Chicago barbecue spots to try for Father's Day
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Smoked brisket over rice served at an event earlier this year at Lexington Betty's. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
From rib tips and hot links to pulled pork and tender brisket, Chicago abounds with delicious slow smoked meats.
State of play: We asked for your recommendations and you delivered a tableful of picks topped all topped with a slice of soft white bread.
- We each tried one of your picks and here's how it went.
Monica tried a pick from Patrick B. and Anna F: Lexington Betty's Smokehouse in Pullman is run by "Master of Cue" Dominique Leach, the city's only Black female LGBTQ+ pitmaster.
- Anna F. loves the brisket mac n' cheese and pulled pork, writing "My mouth is literally watering as I type this just remembering it!"
- Monica picked up a pound of brisket ($34) and had to pull over a few times on the way home because the aroma was too much.
The verdict: That smoky melt-in-your-mouth beef tastes even better than it smells.
Carrie went with Colleen M.'s pick: Lillie's Q in West Town. It was a family affair as Carrie doesn't eat meat, but her husband, Matt, liked the pulled pork sandwich, saying it wasn't too fatty.
- He went with the mustard-based gold sauce and topped the hearty sandwich with some very fresh, not watery or cloying, coleslaw.
The verdict: Matt liked that the meat wasn't too fatty and would slather that sauce on many things. Carrie says skip the mac n' cheese but definitely dig into that potato salad, topped with bread crumbs and toss some coleslaw on there, too.
Justin followed Ross K.'s suggestion and traveled to Pilsen for Honky Tonk BBQ.
- He tried the brisket. He tried the pulled pork. He tried the macaroni and cheese and the southern greens. For dessert, rib tips.
Verdict: Awesome. He got the personal platter ($24) which included both brisket and pork. Both were delicious. The greens had a spicy kick, too.
More reader recommendations
Honey 1 BBQ in Bronzeville: Dion M. calls it the "best in the city."
Ella's BBQ in Lincoln Park: Matt E. says, "Great brisket and smoked wings."
Smoque BBQ in Old Irving: Recommended by Brian C., Tina L., Jonathan B., Andrew B., and Paula M. who says, "No frills, just great food."
Twin Anchors in Old Town gets the nod from Julie M.
Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park: Linda S. says, "Fall off the bones and delicious!!!"
Offset BBQ in Humboldt Park: Larry G. calls it "a hidden gem" for its standards but also, "unique items like the BBBLT (brisket and bacon), Ham and Cheese (with smoked ham), and smoked beef sausage."
- "For a truly professional move, call two days beforehand and order the smoked lamb gyro."
Suburbs
Soul N' Smoke in Evanston: Recommended by Jonathan C. and David A. for its amazing rib tips and brisket.
Hecky's BBQ in Evanston: Joan J. says simply, "The BEST!!!"
Mickey's Gyros & Ribs in Oak Park: Cheryl S. says, "Their ribs are the best. In fact, anything on their menu is superb with very generous servings."
Big Ed's BBQ in Waukegan: Recommended by Scott S. and Chris G., who says, "I have bounced around to Navy bases all over the country and am a huge BBQ snob ... so I am extremely glad there's a fantastic BBQ nearby Naval Station Great Lakes too! My favorites are the burnt ends, but don't sleep on the sides! The collard greens and sweet potatoes are unreal."
Goldenboy BBQ in Elmhurst: Jonathan B. says, "The owner spent serious time perfecting a Texas BBQ and his brisket and cheddar jalapeño sausages are fantastic. Great drinks too."
Gematos Wood BBQ in Naperville: Leslie B. says, "It's worth the drive."
Chicago Culinary Kitchen in Palatine: Kevin M. and Becky M., who says, "Not sure if it's the best, but it has some great BBQ!!"