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Best BBQ in Chicago

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Fat Willy’s Rib Shack
2416 W. Schubert Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 782-1818
Fat Willy’s wins the title of “most balanced” among BBQ restaurants. Bring your crew to this festive shack, which has been in high demand since its opening in 2002. Willy’s marinates or brines all meat overnight, then slow-smokes it with hickory and apple woods, yielding a tender pinkness throughout BBQ favorites like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. If you somehow manage to save room for dessert, don’t miss the Chocolate Fudge Brownie, baked for 20-30 minutes and topped with vanilla ice cream, homemade whipped cream, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce ($8.95). With chalkboards and coloring sheets for the little ones and a movie theatre across the street, Fat Willy’s is a load of family fun in Logan Square. Hours of Operation: Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm; Delivery Hours: Sun 1pm-9:30pm, Mon-Thu 5pm-9:30pm; Fri 5pm-10:30pm; Sat 1pm-10:30pm.
Russell’s Barbecue
1621 N. Thatcher Ave. Elmwood Park, IL 60707
(708) 453-7065
A journey outside of the city is well worth the eats at Russell’s, a Chicagoland mecca among the ranks of other famous spots like Gene and Jude’s famous hot dog stand. Once you enter this less than glamorous gem, you’ll place your order with the cashier after waiting in line and pick up your food when your number is called. Some of the best BBQ you’ve ever had will come served on a tray and paper plate with plastic silverware and other modest amenities, but don’t be discouraged, your first bite alone will make up for the simplistic nature of the place. The half chicken is spectacular and comes with a dinner roll, fries, and choice of coleslaw or applesauce for only $6.99. Regardless of what you choose, start the first day of the rest of your life by ordering the thickest, richest chocolate milkshake imaginable. Hours of Operation: Sun-Thu 10:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-11pm
Fireplace Inn
1448 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 664-5264
With over 30 televisions for Chicago’s sports fans, this place turns up the heat in comparison to typical down home BBQ restaurants. Most famous for its baby back ribs, Fireplace features succulent barbeque chicken and a diverse menu that includes prime rib, crab legs, jumbo fried shrimp, and pork chops. Wash it down with their fan favorite 32 oz. vodka lemonade. Bears fans are welcome to tailgate and Second City-goers are invited to party before and after the show. In addition to Fireplace’s more refined BBQ setting, there’s a large, all-seasons patio and live music. Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu 4:30pm-12am; Fri-Sat 11:30am-1:30am; Sun 11:30am-12am; Delivery Hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-10pm. Call 312.943.RIBS for carry-out & delivery.
Twin Anchors
1655 N Sedgwick St Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 266-1616
If you haven’t been to Twin Anchors yet, the best is yet to come – or so thought Old Blue Eyes himself. Since 1932, this neighborhood tavern has been a classic hangout for Chicagoans and their favorite celebs, including Frank Sinatra, Conan O’Brien, and Dennis Rodman. While the broiled ribs often get a thumbs-down from rib critics, who prefer the smoked variety, those who enjoy moist, falling-off-the-bone ribs with a choice of sauces rave about this $19.95 full slab. Offering a limited selection of steaks, seafood, and salad, the cozy, nautically-themed Chicago sports-bar environment is what really captivates Twin Anchors’ clientele, enticing them to return. Hours of Operation: Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm; Fri 5pm-12am; Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-10:30pm.
Smoque BBQ
3800 N. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 545-RIBS
Remember your grade school days, when you could eat shamelessly, talk loudly, and revel in your break from the daily grind with your closest friends and your food? Smoque’s blackboard menu and frequent line down the block preview the luscious meals you’ll enjoy at very reasonable prices in this down-to-earth Irving Park spot. Even Texans give Smoque two-thumbs way up for its perfected, simple menu of generous portions. A Western North Carolina-style BBQ sauce covers and accompanies essentials like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Come early – it’s usually packed for dinner, and feel free to bring your vegetarian friends - the Mac-n- Cheese with a baked crust (only $2.95!) is to-die-for! Hours of Operation: Tue-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm (Closed Monday).
The Smoke Daddy
1804 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-MOJO
To be read aloud in your deepest, sexiest Barry White voice: The sweet smell of smokin’ barbeque, the smooth sensations of blues, and that sauce…ooh, that sauce! This spot will seduce you into its alluring, dim-lit interior, complete with live blues and jazz seven nights a week and a wide selection of barbeque selections hot from the smoker. With unique starters like Smoked BBQ wings or the Smoked Chicken and Vegetable Soup, a hefty selection of salads and sandwiches, and ribs and platters for dinner, The Smoke Daddy serves up generous portions and a good time that’s kept Wicker Park coming back for more since 1994. Hours of Operation: Sun-Wed 11:30am-11pm; Thu-Sat 11:30am-1am; Carry-out dinner: Mon-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm.
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