Best BBQ in Chicago, IL

Chicago is such an amazing city for food, and when it comes to BBQ, it really shines! I’ve had the pleasure of tasting some of the best smoked meats here, and let me tell you, the flavors are out of this world. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s a BBQ spot that’s perfect for you, and I can’t wait to share my favorites.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Chicago, IL? Well, the best BBQ in Chicago features a mix of places that serve up delicious smoked meats, tasty sides, and a fun atmosphere. You can find everything from classic ribs to creative dishes that will make your taste buds dance. Each spot has its own special twist, making the BBQ scene in Chicago super exciting!

Get ready to dive into the world of BBQ with me! I’ll take you through some of the top places to eat, share what makes each one special, and help you find your new favorite BBQ joint in the city. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this tasty adventure!

Top 10 BBQ in Chicago, IL

1. Green Street Smoked Meats
2. Smoque BBQ
3. Bub City
4. Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park
5. Earl’s BBQ
6. Offset BBQ
7. Chicago Q
8. Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk
9. Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago
10. Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue

1. Green Street Smoked Meats

Oh wow, Green Street Smoked Meats is such a cool place! When I walked in, I could smell the yummy BBQ right away, and it made me super excited. The vibe is really chill, with a nice woodsy feel that makes you want to sit down and enjoy some great food. I loved that I could choose to eat inside or outside, which is always a nice option.

What really makes Green Street special is their amazing brisket. It’s so tender and juicy, and the smoky flavor is just perfect! I also tried their mac and cheese, and it was super creamy and delicious. It felt like a warm hug on a plate!

If you go, you have to order the brisket sandwich. It’s so good with the tangy pickles on the side. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about it long after you leave!

2. Smoque BBQ

Smoque BBQ is one of my favorite places to grab some BBQ in Chicago! When I walked in, the yummy smell of smoked meat filled the air, and I just knew I was going to love it. The place is pretty simple, but it feels cozy and welcoming, perfect for hanging out with friends or family.

What really makes Smoque BBQ special is their super tasty meats and sauces. I tried the ribs, and they were so tender that they practically fell off the bone! The brisket was also amazing—so juicy and full of flavor. I loved how they have their own special sauces that you can add to make everything even better.

If you go, you have to get the pulled pork sandwich. It’s piled high with delicious pork and their tangy sauce. Seriously, it’s a BBQ treat you won’t want to miss!

3. Bub City

Bub City is one of my favorite BBQ spots in Chicago! When I walked in, the place was buzzing with energy, and I loved the country-western theme. There was live music playing, and it made me feel so happy and excited to eat. I could choose to sit inside or outside, which was really nice!

What makes Bub City super special is their yummy BBQ and comfort food. I tried the ribs, and oh my goodness, they were so tender! The smoky flavor was just right, and I couldn’t stop eating them. Their sides, like the creamy mac and cheese, were also really tasty and made my meal even better.

If you visit, you have to get the BBQ platter! It has a little bit of everything, like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. It’s a perfect way to try all their delicious BBQ in one meal. You’re gonna love it!

4. Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park

Smoke Daddy BBQ in Wicker Park is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ! When I walked in, the atmosphere was super chill, and I could hear live music playing, which made it feel really fun and lively. The smell of all the delicious smoked meats made my mouth water right away!

What really makes Smoke Daddy special is their yummy BBQ options. I tried the pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and packed with flavor! The ribs were amazing too—so tender that they just fell off the bone. I loved how cozy and friendly the place felt, perfect for hanging out with friends.

If you visit, you have to get the brisket! It’s so smoky and tender, and you can really taste how good it is. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about it long after you leave!

5. Earl’s BBQ

Earl’s BBQ is such a cool spot that I really enjoy! When I got there, the place had this nice, simple vibe that made me feel right at home. I loved that they even have a drive-thru, which is super handy when you just want to grab some yummy food quickly!

What makes Earl’s BBQ special is their tasty homestyle cooking and really good prices. I tried the pulled pork, and oh my gosh, it was so juicy and full of flavor! The baked beans on the side were also amazing, just like something my grandma would make.

If you visit, you have to get the BBQ combo plate! It has a little bit of everything, and you can try their delicious sauces too. I promise you’ll leave with a big smile and a happy tummy!

6. Offset BBQ

Offset BBQ is such a cool place to eat! When I walked in, I could smell all the yummy smoked meats, and it made my tummy rumble. The vibe was super chill, and I felt right at home. I was really excited to try their BBQ because they have some classic dishes and some really fun, unique ones too!

What makes Offset BBQ stand out is how they mix traditional BBQ with different flavors from around the world. I tried the smoked brisket, and wow, it was so tender and packed with flavor! They also have BBQ tacos, which were super fun and tasty. It was like a little party in my mouth!

If you go, you have to get the brisket and those tacos! You’ll get to enjoy the best of both worlds, and I promise you’ll leave with a big smile and a happy belly!

7. Chicago Q

Chicago Q is such a great spot for BBQ! When I walked in, I was really impressed by how nice and cozy it felt. The smell of all the yummy, house-smoked meats made my mouth water right away. It felt like a special place to enjoy some delicious BBQ!

What makes Chicago Q super special is their amazing Southern BBQ and all the cool drink options. I tried the smoked brisket, and oh wow, it was so tender and full of flavor! They even have a full bar with bourbon flights, which is really fun to try with your meal.

If you go, you have to get the brisket and definitely try their mac and cheese on the side. It’s so creamy and tasty, and together, they make the perfect BBQ meal that you’ll remember for a long time!

8. Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk

Honky Tonk BBQ, or The Tonk, is such a cool place to grab some BBQ! When I walked in, I loved the rustic feel and the yummy smell of all the smoked meats. It felt so cozy and friendly, and I was really excited to try their food. The vibe was perfect for hanging out with friends and enjoying a good meal.

What makes The Tonk super special is their apple-and-oak-smoked meats. I tried the brisket, and oh my gosh, it was so tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just right, and I couldn’t stop eating it. Their sides, like the crunchy coleslaw, were also really good and made my meal even better.

If you go, you have to get the smoked pork plate! It’s so packed with flavor, and you’ll love how everything tastes together. Trust me, it’s a BBQ experience you won’t forget!

9. Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago

Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue is such a great spot for BBQ! When I walked in, I felt so welcomed by the warm atmosphere. The yummy smell of slow-smoked meats filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to try their famous baby back ribs. It felt like I was in for a real treat!

What makes Carson’s super special is their amazing ribs. They are so tender and juicy, and the smoky flavor is just perfect! I also really enjoyed their sides, especially the creamy coleslaw. It added a nice crunch that made my meal even better.

If you go, you have to order the baby back ribs! They are their signature dish, and trust me, you’ll leave feeling super happy and full. It’s a BBQ experience you won’t forget!

10. Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue

Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue is such a cool place to eat! When I walked in, the laid-back vibe made me feel super relaxed. The yummy smell of Jamaican BBQ filled the air, and I was really excited to try something new. Plus, they had sports on TV, which made it even more fun!

What makes Jerk special is their amazing flavors. I tried the jerk chicken, and oh my gosh, it was so juicy and full of spices! The smoky taste was just right, and it came with rice and peas, which were super tasty too.

If you go, you have to get the jerk chicken! It’s a must-try, and I promise you’ll love how flavorful it is. Trust me, it’s a BBQ experience you won’t forget!

Map of BBQ in Chicago, IL

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant	Price	Seating	Takeout	Delivery	Wheelchair	Reservation
Green Street Smoked Meats	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Smoque BBQ	Moderate	Yes	No	Yes	Accessible	No
Bub City	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Earl’s BBQ	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
Offset BBQ	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Chicago Q	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Inaccessible	Yes
Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Jerk. Jamaican Barbecue	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best BBQ restaurants in Chicago?
  Oh, there are so many great BBQ spots in Chicago! Some of my favorites are Green Street Smoked Meats, Smoque BBQ, and Bub City. Each place has its own yummy flavors, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them!

• What type of BBQ is Chicago known for?
  Chicago is super cool because it has all kinds of BBQ styles! You can find Texas-style brisket, Memphis-style ribs, and even some tasty Jamaican BBQ. It’s a fun mix that shows off the city’s awesome food scene.

• Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants in Chicago?
  Yes, definitely! Many BBQ places have vegetarian options, like smoked veggies, salads, and yummy sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw. Just ask the staff for their best veggie picks!

• Can I get BBQ delivered in Chicago?
  Absolutely! Lots of BBQ restaurants in Chicago offer delivery, so you can enjoy tasty BBQ right at home. Just check their websites or delivery apps to see what’s available.

• Is there outdoor seating at BBQ places in Chicago?
  Yes, many BBQ spots have outdoor seating, especially when the weather is nice. It’s a great way to enjoy your meal while soaking up the sun and the fun vibe around you!

• What should I order at a BBQ restaurant?
  When you go to a BBQ restaurant, you have to try the classic dishes like ribs, brisket, or pulled pork. And don’t forget to taste their special sauces and sides—they make the meal even better!

• Are BBQ restaurants in Chicago family-friendly?
  For sure! Most BBQ places in Chicago are super family-friendly. They have a casual vibe and yummy food that everyone will enjoy, plus many have kids’ menus or smaller portions for little ones.