Smoque BBQ image

Smoque BBQ

Restaurant Barbecue restaurant

One of the Top rated Barbecue restaurants in Chicago


Address

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, United States

Website

www.smoquebbq.com

Contact

+1 773-545-7427

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (3.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 11 am to 8 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: brisket (27) good (23) pork (19) Smoque (15) pulled (14) great (14) ribs (14) meat (13) side (12) cheese (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Foeor 1 year ago on Google
    Love the brisket and pulled pork here. I recommend the combos sandwiches because they come with a side of fries and a side half pound protein. For our first time we ordered everything separately 1 pound of each protein and tried all the sauces the sauces were all good. And for dessert we had the peach cob and the pecan Carmel bread pudding they were both to die for. I did feel that the sides should be a bit bigger if there was 1 con but overall everything was tasty I will be back.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter F. 2 months ago on Google • 201 reviews New
    Absolutely amazing bbq place just outside of Chicago. The food here was unreal and the portions were insane. I definitely left Smoque feeling full and happy. This place has gained some popularity by being featured on multiple award lists and tv shows. Depending on when you go there may be a wait or a line but it’s worth it. There are so many options to choose from and you can’t go wrong. I picked the half brisket half pulled pork plate which was delicious. The platters come with a slaw and two sides so I got the pit beans and mac & cheese. The slaw was surprisingly delicious as it was more vinegary than creamy which I really liked. For sauces make sure to load up but my favorite was the spicy Memphis which paired nicely with the meats. Overall a great experience and would definitely come back.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ciccio L. 7 months ago on Google • 228 reviews
    Great ribs and brisket! Beans and fries are the cherry on top..Absolutely the best BBQ i had in Chicagoland..
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda Jean I. 2 months ago on Google • 444 reviews New
    I'm sure I've left a review before, but if not.. Smoque is a Chicago stable, or really a Midwestern staple. I come for the brisket,st Louis ribs, and sausage.. and honestly, best coleslaw I've ever had. Great service too. Thanks!

  • 5/5 petersonA95 2 years ago on Google
    This place was awesome. A small menu but done really well. The pulled pork sandwich was one of the best I’ve had. They do NOT skimp on the meat. They say it’s 6oz for a sandwich but it sounds way smaller than what you really get. Both the Carolina and spicy mesquite were really good sauces, and they give you quite a bit. I really like that they give you a full side of sauce to drizzle over the sandwich, allows you to put on as much as you want. The brisket was also good, but not nearly as good as the pulled pork. They also give you a generous amount and it was very soft and fatty. The mac and cheese was good, but not worth $3.50. You’re only given about two or 3 spoonfuls. The fries, however, are very worth it. They give you a lot for your money.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg S. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited Smoque BBQ while in Chicago over the weekend. Man, oh man, is it good! Our family tends to order different things and then share so that everyone gets to sample everything. So, during our visit to Smoque BBQ I was able to enjoy brisket, pulled pork, Texas sausage, baby back ribs, barbecue beans, slaw, fresh cut fries, and cornbread. First, let's talk about the meat. The baby back ribs were the best I've ever eaten. The rub was so good and flavorful that I didn't bother to use any sauce on them. They were lean, moist, and meaty. The brisket was smoky, moist, and flavorful. The pulled pork was pulled perfectly without a hint of fat and the flavor was on point. The Texas sausage was a nicely seasoned mild sausage link. Every meat I tasted was impressive. Now for the sides: The slaw was tangy, fresh, and crisp. The barbecue beans contained hunks of meat and onion for flavor and tasted like they had been simmering all day. The cornbread had a perfect homemade taste and texture. But my surprise was the fries. They were outstanding! They tasted fresh, had a nice crunchy exterior and were seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. So simple, but so good! (And they give you a generous portion!) The staff was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant was clean and inviting. This is a place that appears to really care about the product and the people they serve. It was a great dining experience - my kind of food and my kind of place!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina J. 9 months ago on Google
    Wow!! We went here for Father's day! It was quite busy but it was worth the wait, the staff was mostly teenagers but they were hustling, The people in the kitchen were constantly moving! And the staff was very friendly they didn't have any more highchairs and we ended up getting one from a couple when they were leaving but the staff took the effort to look for one, the food was beyond amazing! Deff will be coming back! Also I got the chicken, & a taste of the brisket wish I just got the brisket as it was so good! Also got macaroni, slaw, and the fries all was good bbq. There was about 5 of us in the party including my son and so we all got something different, I can say all of it, is very delicious!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arex S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great bbq spot on the north side. Our lean brisket was delicious, ribs were flavorful and the side were generous in size especially the fries. Cornbread was not as moist as I like but was still yummy. The dinning area is fairly small but they do have a decent size outdoor patio. Parking is a bit of an issue since this place doesn’t have its own parking lot but we had no problem finding a spot just a block away during dinner time. Everyone in the restaurant area is very friendly and quickly assisted us with any requests.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glenn 1 year ago on Google
    Had the Pulled Pork, Brisket and the Ribs that were recommended by the staff. Came from a recommendation and it sure did not fall on my expectation for the food. Brisket and pulled pork under the option to choose between Lean or Juicy, it was very much juicy when i chose that. There's a subtle flavor from the BBQ and the sauce further enhances it. It was delicious and worthy of my visit across the globe. Ribs were tender and meaty, not overly greasy and definitely not dry from the BBQ. However, do note that it can get crowded and be very hot waiting just to place your order which is in the air conditioned indoors. Tentage waiting area has no air circulation and it was very hot just waiting out for your turn. So be prepared to be "BBQ" before your order if you're making a visit during the summer. Other than that, i think the food's great.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bobby W. 2 years ago on Google
    PHENOMENAL.! We live in the Suburbs and I needed a taste from Texas. We ordered a lot Sliced Brisket, Sausage, Brisket Chili, Coke Slaw, and so important Cornbread & Peach Cobbler. (All the extras in the insulated package) Peggy- whoever you are at Smoque- you were Amazing! We picked it up and unwrapped it like a gift Beautiful Presentation, Beautiful Brisket Sliced Perfect Nice Bark Lean, Very Generous on the portions. It was really impressive. Peggy, you said “eat it when you get it or same day” Well, 2 days later - beautiful chopped brisket sandwiches!!! Thank you so much for a Texas dinner since we could not go home (Order Perkins)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 joey s. 3 years ago on Google
    This site is my number one restaurant. Of all restaurants I know I love it most. I always suggests to my friends to go to visit this place. every time I feel like having a delicious lunch, this restaurant comes immediately to my head. Great and diverse food and a rich menu. Trained staff, and nice ambience. Also, the price is good. I tell about this restaurant with no hesitation.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jay P. 5 months ago on Google • 236 reviews
    The brisket was nice juicy and flavorful. On the other hand the pulled pork was lacking, tasted a little old. Coleslaw and macaroni and cheese were good. The cornbread needed some butter it was really dry.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 shazia s. 8 months ago on Google
    A true blue tasty bbq place. Has a small indoor seating and out door patio. Order at the counter and wait for the kitchen to call your order. Eat in the trays :)Brisket, ribs and chicken were yum!!!! Brisket chilli,Mac &cheese, coleslaw and bbq beans are a must.Pickled jalapeno were sweet and hot 🔥.👍👍
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rich R. 4 months ago on Google • 201 reviews
    Stopped for lunch. Pulled pork sandwich slaw and mac n cheese. First bite of the sandwich I almost broke a tooth. Bit down a a bone piece or a rock. Not sure because I spit it out the window. My opinion the pork was bland not very smokey flavor definitely needed the sauce. Sauce was really good. Slaw boring. Mac n cheese definitely the best part of my lunch. No I probably won't return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy J. 11 months ago on Google
    For being in Chicago, this is some damn fine bbq. The brisket and pulled pork were amazing and def worthy of the price. We came on a Saturday afternoon and it was really busy. Probably a total wait time of 30-40 minutes. This place needs to expand!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leah 3 years ago on Google
    Smoque is a well kept secret. I discovered them when I used to teach at a college nearby. I've been going here since they opened and the food has only improved over the years. The brisket is smoked to perfection. Very high quality beef. Also love the chicken platter which is about $15 is a great lunch/dinner for one. We tried the ribs this trip and they were tender and delicious. This food also travels well and is always piping hot when we pick up carry out. Favorite sides: mac and cheese, cornbread, peach cobbler and bread pudding.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Troy C. 2 years ago on Google
    A great experience in BBQ. You can smell the smoke as you walk up to the place. They were super busy. But the food was amazing. Tender meats, great smoke flavor, and sauces on the side if you want. We ordered the St. Louis style rack of ribs, pulled pork, sliced brisket for meats, the sides were bbq beans, mac-n-cheese and peach cobbler. All of it was great. Wonderful time, well worth the 25 min drive.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark S. 2 years ago on Google
    After 15 years, Smoque is still by far the best authentic BBQ in Chicago. The flavor of their fork tender brisket is amazing as well as their pulled pork. Their hand cut twice fried French fries are crisp and tasty. Their baked Mac and Cheese sets the standard - amazing. If a person likes to put sauce on smoked meat, their signature sauces won't disappoint.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek T. 2 years ago on Google
    Sliced brisket incredibly juicy with lots of bark on the side. Baby back ribs fell off the bone and had plenty of smokiness to it. The bbq sauces on the side were good and added sweetness/heat to the meat. Beans were delicious with plenty of pork. Service was great, cute outdoor seating with plenty of heat lamps. Highly recommended
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Ketan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Pros: - Smoke ring was apparent -Chopped brisket was ok -Sauces are great Cons: -Ribs were tough and fat was not rendered out. -Half Chicken was dry -Pulled Pork was dry -Place was too small to dine in. Suggestions: -Have a sampling or variety meat menu.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bee L. 2 years ago on Google
    This came up as a recommended fave by the good folks on TikTok. Placed a to go order online and it was a straightforward+easy process from start to finish. Pickup was seamless and the food was brought out within 5 minutes of my arrival. Now while everything tasted good, the portions were definitely on the smaller side which was disappointing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick E. 2 months ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    The ribs were an absolute show stopper and required no sauce. They were tender and had a perfect bite without falling apart, incredible execution. The coleslaw was also a stand out being some of the best I've ever had. Mac and Cheese is a solid 4 out of 5, only complaint is the brisket chili was a little fatty for my liking. Would absolutely return when back in town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris H. 1 year ago on Google
    Not the largest of places, but it is very busy. I had read it was one of the best BBQs in Chicago. I ordered a Pulled Pork Sandwich with a side of Baked Beans ($15) plus added a 1/4 slab of Baby Back Ribs ($8). They then assign a table. The sandwich was pilled high with pulled pork and a very good bun. The pork was very tender and a wonderful full flavor. The baked beans were very good with bits of brisket in it. The ribs were excellent with a really nice char on them. The meat definitely fell off the bone and full of great flavor. Overall a 5 star review. I definitely see why they are so popular. Would I return? Absolutely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haley D. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm kind of picky when it comes to barbecue, but Smoque was the absolute best I've had in Chicago! Their pulled pork with the Memphis sauce was amazing any their chili was great too. We enjoyed everything we tried (and we tried a lot). Come here for an amazing night of BBQ and great service!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Falana S. 4 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Fire & Flavor: BBQ Excellence I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smoque BBQ, and I must say, it truly lives up to its reputation. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of smoky goodness filled the air, instantly whetting my appetite. I started off with their perfectly smoked chopped brisket, and oh boy, it was a game-changer. The meat was incredibly tender, with a beautiful smoky flavor that melted in my mouth. It was evident that the pitmasters at Smoque BBQ take their craft seriously, as every bite was a testament to their expertise. But the real star of the show was the BBQ gumbo. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was. The combination of flavors was pure genius, with the smokiness of the BBQ trinity, sausage, ribs, and chicken, all cooked to perfection, each with its own unique smoky flavor meat blending harmoniously with the rich and flavorful roux. It was a bowl of pure comfort, and I found myself savoring every spoonful. This dish truly stole my heart. The sides at Smoque BBQ were just as impressive as the main dishes. The mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, with a perfectly golden crust on top. And let's not forget about the cornbread, which was moist, slightly sweet, and the perfect accompaniment to the smoky meats. I couldn't help but wonder about the background story behind these incredible dishes. The level of skill and attention to detail that goes into creating such masterpieces is truly commendable. I would love to know more about the pitmasters and their journey to perfecting their craft. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every customer felt welcomed and taken care of. It's no surprise that even Guy Fieri himself has given Smoque BBQ his stamp of approval. This place is a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast. The flavors, the quality, and the overall experience are simply outstanding. If you're in Chicago and craving some top-notch BBQ, do yourself a favor and head over to Smoque BBQ. You won't be disappointed. It's a true gem that deserves all the praise it receives.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ale l. 8 months ago on Google
    my husband and i love this place, meats are always so tender & the sides so tasty. we just dont necessarily like the cole slaw here, it's not that its bad it just doesnt feel like it fits as it tastes more like curtido than the coleslaw i expect when i think bbq. i always get the brisket and it never disappoints.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria E. 2 years ago on Google
    If i could give Smoque 10 stars i would! I tell all my friends, coworkers and family about them because they ARE the best bbq in Chicago. Smoque is my favorite restaurant. Henry, Maria, Alberto and others i can't remember now make you feel like family. The food is delicious, we are obsessed with the brisket tacos available Tue-Thur. The fries, mac and cheese, cornbread and pecan pudding are our go tos. Henry put us on the st louis ribs and the pecan pudding. Thanks to his recommendations we are always trying new things on the menu. We find ourselves at Smoque at least once a week, if you are in Chicago it is a must try.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 EUNSUNG M. 2 months ago on Google • 77 reviews New
    Delicious brisket and baby back ribs. This is a self-service place. I could choose 3 sauces with what I ordered. The meat is very tender and just delicious. The side dishes are also very delicious. And the staff there were very friendly. specially who takes orders.

  • 5/5 Sierra B. 6 months ago on Google
    They 100% live up to the hype. Best bbq I’ve had since I went to Texas years ago! Sauce is to die for. Meat falls apart in your mouth, Mac n cheese to die for!

  • 5/5 Food F. 11 months ago on Google
    Delicious! It's been a little while since we've eaten here, but it does not disappoint. If you like tender barbecue this is the place to try. But the one thing that has me hooked is the gumbo....bomb! It's a must try.

  • 5/5 brandon s. 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and even better food. Tender brisket. Pulled pork was tasty. Sides were just as good. Highly recommend for any BBQ lover. Will definitely come back

  • 5/5 Melissa M. 5 months ago on Google
    Brisket is to die for. Best I have had in the area. Pulled pork is also very, very good. Both had a very nice char on the outside and it was practically melt in your mouth. Didn't need sauce but did try all the sauces - they only have three but they are good. The sides we tried were great - fries, slaw, mac & cheese (needs to be bigger). We went early Friday evening so it was not too crowded, but I can see how parking and the wait would be bad when they're busier.

  • 5/5 Justice P. 2 years ago on Google
    The food here is REALLY GOOD! I usually get the sliced brisket and I always ask for both lean and juicy/fatty cuts - yummy! Their mac-n-cheese and candied jalapeños are also part of my favorites. The customer service is phenomenal. If ever there is any issue with an order, they will promptly make it right.

  • 5/5 Diane C. 2 years ago on Google
    GREAT FOOD!! The meat was awesome, tender. Their bbq sauce was REALLY AWESOME. The best I've ever had. The beans were AWESOME, and the slaw had a great flavor just perfect. The only draw back was the parking otherwise nothing but AWESOME!!!

  • 5/5 Michael R. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best BBQ places I've ever been! Definitely the best in Chicago.

  • 4/5 Diana C. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoyed the brisket,flavor was on point meat was so tender a nice portion was given with the sandwich. The Mac and cheese was awesome the crumble on top made it extra tasty. I'm not a big fan of cole slaw but this one was good. The cornbread was on the dry side not the best. I would have like for the sides to have been a little larger. There are three sauces you can choose from I choose a sweet one it was good but too sweet for my liking so next time I'll try a different one. The dining area was clean and the staff was friendly especially the lady who took my order. This is a BYOB establishment. A must try if you like BBQ


Call +1 773-545-7427 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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