Best of 22 BBQ restaurants in Chicago

Chicago is a city renowned for its diverse food scene, and BBQ restaurants in Chicago hold a special place in the hearts of meat lovers. From tangy sauces to slow-smoked ribs, these establishments showcase the best of American barbecue traditions. Whether you're a local or a tourist, exploring the many BBQ restaurants in Chicago is a must-do culinary adventure.

1. Smoque BBQ

Award-winning BBQ, Made-from-scratch sides

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Gluten-Free
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

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2. Green Street Smoked Meats

features a unique outdoor seating area with picnic tables and string lights

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • High-End
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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3. Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk

Live music on weekends, communal seating, and a lively atmosphere

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Downtown Spots

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4. Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wicker Park

Live music on weekends, full bar with local craft beers

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Asian Cuisine
  • Personal Celebrations

5. Bub City

Offers a mechanical bull for rodeo fun, live country music, and a spacious patio.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast

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6. Chicago Q

Live music on weekends, outdoor seating, and a large selection of craft beers

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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7. Offset BBQ

Offers catering services, vegetarian options, and a wide variety of sauces.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Mid-Range

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8. Smoke Daddy BBQ - Wrigleyville

Live music on weekends, dog-friendly patio, and a variety of BBQ sauces to choose from.

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots

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9. Blackwood BBQ - Lake Street

Offers a variety of Southern-style BBQ with a wide range of homemade sauces.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

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10. Earl's BBQ

Family-owned and operated, using a unique combination of hickory and cherry wood for smoking

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats

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11. Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed

House-made sausages and unique BBQ sauces

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options

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12. Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

Historic Chicago tavern, cash-only, family-owned since 1932

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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13. Honey 1 BBQ

Uses own secret spice rubs and sauces, Cooks meat slowly over hickory wood

TOPICS

  • Cuisines
  • Location
  • Downtown Spots

14. Lem's Bar-B-Q

Family-owned with a rich history, catering services available

TOPICS

  • Personal Celebrations
  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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15. Old Crow Smokehouse - Wrigleyville

Live music performances and large TVs for sports events

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Late Night

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16. Lexington Betty Smokehouse

Family-owned business since 2011, Smoked in-house daily

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range

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17. Lillie's Q

Champion of BBQ competitions, locally- sourced ingredients

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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18. Blackwood BBQ - Adams Street

Cozy atmosphere, Outdoor seating, Creative cocktails

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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19. Ella’s BBQ

Family-owned BBQ restaurant serving slow-smoked meats and classic sides in a relaxed setting

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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20. Windy City Ribs & Whiskey

Houses a large whiskey selection, live music on weekends, and a lively atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

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21. The Slab Bar-B-Que

Family-owned business, using traditional cooking techniques and cherished family recipes.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Downtown Spots
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

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22. Bro N-Laws bbq

Offers a wide variety of BBQ sauces and sides, including unique options like mac and cheese pie.

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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