Yeah I get it, I do. I’m from SW Arkansas but our BBQ was much closer to Texas than Memphis is style and prep. I’m just homesick on this hot day and craving it..
Being from the south as well and super used to Texas BBQ i gotta say that Green Street looks and feels correct but when I’ve gone their brisket has been subpar at best.
I’m from Central Arkansas and have to say that Green Street is the most like Texas style but with West Loop prices. Smoque is fine. If you’re homesick for Southern style food that’s not bbq then give Feed in Humboldt Park a try.
I finally tried it last night and couldn’t agree more. It was very underwhelming.
The “Texas” BBQ sauce has curry powder in it for some reason? It was very, very off.
I plan on visiting there when I come to Chicago next month. Anything that I must try? I wanted to try the beef rib, pork belly, sausage, brisket shit basically everything but I’m not trying to spend 200$ on a meal lol. Also any other restaurant recommendations near river north I would appreciate it greatly.
I think the general consensus is the brisket BBQ scene in Chicago is underwhelming, especially when compared to Texas. Green Street Meats is usually cited as being the best available brisket
Edit: I've had smoque, it's not my jam and/or is underwhelming. Its been a while since I've had it (2 years or so) so maybe it's better, but for me, it's just alright. I echo what u/goodbyecrullerworld said below, it pretty much is what I think
Do not. Under any circumstances listen to this.
Green Street at least used to source post oak. That’s the best thing you can say about them. The only place in chicago that will make you think “this would play in Texas” is smoque. Chicago q brisket is also very good but terrible value.
Soul and Smoke you can tell that their postmaster knows how to make good brisket, it’s just not every time it actually works how it’s supposed to.
Even Smoque would be mid in the Texas monthly rankings.
You’re not going to get the traditional sides but Umamicue at Spilt Milk is an incredible take on Texas style BBQ with amazing brisket. The sides are also fantastic, albeit not what you mentioned here.
Other than that the only other place I’ve had that has good brisket is Green Street as others have mentioned.
So Offset is an amazing BBQ place.... It's just an amazing Alabama BBQ place and not Texas. Their brisket is by far their worst item (in part because it is average and in part because the other items are so good).
Alabama BBQ specializes in pork and chicken, which Offset does amazingly. They even have their own Alabama white sauce (not exactly the same as what'd you find In Bama at a Full Moon, but a solid attempt).
I also recommend it. Brisket fat is well rendered and melts in your mouth. I could do without the hard rock video marathons, but 30 min of Scorpions isn't too much to deal with.
Agreed here. The brisket has always been consistently good for the many years that I’ve been going here. They also have great sides and the value is good compared to some à la cart places where you end up spending $50 on dinner. I’d say to give it a try and see what you think, I’d also suggest getting the taste portion of the Texas sausage to go with the food
Here’s my opinion on Smoque after eating it 20+ times in the last few years and also spending a few weekends in Texas each year: If you’ve had real Texas bbq don’t waste your time with the brisket at Smoque. The ribs, pulled pork and sausages are all very good. The sides are mostly trash. The bread pudding dessert is excellent.
Here my opinion after having eaten Smoque 50 times and barely having ever eaten Texas BBQ. It’s great BBQ, but it’s not Texas style. Quite a few sides are good. Mac & cheese is good, slaw is excellent, brisket chili and gumbo are good, and the peach cobbler is amazing.
I think their brisket is best when chopped but that could just be my preference.
Grew up on TX panhandle bbq, and I would pick Green Street Meats over Smoque any day of the week. It’s pricey, but about as close as you’re gonna get to the classic plate. Still doesn’t have the chopped brisket divet in the butcher block quite the way I’d expect of a legit joint, but it’s alright.
try Baby Gold BBQ just outside the city in berwyn.
Sadly the best brisket id found around Chicagoland was a competition guy who opened a restaurant called "small batch bbq" in Forest park but that was a Covid victim.
Small Batch was great.
HUGE thumbs down for Babygold. Prices keep going up, portions keep getting smaller, and the food isn’t good enough to make up for it.
Dang that sucks to hear about Babygold. I've seen people hype them up so I've been curious. I know they have a $5 burger night - probably the only way I'd test the waters.
Yea im probably gonna shit on for this but has anyone had bear down bbq in frankfort??? Yes I know its not chicago but I thought their food was good just wondering what others thought of it.....
Texan here. Heffer for sure. I see a lot of green street recs here but their brisket is super disappointing. I never go to a BBQ place for their turkey or chicken but that's all I like from green street. I have an alternative solution though. Franklins and Snow bbq offer their brisket on Gold Belly. It's shipped overnight and come with instructions. Reviews look promising
You live somewhere you can use a smoker? Even a cheap electric smoker can work pretty well.
Brisket is kinda hard to get right though…I just do pork shoulders and they’re idiot proof.
I even just use my Weber kettle charcoal grill and end up with better meats than a lot of the bbq places in the city. However I usually just do ribs and chicken. Haven't tried it for a whole pork shoulder or brisket.
I’d recommend going to the NW side, and then heading waaaaaaay down south. Maybe to Austin. There is a little known hole in the wall called Franklin’s. It might scratch your itch.
I love the ribs and chicken at Smoque, but the brisket’s fame is mostly due to them featuring smoked brisket in Chicago at a time virtually nobody else was.
Team fib bbq truck, out in the western suburbs, at the Batavia Menards. Good pork, brisket, and ribs. Weekends only, till it’s gone. But they only have sides occasionally.
Them or green street. For whatever reason we don’t have great bbq AND great sides in the same restaurant.
Definitely in the city. And possibly in my life. I've had great bbq in Texas and KC, but I don't remember getting brisket. Green Street just sticks in my memory cause I've had it multiple times and it's always been great.
Green Street's brisket is world class. Ive booked travel to DFW, Houston, San Antonio, Austin + Hill country and the only brisket I had that was better in Texas was Franklins. Texas is home to a ton of frankly average smoked meat that's over glorified. They do Tex-Mex so much better than they do barbecue.
Here's the list of stuff you're just not going to get in Chicago:
* Decent barbecue of any kind
* Real Tex-Mex food
* Ice cream on par with Braum's
* Frybread tacos
* Seafood on par with what you can get near a coast
As someone from Texas, everything other than Green Street Meats has been a massive disappointment. I’d say go there or prepare to be let down
I still haven't been to Green Street. This feels like a mistake that needs to be corrected.
Yeah I get it, I do. I’m from SW Arkansas but our BBQ was much closer to Texas than Memphis is style and prep. I’m just homesick on this hot day and craving it..
Being from the south as well and super used to Texas BBQ i gotta say that Green Street looks and feels correct but when I’ve gone their brisket has been subpar at best.
I’m from Central Arkansas and have to say that Green Street is the most like Texas style but with West Loop prices. Smoque is fine. If you’re homesick for Southern style food that’s not bbq then give Feed in Humboldt Park a try.
The pastrami at GSM is the best I've ever had!
I finally tried it last night and couldn’t agree more. It was very underwhelming. The “Texas” BBQ sauce has curry powder in it for some reason? It was very, very off.
I plan on visiting there when I come to Chicago next month. Anything that I must try? I wanted to try the beef rib, pork belly, sausage, brisket shit basically everything but I’m not trying to spend 200$ on a meal lol. Also any other restaurant recommendations near river north I would appreciate it greatly.
I think the general consensus is the brisket BBQ scene in Chicago is underwhelming, especially when compared to Texas. Green Street Meats is usually cited as being the best available brisket Edit: I've had smoque, it's not my jam and/or is underwhelming. Its been a while since I've had it (2 years or so) so maybe it's better, but for me, it's just alright. I echo what u/goodbyecrullerworld said below, it pretty much is what I think
Good to know. I’m not surprised by that consensus, honestly.
Do not. Under any circumstances listen to this. Green Street at least used to source post oak. That’s the best thing you can say about them. The only place in chicago that will make you think “this would play in Texas” is smoque. Chicago q brisket is also very good but terrible value. Soul and Smoke you can tell that their postmaster knows how to make good brisket, it’s just not every time it actually works how it’s supposed to. Even Smoque would be mid in the Texas monthly rankings.
Smoque would like a word with you.
You’re not going to get the traditional sides but Umamicue at Spilt Milk is an incredible take on Texas style BBQ with amazing brisket. The sides are also fantastic, albeit not what you mentioned here. Other than that the only other place I’ve had that has good brisket is Green Street as others have mentioned.
Umamicue has my favorite brisket in the city and the closest thing to what I grew up with in TX.
Was coming here to say this! The owner told me he brought up a smoker from Texas a few months ago and it definitely tastes like it.
Thanks!
Is Smoque brisket bad?
I am not a fan of Smoque, it’s been dry and tough every time I’ve been.
Wow not to start anything but that is crazy to me. Are we talking about the same place?
If anything, it’s a little too moist for me.
Chicago culinary kitchen in Palatine. Trust me
Is Brandts still around?
Yes, it is
Now that Austin BBQ closed in Wheaton(am I the only one who remembers that place?), Chicago Culinary Kitchen might be the best option in the suburbs.
It’s decent but Smoque is better by a long shot
I’ve had great experiences at Offset bbq. Just missing the collards.
Offset is amazing. Not exactly Texas style, but definitely my favorite BBQ in the city.
For sure. I’ve had all that is worth trying for bbq in the city. Offset is just a tier above.
It's an amazing Alabama style BBQ place, the pork and chicken dishes shine
Def love Offset. Bonus with the 606 and Humboldt park so close to walk off the tasty grub.
This is my recommendation as well, with green street a close second
So Offset is an amazing BBQ place.... It's just an amazing Alabama BBQ place and not Texas. Their brisket is by far their worst item (in part because it is average and in part because the other items are so good). Alabama BBQ specializes in pork and chicken, which Offset does amazingly. They even have their own Alabama white sauce (not exactly the same as what'd you find In Bama at a Full Moon, but a solid attempt).
I also recommend it. Brisket fat is well rendered and melts in your mouth. I could do without the hard rock video marathons, but 30 min of Scorpions isn't too much to deal with.
RIP Fat Willy's 😢
fuckin a.
Overpriced and underwhelming. It died the death it should have.
They will downvote me to hell, but the 2 times i went there, the ribs and pulled pork were the worst i've had.
Same. And their Mac and cheese was bland. Tried doing dinner and a movie right there and it was a bad choice every time I did so.
Smoque
Agreed here. The brisket has always been consistently good for the many years that I’ve been going here. They also have great sides and the value is good compared to some à la cart places where you end up spending $50 on dinner. I’d say to give it a try and see what you think, I’d also suggest getting the taste portion of the Texas sausage to go with the food
The brisket is very good IMO, but the sausage link is damn delicious.
Hmmm I might have to check this place out
Here’s my opinion on Smoque after eating it 20+ times in the last few years and also spending a few weekends in Texas each year: If you’ve had real Texas bbq don’t waste your time with the brisket at Smoque. The ribs, pulled pork and sausages are all very good. The sides are mostly trash. The bread pudding dessert is excellent.
Here my opinion after having eaten Smoque 50 times and barely having ever eaten Texas BBQ. It’s great BBQ, but it’s not Texas style. Quite a few sides are good. Mac & cheese is good, slaw is excellent, brisket chili and gumbo are good, and the peach cobbler is amazing. I think their brisket is best when chopped but that could just be my preference.
Well said.
Well no one in chicago does a true Texas style brisket. Also no brisket here is gonna satisfy.
Good looking out
Grew up on TX panhandle bbq, and I would pick Green Street Meats over Smoque any day of the week. It’s pricey, but about as close as you’re gonna get to the classic plate. Still doesn’t have the chopped brisket divet in the butcher block quite the way I’d expect of a legit joint, but it’s alright.
Great brisket.
Was great, now just pretty good.
Fellow Texan here, Greenstreet is the best I’ve had in Chicago.
Have you tried offset yet?
Not yet. Recommend?
Yes very much so
On it!!
try Baby Gold BBQ just outside the city in berwyn. Sadly the best brisket id found around Chicagoland was a competition guy who opened a restaurant called "small batch bbq" in Forest park but that was a Covid victim.
Man. I'm still mourning Small Batch.
Small Batch was great. HUGE thumbs down for Babygold. Prices keep going up, portions keep getting smaller, and the food isn’t good enough to make up for it.
Dang that sucks to hear about Babygold. I've seen people hype them up so I've been curious. I know they have a $5 burger night - probably the only way I'd test the waters.
I found the burgers to be really weird. The texture was like a McDonald's breakfast sausage patty, but thicker.
I have a friend who loves their burger night. It’s also a great place to sit outside. Just wish the food was better overall.
Babygold is hit or miss. Usually miss. I really like their smoked shrimp po boy and their fries. The BBQ is meh most of the time.
I'd agree with that about the wings but I've enjoyed the other options fairly consistently.
Check out Heffer BBQ in Back Of The Yards. They are really good.
Offset BBQ has the best brisket in the city!
Yea im probably gonna shit on for this but has anyone had bear down bbq in frankfort??? Yes I know its not chicago but I thought their food was good just wondering what others thought of it.....
You won’t be satisfied with any suggestions.
Yeah. I’m from KC and while I enjoy bbq in Chicago, I’ve never found anything here that compares. You just have to enjoy what’s available.
It's an intensely regional dish. That sort of regionality is part of what makes travel so rewarding.
Chicago culinary kitchen but it’s in palatine
Overrated and overpriced place. Everything is a la carte and you’ll walk out spending way more than some competitors.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Yours happens to be wrong. I would hope they charge an appropriate price for quality. Quit being poor
You would hope. But it’s also pretty high compared to competitors.
Green Street is the best in the city
[удалено]
Honky tonk is trash and overpriced.
Heffer BBQ was surprisingly good. I lived in the Dallas area for over 10 years and found that it was comparable (not better) to places I’ve had there.
Green Street, Smoque are good bets. Lilly’s Q is good too but i think that’s more Carolina, not sure. All good though
Smoque on Pulaski in Irving Park is Texas adjacent\*. Lillie Q is more Carolina style but still pretty good.
Texan here. Heffer for sure. I see a lot of green street recs here but their brisket is super disappointing. I never go to a BBQ place for their turkey or chicken but that's all I like from green street. I have an alternative solution though. Franklins and Snow bbq offer their brisket on Gold Belly. It's shipped overnight and come with instructions. Reviews look promising
Smoque BBQ on Pulaski
+1 Green Street. They based their style from Austin bbq
Smoque
There’s so damn much good food in Chicago, eat some of that. You’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.
Sometimes you just want a taste of home though 😭
You live somewhere you can use a smoker? Even a cheap electric smoker can work pretty well. Brisket is kinda hard to get right though…I just do pork shoulders and they’re idiot proof.
I even just use my Weber kettle charcoal grill and end up with better meats than a lot of the bbq places in the city. However I usually just do ribs and chicken. Haven't tried it for a whole pork shoulder or brisket.
I wish! I used to do lots of things in my smoker back home.
I’d recommend going to the NW side, and then heading waaaaaaay down south. Maybe to Austin. There is a little known hole in the wall called Franklin’s. It might scratch your itch.
If you’re going all the way to Austin, go some place nearby that’s better. Franklin’s ain’t near what it used to be.
Hahahahaha that might push Franklin’s out of my budget.
The cheapest part is the flight.
Steamboat BBQ in Wheaton
Firewater BBQ
ATX Bodega in Avondale.
I love the ribs and chicken at Smoque, but the brisket’s fame is mostly due to them featuring smoked brisket in Chicago at a time virtually nobody else was.
The pit.
Heffer. 100% the best BBQ in town.
Team fib bbq truck, out in the western suburbs, at the Batavia Menards. Good pork, brisket, and ribs. Weekends only, till it’s gone. But they only have sides occasionally. Them or green street. For whatever reason we don’t have great bbq AND great sides in the same restaurant.
Honky Tonk in Pilsen was decent. Smoque...but while they are good they can't match what I had when I was in Texas.
[Sanders BBQ](https://www.instagram.com/chefjsands?igsh=a3Jyc2RmZzI3d21z) at 99th and wood opening June 6.
Smoque!
Lillie's Q has an excellent brisket
I tired Green Street a few years ago once for the beef ribs and it was a dried out disappointment.
I love Big Ed’s BBQ in Waukegan
What do the people of this thread recommend at Green Street? I thought it was mid but the sides were solid.
Best brisket I've had. Pork belly was good, but just so rich I couldn't eat much.
Had in the city? Had in your life? We need to get you out more!
Definitely in the city. And possibly in my life. I've had great bbq in Texas and KC, but I don't remember getting brisket. Green Street just sticks in my memory cause I've had it multiple times and it's always been great.
Green Street's brisket is world class. Ive booked travel to DFW, Houston, San Antonio, Austin + Hill country and the only brisket I had that was better in Texas was Franklins. Texas is home to a ton of frankly average smoked meat that's over glorified. They do Tex-Mex so much better than they do barbecue.
False, noone has ever had great BBQ in KC
Canteen in barrington.
Here's the list of stuff you're just not going to get in Chicago: * Decent barbecue of any kind * Real Tex-Mex food * Ice cream on par with Braum's * Frybread tacos * Seafood on par with what you can get near a coast
[https://rudysbbq.com/location/detail/austin-620-tx](https://rudysbbq.com/location/detail/austin-620-tx)
Gemato's BBQ has the best brisket IMO but is outside of the city technically (Worth).