Chicago is a city where deep dish pizza and Italian beef reign, but a vibrant barbecue community has emerged in recent years—one that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
With influences from the South Side smokehouses of old to bold newcomers experimenting with global spices, the Windy City’s barbecue scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
Here are five must-visit ‘cue destinations in Chicago.
Smoque BBQ
Smoque has earned national acclaim thanks to a dedication to classic low-and-slow barbecue methods.
Their brisket is tender and impeccably marbled, finished with a peppery bark that’s the stuff of dreams.
St. Louis-style ribs, sausage, and pulled pork stand out as well.
Smoque’s homemade sides (pit beans are a must) and their welcoming, family-run atmosphere keep locals and tourists lining up all year.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
A true South Side legend, Lem’s has been serving up iconic rib tips and hot links since the 1950s.
The meats are slow-smoked over hickory and then doused in a spicy, tangy signature sauce that’s distinct to Chicago barbecue.
With no-frills counter service, Lem’s is a pilgrimage site for barbecue fans craving smoky heritage and powerful flavors.
Green Street Smoked Meats
Located among the trendy restaurants and coffee houses of West Loop, Green Street Smoked Meats blends Texas-style barbecue with a Chicago sensibility.
Enter through a rustic alleyway and you’ll find an energetic, communal dining space packed with locals.
Their brisket and short ribs get rave reviews, and their Frito pie and barbecued salmon offer a playful twist. It’s as much a social event as a meal.
Honey 1 BBQ
This family-run barbecue joint offers a menu rooted in the Delta—think Chicago’s classic aquarium smoker, slow-cooking juicy rib tips, hot links, and chicken.
Each order is cooked to perfection and served with old-school fries and white bread.
Honey 1’s bold sauces strike the right balance of sweet and heat, making every meal memorable.
Chicago Q
For those seeking an elevated BBQ experience, Chicago Q fuses Southern hospitality with a gourmet approach.
This Gold Coast restaurant presents beautifully plated smoked meats—pork shoulder, ribs, and their melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket—paired with refined sides like bacon cheddar hush puppies and house-pickled veggies.
The ambiance is upscale yet relaxed, perfect for date nights or celebrations.
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