Quality BBQ with a Chinese/Vietnamese twist. You can find Umamicue at Little Victories and Spilt Milk Tavern. Smoked crab rangoon is a classic but made with real crab and an added Smokey flavor ?… and the meats…the meats… gimme all the meats
Bryan Vuong
When I think about nostalgia of my childhood I think of bahn mi and this combines those flavors with the smokey goodness of the Mecca of barbecue, Charles ability to blend the fresh and savory is truly nothing short of Devine. The try everything, especially the brisket and pork belly! My goodness, how do you get that crounch!? I loved split milk as a good neighborhood bar and date night and food that does not hold back on bold flavors and melt in your mouth true new school BBQ. I will be coming back often and telling my friends!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Brisket Banh MI
TKO
Awesome backyard patio. Quality ingredients. Decent toast on the bread for the banh mi I prefer stronger and spicier flavors.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Tony DeZutter
DO NOT SKIP. Everything is fantastic. Even the sauce will make ya bust
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Brisket Banh MI
Richard Sanchez
Not really worth it. Very basic, not a lot scratch-made. And the owner has no business running a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
elephantnose
Food is just simply underwhelming. Can u still call it a banh mi when there is no cha lua, no pate? Yes. But it’s underwhelming.
But it’s right by spilt milk so u can get some really nice drinks easy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Alexandra Campbell
Hands down!! Best BBQ in the Greater Chicago Area! Recently learned there's a new pop-up location at Little Victories, in Logan Square...with a bit of a different menu, WHAT?! Went on the weekend to cash in on their total melt in your mouth, authentic Texas style BBQ (yes, it is authentic and stands up to any great BBQ in TX)- sliced to order- it's lit! Sat in the very cute & lush back patio area of Spilt Milk (Umamicue is located toward the back of Spilt Milk). Ordered a perfect spread of Vietnamese Potato Salad, Real Blue Crab Rangoon (unreal) and the Crispy Skin Duroc Pork Belly- easily passing as Michelin Star quality! Wait was short after I'd ordered at the kitchen with super friendly staff. Was given a number and food was delivered quickly & its preparation/description explained, which impressed me...like these guys have made an art out of Chinese/Vietnamese/Texas style BBQ. Cannot wait to see more from Umamicue!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Egg Roll, Brisket Banh MI
Madelyn Shoemaker
The brisket banh mi (pronounced BUN MI) is so amazing. i would also love to highlight the staff here— julie, courtney and charles have taken wonderful care of me many times. i will ALWAYS recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mona
Overall Thoughts: Definitely come early because it’s a small and popular space with few tables. It was quite packed when I arrived around 6:15pm on Friday, but luckily I was able to grab a table that cleared out ~15 minutes after ordering. It’s dark and loud inside, but the vibes are fun and laid back. The food took awhile to come out, but I enjoyed it a lot! I loved the unique fusion of Texas BBQ and Vietnamese flavors. Despite BBQ being traditionally meat-forward and the menu being small, they still had a few tasty vegan options available. We didn’t order any drinks, but they have some solid happy hour deals, so I’d be glad to come again in the future for happy hour to drink. Overall, prices aren’t bad either and reasonable for the area.
Food I tried: - Lions Mane Mushroom Nuggets (4.5/5): The nuggets were wonderfully crispy and flavorful, but the side mushroom sauce really stole the show. It was so umami and flavorful, I was literally scooping up the leftovers by the spoonful.
- Cucumber Salad (4.4/5): It’s a simple, easy dish, but they didn’t miss— very solid with good balance of flavors.
- Brisket Banh Mi (4.6/5): This was very tasty, and really saw the best of the 2 flavors come together— traditional Viet pickled veggies and flaky bread and smokey BBQ brisket. Parts of the brisket were slightly dry, but overall it was tender enough.
- Crispy Duroc Pork Belly (4.3/5): This was simultaneously the crispiest and fattiest pork belly I’ve ever had. The skin was incredibly crispy and tasty, and the inside was incredibly tender (though some parts of it were way too fatty for my liking). —
The experience at Umamicue is TOP TEIR! Charles is not only a true pitmaster, but a wizard with combinations. The Bahn Mi is out of this world, and the smashed cucumbers made me actually like pickled things (I normally hate vinegar)!The brisket brought me right back to Austin,TX and the crispy pork belly was absolutely insane. Pair that with the best crab Rangoon I’ve had in my life, and this place just HITS.All of that to say, you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu. The food is great, the ambience is fantastic, the drinks at Spilt Milk are awesome, I can’t say enough positive things. Just go and you’ll thank yourself later.
Parking: Parking was pretty easy to find on the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Brisket Banh MI
The best crab Rangoon I’ve ever had! The Brisket was amazing! You won’t regret any good choice you make!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Egg Roll, Brisket Banh MI
Mona Tong
Overall Thoughts: Definitely come early because it’s a small and popular space with few tables. It was quite packed when I arrived around 6:15pm on Friday, but luckily I was able to grab a table that cleared out ~15 minutes after ordering. It’s dark and loud inside, but the vibes are fun and laid back. The food took awhile to come out, but I enjoyed it a lot! I loved the unique fusion of Texas BBQ and Vietnamese flavors. Despite BBQ being traditionally meat-forward and the menu being small, they still had a few tasty vegan options available. We didn’t order any drinks, but they have some solid happy hour deals, so I’d be glad to come again in the future for happy hour to drink. Overall, prices aren’t bad either and reasonable for the area.Food I tried:- Lions Mane Mushroom Nuggets (4.5/5): The nuggets were wonderfully crispy and flavorful, but the side mushroom sauce really stole the show. It was so umami and flavorful, I was literally scooping up the leftovers by the spoonful.- Cucumber Salad (4.4/5): It’s a simple, easy dish, but they didn’t miss— very solid with good balance of flavors.- Brisket Banh Mi (4.6/5): This was very tasty, and really saw the best of the 2 flavors come together— traditional Viet pickled veggies and flaky bread and smokey BBQ brisket. Parts of the brisket were slightly dry, but overall it was tender enough.- Crispy Duroc Pork Belly (4.3/5): This was simultaneously the crispiest and fattiest pork belly I’ve ever had. The skin was incredibly crispy and tasty, and the inside was incredibly tender (though some parts of it were way too fatty for my liking).—Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5Food: 4.5/5Ambience: 4.5/5Service: 4.5/5Overall Value: 4.5/5
Joe Dawes
Umamicue is an extremely unique experience in the Chicago area...only one of it's kind. The dedication to the food that Charles puts out there is next to none. The smokey, bbq, Asian fusion menu is absolutely worth stopping by for. We tried a little of everything and it was all on point. They also have vegetarian options as well, which were packed with flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Egg Roll
Altay Atik
This is your reminder to not believe everything you see on tiktok. First of all no one tells you about the hidden 20% service charge for a self-serve(?) food. There is minimal amount of meat in a whole white bread so you pretty much pay about $20 for a bread when you order the bahn-mis. They were also out of half the menu. There are better places for less not too far away.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anna gama
Everything about this place was great! The owner was incredibly nice. The food was amazing! And the atmosphere was so great. Definitely will come back .
Quality BBQ with a Chinese/Vietnamese twist. You can find Umamicue at Little Victories and Spilt Milk Tavern. Smoked crab rangoon is a classic but made with real crab and an added Smokey flavor ?… and the meats…the meats… gimme all the meats
When I think about nostalgia of my childhood I think of bahn mi and this combines those flavors with the smokey goodness of the Mecca of barbecue, Charles ability to blend the fresh and savory is truly nothing short of Devine. The try everything, especially the brisket and pork belly! My goodness, how do you get that crounch!? I loved split milk as a good neighborhood bar and date night and food that does not hold back on bold flavors and melt in your mouth true new school BBQ. I will be coming back often and telling my friends!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Brisket Banh MI
Awesome backyard patio.
Quality ingredients.
Decent toast on the bread for the banh mi
I prefer stronger and spicier flavors.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
DO NOT SKIP. Everything is fantastic. Even the sauce will make ya bust
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Brisket Banh MI
Not really worth it. Very basic, not a lot scratch-made. And the owner has no business running a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Food is just simply underwhelming. Can u still call it a banh mi when there is no cha lua, no pate? Yes. But it’s underwhelming.
But it’s right by spilt milk so u can get some really nice drinks easy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Hands down!! Best BBQ in the Greater Chicago Area! Recently learned there's a new pop-up location at Little Victories, in Logan Square...with a bit of a different menu, WHAT?!
Went on the weekend to cash in on their total melt in your mouth, authentic Texas style BBQ (yes, it is authentic and stands up to any great BBQ in TX)- sliced to order- it's lit! Sat in the very cute & lush back patio area of Spilt Milk (Umamicue is located toward the back of Spilt Milk).
Ordered a perfect spread of Vietnamese Potato Salad, Real Blue Crab Rangoon (unreal) and the Crispy Skin Duroc Pork Belly- easily passing as Michelin Star quality!
Wait was short after I'd ordered at the kitchen with super friendly staff. Was given a number and food was delivered quickly & its preparation/description explained, which impressed me...like these guys have made an art out of Chinese/Vietnamese/Texas style BBQ. Cannot wait to see more from Umamicue!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Egg Roll, Brisket Banh MI
The brisket banh mi (pronounced BUN MI) is so amazing. i would also love to highlight the staff here— julie, courtney and charles have taken wonderful care of me many times. i will ALWAYS recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Overall Thoughts: Definitely come early because it’s a small and popular space with few tables. It was quite packed when I arrived around 6:15pm on Friday, but luckily I was able to grab a table that cleared out ~15 minutes after ordering. It’s dark and loud inside, but the vibes are fun and laid back. The food took awhile to come out, but I enjoyed it a lot! I loved the unique fusion of Texas BBQ and Vietnamese flavors. Despite BBQ being traditionally meat-forward and the menu being small, they still had a few tasty vegan options available. We didn’t order any drinks, but they have some solid happy hour deals, so I’d be glad to come again in the future for happy hour to drink. Overall, prices aren’t bad either and reasonable for the area.
Food I tried:
- Lions Mane Mushroom Nuggets (4.5/5): The nuggets were wonderfully crispy and flavorful, but the side mushroom sauce really stole the show. It was so umami and flavorful, I was literally scooping up the leftovers by the spoonful.
- Cucumber Salad (4.4/5): It’s a simple, easy dish, but they didn’t miss— very solid with good balance of flavors.
- Brisket Banh Mi (4.6/5): This was very tasty, and really saw the best of the 2 flavors come together— traditional Viet pickled veggies and flaky bread and smokey BBQ brisket. Parts of the brisket were slightly dry, but overall it was tender enough.
- Crispy Duroc Pork Belly (4.3/5): This was simultaneously the crispiest and fattiest pork belly I’ve ever had. The skin was incredibly crispy and tasty, and the inside was incredibly tender (though some parts of it were way too fatty for my liking).
—
Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5
Food: 4.5/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Overall Value: 4.5/5
The experience at Umamicue is TOP TEIR! Charles is not only a true pitmaster, but a wizard with combinations. The Bahn Mi is out of this world, and the smashed cucumbers made me actually like pickled things (I normally hate vinegar)!The brisket brought me right back to Austin,TX and the crispy pork belly was absolutely insane. Pair that with the best crab Rangoon I’ve had in my life, and this place just HITS.All of that to say, you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu. The food is great, the ambience is fantastic, the drinks at Spilt Milk are awesome, I can’t say enough positive things. Just go and you’ll thank yourself later.
Parking: Parking was pretty easy to find on the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Brisket Banh MI
Restaurantji Recommends
The best crab Rangoon I’ve ever had! The Brisket was amazing! You won’t regret any good choice you make!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Egg Roll, Brisket Banh MI
Overall Thoughts: Definitely come early because it’s a small and popular space with few tables. It was quite packed when I arrived around 6:15pm on Friday, but luckily I was able to grab a table that cleared out ~15 minutes after ordering. It’s dark and loud inside, but the vibes are fun and laid back. The food took awhile to come out, but I enjoyed it a lot! I loved the unique fusion of Texas BBQ and Vietnamese flavors. Despite BBQ being traditionally meat-forward and the menu being small, they still had a few tasty vegan options available. We didn’t order any drinks, but they have some solid happy hour deals, so I’d be glad to come again in the future for happy hour to drink. Overall, prices aren’t bad either and reasonable for the area.Food I tried:- Lions Mane Mushroom Nuggets (4.5/5): The nuggets were wonderfully crispy and flavorful, but the side mushroom sauce really stole the show. It was so umami and flavorful, I was literally scooping up the leftovers by the spoonful.- Cucumber Salad (4.4/5): It’s a simple, easy dish, but they didn’t miss— very solid with good balance of flavors.- Brisket Banh Mi (4.6/5): This was very tasty, and really saw the best of the 2 flavors come together— traditional Viet pickled veggies and flaky bread and smokey BBQ brisket. Parts of the brisket were slightly dry, but overall it was tender enough.- Crispy Duroc Pork Belly (4.3/5): This was simultaneously the crispiest and fattiest pork belly I’ve ever had. The skin was incredibly crispy and tasty, and the inside was incredibly tender (though some parts of it were way too fatty for my liking).—Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5Food: 4.5/5Ambience: 4.5/5Service: 4.5/5Overall Value: 4.5/5
Umamicue is an extremely unique experience in the Chicago area...only one of it's kind. The dedication to the food that Charles puts out there is next to none. The smokey, bbq, Asian fusion menu is absolutely worth stopping by for. We tried a little of everything and it was all on point. They also have vegetarian options as well, which were packed with flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bricket Bang MI X Egg Rolls X Crab Rangoon, Egg Roll
This is your reminder to not believe everything you see on tiktok. First of all no one tells you about the hidden 20% service charge for a self-serve(?) food. There is minimal amount of meat in a whole white bread so you pretty much pay about $20 for a bread when you order the bahn-mis. They were also out of half the menu. There are better places for less not too far away.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Everything about this place was great! The owner was incredibly nice. The food was amazing! And the atmosphere was so great. Definitely will come back .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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