Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed

Hidden gem in Chicago. I love to stop by when I can. Fairly priced for a kosher eatery. Parking meters suck, but what can you do it’s the city. Keep up the great work Milt’s. Also, they have the best pickles on the planet!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It’s a great kosher option in a fabulous location. Milts should be a stop for anyone in Chicago, especially those who keep kosher
The food is always good
The staff are kind
The location is great
What’s not to love??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pickles, Cornbread, Brisket Burger, Brisket, Sandwich

Incredible with accommodating gluten free, including celiac-safe French fries in separate fryer. Reasonably priced as well and quick service.

Food: 5

Staff is friendly. The drinks were okay. The food was pretty bad. There were NO ribs on the menu apparently due to a supply issue, that was disappointing if you’re looking for BBQ. The brisket sandwich was dry like DRY DRY and the sauces left a LOT to be desired. The “spicy” bbq sauce is mostly vinegar 🤢 very odd. And the mustard sauce (which ended up being the best sauce) just doesn’t go with
brisket IMO. The take on cornbread was actually flavorless and hard to swallow. Very dissatisfied and for that price?! Not worth it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 5

I found this BBQ to be mid tier. The location and ambience outpace the actual product.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Delicious, awesome BBQ, as always. Super friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Friendly staff. Great food

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pickles, Chicken Wings, Brisket Burger

Top notch place, fantastic food, incredible service
I always recommend to anyone coming to visit the Chicago area!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All tops!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife's family lives in Chicago, and we always eat here when we visit. Best kosher BBQ I've ever had!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The service was fast, the food was good, a little pricey (everything was about $4 above what I would expect for the meal). I was not as perplexed as I would’ve expected.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Know what your getting. Wife ordered a milt burger which has chili. There's a lot of chili overload in the dishes. The pomegranate alcoholic beverage was good. Brisket nachos had chunks of beef. Would have preferred shredded through out

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

If you’re craving bold, smoky BBQ with a twist, Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed is a must-visit. This kosher BBQ joint in Lakeview proves you don’t need pork or dairy to serve up serious flavor.

🍖 What to Try:
• The “Milt’s Way” Burger – brisket chili, beef “bacon,” crispy onions & BBQ aioli
• Smoked Brisket Sandwich – tender and packed with flavor
• Full Slab of Beef Ribs – massive, meaty, and unforgettable
• Vegetarian Options – surprisingly satisfying, especially the smoked seitan sandwich

🥗 Don’t skip the sides: brisket chili fries, hand-cut fries, and brisket baked beans hit the spot. Finish with the chocolate mousse with spicy caramel drizzle for a perfect ending.

❤️ Why It’s Special:
Beyond the food, Milt’s is rooted in community. They regularly donate profits to local charities and foster an inclusive, welcoming vibe.

💬 The Verdict:
Fans rave about the flavorful food, generous portions, and warm service. Just note—prices can run high, with a rack of ribs pushing $100. But for many, the quality and experience are well worth it.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

This place is unique- some of the best brisket I have ever had. The salad had the best beef bacon I’ve ever had. Was there with a vegetarian and 2 guys who didn’t eat beef - the appetizers were delicious- the salads great. The owner super nice explained the whole beef bacon thing- phenomenal!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a fantastic option for shabbat dinner as takeout. We ordered a package for ten people and on Friday morning I realized I had placed the order for the wrong week! I had all sorts of visions of catastrophe for not having food for shabbat but they were able to make some last minute adjustments and still send us off with Shabbat dinner. I am so grateful and will be coming back soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5