Chicago takes barbecue seriously—but not in a way that makes it off-limits for newcomers. Here, smoke wafts from both iconic rib joints and hidden gems where brisket is king. Some days, you crave something classic. Other times, a plate of smoky short ribs and tangy house-made sauce begs to be paired with a soft bun and a long story. No matter your mood or crowd, the city has a spot that fits.
I found myself on this BBQ journey after an afternoon stuck in traffic, with visions of sticky ribs and charred tips dancing in my head. One taste led to another: from woodsy scents in old-school taverns to the smoky sweetness swirling through lively beer gardens. If you like your BBQ slow-cooked, bold, and always halal-friendly, keep reading. This city keeps secrets well, but not its best barbecue.
Where to find the best bbq in Chicago, IL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in Chicago, IL:
- Smoque BBQ
- Green Street Smoked Meats
- Chicago Q
- Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
- Bub City
- Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue of Chicago
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Weber Grill Restaurant
- The Smoke Daddy
- Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville
1. Smoque BBQ
Smoque BBQ brings the art of low-and-slow cooking front and center in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood. It’s not flashy, but the smoky aroma drifting from their kitchen is impossible to overlook. On my last visit, the rich bark on the brisket caught my eye. Each bite was tender and packed with a balanced punch of smoke and seasoning.
What makes Smoque stand out is their consistent respect for time-tested barbecue standards. Their ribs have a natural snap and a deep, caramelized flavor, while the house-made sauces pair beautifully with every cut.
If you’re stopping by, try the pulled chicken platter or a plate of beef brisket with classic sides. Each dish at Smoque BBQ is a nod to tradition, delivered with care and bold Chicago character.
2. Green Street Smoked Meats
Green Street Smoked Meats turns a hidden Fulton Market alley into a lively BBQ escape, all string lights and savory aromas. Last time I ducked in, the atmosphere buzzed, and every table seemed stacked with trays piled high. The Texas-style brisket here grabs your attention—thickly sliced, smoked low and slow, and crowned with a beautiful bark.
What sets Green Street apart is their skill with smoke and their knack for variety. You’ll find crisp pickles, hearty sides, and plenty of communal seating for a casual feast.
Start with the beef short rib if you spot it—it’s rich, falling-off-the-bone tender, and loaded with flavor. Their smoked chicken also delivers, juicy and never overpowered by sauce, capturing the spirit of masterful Chicago BBQ.
3. Chicago Q
Chicago Q dials up Southern comfort in the heart of the Gold Coast, blending rich flavors with a hint of elegance. The soft glow and inviting atmosphere made my recent dinner there feel like a relaxed escape from the city buzz. Chef Lee Ann Whippen’s team is passionate about quality, seasoning every cut with distinctive, house-made rubs.
Their standout dish is the competition-style smoked chicken, juicy with just the right touch of smoke. The baby back ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, with a caramelized crust that needs no extra sauce.
I’d also order their brisket platter—tender, flavorful, and paired with classic sides that actually taste homemade. Chicago Q manages to feel both special and welcoming, every single visit.
4. Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern is where nostalgia and comfort meet on a plate. Set in a building that wears its history with pride, the mood is always easygoing. My last visit was a detour from trendy BBQ spots. Instead, I found myself among locals, savoring ribs the way Chicagoans have for generations.
The real star is the baby-back ribs. They arrive impossibly tender and coated in a signature sauce with smoky depth and a whisper of sweetness. The staff moves with the confidence only tradition brings, serving each order with a side of Chicago charm.
If you visit, try the zesty rib platter, and enjoy the classic sides. Twin Anchors stays true to its roots, delivering time-honored barbecue in one of the city’s coziest taverns.
5. Bub City
Bub City feels like a slice of Nashville tucked into River North, where live music and BBQ come together without missing a beat. My visit started with tunes in the background and a smoky aroma that barely let me read the menu before I decided. The space buzzes, drawing in everyone from BBQ diehards to groups out for a little fun.
Bub City stands out for its lively vibe and generous portions. Their smoked brisket is tender, well-seasoned, and pairs well with classic sides. The pulled chicken came piled high and tasted just as good the next day.
If you go, grab the brisket platter and enjoy some people-watching. Bub City turns every BBQ meal into a celebration, with plenty of sauce and soul in every bite.
6. Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue of Chicago
+1 312-280-9200
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Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue of Chicago makes BBQ feel classic and just a little bit upscale. My last meal here started with a window seat and ended with a stack of ribs so tender, I barely needed a knife. The dining room gives off a cozy, celebratory vibe, perfect for date nights or a break after Navy Pier.
What sets Carson’s apart is its rich tradition and thoughtful service. The barbecue ribs are a staple: smoky, beautifully glazed, and always hearty. Sides like original coleslaw round out every plate.
If you want variety, try the beef brisket platter or the grilled salmon. Carson’s mixes comfort and elegance, offering generous portions without losing the warmth of a true Chicago BBQ institution.
7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is Chicago’s grill-at-your-table adventure. Every visit gives off an energy you can’t fake. It turns any dinner into a shared experience, with laughter drifting over the sound of sizzling meat. My last meal here, I barely talked—I was too busy turning steak and chicken over hot charcoal, each bite more flavorful than the last.
Gyu-Kaku stands out for its interactive style and quality cuts. The Harami Skirt Steak in miso marinade was rich and tender. The Certified Angus Kalbi Short Rib in tare soy marinade brought a bold, slightly sweet kick, cooked just how I like it.
If it’s your first visit, order the BBQ Chicken with basil and sample vegetarian sides. Gyu-Kaku’s blend of fun, flavor, and variety easily earns it a spot on Chicago’s BBQ map.
8. Weber Grill Restaurant
Weber Grill Restaurant is where barbecue tradition meets comfort right in downtown Chicago. There’s a familiar aroma in the air—charcoal, a nod to over seven decades of backyard grilling. My family meal here felt both relaxed and special, surrounded by the signature black kettles you spot before you smell them.
The hallmark of Weber Grill is its charcoal-cooked flavor. Their smoked brisket comes out juicy, sliced thick, and with that hard-to-find, smoky crust. The BBQ chicken brought back memories of summer cookouts.
If it’s your first visit, try the smoked turkey sandwich or a sampler plate. Weber Grill Restaurant delivers classic BBQ flavors with a polished touch—true Chicago hospitality, one grill-marked bite at a time.
9. The Smoke Daddy
The Smoke Daddy is pure Chicago BBQ energy: laid-back, live music humming, and plates stacked with smoky flavor. My recent dinner here happened to align with a blues set, turning a craving for ribs into an unexpected night out. The vibe is genuine, nothing feels rushed, and everyone seems happy to linger.
Smoke Daddy shines because of daily, in-house smoking and a commitment to classic BBQ. The baby-back ribs came out tender, sticky, and with just enough char. The pulled chicken was juicy, with flavor that stands up to, but never hides behind, their homemade sauces.
If you’re choosing, try the combo platter for a true taste of their menu. It’s casual, memorable, and always smokin’.
10. Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville
Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville serves up BBQ with unbeatable ballpark views and big, lively energy. Sitting on the terrace after a Cubs game, I found the mix of sizzle and sports set the perfect stage for a feast. Whether you’re a BBQ devotee or there for the camaraderie, the mood here makes every meal feel like a celebration.
What sets this spot apart is its stacked menu and prime location overlooking Gallagher Way. The pulled chicken sandwich was smoky and moist, while their St. Louis–style ribs arrived tender, with just the right snap to each bite.
If you’re deciding, go for a combo plate to try a bit of everything. Smoke Daddy Wrigleyville is where Chicago BBQ, sports, and skyline meet for a truly local experience.
More Things to Try in Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of BBQ is most common in Chicago?
Chicago’s BBQ scene is eclectic—think smoky brisket, hearty rib tips, and saucy chicken. Most spots blend regional influences from Kansas City, Texas, and the Carolinas, but local favorites like rib tips and hot links are pure Chicago classics.
Are there halal BBQ options in Chicago?
Yes, you’ll find several BBQ restaurants offering halal-friendly dishes. Always call ahead to confirm menu details, as offerings can change.
What are must-try BBQ dishes in Chicago?
Don’t miss smoked brisket, pulled chicken, and baby-back ribs. Rib tips and combo platters also let you taste the range of local BBQ styles.
Is Chicago BBQ very spicy?
While some houses use a peppery rub, most Chicago BBQ relies more on smoke and tang than heavy heat. Sauces are usually served on the side, so you control the kick.
Can I find good BBQ outside of popular neighborhoods?
Absolutely. Great BBQ can be found from Wicker Park and the Gold Coast to Old Town, Wrigleyville, and beyond. In this city, good smoke travels far.