Summertime in the Chi is fueled by fire. Fire on the grill and fire in the smokers.
For the smokiest, sauciest and most tender meat in town, taste-test the tried-and-true barbecue favorites in Chicago.
Whether it's Texas or Memphis-style, these are the five best 'cue joints in Chicago and beyond.
Smoque BBQ
Food: 26
Decor: 11
Service: 18
Cost: $20
"Lines out the door" attest that this Northwest Side BYO has "achieved BBQ perfection" in the form of "outrageous", "smoky" brisket "bursting with flavor", "the best""juicy" ribs and "equally good" sides that "blow other joints out of the water"; it's "truly a dive" with eaters packed in at "community tables", but "friendly" staffers "manage the crowds well" (the "table juggling is fascinating") and it's "cheap to boot", so the "addicted" dub it "worth any wait, in any weather."
Uncle Bub's
Food: 24
Decor: 16
Service: 20
Cost: $19
"Tie on a bib and dig in" coach fans of this wallet-friendly "Southern rib joint" in Westmont, where you order "awesome""smoky BBQ" from "efficient" servers at the counter before chowing down in a "comfortably rustic setting"; it's all ultra-"casual"– so "when you spill the sauce on yourself it won't matter."
Lillie's Q
Food: 22
Decor: 18
Service: 19
Cost: $27
"Get sauced (BBQ sauced, that is)" at chef-owner Charlie McKenna's Bucktown 'cue joint, a "meat lover's""heaven" say fans fawning over the "luscious" pulled pork, "scarf"-worthy ribs and other "Southern favorites", plus ‘moonshine' cocktails and an "awesome beer selection", all served in rustic, wood-accented digs; service gets mixed marks ("terrific" vs. "unreliable"), the "no-reservations policy is annoying" and a few find it just "so-so", but with moderate prices most agree it's still a "solid choice."
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