May 16 is National Barbecue Day, but we're here to tell you that every day is barbecue day in Chicagoland. Whether your BBQ of choice is Texas, Memphis, Carolina or Kansas City-style, you'll find what you're looking for in Chicagoland neighborhoods.
There are too many great barbecue joints in Chicago to list them all. This article is only scratching the surface, but these are some of our real estate agents' favorite places to order barbecue in Chicagoland.
Green Street Smoked Meats - 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Turn down a brick-paved alley off Green Street in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, and you'll find yourself at Green Street Smoked Meats. This hip counter-serve spot makes phenomenal Central Texas-inspired BBQ, like brisket, beef short ribs and chicken legs, along with a wide range of traditional sides. Then they serve it up in their rustic warehouse-like space with family-style picnic tables and a full bar.
Bub City - 5441 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018
Bub City is a buzzing country western-themed barbecue joint in Rosemont. With a friendly vibe and regular live music, this place is always a safe bet for a good time. They serve a wide variety of BBQ here, and if you can't decide what you want, go for the Pitmaster Combo Plate. It's a half slab of ribs, a healthy serving of Berkshire pulled pork, and an 18-hour smoked brisket with coleslaw, pickles and Texas toast.
Blackwood BBQ - 1715 W 22nd St, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Serving up exceptional barbecue in a sleek, modern space in Oak Brook, one of Chicago's western suburbs, Blackwood BBQ is a can't-miss option for great food. Blackwood BBQ makes beef brisket, pulled pork and even vegetarian smoked jackfruit, along with mouth-watering sides like smokehouse beans and homemade mac n' cheese. This counter-serve spot has ample indoor and outdoor seating, and they offer your choice of barbecue sauce, including Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Chicago-style.
Soul and Smoke - 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
One of Chicago's most popular barbecue restaurants, Soul and Smoke has expanded to multiple locations, including a roaming food truck and our personal favorite brick-and-mortar BBQ joint in the Avondale neighborhood. Offering a great view of the Chicago River from their back patio, Soul and Smoke Avondale makes exceptionally good barbecue using regionally sourced meats. Their commitment to sustainably and supporting the local community is just as impressive as their pulled pork and prime brisket.
Heaven's Barbecue on Earth - 1 Huntington Ln, Wheeling, IL 60090
Just opened in 2023, Heaven's Barbecue on Earth has quickly established itself as one of the best barbecue spots in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Located in Wheeling, this homey eatery serves smoked meats a la carte, including St. Louis-style ribs and Chicago South Side rib tips, along with next-level sides like beans, mac, corn on the cob, and collard greens. The scratch-made cornbread is another highlight here.
Pit and Tap - 1168 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091
About 14 miles north of Downtown Chicago, Pit and Tap is a friendly hangout in Wilmette that serves phenomenal barbecue along with a wide-ranging selection of craft beer. You'll find 20-plus beers on tap at any given time, many of them local, and they pair nicely with Pit and Tap's wood-smoked brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken and St. Louis ribs. They also make some creative BBQ sandwiches that highlight various regional styles.
Contact us today to learn more about living life to the fullest in Chicagoland. Our real estate agents are here to help you find your perfect home in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
