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    Bub City

    3.7 (1.3k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

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    BUB CITY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Loud
    Casual
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Bub City

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    Ciara W.

    My favorite country bar in River North! The rainbow lights and live music instantly put you in a good mood. A big plus is their $5 happy hour. Always busy but service is fantastic and don't sacrifice quality for efficiency. The food is mainly bbq and always cooked to perfection. Highly recommend this place!

    Mark C.

    Bub City absolutely delivered. The nachos were the standout, loaded, packed with flavor, and honestly big enough to share between two people. We also ordered the sliders, and they were a solid choice with juicy patties and great flavor. If you're going with a friend, the nachos are a must-order. Great food, generous portions, and definitely worth coming back for.

    Pulled Heritage Pork Shoulder
    Joey L.

    Came here on a Saturday night just before the band was going to play, the atmosphere was great and can guess it would be even better with the live music, we got seated right away. There were a lot of TVs to watch on. For food, I got the pork shoulder pulled pork plate, and the food came right away, in about 5 minutes which I wasn't expecting. So the service is super fast. The pulled pork was super tasty especially with some bbq poured over it, some of the best I've had in Chicago so far. Highly recommend this place for a lovely atmosphere and definitely try to come when there is a band

    Mac N Cheese With Pulled Pork!
    Parker G.

    I love Bub City DOWN!!! One of my favorite places for bites, drinks, and hanging out in the River North Area! We were staying nearby while in Chicago, so it was one of our first stops of our stay for dinner and some drinks. The Mac N Cheese with pulled pork added to it HITS! Soooo silky smooth, creamy, delicious, and a great contrast in textures between the cheesy mac and the pulled pork. The drinks here are also tasty and strong! We stopped by a few more times during our stay to hang out and grab a drink. It's also very easy to order and service is always prompt. We also returned just before heading to the airport for returning to LA and got their All-American Burger and more of the delectably delicious Mac N Cheese!! Neither disappointed and totally hit the spot! I absolutely recommend this spot to anyone looking in the River North area of Chicago.

    Milkshake
    Stacie J.

    Came across Bub City via DoorDash and glad I did! The tater tots were crispy and the hamburger was seasoned very well. I appreciate that they took the time to package my order so items didn't shift and not one spill of my Oreo milkshake. My friend loves burgers so when she comes to town will make a stop to check out the location. Definitely a return customer!

    Nachos
    Sydney H.

    Not only is Bub City one of my favorite bars in Chicago, I recently discovered they have great food too!!!!! The chicken sandwich was amazing and huge, plenty to share. We also tried the nachos and coleslaw which we didn't love as much as the sandwich, but they were still good. The atmosphere on the inside is the classic all american country vibe - the perfect place to whip out your cowboy boots!!! We went for happy hour / dinner, but they have live music most nights starting later (around 9 or 10 I think), so would be a great place for a late dinner and then stay for the live music when it turns into more of a bar. I have loved this bar for awhile, I'm so glad I discovered their good food too!!!!

    Back Porch Tea & Easy Peasy Lemonade (a mix of both)
    Arielle J.

    After stopping by finishing a happy hour nearby, I was left feeling underwhelmed by the service. Unfortunately our bartender almost felt like he did not want to be bothered. However, the drink I had was very good. The interior has a rustic vibe. I had a drink that was a mix between the Back Porch Tea & Easy Peasy Lemonade. It was good mix and strong! Just how I like my drinks. Due to the service, I would be reluctant to visit again.

    Brisket Burnt Ends - Available Friday - Sunday Only $24.95 side Cole Slaw
    Joelle M.

    Not impressed: service was on point and tv's had MLB and minor league and there was country music playing. Wisconsin old fashion -very good. Strawberry margarita spritz-super mix flavor not strawberry flavor ( mixed w/water to finish) Burnt ends -decent, 4-5 chunks, bbq sauce should complement meat and served on the side. Cole slaw plus some other side should be included ( 1/2 cup of something). Mac n cheese was good , too much for 1 serving good for (2). Added 4.95 chopped brisket, 2 slices on top w/out bbq sauce . Skillet cornbread n whipped honey butter was the best thing ordered. Literally melts in your mouth when sliced in half and added butter. $86 + $15 tip. Our most expensive meal this weekend and just ok bbq.

    Brunch drinks menu, featuring happy hour
    Molly M.

    I've been to Bub City between five and 10 times over the past 5 to 10 years. I've never had a bad experience. Most recently I came here for brunch. I ordered a bloody Mary, fried pickles, and the hub 51 nachos. My friend had a bloody Mary as well and the pastrami hash. All the food was fantastic, and the brunch happy hour six dollar drinks are such an amazing deal. The standout part of our experience was our server, who was so incredibly pleasant and sweet and helpful. Wish I could remember her name but she was awesome. Bob city is a solid place for food or drinks or live music. Very fun and cute atmosphere too. Highly recommend.

    Kari O.

    Foods pretty good, American food. The staff is attentive and sweet. It does get loud in the evening. The burger used to be on a happy hour deal but the drinks are strong and cold. The black porch tea and the lemonade vodka are both delicious and on the sweeter side. The tenders were pretty standard and fries are good. Unfortunately one time my father got food poisoning here which is why I'm giving 4 stars. Happens everywhere I understand but was sad it happened when we were all downtown.

    Marfa
    Kiaya S.

    Sarah was our phenomenal waitress! This place has pretty good food, great service and a gorgeous patio area that is dog friendly ( and Cooper approved)! We got a maple shot, delicious, burnt ends ( wouldn't get these again if you've had the real thing from Texas), the fried pickles and ranch were phenomenal and the pancake was amazing!!!! The margs are strong and amazing!!! Will go back again and again

    Amy D.

    The women's bathroom stall is really something... All that aside, Bub City is pure energy! A country bar with live music and a vibe you won't find anywhere else in the area. Whether you're dancing near the stage or just soaking in the scene, Bub City is just fun for a night out! -AT

    Mac and cheese
    Deedrah B.

    Fun, vibrant, lively spot! I came here with a few coworkers to continue our happy hour festivities. We actually were planning to do karaoke here but we got the nights mixed up unfortunately. We ended up stayiing for a round anyway and I don't regret it! We sat at a large booth semi-tucked away but still facing the rest of the venue. I really enjoyed the ambiance, volume, and decorations here. Our server was very friendly and took our order right away. I was a little disappointed to see they only had canned wine, but when I asked, she said they did have prosecco by the glass, which definitely came in clutch for me! My colleagues got an assortment of seltzers and beer, and we did end up doing a lemon drop shot together. One of them also ordered a side of mac and cheese, which was massive and we were easily able to share that. It was also delicious, super cheesy, came out piping hot - definitely not the boxed Kraft nonsense you give to your kids! I had a great time here and can only imagine how much fun karaoke would be- they did have a live band on the night that we went, and that was still great entertainment!

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    Stopped here for a quick drink on st.pattys weekend. The bar was chill and a nice stop in a cluster of bars.

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    Ask the Community - Bub City

    Does the music play all evening?

    Tonight the band goes on at 11pm till 2:30am. Hope this is helpful… 

    Are there TV's to watch the BEARS game?

    Yes great place to watch a game

    Is there live music everyday or every weekend?

    Hey Mysel, thanks for reaching out! We pretty much have live music every night. You can check out our live music calendar on our website. Every Tuesday we do live band karaoke which is always a lot of fun!

    Hi do you have gluten free options?

    Hey Wendi, we sure do! We have some dishes that are already gluten free as well as some items that can be slightly modified to accommodate a gluten allergy. Please just alert your server of your allergy when you come in and they will walk you… 

    Is there any outdoor seating?

    Hey Anna, There sure is. We have a great patio out front!

    Do you have to be 21 to go here?

    Hey Wendi, thanks for reaching out. We are all ages until 10pm, then we become 21+.

    View All 9 Questions

    Review Highlights - Bub City

    I'm not a super big fan of country music but even if you arent, the food is so worth it.

    Mentioned in 99 reviews

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    Green Street Smoked Meats

    Green Street Smoked Meats

    4.4
    (2.3k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    This place was so good that I came back the very next evening for dinner again…read more On my first visit, I ordered the pulled pork with mac and cheese, cornbread, and sweet tea. Every single part of the meal was outstanding. The pulled pork was delicious on its own, but I also loved the sweet barbecue sauce. The cornbread was, without exaggeration, the best I've ever had!! It was moist, flavorful, and served with absolutely incredible butter. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and one of the best I've ever had as well. Even the sweet tea was perfect: actually sweet without being overpowering or having that bitter, earthy aftertaste that some sweet teas have. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I came back the next night and tried the brisket. It was sooooo good too. It was tender, smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. At that point I knew the first meal wasn't a fluke. It's not inexpensive, but the portions are generous, and I felt the quality more than justified the price. I was there by myself because I'm traveling for work and actually enjoyed the communal tables. They made the atmosphere feel welcoming and a little less lonely than sitting by myself. The staff was excellent, too. The gentleman with the glasses at the meat counter was friendly, funny, and made the experience even more enjoyable. He even threw in a complimentary rib, which was such a nice surprise and a great example of the hospitality here. One thing to know before you go: the line can get long, but don't let that scare you away, it moves efficiently, and the food is absolutely worth the wait. Green Street Smoked Meats lived up to every bit of the hype. Between two visits, I tried the pulled pork, brisket, mac and cheese, cornbread, sweet tea, and a rib, and every single thing was excellent. This will be one of my first stops the next time I'm in Chicago.

    3.5/5 stars. It's definitely a little pricey and didn't quite live up to the Texas BBQ I've had. It…read morecomes with two slices of bread and pickled onions on the side. Got 1/2 lb brisket, 1/2 lb pork ribs, 1/2 lb pulled pork, broccoli salad, elote style corn, and baked beans for $87 + tip. The Prime Sliced Brisket (7/10) was super tender and practically fell apart, but I wished the bark had a harder crust and a bit more flavor. The Pork Ribs (6.5/10) were somewhere between tender and chewy, so I'd probably skip them. The Pulled Pork (6.5/10) was slightly sweet but tasted pretty standard. All of the meats could've used a little more seasoning, and I wish they came out hotter. The spicy BBQ sauce and golden sauce were both delicious though. The Elote Style Corn (8/10) was my favorite side. Super creamy with plenty of parmesan. The Broccoli Salad (7/10) had great crunch from the pumpkin seeds and sweetness from the raisins, though I wish the seeds were toasted. The Baked Beans (6.5/10) had pork belly and onions mixed in, but otherwise tasted like a solid, classic baked bean. The vibes felt like a true Texas BBQ joint. You line up, order at the counter, watch them slice the meat in front of you, then grab a table cafeteria-style. The industrial space and dim lighting fit the atmosphere well. 7/10. Service was great. The guy slicing the meat asked how my day was, and staff were constantly walking around clearing tables. 8/10.

    Photos
    Photo from the bar
    Photo from the bar
    Chopped Brisket Hot Link Pork Ribs smoked turkey Elote Style Corn Baked Beans
    Chopped Brisket Hot Link Pork Ribs smoked turkey Elote Style Corn Baked Beans
    Line to order + Menu

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    Line to order + Menu
    Offset BBQ

    Offset BBQ

    4.7
    (303 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    This is my favorite restaurant in the city. Service is great. They play good music. It's a bunch…read moreof people. They remember my name and treat me like I'm their friend. It's nice to have a place like that to go to. It's also a nice low key date spot. The garlic buffalo sauce is incredible. The half chicken is awesome as is the brisket. Try the waffle fries yum!!

    I've been craving some MEAT for a while, and after reading Sam C.'s review, I was sold - I grabbed…read moremy keys and made my way over! When I find myself thinking of a return trip while still there, you know for sure Offset BBQ delivers! I ordered the All Beef Platter, and got the Brisket Chili (upgrade) as my side. The sausage was fantastic! It had a snap which made all the Chicago Hot Dogs within a 20 mile radius jealous. Inside was a maximally savory, salty but not over-salted filling. The kind of meat that needs no sauce. Then comes the brisket! A lovely piece of meat that was so tender, looking at it and licking my lips caused the meat to start falling apart. I also loved that it was a good balance of meaty and fatty bits. However, there is a small 'but' here. For my taste, the brisket needed a very light sprinkle of salt. No matter, with the help of the sauces the brisket leveled up enough to take on any boss battle thrown at it. Speaking of sauces: The KC Style and Hawaiian were both good. Both were sweet, and had some tang, though, it seemed the KC had a slight edge in the bold department between the two. A sauce I loved though was the Chicago White, a fantastic Horseradish and Mustard sauce that was unique, interesting, savory, fresh, and a little spicy. The kind of sauce I want to buy a container of and take home! For my side, I upgraded to the bowl of brisket chili. I loved this so much, I may just order this as a main on a return visit. The chili did not at all skimp on the meat, which was tender and flavorful. The use of beans, corn, and veggies were there to help accent everything else, and were themselves cooked perfectly. Kudos also for the inclusion of a couple pickled jalapeno slices. My heat tolerance may be too high to feel a burn, but the crispness of acid did wonders! The included coleslaw was one thing I did not love. I appreciated that they were not heavy handed on the mayo, and the dressing overall was light in quantity and consistency. However, the cabbage was sliced as if by a sleep deprived stagiaire who has yet to master knife skills. The slicing was terribly inconsistent, with some pieces being way too large. For dessert, I ordered the Blueberry Handpie. This was so much better than expected! The crust was flaky and wonderful, and the filling had plentiful sweet blueberries. This dish also excelled in its execution. The cast iron pan kept the pie warm, and the ice cream was such that didn't melt right away. I also loved that the blueberries weren't screaming hot and exploding with lava. When it comes to the service, the bar-server was fantastic. She was kind, friendly, and attentive. Food came out pretty fast, too, considering how fresh everything was. Finally, while I did not make laps around the entire establishment, the vibe has just the right intersection between BBQ and Rock & Roll, with the music playing at the perfect volume to be appreciated while being not at all intrusive. Final verdict: There are many who sing the praises of Smoque BBQ, which is a great spot. However, between the two, I prefer Offset. Other than a sloppy-chopped Coleslaw, the experience was fantastic not only in the food, but in the execution and the thought put into the experience.

    Photos
    Offset BBQ
    12pc Offset Wings with Chicago White Sauce (side)
    12pc Offset Wings with Chicago White Sauce (side)
    Looking out at California.

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    Looking out at California.
    Chubby Cattle

    Chubby Cattle

    4.5
    (458 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$$

    Wowowagyu! We…read morerecently enjoyed one of the best Wagyu dinners we've ever had! Our reservation was made easily through Yelp, and we were seated promptly. The experience offers three different tiers: Silver at $58 per person, Gold at $78, and Diamond at $88, which is the one we chose. Right from the start, they let us know that a 20% charge applies for any leftovers, which is something to keep in mind. We were given an iPad to order as much as we wanted from an extensive menu. Every cut of meat was extraordinary. We also sampled a few dishes, including salmon and yellowtail carpaccio as well as scallops topped with caviar--absolutely divine! The only minor issue was that the staff could have done a better job identifying the various meats being served. However, this didn't detract from our enjoyment, as everything was truly delicious. We paired our meats with sake and Sapporo, finishing off the meal with a delightful vanilla crepe cake. As we were leaving, we were even offered milk teas to take home! Overall, it was an amazing dining experience, but be prepared for a splurge!

    Disclaimer: I'm a New Yorker who's moved to Chicagoland so maybe I'm a bit snooty but the regular…read moreYelpers in the Midwest should always be viewed with a star and a 1/2 less than what is expected normally. Yes, yes, yes. If you're in the mood for an AYCE with high quality meat, definitely make your way over to Chubby. The à la carte A5 served with Ikura was delicious. Just be mindful that the A5 slice is deli roast beef thin. The club membership could be worth it, 1 membership discounts 2 people. The NFT? Wtf are people thinking? Totally useless if you're only going to the their AYCE restaurants. Saw a good majority of pvv valued at $3 - check out opensea for better 2ndary marketplace prices.

    Photos
    BYOB
    BYOB
    Chubby Cattle
    Sides (tempura, loaded fries, dumplings)

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    Sides (tempura, loaded fries, dumplings)
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

    4.8
    (32 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    I love going to Hawaiian spots, but they're usually hard to come around; therefore, I gave Aloha…read moreHawaiian BBQ a chance and absolutely loved the food. We got the pork katsu, shrimp, and fried chicken plates. The katsu was very crispy and paired well with a nice tangy sauce. The shrimp was banging and paired so well with the lemon and rice. And lastly, the fried chicken (chicken karaage) was so crispy and juicy but had such good flavor to it. The rice and mac paired so well with the proteins too. The service was nice; they have a kiosk where you order all your food and then a robot brings your food to the table. The ambiance had a nice Hawaiian decor to it and was full of color. Additionally, there's a decent amount of seating if you want to eat there. I'd definitely come back again and give this place a try.

    I am extremely happy to find another Hawaiian restaurant near me and it's not a wannabe like H*B*…read more We came on a weekend during dinner and there was a mild rush in and out of pick up orders and people dining in. We grabbed a menu as we had some time to review their offerings before the last person in our group arrived. When it was time to order, we went for variety and got Kaleb, garlic chicken / lemongrass pork and the Hawaiian breakfast. We ordered enough to receive 2 spam musubis. Everyone was happy with their food and compared it to another well known Hawaiian place in the city - but here with better prices! We had plenty leftover for our party of 3 and pretty much could fill up 1 container! We will definitely be back and look forward to trying other items!

    Photos
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
    Loco Moco
    Loco Moco
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

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    Blackwood BBQ

    Blackwood BBQ

    4.1
    (408 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    A BBQ Destination Worth Driving 3 1/2 Hours For! We have…read morebeen to Blackwood BBQ in Schaumburg a handful of times, and somehow, we are never disappointed. In fact, every visit reminds us why this place has become a mandatory stop whenever we are anywhere near the area. Our go-to is the Sampler Platter, and calling it a meal almost feels like an understatement. This platter gives you a little bit of everything: pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken breast, and half of an Alabama chicken. We pair it with Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, and baked beans, and it also comes with Texas toast and corn muffins. Let me tell you: this platter is absolutely amazing. The brisket is incredibly tender and practically melts in your mouth. The pulled pork is packed with smoky, savory flavor, and the smoked chicken breast is delicious in its own right--not to be confused with the Alabama chicken, which is a completely different experience. The Alabama chicken gets picked clean every single time. There is never anything left but bones, and even those probably feel nervous by the end of the meal. One of the best things about Blackwood BBQ is that you can add your own sauces exactly how you like them. We highly recommend the North Carolina sauce and the Alabama white sauce. Both bring their own unique flavor to the table and make an already outstanding meal even better. And then there are the drinks. The homemade sweet tea and lemonade are excellent on their own, but mix them together into an Arnold Palmer, and you may swear you can hear angels singing when those two flavors come together. It is that good. We live three and a half hours away from the closest Blackwood BBQ location, yet we make sure to stop here before heading home whenever we have the opportunity. That should tell you everything you need to know. This is not just a convenient meal--it is a destination. You will leave with a full belly, and if you do not, that is honestly your own fault because the food is plentiful, flavorful, and absolutely worth every bite. We will definitely be back, and you can count on that. We might even try something else on the menu someday... but then again, why mess with perfection? We may just order our regular Sampler Platter because you simply cannot go wrong with it. Blackwood BBQ has earned a permanent place on our travel itinerary--and in our BBQ hall of fame.

    I've had the full spectrum of BBQ from mind-blowingly incredible to places I send people I don't…read morelike. I am pleased to report that Blackwood BBQ is somewhere between "good" and "very good". It won't knock your socks off, but it is nowhere close to "bad." It's perfect for what it is, that being: a spot for a bite during the lunch hour. On both visits, I ordered the two meat platter, with brisket and sausage. Both were flavorful and savory, with the brisket being balanced in terms of meaty vs fatty (as requested). Now, that said, the prices at Blackwood are on the high side. On the one hand, I know the price of a pound of ground beef is greater than the minimum wage (as of this writing). However, I also can't help but feel the punch to the wallet when two meats and one side, where one of those is brisket, and a soda comes to somewhere between $20-25 (I think it's close to $25, but don't want to misspeak). Half a pound of meat is not a lot, making the wallet punch even worse. Then there comes the service. Most of the folks working here are professional and welcome. There is this one person, though, whose level of gruffness seems a bit high. It wasn't so much a lack of pleasantries for the sake of efficiency as it was annoyance that customers exist? Final verdict: If you're working in the loop, and craving BBQ, Blackwood is a rock-solid spot, but the high prices mean it likely isn't practical for a regular spot. If it's a weekend, there are better options out there.

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Salad option
    Salad option
    Half a dozen sauce regions!

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    Half a dozen sauce regions!
    Soul & Smoke Avondale

    Soul & Smoke Avondale

    3.7
    (114 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    While visiting Roscoe Village we went out for lunch. We had several items and they were all very…read moregood. The side sampler was a lot of food. Portion sizes were generous. There are a couple of ways to order. There is a kiosk or a QR code to order and pay or if you are using the "InKind" app you will order from the counter. Once ordered there is table delivery. The counter staff was very helpful. There is a large comfortable indoor seating area and also outside seating both with views of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Tips I recommend the In Kind app and so does Soul & Smoke. If you're in a group share to experience the various offerings.

    I discovered Soul & Smoke Avondale via Google after searching for good black-owned businesses to…read moresupport on Juneteenth. Soul & Smoke was one of six top black-owned spots to support. This women-led restaurant in Chicago is renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue, brisket, and soul food sides, making it the ideal spot for a meal on Juneteenth. Once I realized it was the closest to me and offered a plant-based option, I knew exactly where I wanted to order from. I ended up ordering the smokey joe sandwich (vegan sloppy joe sandwich), with a side of mac + cheese, and a sprecher soda. Whether I'm using Grubhub or Uber Eats, I love ordering online because it's so convenient. I also want to praise my delivery driver for arriving at a reasonable time with my order and meeting me right in front of my residence. Grateful to have had a smooth online ordering experience because the likelihood of me ordering online again is very high. As for my order, my first response after my first bite of the vegan sloppy joe was, "Mmm, that is good!" If you are a foodie like me, then you know what the next few minutes--or, better yet, seconds--consisted of. Yes, I pretty much devoured that vegan sloppy joe, leaving nothing behind but what was left on my fingertips. The last time I had a vegan sloppy Joe was a few years ago in celebration of my birthday, and trust me, it wasn't as good as this one at Soul & Smoke. It could easily be confused with real meat if you aren't aware that it is vegan. I saved the side order for last, which was that delicious-looking mac and cheese. Mmm... "Oh my God!" was my initial response after my first forkful, which was lightly seasoned with a delightful taste. I must say it was the perfect side for the vegan sloppy joe. After my last bites, I had the slightest grin on my face, and the only thing on my mind was that I will definitely have it again in the future. The sprecher soda - cherry cola was the perfect complement to my meal. Introduced to me by Soul & Smoke, I am so pleased with this award-winning craft soda from Milwaukee's oldest craft brewery that I will be on the lookout for it in the future. I would gladly order from Soul & Smoke Avondale again, whether online or whenever I am in the area. With that, I am happy to share my endorsement of it with you all here on Yelp. Ambiance: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Food: 5/5 ~ You Are Your Choices. ~ Thomas G

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    Soul & Smoke Avondale
    SMOKED PRIME BRISKET,  SMOKED DUROC RIB TIPS, & SIGNATURE MAC CHEESE
    SMOKED PRIME BRISKET, SMOKED DUROC RIB TIPS, & SIGNATURE MAC CHEESE
    MEAT SAMPLER

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    MEAT SAMPLER
    Chicago q

    Chicago q

    4.0
    (2.1k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Food: one of the most consistent BBQ restaurants in Chicago! The food is flavorful, moist, and well…read moreseasoned. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the Sunday Brunch...OMGGGG. Go there once and you'll make a Sunday ritual for the boys and the girlies especially during football season . Afterwards, enjoy a nice cigar from next door. Service: The service is amazing! I've been a patron for over 15 years. Even after relocating to Virginia, returning to Chicago twice a year, I dine here at least twice per visit and bring my husband's favorite back each time. Everyone is always smiling, very knowledgeable of the menu and the "Master Bartenders" make the best cocktails. They are extremely knowledgeable of their extensive bourbon collection. Honestly, one would assumed they worked for a distillery. Its so great to see staff help and support one another. In addition, they immediately acknowledge customers when come into the restaurant. They make me and my bestie feel right at home. Ambiance: The Ambiance is inviting, comfortable, and more importantly, you'll feel right at home. The summer outdoor seating makes you feel like you're at the best backyard BBQ you'll never want to end. It's important to recognize a good business who deserves to be in business. I can't wait to return for some good ole lip smacking BBQ

    New year, new goals, new perspective, new creations, and a brand-new start! We touched down in…read moreChi-Town to freezing cold weather and were so thankful and grateful to find a spot close to our hotel, and it surely did not disappoint! Thank you for the homey welcome and superb service during the holidays. Everything came out hot and delicious, and we truly appreciate the time you took to be attentive to our needs. Thank you for working the extra hours during the holidays, and a special thank-you to the kitchen for preparing the food quickly and beautifully. The BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes were all done very well- filling and absolutely delicious. Everything was on point and more!! Thank you so very much!

    Photos
    BBQ done with style
    BBQ done with style
    Chicago q
    Chicago q

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    Carson's

    Carson's

    4.1
    (471 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$$

    This is THE place for ribs. I say that as someone who went to Chicago's rib festival and tried…read moreevery single rib there. Carson's was better than every "award-winning" rib I tasted at the festival. I only bring that up to justify what I'm about to say: Carson's has the best ribs in Chicago.

    I have been dining at Carson's restaurant for over 30 years, but after my experience last night, I…read morewill be looking for a new barbecue spot. Up until four years ago, I used to visit at least five or six times every single year. Last night was my first time back since then, and I was deeply disappointed by how much the standards have slipped. The entire evening felt incredibly rushed. The person taking our order seemed to be in a massive hurry, acting short and dismissive with us. To make matters worse, an automatic gratuity was added to the bill. While I understand this is becoming a common industry practice, a gratuity should ultimately be an option based on service. The server did mention at the end that we could have it removed if we wanted to, but customers shouldn't be forced into that awkward position in the first place. Unfortunately, the quality of the food has also gone downhill. I always used to order the ribs and frequently took extra food home because it was so good. Last night, the food left a lot to be desired. The barbecue simply isn't what it once was. When my uncle graduated in the 90s we went to your previous downtown location.He loved the restaurant as well; the food, the exceptional service, and the warm atmosphere. I went there year after year. While I respect that they have managed to stay in business for 30 years, there were just too many issues with both the service and the food for me to return.

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    Carson's
    Carson's
    Starters: Mediterranean shrimp 17

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    Starters: Mediterranean shrimp 17

    Bub City - bbq - Updated August 2026

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