Had the pleasure of having lunch here two days in a row while I was working downtown on a work assignment. I actually stumbled on this place on accident while walking through the Illinois Center pedway trying to decide what do eat for lunch. Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise. Be warned though, this place is so popular that during lunch hours, there is a line going out of the door and down the pedway. Also, they are cashless, so bring your debit/credit card! Blackwood has several types of BBQ available, but I stuck with the brisket platter. You can have it fatty, lean or "inbetween". I stuck with the "inbetween" and loved it. They give you plenty good portions with your choice of sauces (I loved the Memphis sauce), along with a choice of sides (the Mac and Cheese was my favorite). Did I mention that the prices are inexpensive? The only downside is that it is NOT open on weekends. :( read more

Hit or miss whether the brisket is juicy or dry to rubber. For prices on par with Texas BBQ I've had, the quality and portion size is not there. Nice to have this place as a bbq option, but it's not authentic nor reliable. read more

Blackwood made it through the pandemic! Still great BBQ. Also added jackfruit and tacos to the menu.

This place has never done me wrong. I'm now living a low carb, low sugar life so I had salad with pulled chicken, cucumbers and carrots. Delicious! The dressing on the side wasn't needed and I finished my meal feeling satisfied. Successful "compliant" lunch. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Pulled chicken salad, no dressing, cucumbers, carrots - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to the Michigan Ave location for lunch and I always dread going there because of the girl who works at the counter. She is so unhelpful and so annoyed when we ask questions. Can barely answer in a voice we can hear. and gets angry at us when we say "Im sorry, what did you say?" Asked for Chicago BBQ sauce for our $50 lunch order (for 2 people) and she looked at her little bottle on the counter and said we dont have any. Really? Its noon and you have no BBQ sauce at a BBQ place? There's no more in the back? So I guess I eat my brisket dry. She then turns the ipad around at check out for us to leave her a tip. Love the food but NOT THE SERVICE. read more

Small shop in an office building food court. Fatty brisket was good with a variety of sauces (got the Chicago style sweet and spicy), Cole slaw was light and well seasoned and the beans were good. read more

After a lunch like this, just roll me under my desk and leave me a pillow. I got the pulled pork platter, which was a ton of meat plus coleslaw and housemade pickles. I also added some cornbread, which was actually more of a cornmuffin. But I didn't love it so I'd probably skip it next time or try the mac&cheese instead. The house pickles on the other hand were awesome. And the coleslaw went really well with the pulled pork. You get to choose which sauce you want on your meat (if any) and I opted for the Chicago style. It was good, but I'd ask for it on the side next time to help control the amount. Very quick assembly line though, and I was on my way in no time! So was it the best bbq I've ever had? No, but it was pretty good for a fast, casual place and I'll definitely stop by again to try more of the menu. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Branded, compostable to-go box - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Why? Because your inner hanking for BBQ cannot be extinguished no matter how hard you try not to think of KC bbq sauce First of all I happened upon this place by accident since some time I have lunch with people in this building... I saw there was a huge line when it first opened. I am loathe for long lines. All that being said, I love mac and cheese, anything bbq, brisket, Kansas City BBQ and anything else bbq related. I am not a huge fan of chicken breast. I feel it can be dried out like trying to eat sand when you are thirsty. However they make it taste good and juicy. This is my first time having bbq sauce from South Carolina and before you accuse me of not getting out too much please reealize I am not a huge spicy food person. But it's ok to try new sauces sometimes. My understanding is that these meats are marinated for 24 hours before they serve it and then they put it on the grill. My office likes to order from the catering menu and order a crap load of veggies, chicken strips,brisket, potato's and all that stuff that makes you think of working out later. I think they should have a bbq-o-meter on staff to let you know how much brisket you can eat or how many steps away you are from a coronary so you could eat more brisket. OK maybe I overdid it. There are only a few places in the city that makes brisket better. read more

I went here at 12pm for lunch and the line wasn't long at all. Although if it was long, then that would have worked out because I had a hard time choosing which meat and sauce to go with! It all sounded good. They have sauces from North and South Carolina to Kansas City. I settled on pulled pork with Memphis style BBQ sauce. You get one side and pickled veggies are optional. I went for the 3 cheese mac and cheese. I wish the mac and cheese side was bigger because at the end I really wanted more. The pickled veggies are good. It was a good selection of veggies. Overall, I wish the sides were bigger since the meat took half the plate. I'd go again just to try the other meats and sauces! They even have breakfast bbq which sounds great and worth trying, read more

If the customer service is bad it takes away from the whole experience of the food. It almost felt like me being there bothered the lady with the dreads. I'm not sure if this lady owned this business or is just an employee but the way she treated paying customers shows she doesn't care about the business. The location bring plenty of business but that doesn't mean you can treat customers like they are bothering you by wanting to support your establishment. I didn't have an issue with The gentleman and the lady at the register. I'd say this location needs some customer service training. read more

Two words: Breakfast Barbecue. Now to be clear, this isn't the first time I've eaten BBQ for breakfast, but that's typically leftovers at home. Most BBQ places I've been too aren't open for breakfast, but Blackwood is! Now if you're like me and you love both BBQ AND biscuits and gravy, then you really need the Briskets N Gravy in your life. It's so tasty, filling, and it's not super expensive. If I was in Chicago more often, I'd definitely be getting this regularly. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Briskets N Gravy - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Who thought that you could get great barbecue in the basement of a high-rise in downtown Chicago? The pulled pork and pulled chicken were great, but the ribs are amazing! I really like to see more sides options or sides include it with the entrées. In the south, we call this and meat and three! The service was fast and friendly! read more

It's good beef brisket. Tender, fatty smoked goodness. It's was good to try something different. I liked it. Smells bring you into the food station to get some good bbq! read more

Fabulous. 5 stars for Jacob who patiently navigated me through the menu as I was on the phone with my son. Brisket...perfect. Mac and cheese ... title doesn't do it justice. Nothing like the usual macs at bbq places. Beans were good too I was told. Only drawback is I came at an odd time and they didn't have everything stocked. read more

Excellent. The Brisket sandwich with the Chicago sweet and sour sauce + new Brussel sprouts as a side are awesome. The bill was 12 bucks. Par for downtown Chicago wanting a unique spin. I would visit again. read more

Thursday lunch time in downtown chicago. Guess I'll try and see what the hype is about... there is none. This small restaurant located inside the Illinois center is just that and the food mimics. I was told they gave no lunch specials and don't serve fries. However food apps like ritual and grub hub says otherwise (and yes i checked the location to ensure). I got a pull pork sandwich was a side of Mac and cheese and a in house ginger beer. Guess how much I paid?... $15 and change. Baaaaaby bye. I had the guy drown my food in sauce because I knew for a fact the meat was going to be dry. The side of Mac and cheese that they charge you $2.49 for was the size of a container used to put coleslaw in when you go to your neighborhood's local hood spot. The Mac and cheese was hard on top and barely warm on the inside. Go figure. The sandwich was alright but nothing that would make me want to return to be quite honest. read more

I have been a fan of the location on Lake St ever since they opened a few years ago! I heard they were opening up a new location in the Illinois Center on Mich Ave which is a stones throw away from the job. They have the same lunch/dinner options as all the other locations which is pulled pork/chicken as well as brisket with all the different sauces from various regions. They also carry salads for all you weight watchers. One thing I noticed was that they have breakfast options that I do not recall the lake location having. They have a breakfast bowl option but I chose to go with the brisket, potato hash and eggs wrap along with Kansas City style BBQ sauce. This was a very good wrap, packed with flavor and quite filling as I now do not need to eat lunch! LOL! Great place and convenient location! read more

Stopped in for lunch while downtown for some training in the adjacent building. It should be noted that this location is INSIDE the Illinois Center building. Another note is that this location is credit card only (no cash accepted). Seating is very limited, given the small location. Nonetheless, I was able to get a seat during lunch hour. I ordered the pulled pork w/coleslaw (no bun), and their corn salad. Their selection of sauces is enviable. I had the North Carolina sauce on my pork and it was was outstanding. The meat was juicy and smokey. You just can't go wrong here. The corn salad was a unique treat. Highly recommended! I would not hesitate coming back for more. read more

Definitely not a fan. I was not happy with my experience at Blackwood BBQ mostlydue to two reasons. First, I was suprised to see that the ONLY side that was dairy/mayo free was the baked beans (which have pork). I had to get the Coleslaw and I did not even eat it. It taste it like pure mayo. Secondly, I was sad that they barely put any BBQ sauce on my brisket, therefore making it taste really dry. If I had to go back, I would definitely not order a platter since none of the sides look appealing. I woukd recommend getting a sandwich. Maybe that way there is balance within the meat and the sauce. read more

I was at lunch and saw they had a scrumptious looking sausage Po Boy on special. Me, not being a sausage guy wanted the brisket on the po boy roll. The guy with a beard and green beanie, was asked to assist when the other counter lady was assisting my friend. I asked to switch the bun on the brisket sandwich to a po boy roll and the guy said no. I didn't see the reasoning behind his logic because I was just requesting a different roll. He proceeded to tell me he "just couldn't do it". The principle of the customer wanting what they want, as long as it's reasonable I.e me wanting brisket on a different role, seems to be forgotten at this establishment. I used to come weekly, I will now come 0 times per week. Edit: was 1 Star now 3 due to the resolution the manager provided. As petty and first world problems as it seems, he rectified the issue. read more

Well thank goodness for my need for a manicure in this building today. I wasn't in the mood for any specific food so I decided to walk around and kill some time before my mani and saw this joint. I have actually noticed it before but it normally has a crazy long line but today I was around after peak lunch rush so no line. I stopped in and just went for the first thing that caught my eye, pulled pork. This BBQ is legit! I am always leary of these types of spots located inside office plaza's but so glad I gave it a go. I also had the side of chipotle potato salad, that was OK but a bit mush, flavor was on just lacked a bit in texture. The pickles they give you as a side were awesome, garlicky and pickleicious! Price was super reasonable to, I had my sandwich with the sweet memphis style sauce but they had 5 others to choose from, will definitely be back to sample them all! read more

Crack in meat form. If I worked near this place, I would be fatter than Al Bundy's favorite clients. read more

Blackwood BBQ - "Salad" with extra brisket. Amazing brisket! - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just had the pork sandwich w/ cole slaw on top and maple Brussels with a sweet tea. All three were excellent (speaking as an Alabama lady!). I got the Chicago style sauce, but I wasn't crazy about it, which is why I deducted a star--tasted almost store-bought. The ordering process is quick and easy, and the store-front is small, which makes everyone eat and get out of there pretty quickly. Good experience! read more

For those visiting Chicago like myself, Blackwood BBQ is located in the basement of 233 N Michigan Ave. I was in the upper level which is an office building and below is where all the eateries are located. That's said, i ordered the brisket breakfast bowl, pulled pork breakfast bowl and brisket and gravy. All 3 were delicious. My wife was happy and satisfied to have bbq for breakfast. And the best part is the prices are reasonable. $4.49 a bowl. The breakfast bowl comes with your choice of meat, homes fries and eggs. I got 2 different bvq sauces. The Chicago is a little spicy but not overbearing and the Kansas City sauce was a little sweet. Both were good and i would recommend both, as you get 2 little containers of the bbq sauce with your order. This place is a must try if you want a little bit of bbq without the family restaurant hassle. read more

This is the latest link in the Blackwood BBQ chain, which has three other outposts already in the City. When I stopped in about four weeks after the opening, the woman behind the counter told me that this location smokes its meat off site, and that deliveries are trucked in first thing in the morning, followed by multiple deliveries throughout the day. Walking by, it is evident that this place is popular as the lines are pretty long (they move fast). I ordered a pulled pork sandwich. The meat was excellent, tender, and there was enough for leftovers. I am especially a fan of the house made apple coleslaw and pickles. I look forward to sampling some of the other sides. Fyi, this location also offers breakfast for those looking for an eye-opener of the smoked meat variety. read more

On my yearly conference I have in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency, I make sure I eat at Blackwood bbq at least one of the days. This year I had the brisket platter with cole slaw, beans, and pickles. Their coleslaw is less sweet than most with pretty decent seasoning although a little less vinegary than I like. Their pickles taste like maybe they are brined in acv instead of standard white vinegar. They have a very slight sweetness to them as well. The beans underwhelmed. They were a little bit sweet and a little bit savory but the flavors didn't quite meld. With brisket you chose if you want it fatty, lean, or a little in between. I got it fatty this time around and it was delicious albeit rich. When you get it fatty they dont trim any of the bark off the outside so you get the full intense flavor of everything. I have had the pulled pork and brisket burnt ends in the past and thought thet were both pretty darn good too. If the beans and coleslaw were on point this place would be a 5 star bbq joint and I judge bbq pretty hard. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Brisket platter with Kansas City sauce, coleslaw and pickles. - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The service is fast and friendly. I have had the brisket platter with the pickles, a side of mac and cheese, and the slightly sweet Memphis sauce. You can get the brisket fatty or lean. I like a little bit of fat on my brisket. The brisket was tasty BBQ especially for fast food BBQ. The price is a little high but I'd rather pay a little more than get cheap, crappy food. The mac and cheese is some of the best I've had. Good cheese and perfect texture pasta, not mushy. It is baked with panko bread crumbs and is in a little foil container. I wish there was more of it. I think I could just order 2 or 3 of those little mac and cheeses and be happy. The pickles are good and no extra charge. It would be nice if they also gave you some corn bread with it. They either count that as a side or you have to order it as an extra side and pay extra. Generous portion of brisket. Enough for me to have 2 meals, wish the sides were more generous. The briskets and gravy for breakfast are a good choice too. They are glad to put extra gravy on them. I would return and maybe try something different with a different sauce. read more

Fatty, Lean, or Inbetween? I requested in between and it was pretty dry. Memphis sauce was good but not enough was put on. They should offer more on the side. Slaw and pickles were good. I am short in height so with the loud music playing, it was hard to hear the cook over the glass barrier. She wasn't very hospitable and seemed irritated. Cashier kept trying to talk to me in Spanish but I don't speak Spanish. It was overall an awkward experiences and the meat quality was very disappointing. I've had better brisket elsewhere. If you are hankering for brisket, make plans to go somewhere else. read more

Their smoked briskett breakfast bowl was so good! It had scrambled eggs, potatoes, and pepper. Also love the different bbq sauces to choose from. :) read more

Super tasty (albeit unhealthy) breakfast options for around $5. I got the bbq breakfast bowl that comes with potato hash, brisket (or pork), cheddar scrambled eggs, and your choice of bbq sauce (I got the Chicago sauce). Very hearty and filling. Perfect for a day with back-to-back meetings when you don't even have time for lunch (sad face). read more

I had three tacos, brisket, chicken and pulled pork. Best BBQ i have ever had! Absolutely fabulous. Found this gem by accident and was truly impressed I will be back and can't recommend high enough. So good! read more

I'm slightly addicted to Blackwood, it's a super tasty no frills BBQ joint, just meats, sauces and sides. The burnt ends are amazing!! And I cannot refuse the coleslaw, but during March they had a smoked Rueben sandwich that was so good I went once a week for the whole month! Don't sleep on the place, it may have a fast moving line at lunch, but it's worth the wait. read more

My friends and I are from out of town and we were just walking around exploring, walked by &we were drawn in by the delicious smell. The pulled pork &beef brisket are so good! There was a line when my friends and I came, but it was so worth it &it moves pretty quick. The side of mac &cheese was really good too! We all agreed it was probably the best BBQ we've had. read more

I ordered the beef brisket combo with roasted brussel sprouts. The brisket was the fatty cut, topped with Carolina and Kansas City BBQ sauce. Maybe because it was around 2pm when I ordered, but the brisket was burned , tough and ridiculously salty. I get that briskets can be salty but this cut was too much. The saving grace was the brussel sprouts, which were perfectly roasted with a hint of sweetness. read more

Salt of the Earth The Five Star Phenomenon on this place can be explained by comparative locationing. This BBQ shack is adjoined by McDonalds, a Burrito Joint, Cosi, and a Deli, given it a sort of "Superior by Association" quality. In reality, the Brisket is over salted, the slaw is a vinegary overkill, and the pickles have a kick that shouldn't hit so hard. It's a fine hot meal but not the Best BBQ in Chicago. All 6 sauces are the wrong consistency as they try to take on multiple's regionalities specialties, they don't even "nail" Chicago BBQ Sauce. You will most likely spill one of these soupy consistency dippers on your chest on your way to your mouth. This Lunch Spot is the Benihana of the cafeteria style dining environment it lives in but the Chipotle of Barbecue as far as Chicago is concerned. There should be a larger point deduction based on the lack of bathrooms and staff suggestion to "buy something at McDonald's and use theirs." If you work in the building, befriend the staff for a few extra ounces of meat at lunchtime, if you're a tourist pick a BBQ Spot with its own door, you'll thank me in the morning. read more

This is probably my favorite place to grab a quick salad for lunch. I love their corn bread croutons! I usually get the burnt ends salad with everything on it, and the gold liquid dressing. It has, cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, and corn. Its nice, quick and refreshing. If you're in a hurry it's usually not a problem. The only thing is theres not a whole lot of space to sit and eat. I mean they get pretty busy sometimes and the lines get pretty long. It moves fast, but when you finally get your food and you want to sit down and eat there, you really cant. read more

The beef brisket with Kansas City sauce is my jam. So tender and flavorful. The pickles and slaw that come with the platter are delicious also. I had some trouble figuring out which building this place was in. I found that Google maps provides a clearer view of the location than the map that the Yelp app uses read more

After putting off waiting in the long line since this is the new kid on the block in the Illinois Center, I finally gave in and embraced it today (it moved fast). After eating a bagel this morning, I opted to skip the bread and went with a pulled chicken salad, topped with sweet pickles, beans, north carolina sauce, and apple dressing (I love all things vinegar), with a side of mac n cheese. It was awesome. The cornbread croutons were a nice touch. Once you order your main dish, it's a Chipotle-style line and you customize your meal, which is great and keeps things moving. I'm looking forward to trying breakfast tomorrow! read more

Gluten Free Options Available. Heaven in a Brisket. Burnt Ends options doesn't even need sauce. Hands down best BBQ I have ever had.....EVER!!!!! read more

We were looking for lunch near our office, and it had been awhile since I'd had BBQ. This place was great. We both had the sliced brisket sandwich. Plenty for lunch. Quick. Seemed very popular. Don't know much about Chicago lunch prices so can't speak to value relative to other choices. read more