While many southern cities and states claim to be home to the best BBQ, you really don't have to leave Chicago to get a delicious bite that will blow your mind. These 11 restaurants serve the best smoked brisket, ribs, and pork around.
Carnivores dream of the delights found at these joints. Scroll on for more information.
1. BBQ Supply Co. (6954 N Western Avenue)
With an additional location in Hyde Park, this incredible smokehouse began in 2010 as a take-out joint. Today, in addition to two full-service restaurants, it offers catering and training, as well as event production services.
2. Green Street Smoked Meats (112 N Green Street)
This nationally acclaimed eatery serves up Texas-style BBQ in an atmosphere you'll never forget. Green Street focuses on backyard favorites like chicken legs, short ribs, brisket, pork belly, and smoked salmon. Enjoy these eats alongside a great selection of beer and cocktail pairings.
3. Big Bricks (3832 N Lincoln Avenue)
Eat in, take out, or order delivery from this unique smokehouse! In addition to the excellent BBQ, Big Bricks also serves some of the best pizza you can find in Chicago. Locals enjoy dry-rubbed baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, and salmon.
4. Twin Anchors Ribs (1655 N Sedgwick Street)
Twin Anchors is a well-loved eatery that has been dishing out great food since 1932. Located in a historic building from 1881, this place is best known for its baby back ribs, which have won numerous awards over the years.
5. Barn & Company (950 W Wrightwood Avenue)
This Lincoln Park hot spot is known for its all-you-can-eat specials on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Specializing in ribs and chicken wings, arn & Company's meats are smoked for 12 hours over a wood-burning pit.
6. Gale Street Inn (4914 N Milwaukee Avenue)
Little-known to the world at large, this wonderful diner is locally famous for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, as well as its steak and seafood dishes. Established in 1963, this is an upscale restaurant that still follows old-school ways.
7. Lem's Bar-B-Q House (311 E 75th Street)
Locals can't get enough of the bold flavors used to spice the meats at this wonderful restaurant. Lem's is known for the best BBQ rib tips and hot links, as well as for being a no-frills, neighborhood watering hole.
8. Chicago q (1160 N Dearborn Street)
Enjoy Southern charm and comfort at this classy joint. The food here has won awards in big BBQ states due to a special blend of spices rubbed on the meats. In addition to ribs, pork, chicken, and brisket, guests enjoy a wide selection of rare and exclusive bourbons.
9. Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed (3411 N Broadway Street)
Wait, what? Meant to provoke thought, this unique eatery serves all kosher meals. In addition to all your favorite smoked meats, you'll also find a wealth of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and even vegetarian options. The restaurant was established in 2013, and all of its profits go to a different charity each month.
10. Fat Willy's Rib Shack (2416 W Schubert Avenue)
This rustic restaurant serves the best BBQ in the Logan Square/Bucktown neighborhood area. You'll fall in love with the dinners and sandwiches of brisket, baby back ribs, spare ribs, rib tips, chicken, and hot links. Fat Willy's is open daily and even offers delivery.
11. Blackwood BBQ (various)
With three locations in and around the Loop, this is definitely one of Chicago's most popular BBQ joints. All the food at Blackwood is made with patience and care. The brisket cooks for up to 15 hours, and even the mac and cheese takes about four hours to make.
For more wonderful places to fill your belly, check out these eight tiny restaurants in Chicago that have mighty eats.
Which of the best BBQ restaurants in Chicago do you frequent? Share your favorite dishes with us in the comments!
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