Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the River

I wanted to try a BBQ place for the 4th of July, but I was chasing waterfalls.

The food was terrible minus the cornbread. The place only serves brisket. Like other things can be barbequed.

It's basically an assembly line of soylent green, and no real service to speak of.

The location and outdoor seating were awesome.

I'll never go back though. This company has two more locations which I will also avoid.

They were out of all meat two hours before closure. We made the trip only to try this place out, so we ended up having only mac and cheese. Disappointed and probably wouldn’t come back again. The service was not very pleasant.

My partner and I had a quick bite one night and it was really really good. We are definitely going back. Good food and from the look of the restaurant, it’s probably a good time when it’s packed. We showed up not long before they closed but saw they had a patio.

It's clearly just recently opened and is planning to expand, but the food and the atmosphere is absolutely amazing. We went on a weeknight and they only had one person working so it was slower service, but he was doing his best. It's confusing and unclear what you're supposed to do when you get in there. I'll save you the trouble, find yourself a table. Order at the counter or use the QR code at the indoor tables. It appears they have a machine you can do self checkout but it wasn't working. The food runs out because it's so popular so order for later pick up early in the day, even if you'll be dining in. There is ample parking (on a week night). Great views! Beautiful space! The confusion and the wait was worth it. Amazing food!! I suggest you run there now!

I wish I could have given this place a better rating. They ran out of everything before 7pm, our order took over an hour. Other customers were who placed their order after us, were served before us, not to mention the staff were really rude, when we asked about the status of our order. As if it were an inconvenience.

Had a poor experience with their reservation process. They allow you to make reservations for dinner but did not inform us that they had ran out of meat. I was told they are a FCFS restaurant but no where in the reservation process is that explained. This was booked weeks in advanced and I even called twice to confirm it and at no point did anyone explaining their format and that we may not have food. Rating on service only as me and the 11 others on the reservation did not have a chance to eat there.

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

Food was absolutely out of this world. Tips fell off the vine before they hit my teeth and don’t get me started on the prime brisket. But if you add that bbq sauce then you’re taking it next level. Amazing food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rib Tips, Chicken Gumbo

I ordered delivery, so I can’t vote on service or atmosphere. I’m not even done eating yet, but had to stop and leave five stars before I forgot. I got the rib tips, collared greens, and chicken gumbo. the rib tips came with coleslaw. every single one of these items are a repeat order. the flavors involved...man oh man.

Food: 5

Their Food is always amazing every time I order

Food: 5

Recommended dishes: Rib Tips, Pulled Pork Sandwich and Brisket Sliders, Smoked Brisket, Red Beans Rice

Very good flavor ,bbq on point,a little pricy but the view on there river patio are worth every penny

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Food was amazing! We tried the brisket sandwich and Mac n cheese. Friendly staff and quick service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you love BBQ, then THIS is the place to eat when you are in Chicago! First, the setting is a great place to vibe with your date or friends. The music is a perfect blend of 80's, 90's, amd early 2000's R&B. But, of course, the star of Soul & Smoke is the 'que! The brisket was flavorful and tender. The rib tips are a must have! And the dirty rice was a perfect compliment to both. If you go to Chicago, you must stop in and try it for yourself!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rib Tips, Brisket Sandwich and Appleslaw Side

Nice facility, friendly staff, amazing food! Such a great find!

Wheelchair accessibility: All accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. All one level and no stairs.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cornbread Muffin Mac and Cheese and Pickles, Meat Sampler, Red Beans Rice, Apple Salad

Fantastic !!!!! Grew up in Texas and this BBQ was so good it felt like I was back there. Everything was Top Shelf and cooked to perfection ! Highly Recommend and will be going back for sure !!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Gumbo, Red Beans Rice