50 Best Barbeque Restaurants in Chicago

“I had such a great experience at Chubby Cattle Chicago! Our server, Zaid, was incredibly kind, attentive, and friendly the whole time. He made sure we had everything we needed and explained the menu so patiently. It’s rare to meet someone who genuinely makes your dining experience better — thank you, Zaid, for being so nice and making our dinner extra enjoyable!“

“This is my MOST FAVORITE bbq place in the whole USA. Been to many places but they food is absolutely delicious. Their staff is very very nice too, when I told them I was from Seattle, they treated me even more special. It’s Restaurant is a 10/10 💕🥰“

“I’ve been to Smoke Daddy multiple times now and everything I get is amazing (I’ve had about 6 different food menu items now - each awesome). I’m particularly writing this review because they saved our 4th of July friend get together. The service, food and atmosphere make this one of our favorite places in the city.“

“Food was delicious & service was great especially the fact that they were really busy.“

“Amazing time! Danny was my server! He is the best very attentive very helpful. the hostess was great also and sweet“

“we love love love it here 🩷“

“We go a few times a year between Schaumburg and downtown Chicago. We love the food and the service. Keep up the stellar work!“

“always great pizza, really friendly staff, and good prices for the amount of food! I would go for the specialty slices. my favs are the mac and the chicken and waffles!! place itself is pretty no frills but staff was friendly enough to change TVs to games we were interested in!!“

“I had a mistake on my order and I called the staff was amazing . I just wanted my food but they went above and beyond and made it all right the food is great You can go there and be assured your getting good food and service“

“Just come back from Twin Anchors and loved our experience! We are from the UK and our waitress was so hospitable, asking what we were up to and making sure we had a great experience. She also recommended the ribs and they were delicious. We came in around 3.30 so it wasn’t too busy and didn’t have to queue, if we ever return to Chicago we will be sure to visit again!“

“Phenomenal food, that’s arguably the best in the north shore.“

“Great food and interesting menu to say the least. 10/10 would eat and drink again!“

“Went for Happy Hour but ordered off of regular menu giddy up loaded fries were yummy just not enough meat to compliment the mountain of fries. The brisket chili was great and the easy lemonade was nice and simply great food, great price will definitely come back“

“I went here as a recommendation and came out a huge fan! The sauce is perfect and everything was cooked to perfection! It was even better seeing some of my former students serving and killing it! I truly recommend Lexington Betty Smokehouse!“

“Phenomenal food, that’s arguably the best in the north shore.“

“amazing customer service.... the owner let us sample the food ... delicious is a under statement... will definitely be back ❤️“

“Buona qualità del cibo, ambiente accogliente e familiare, manca a mio parere una buona apparecchiatura.“

“Life changing dumplings!!“

“It was my first time dining at this restaurant, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with their delicious BBQ ribs and mouthwatering cornbread. In fact, I would say that their BBQ ribs are the best I’ve ever had in Chicago. I’m already planning to return to try their other BBQ dishes and side dishes as well!“

“Hands-down worst BBQ place in Chicago if not the nation. Don't look, don't ride pass, & pleeeease don't stop in here and WASTE YOUR MONEY!!! The brisket dry, the ribs uncooked, and the fries was hard asf. You'd be better spending your $50-$100 at the grocery store and make your own bbq. I'LL NEVER BE BACK AND WILL MAKE IT MY MISSION TO TURN ANYONE I KNOW AWAY FROM THIS ESTABLISHMENT. To hell!!!“

“amazing staff and food,good prices and a great atmosphere“

“Excellant tasting food, and I was a Sous Chef at Chez Paul in the early eighties . I totally know my mixtures and taste relation! This establishment has it together. God Bless the retired Fireman and Police officer! There is no better tasting Rib House around the South Side than 911 ! GENTLEMEN the rib tips are heavenly!?“

“Rib Tips are 🔥. Owners were pretty cool. I’ll definitely go back. 10/10“

“Great food ans service with a freat atmosphere.“

“amazing staff and food,good prices and a great atmosphere“

“Dan was an awesome waiter. His spontaneity and attentiveness made us feel very welcome. The vibe on Monday night was nice and quiet for us. We came here two years ago for the first time, and the place was as good as we remembered. Will definitely be back the next time we are in Chicago. Thanks, Dan?“

“Great place for drinks and good music. Friday nights are a blast when line dancing is happening!“

“There’s lots of options to choose from (more on the sweeter side). Heads up, this is a grab and go bakery, therefore, there is no indoor seating (only a bar to stand at outside). They will also not heat up the pastries :/

The hot fudge babka $6⭐️4/5
It did not really taste like it had chocolate… it was still delicious, but it tasted more like an apples strudel and banana bread mix—yummy but not chocolate babka lol

The smoked ham brown grainy mustard + Gruyère croissant ($7.50) ⭐️2/5
This didn’t hit it for me :/ If you know you love gruyère cheese, then I say give it a go, if you’re unsure, probably try something else?

Update:
Hot fudge croissant ⭐️3.5/5
A bit on the drier side and I felt that they skimped on the chocolate a bit. But it was a delicious pastry

Blackberry cheesecake danish ⭐️3/5
This was yummy and an easy to-go eat. I wish there was a bit more cheese tho

Banana bread cold brew ⭐️4/5
Idk how they do it, but this legit tastes like banana bread in a drink. Perfect for the fall season.“

“I loved “Perilla” …Please do not think of this as your typical Korean BQ grill/Restaurant. This is the most excellent Korean BQ restaurant I have ever been in and I have been in quite few over the years both in Korea back in the day and in the USA…Tomba⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“This is hands down the best food I’ve had in years ! The corn bread muffins are served in CORN HUSKS…the pulled chicken sandwich came with an actual chicken leg and wing on the side! Then throw in the free music playing, it is absolutely a favorite for me from now on!“

“Amazing food. Great atmosphere. What more can be said?“

“I recently visited the Friday evening of the Labor Day weekend, about 6:30pm. I usually set my expectations lower anytime they’re especially busy/any holiday, Of course there was a significant line, but you could tell they had prepared for the last summer holiday rush. The line moved efficiently and I placed my order for 2 extra large tips. To my pleasant surprise I was in and out in just under 20 minutes. Both orders were tender, plentiful, well seasoned, and that mild sauce was slamming. The quality didn’t suffer one bit, even at the end of a busy Friday evening on a holiday weekend. Kudos on a job well done.“

“BBQ King House offers affordable prices with generous portions that are perfect for sharing. The menu has a wide variety of dishes to choose from, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Service is friendly, and complimentary tea is a nice bonus that adds to the overall dining experience. A great spot for good food and value!“

“Great BBQ, unbeatable price and nice people there.“

“Authentic cuisine from Hawaii. Loved the Pork Katsu with curry. I've looked for these tastes for more than a decade. I've found my new hangout. Musubi was also awesome.“

“Great vibe really nice atmosphere and the brisket tacos were 🔥. I also liked the brisket salad it was very good.“

“The slab of ribs, hot links are my favorite with los is mild sauce and bread.“

“We came from Wisconsin to ouck up food from this joint!!! the food is STRAIGHT!!! DELICIOUS!!! Henry was very hospitable and a great person!!! thank you Henry for the great food!!! It was worth the 2 hour drive!!! we will be back!!!“

“If you are looking for a really special food experience with a cozy casual atmosphere, this is an awesome place to visit. The chef, Ms Dani Kaplan, is the daughter of one of my closest bff. OMG! Each bite is a tastebud delight! And the bar - so special! If you want a true, high-quality, Chicago, eating experience don’t miss this place!!!!“

“Coming from St. Louis! The BBQ was perfect and the blackened shrimp 😳❤️❤️🙌🏼 Great service, great people, AMAZING food, stay later for the drinks and music. We will be back! It’s a whole vibe!“

“I absolutely loved my experience at Firewater Saloon in Edison Park! The vibe was amazing fun, welcoming, and full of energy. The food was fantastic, the service was top-notch, and the overall atmosphere made it a perfect spot to enjoy a night out. From start to finish, everything felt just right. Great food, great service, and an even better vibe — I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Best food ever and service love“

“it's all good to me, havnt had anything bad yet“

“Still a solid spot overall (I gave them 4/5 stars). I just wish the hours were updated—totally my mistake for not knowing about the shared location and alternate Christmas Eve hours. I had stopped by hoping to grab some BBQ sauce. Cheers!“

“Amazing food and fast!! My friends and I really enjoyed dinner at Sun Wah!!“

“Great apps!!! Potato skins & Artichoke dip. 🔥🔥🔥“

“Good food and a variety of selections to pick from!!!! And if you buy a meal it feeds two people for a good cause!!!!“

“The food was delicious. Interesting experience. Waitress was very personable“

“We had a fabulous dinner last night at Chicago Kalbi with Cummins Peru, Komat'su, and the VPs from Antimina copper mine.

Such a great place, where you cook the wagyu & kobe beef at your table. The food was delicious ?

Isao Tozuka, the chef and his wife Chiyo-san, are fabulous hosts, very friendly, and really happy to help and show you how things are do e.

I would definitely recommend coming here. It's a unique place. Make sure you book though ad it can be busy.“

“I had a brisket burrito and Mac & cheese . Very Delicious ! I will be back.“