BBQ-eating clothes with 3 of the beef ribs, 1 of the links, and a packet each of regular and hot sauce and typed the above paragraph.

Links: The links have a casing so they look more like a kielbasa. This is not what I normally expect, as places such as Robinson's in the Northwestern station and Kenny's on the west side generally have links without a visible "crunchy" casing. The inside is more finely ground, finer than a brat and closer to a hot dog. There's no real charing on the link, they've been very slowly cooked over indirect heat. There's some pepper heat, but it's definitely toned down for DuPage standards compared to say Kenny's (BTW, RIP the Kenny's on 17th/Roosevelt in Broadview, which was my west-side BBQ oasis until they closed a couple of years ago).

Beef ribs: I ordered the beef ribs because that's something like the links that the Patio on 75th/83 does not have. They're impressive looking because of the huge bones, and as always with beef ribs there's far more bone than meat. Still the meat tastes very good. At $14, however, they are not a good value compared to a half slab of baby back ribs.

Sides: I ordered the two sides that I would have at the Patio - cole slaw and fries. Neither was bad, but the Patio's are better.

Verdict: I will go here again because nothing was bad. $8/pound is a good deal for the cooked hot links, especially with a buy 10 get 1 free card where you can get credits Mon-Thu. And I'd like to try the rib tips as well as the baby backs next time. But my guess is that I'll still go to the Patio more often than here, and they're the same distance from my house.

Good review Nick, seems like you did not like the links as much as I did, really bummed I couldn't confirm my original observation of Uncle Bub's last night.
A butterburger at Culvers, THAT would be a reason to go to the suburbs! :D
THIS is the gourmand I’m going to La Sardine with !!??!!

THIS is the gourmand I’m going to La Sardine with !!??!!

Yes, Mr. Hot Links.

Yes, Mr. Hot Links.
:D

thank you, thank you very much.

A butterburger at Culvers, THAT would be a reason to go to the suburbs! :D
mmmm, now the official question...

Flat Top or Culvers?

mmmm, now the official question...

Flat Top or Culvers?

Well, if the only way to have lunch with you now is to go to Schaumburg, my choice would be Culver's! ;)

Good review Nick, seems like you did not like the links as much as I did, really bummed I couldn't confirm my original observation of Uncle Bub's last night.It's not that I didn't like them, because I did. But the texture wasn't what I was expecting. And the ribs seemed more authentic than the Patio - I always call the Patio "Greek Restaurant Ribs" because while they are quite good, they don't have the smokiness that one would get from a Texas or a KC BBQ.

Now I have to see if the Kenny's in Galewood is still open and head over there some evening.

In defense of the Weber Grill Restaurant, my husband and I dined there after it was suggested by a Chicago resident. I ordered the steak skewer and a salad...and the skewer was the best I have ever had! ..House salad was yummy too.
Next time we go back to Chicago, we will probably eat there twice!

My favorite place for BBQ Ribs in Chicago is Twin Anchors on North Sedgwick (above Fullerton I believe). It's off the beaten track, rather a local joint, but some of the best ribs I've ever had.

Are there any good barbeque places in the Oakbrook area??? Like on Butterfield, Cermak, Roosevelt, or Route 83??? And has anyone been to the Patio lately??? Are their ribs and barbecue chicken grilled nicely and sauced??? I know there is a Patio on Route 83, near Plainfield Road, but haven't been to any of their locations in years. Thanks! :D

Hi Denise - welcome to FT!

The Patio is probably the best in the area. Uncle Bub's is probably a little more authentic. Other than that, the Oakbrook area is a wasteland when it comes to ribs.

My favorite place for BBQ Ribs in Chicago is Twin Anchors on North Sedgwick (above Fullerton I believe). It's off the beaten track, rather a local joint, but some of the best ribs I've ever had.
We had a fun dinner there last summer when tinnub & TWBTM were in town -- I'd be up for a repeat some weekend this year!

My favorite place for BBQ Ribs in Chicago is Twin Anchors on North Sedgwick.many people like Twin Anchors, for a differing view see post #42

Tried Rib Tips this evening from both Barbara Ann's and Lem's.

Lem's tips were terrific. The best. not that I wouldn't enjoy the tips from Barbara Ann's. :)

will someone define the 100's?

i maybe ex-Chicago for a while and wouldn't mind trying some BBQ before I take off in mid-March.

100s: As one poster eloquently put it, it is a series of numbered streets starting with 10000 south. The city's southernost boundary is around 138th/139th St and it's on the far Southeast Side (Stone's throw from IN border).

and it's on the far Southeast Side (Stone's throw from IN border).See, I don't think of that neighborhood as the 100s - I always heard those referred to as the Avenues (for the street names Avenue A through Avenue M).

A client recommended I try Fat Willy’s Rib Shack, what he actually meant was that WE try Fat Willy’s Rib Shack by bringing take out to his office. No problem as this is a good client and it is a chance to try some BBQ on the company dime. I set the ground rules that ALL dishes are to be shared so we can all taste them.

The six items I purchased:

Smoked Chicken Sandwich
Beef Brisket Sandwich
Hot Links
Rib Tips
Smoked Portobello Sandwich
Pulled Pork Sandwich

I’ll start with the terrific. The Smoked Chicken sandwich was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in quite awhile. The chicken was done just perfectly, very moist with lots of smoke flavor. Served on a hoagie bun w/swiss cheese and a mayo/mustard sauce. Just great.

The Smoked Portobello was very good although it had no smoke flavor; it is a grilled marinated Portobello, served on the hoagie with grilled onions, swiss cheese, and a small amount of greens. A very good sandwich.

The links were ok, a little rubbery, very fine ground sausage, no real q flavor, slightly spicy, skip these.

Rip Tips, perhaps need to named rib chunks, huge chunks of rib that the chef had put on the gas grill to sear up for the order. This caused that black nasty tasting natural gas soot on the rib chunks, tried a piece of meat that did not look like it had the black soot on it and there was virtually no smoke flavor. Thumbs down on the rib chunks.

Beef Brisket, I am starting to wonder why I even bother with trying beef brisket in the Chicago area; the cooks here just don’t get it. Stay away from the beef brisket.

Parking is not readily available but for a cashier validated ticket you can park in the movie theater parking lot across the street for $1.

Fat Willy’s Rib Shack
2416 W Schubert Avenue
Chicago, IL
773.782.1800
Hours: Sun-Thur 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm

BEWARE of any BBQ place that dumps a ton of sauce on the que so that you can’t even see the meat, is exactly what was screaming through my head as the waitress at Smokin’ Woody’s set my three meat combo platter down in front of me.

I had tried the beef brisket, pulled pork and rib tips combo, what I was served looked like BBQ sauce soup w/three lumps I assumed were my three meats.

Beef Brisket, again, why do I even bother!!??, The brisket here was almost like it had been steamed, sliced and BBQ sauce dumped on it, there was no smoked flavor to it whatsoever. I’m an eternal optimist that believes some chef in Chicago is going to have been to Texas, tried beef brisket down there and cook it here. The sauce is a far second though to the actual smoked piece of meat, after many many BBQ places, I’ve come to the conclusion that the chefs in Chicago don’t get it, but that stupid eternal optimist in me will search on.

Pulled pork. It was ok, but again, they have this smoker. USE IT!!!! The pork had a slightly smoked flavor. I would not get it again.

Rib Tips turned out to be ribs, which were actually quite tasty. I wouldn’t go out of my way for them, but they were sure decent for north side BBQ.

Smokin’ Woody’s
4160 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago
773.880.1100
Hours: M-W 11:30-9, Thurs 11:30-10, Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Sun 12-9

Hecky's if it's still open, excellent food, carryout only. Good southern BBQ. A favorite of the "Refigerator" Perry in his days with the Bears.

Always did well with Carson's in Deerfield as well. Nice dry rub ribs.

Beef Brisket, again, why do I even bother!!??, The brisket here was almost like it had been steamed, sliced and BBQ sauce dumped on it, there was no smoked flavor to it whatsoever. I’m an eternal optimist that believes some chef in Chicago is going to have been to Texas, tried beef brisket down there and cook it here. The sauce is a far second though to the actual smoked piece of meat, after many many BBQ places, I’ve come to the conclusion that the chefs in Chicago don’t get it, but that stupid eternal optimist in me will search on.

It saddens me that probably the best brisket I've had in the area is at (gulp) Smokey Bones.

Sweet Willie,
A long time ago, someone mentioned Ribs N Bibs in Hyde Park--did you ever make it there to try it? About once a month, we make a trip to Hyde Park solely to eat at Noodles or Ribs N Bibs. The person a long time ago referred to a bullet-proof glass you have to pass your money through, and that hasn't been the case at least in the last 5 years I've been going there. In the last year, they've also added tables outside where you can sit and eat when it's warm. The ribs prices are reasonable, but the frontier fish dinner and the BBQ sandwiches are just plain cheap.

Sweet Willie,
A long time ago, someone mentioned Ribs N Bibs in Hyde Park--did you ever make it there to try it?no, not yet.
Thanks for mentioning the outdoor seating. Will be nice to try when it warms a little.

ya know i am not the biggest brisket fan...but then again, i haven't had texas brisket.

willie: thanks for the outing. i'll have to make bbq in chicago in the summer one of my lists of to-dos when i get a chance.

just saw an ad about a new place called Horseshoe and it states Texas BBQ has arrived! http://www.horseshoechicago.com/

Their website shows beef brisket is served. We'll see, with the total crap for beef BBQ that is in Chicago (read, there isn't any good beef brisket BBQ in Chicago), I'm not holding out too much hope.
Ok, so I tried Horseshoe

The good news, Horseshoe serves the best BBQ beef brisket in Chicago.

The bad news, Chicago doesn’t make a good BBQ beef brisket

I did get excited when the waitress first set my dinner on the bar in front of me, there they were, THICK slices of brisket. Woo-hoo, could this be it?!!?

Nope.

As usual for Chicago brisket, there is virtually no smoke flavor and no rub. It was passable but only because all other BBQ beef in Chicago is so terrible. Horseshoe would not make it down South.

If you've never had BBQ beef brisket, I think you'll believe this is ok, but if you've been to Texas, stay away from the brisket here.

Pulled pork was some of the better in town.

Chicago or should I say Evanston AKA E-
Town has the best BBQ SAuce at Hecky's BBQ. Try the rib tips or Hecky's Wings.
Ok, so I tried Horseshoe

The good news, Horseshoe serves the best BBQ beef brisket in Chicago.

The bad news, Chicago doesn’t make a good BBQ beef brisket

I did get excited when the waitress first set my dinner on the bar in front of me, there they were, THICK slices of brisket. Woo-hoo, could this be it?!!?

Nope.

As usual for Chicago brisket, there is virtually no smoke flavor and no rub. It was passable but only because all other BBQ beef in Chicago is so terrible. Horseshoe would not make it down South.

If you've never had BBQ beef brisket, I think you'll believe this is ok, but if you've been to Texas, stay away from the brisket here.

Pulled pork was some of the better in town.

Chicago Barbeque (http://www.heckys.com)
Chicago or should I say Evanston AKA E-
Town has the best BBQ SAuce at Hecky's BBQ. Try the rib tips or Hecky's Wings.

Went to Carsons last night for the first time in about ten years. Decent but not inspired. Prices, considering its "downtown" Chicago, are good. A full rack of baby backs with potato and cole slaw is $16.95 (add $2 for a caesar).

There certainly is not much BBQ to choose from if you want to walk from the Magnificent Mile area :( .

What a great thread! My family and I are planning a trip from Memphis (arguably the barbeque capital of the World) to Chicago to see the Cubbies play this summer.

I sat down yesterday to think out a plan and at the top of my list wrote "Chicago BBQ."

I am looking forward to perusing this thread for ideas! I'll post our experiences here when we return (not going until late July).

What a great thread! My family and I are planning a trip from Memphis (arguably the barbeque capital of the World) to Chicago to see the Cubbies play this summer.

I sat down yesterday to think out a plan and at the top of my list wrote "Chicago BBQ."

I am looking forward to perusing this thread for ideas! I'll post our experiences here when we return (not going until late July).

No! NO!! NO!!!

With all due respect, one does not travel from Memphis to Chicago for great BBQ. That is like traveling from New York to Memphis for a great bagel.

One comes to Chicago to try:

Chicago-style Pizza
Vienna Hot Dogs
Italian Beef
Mexican Food (both cheap and expensive)
I'm sure I'm missing something...

One comes to Chicago to try:

Chicago-style Pizza
Vienna Hot Dogs
Italian Beef
Mexican Food (both cheap and expensive)
I'm sure I'm missing something...

I wouldn't put Chicago high on the list for mexican, but that's just me. I would add a good Brat (might have to go up to WI for it).

No! NO!! NO!!!

With all due respect, one does not travel from Memphis to Chicago for great BBQ. That is like traveling from New York to Memphis for a great bagel.

One comes to Chicago to try:

Chicago-style Pizza
Vienna Hot Dogs
Italian Beef
Mexican Food (both cheap and expensive)
I'm sure I'm missing something...


Maybe they don't want that dry crap! ;)

BTW, normally, visiting Flyertalkers post where they will be eating and invite the locals along! ;) :D

No! NO!! NO!!!

With all due respect, one does not travel from Memphis to Chicago for great BBQ. That is like traveling from New York to Memphis for a great bagel.

One comes to Chicago to try:

Chicago-style Pizza
Vienna Hot Dogs
Italian Beef
Mexican Food (both cheap and expensive)
I'm sure I'm missing something...


Point well taken!! :) All of the above will be added to the list of must eats. Look for another post from me in late July on where we plan to eat!

I wouldn't put Chicago high on the list for mexican, but that's just me. I would add a good Brat (might have to go up to WI for it).

Not if "Mexican" means Tex-Mex to you, no. But if you want some solid actual Mexican food, like he said, both the cheap (the abundance of taquieras in some of the Mexican 'hoods) and the expensive (Frontera, Ixcapulzalco, I haven't had the opportunity to try Topolobampo yet, but it gets rave reviews) are very good in Chicago.

Not if "Mexican" means Tex-Mex to you, no. But if you want some solid actual Mexican food, like he said, both the cheap (the abundance of taquieras in some of the Mexican 'hoods) and the expensive (Frontera, Ixcapulzalco, I haven't had the opportunity to try Topolobampo yet, but it gets rave reviews) are very good in Chicago.
I wasn't bad mouthing Chicago mexican food. I've had some good Mexican food in Chicago but it's simply not top of mind for me or most people. I've not eaten at the Frontera or Ixc but my impression is that they are more trendy than authentic. I do love Tex-Mex, but that ain't mexican food. I'm talking fresh tamales & tortillas, real carnitas ... I guess I lean more towards the places in the 'hoods'. When I lived in Chicago I thought of deep dish pizza pie, chicago dogs, brats, and places like Berghoff's, and of course many of the BBQ joints talked about in this thread.

I wasn't bad mouthing Chicago mexican food. I've had some good Mexican food in Chicago but it's simply not top of mind for me or most people.I find that amazing as Chicago has the 3rd or 4th largest Hispanic population in the US.

What a wealth of great chow all right in front of Chicagoland's noses.

But back to BBQ, had Twin Anchors w/a client from out of town who had heard about them, I then took them to Lem's. While he was not comfortable with the area around Lem's, the way he devoured the rib tips, left no doubt in my mind which ribs he preferred (as well as myself)

I find that amazing as Chicago has the 3rd or 4th largest Hispanic population in the US.

What a wealth of great chow all right in front of Chicagoland's noses.

But back to BBQ, had Twin Anchors w/a client from out of town who had heard about them, I then took them to Lem's. While he was not comfortable with the area around Lem's, the way he devoured the rib tips, left no doubt in my mind which ribs he preferred (as well as myself)

Was this a progressive dinner, Willie? :cool:

Being an addison, il native, I have to say famous dave's can make me pretty happy when i get a barbecue craving.

Though somewhat unconvential, I find that the BBQ chicken or the steaks at Wildfire are among some of the best I've ever had! (Oakbrook & Downtown)

Being an addison, il native, I have to say famous dave's can make me pretty happy when i get a barbecue craving.

Though somewhat unconvential, I find that the BBQ chicken or the steaks at Wildfire are among some of the best I've ever had! (Oakbrook & Downtown)

I'm a big fan of Wildfire in Schaumburg. I found a dirty fork on the table as we (two of us) were sitting down. The waitress apologized and another thought was not given to it. Were the drinks comped? No. Did we get a free dessert? No. Then entire meal: drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts all comped. That is class! Good food too!

It had been awhile since I’ve had some BBQ, I looked in my 98 page word document of Chicago places to try, out of the BBQ places leaped Honey 1 BBQ.

Only BBQ available on the menu are links, rib tips and ribs.

Links were ehh, so-so.

Ribs were good-very good

By far the best meat was the rib-tips. Deep smokey flavors and a sauce that has a heat quotient that builds up on you. Don’t get me wrong, it is not overly hot, after a few tips I noticed my lips were burning slightly, in a good way. Some of the best tips in Chicago.

Fries as with almost every single BBQ joint in Chicago sucked. For some reason these places can dole out the loving long-term care needed to smoke meats but some quick frying they can’t master. My guess is, they know one doesn’t come for the fries.

Honey 1 BBQ
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 12pm-6pm
Honey 1 now has a new location as of late September, they are now located:

Honey 1
2241 N Western
Chicago, IL
773-227-5130

I find that the BBQ chicken or the steaks at Wildfire are among some of the best I've ever had! (Oakbrook & Downtown)
Just a clarification, that isn't BBQ, it is grilled meats with BBQ sauce.
BBQ is using smoke/heat to cook the meat. Not saying that grilled items with BBQ sauce are bad, I and many other people call that BBQ'ing but it really isn't, its grilling w/BBQ sauce added, BIG difference in the taste compared to actual smoke BBQ'ing which is what Honey 1, Lem's, Barbara Ann's and some others (not many in Chicagoland) do.

Wife and I ate at the Weber Grill Restaurant, 920 N. Milwaukee (just north of Lake-Cook rd.), Wheeling phone: 847.215.0996

Yes it is THE weber grill maker who has opened this restaurant, they also have a location in Lombard at 2331 Fountain Square Drive, phone: 630.953.8880

Real charcoal on a real grill? I'm thinking great eats. Disappointment.

I tried the BBQ Sampler which has ribs (baby back), sausage link, pulled pork and 1/4 chicken.

The ribs were so-so, most people do better at home easily. The sausage link was something you'd buy in the grocery store (fine if I'm cooking, but not when I'm paying some decent $$). Pulled pork had ZERO flavor. The 1/4 chicken was good and very moist, cooked perfect, but then again most can cook chicken on the grill at home.

Wife had the BBQ shrimp/chicken platter. Shrimp were done right (not always easy to do) and again so was the chicken.

We each had one draft beer apiece, the meals and an ok fried calamari appetizer. Bill was $58!! Which was WAY TOO MUCH for food that I can cook better at home.

The manager stated that Weber was going to open other restaurants, but did not say where.


Hi All,

I see the above review is quite old for the Weber Grill. Am in Chicago in Feb & really want to try it.....any improvements been made or is it a real waste of time?

Hi All,

I see the above review is quite old for the Weber Grill. Am in Chicago in Feb & really want to try it.....any improvements been made or is it a real waste of time?
We now have a Weber a couple blocks from my office so I have been more than a few times for meals (lunch & dinner). If you at all charcoal grill yourself, Weber is a waste of time and $$$. If you don't grill then you will probably like it. That being said there are many more better tasting and better value restaurants to visit in Chicago before Weber if you have not been to the city in awhile.

We now have a Weber a couple blocks from my office so I have been more than a few times for meals (lunch & dinner). If you at all charcoal grill yourself, Weber is a waste of time and $$$. If you don't grill then you will probably like it. That being said there are many more better tasting and better value restaurants to visit in Chicago before Weber if you have not been to the city in awhile.

thanks for the update....apologies for cross posting this in the dining forum aswell, but I got a bit confused about where this thread was located!

I have never been to Chicago before, which leads me to my next question actually. Plan to be there for 2 days in Feb & will then head down to Florida for a holiday. I know the weather will be cold, but is it too cold to do anything outdoors like exploring the city etc? Would I be confined to the indoors? I assume not as you good folks in Chicago must get on with life during the winter!!

As for the Weber restaurant, it sounds like it's good, just not the best available? Would it be a fun/busy place to visit on a weekend night?

Many thanks in advance.

I know the weather will be cold [in Feb.], but is it too cold to do anything outdoors like exploring the city etc? Would I be confined to the indoors? I assume not as you good folks in Chicago must get on with life during the winter!!

Unfortunately, Chicago weather is not predictable. It could be very cold or fairly mild. It could snow a lot or not at all. It could be windy (making it seem much colder than the actual temp.) or not.

Sorry I can't be more specific, but it's really impossible to say. Besides, as you noted, "too cold" is subjective. Unless you're particularly sensitive to cold, the weather probably will be fine for exploring.

thanks for the update....apologies for cross posting this in the dining forum aswell, but I got a bit confused about where this thread was located!

I have never been to Chicago before, which leads me to my next question actually. Plan to be there for 2 days in Feb & will then head down to Florida for a holiday. I know the weather will be cold, but is it too cold to do anything outdoors like exploring the city etc? Would I be confined to the indoors? I assume not as you good folks in Chicago must get on with life during the winter!!

As for the Weber restaurant, it sounds like it's good, just not the best available? Would it be a fun/busy place to visit on a weekend night?

Many thanks in advance.

You may want to look elsewhere in the Chicago forum for ideas on things to do, as well as checking out Metromix.

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/?gcid=S16072x001-mbrand&keyword=metromix+chicago

There is also a Chicago version of Time Out.

If you know how to ice skate, you might want to rent a pair and skate at the ice rink right downtown in Millenium Park.

As you get closer to the time you're here, you may want to post something in the Community forum - we Chicago Flyertalkers are famous for getting together for lunch and an out of town guest is the best excuse of all. As an example, there is one this Friday.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495677&goto=newpost

thanks for the update....apologies for cross posting this in the dining forum aswell, but I got a bit confused about where this thread was located!

I have never been to Chicago before, which leads me to my next question actually. Plan to be there for 2 days in Feb & will then head down to Florida for a holiday. I know the weather will be cold, but is it too cold to do anything outdoors like exploring the city etc? Would I be confined to the indoors? I assume not as you good folks in Chicago must get on with life during the winter!!

As for the Weber restaurant, it sounds like it's good, just not the best available? Would it be a fun/busy place to visit on a weekend night?

Many thanks in advance.

What you will do will greatly depend on where you will be staying. It is a big city, and many attractions are quite far apart in the suburbs. However, if staying downtown, there are many, many things to do at any time of year that can be accessed by public transport or taxi.

So, to get better guidance/advice, let loose a bit of info about your plans extant...

thanks all. Sounds like the weather will be fine....my plan is to eat lots of 'Chicago food'...hence the question about the Weber place & do lots of shopping (perhaps also a blues bar one night) before heading down to Miami for some sun!

Will stay at the Peninsula as I hear good things about it.

As ever, the advice on this board has been great!

thanks all. Sounds like the weather will be fine....my plan is to eat lots of 'Chicago food'...hence the question about the Weber place & do lots of shopping (perhaps also a blues bar one night) before heading down to Miami for some sun!

Will stay at the Peninsula as I hear good things about it.

As ever, the advice on this board has been great!

You'll have easy access to anything downtown. And the concierge will be able to provide wonderful restaurant recommendations for meals. If I might make some very Chicago-centric suggestions, make time for a Chicago-style pizza and hit a Chicago-style hot dog stand for lunch during your trip.

You'll have plenty to do downtown. Sightseeing by bus to catch the highlights is good, as is the Chicago river cruise or a "harbor" cruise (not sure if that will be running in Feb.

Museums are excellent, particularly the Art Museum. Also would recommend the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in nearby Oak Park if you are interested in architecture.

Definitely hit a blues club.

thanks all. Sounds like the weather will be fine....

or not. ;)

Another note on Lem's.

I will NOT NOT NOT ever again get the full slab. Not only is it nearly twice the price of the rib tips. The full slab is rather dry.

The rip tips on the other hand...yummy...Tasty and Tender.

--

Next up...Honey 1 which I guess is Arkansas style BBQ.

Next up...Honey 1 which I guess is Arkansas style BBQ.

What is Arkansas style BBQ and where is Honey 1? I have to go to Little Rock often for work, and I'd like to try it. Thanks.

Steve

Lem's on State Street (around 59th) is now closed, a moment of silence please.......

Fortunately another location of Lems is open.

Lem's BBQ House
311 E 75th St
Chicago
773-994-2428
closed Tue

Good video story on BBQ ribs and how they're prepared, if it's too hot to BBQ your own this weekend...

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=restaurants&id=4203337

Steve

Apparently, Arkansas-style is with a sweet, tomato based sauce. I've heard many nice things about Honey 1 from foodies -- it's all very fresh and very slowly cooked -- and it's now quite accessible since they moved from Austin to Bucktown's Western edge:

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/dining/105020,0,4756751.venue?coll=mmx-dining_top_heds

The "Slow Food Guide" says that the ribs take 3-4 hours over the smoker, and the chef really is from a family farm down on the Delta. I can't vouch for it myself, though, as most of my friends are vegetarian.

I grew up in eastern North Carolina and oddly, the best Carolina BBQ sandwich I've had -- shredded pork, vinegar-based sauce, no tomato whatsoever -- is the one at Trotter's to Go, complete with non-traditional napa cabbage and caramelized sweet onions. I laughed when I first saw it (visualizing Charlie spazzing out at a First Baptist Church pig pickin') but not when I tried it; every other "Carolina style" BBQ sandwich I've had since moving up north has had a smoky, sweet, dark red Texas-style sauce.

(Trotter's to Go at Fullerton & Southport and at the Equinox health club, Wells & Monroe.)

I can't vouch for it myself..
I'll vouch for it, some of the best ribs (rib tips for me please) on the north side of the city. None of that total mush fall off the bone crap.

There is better BBQ on the southside but with all the construction Honey 1 is a good alternative. ^

--

Next up...Honey 1 which I guess is Arkansas style BBQ.
A fellow FT'er did not have a good meal at Honey 1, see this thread: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=587276

the pitmaster from Barbara Ann's (which is again open BTW) has his own place now called Uncle John's BBQ, I liked the old Barbara Ann's so I guess even with the crappy construction traffic I'll have to make a trip to the s. side.

Uncle John's BBQ
337 E 69th @ Prarie Ave
773.892.1233
Lunch & Dinner

--

I was in town this weekend and ate at Fireplace which had some baby back ribs I really liked. If nothing else, it's a convenient location to some good entertainment options. Second City is just a block away and always has great comedy.

I was in town this weekend and ate at Fireplace which had some baby back ribs I really liked. If nothing else, it's a convenient location to some good entertainment options. Second City is just a block away and always has great comedy.

Fireplace Inn may have been the first place I ever had BBQ ribs at a restaurant, when I moved to Chicago after college. Glad to hear that they're still tasty! ^

Sweet Baby Ray's is a good sweet BBQ sauce, I like the hickory based sauce better than the original as it has more of a smokey flavor.

I've noticed that Sweet Baby Ray's is opening a restaurant on Higgins in Elk Grove Village, about 1 mile East of Higgins/Arlington Heights Road.

I stopped by as the door looked open. A couple restaurant planners and contractors were sitting around. The mgrs stated that the grand opening would be December 13, 2006 and that they will be serving pulled pork and beef brisket.

the pitmaster from Barbara Ann's (which is again open BTW) has his own place now called Uncle John's BBQ, I liked the old Barbara Ann's so I guess even with the crappy construction traffic I'll have to make a trip to the s. side.

Uncle John's BBQ
337 E 69th @ Prarie Ave
773.892.1233
Lunch & Dinner

--

The rib tips and hot links at Uncle John's BBQ were voted one of the 100 Best Things We Ate (& Drank) This Year by Time Out Chicago magazine(Dec 28th issue).

I have not ventured deep into the s side recently due to the construction, might be about time to do so.
--

The rib tips and hot links at Uncle John's BBQ were voted one of the 100 Best Things We Ate (& Drank) This Year by Time Out Chicago magazine(Dec 28th issue).

I have not ventured deep into the s side recently due to the construction, might be about time to do so.
--

If you're going for lunch, since I'm on your way.....;)

If you're going for lunch, since I'm on your way.....;)

still not too crazy about traveling to the s side during the construction but just read some positive press about a BBQ place on the n side called Smoque (3800 N Pulaski, 773.545.7427) You up for lunch ?

--

still not too crazy about traveling to the s side during the construction but just read some positive press about a BBQ place on the n side called Smoque (3800 N Pulaski, 773.545.7427) You up for lunch ?

--

Sure!

Although I am in AZ, I can still give you guys pointers.

SW: After all this time, you still haven't given George's a try. Trust me when I tell you that the trip will be worth it.

Although I am in AZ, I can still give you guys pointers.

SW: After all this time, you still haven't given George's a try. Trust me when I tell you that the trip will be worth it.

What is it? Where is it?

still not too crazy about traveling to the s side during the construction but just read some positive press about a BBQ place on the n side called Smoque (3800 N Pulaski, 773.545.7427) You up for lunch ?

--Smoque is good for brisket (either sliced or chopped). Their ribs were ok, but if I wanted that flavor and was in that area, I'd go to Honey 1 instead. Parking at Smoque can be challenging, especially before 6pm.

Smoque is good for brisket (either sliced or chopped).

oooooooo, the elusive good brisket in Chicago, I didn't think it existed.

PrinzII I echo the ILuvParis questions, where is Georges ? Also bummed you and I did not try Tin Fish or a BBQ joint while you were in Chicago.

--

PrinzII I echo the ILuvParis questions, where is Georges ? Also bummed you and I did not try Tin Fish or a BBQ joint while you were in Chicago.

--

SW, I would have loved to do that but, at the time, funds/job situation did not allow me to really do things like that. Doesn't mean we won't have an opportunity as I will be up there every now and then.

As for the address:

Georges Rib House
168 W 147th St
Harvey, IL 60426

(708) 331-9347

For me, rib tips have almost always delivered on flavor more than ribs themselves (that includes spare or baby back)

Chicago Tribune in today's At Play section listed their top 5 rib tip joints to try, most have been reviewed in this thread already.

1). Uncle John's BBQ - 337 E 69th St phone: 773.892.1233

2). Barbara Ann's BBQ - 7621 S Cottage Grove Ave phone: 773.651.5300

3). Fat Willy's Rib Shack - 2416 W Schubert Ave phone: 773.782.1800

4). Lem's - 311 E 75th St phone: 773.994.2428

5). Brother's Ribs - 758 W Euclid Ave in Palatine phone: 847.776.7427

I urge you to give the tips a try next time you are at a GOOD BBQ place ^ ^

--

Smoque is good for brisket (either sliced or chopped). Their ribs were ok, but if I wanted that flavor and was in that area, I'd go to Honey 1 instead. Parking at Smoque can be challenging, especially before 6pm.

Smoque BBQ was just mentioned in Chicago Magazine's recent article "The 124 Best Dishes". The dish mentioned was the brisket sandwich.

As I've stated numerous times, I have yet to find a good brisket in Chicago, so we'll have to go to Smoque at some point.

--

Smoque BBQ was just mentioned in Chicago Magazine's recent article "The 124 Best Dishes". The dish mentioned was the brisket sandwich.

As I've stated numerous times, I have yet to find a good brisket in Chicago, so we'll have to go to Smoque at some point.

--

Still waiting for my call. :(

I've been to Smoque a few times. While their brisket is not as good as I've had in Texas obviously, it's miles better than anything I've ever found around here and I would definitely rate it as good.

I've been to Smoque a few times. While their brisket is not as good as I've had in Texas obviously, it's miles better than anything I've ever found around here and I would definitely rate it as good.

agreed, I don't think Smoque would make any headlines in Texas with their brisket but it is ok for Chicago seeing as most brisket in Chicago is crap.

The pulled pork was better than expected^

The pulled pork was better than expected^

Does Sweet Willie enjoy our imu roasted kalua pua'a? I bet he does! When you comin' back for a visit?

Does Sweet Willie enjoy our imu roasted kalua pua'a? I bet he does! When you comin' back for a visit?

I agree with Willie's (I was one of his lunch companions today) assessment. The brisket was OK, the pulled pork was very good. I really linked the vinegar based bbq sauce and cole slaw (also made with vinegar and sugar instead of mayo). They also have a very rich macaroni and cheese side (or bbq beans or corn bread). One should have seen Willie's eyes light up when the guy next to us got a slab of ribs. :)

I even like the kalua pork at the City Deli in the AA terminal at HNL! That is alway the first stop upon arrival before heading over to the HA terminal!

I even like the kalua pork at the City Deli in the AA terminal at HNL! That is alway the first stop upon arrival before heading over to the HA terminal!

^ ^ That's the way to travel!

One should have seen Willie's eyes light up when the guy next to us got a slab of ribs. :)

kind of like yours ?:) I think we both were thinking, we'll maybe we could go for seconds^:D
Does Sweet Willie enjoy our imu roasted kalua pua'a? When you comin' back for a visit?
IMO pork is food of the Gods, so yes.^

As far as coming back, we've been spoiled the past few years, have been to all the islands (except the forbidden isle). We love the islands but there are so many other places to experience in this world that I've put a mandate that we can't go back for awhile. However I am in the running to earn another free HI trip from the company I work for, so I might end up eating my own words.