Our group came here after EmotionAir (which we highly recommend) Ordered the pork sandwiches and ribs. Three sauce options including Memphis and Carolina style. Everything was tender. Fair price for portions. Coleslaw was on point. Beans solid but fair warning a little spicy. read more

Food is so delicious ! Love the brisket! Service was outstanding ! It is nice & cozy inside & parking was easy! I'm definitely going back soon read more

I've recently started lifting heavy, and on a Friday night was looking for a high protein indulgence. La Brasa Roja is a go-to, but my friend wasn't in the mood to share and an entire chicken just for me was not happening. In a search for chicken dishes in the area, I came across Smoque and came to Yelp to get a sense of it. Only to discover my own review, from 14 years ago. I did not remember this place and certainly did not remember coming here, at all. But I figured my 4 star review from the Obama years must certainly be 5 stars for 2026, since restaurants are so inconsistent lately. I was right. The half chicken was smoked *perfectly.* It was fatty and crispy, but it was not doused in oil the way so many restaurants do these days. And even if you remove the skin from your chicken, the flesh itself was tender but firm and flavorful - even the breast. Plus, if you have leftovers, it reheats very well and kept its crispiness and moisture. This time they did have St Louis ribs, of which we bought a sampler. I'm not a pork person these days (I don't digest it well) but I had a bit and it was great. Too bad I forgot about this place relatively close to me. I would have purchased a lot of smoked chicken here over the years. But I look forward to making their chicken a staple of mine. The prices are super competitive, too, especially for the quality. read more

The food here is fantastic! Im a huge fan of the brisket. The sides were good too. Enjoy! read more

Updating to 4 stars after better experiences over the years. While not the world's greatest BBQ, it's probably one of the most solid options in Chicago. read more

Stopped here for a quick lunch and have no regrets. The food was delicious especially the pulled pork sandwich and the service was great. Sweet people and great place love it! read more

I have never had to eat ribs with a knife and fork before. Today's St. Louis ribs were that tough--impossible to bite into. The regular ribs were fine. BIG disappointment, and an unforced error, IMO. read more

Smoque BBQ does their schtick extremely well! They are able to find balance across the board that their food may be well balanced. Far too many places have sauces, slaw, beans, etc. that are borderline sickly-sweet; not here. Smoque also excels at their service which far exceeded my expectations. However, high prices and a brisket that was a little short of heavenly kept Smoque from the perfect 5-Star rating. Let me break it down: I ordered a platter with sliced brisket (juicy/fatty), with baked beans and mac & cheese as my side. The platter also came with slaw. Brisket - while I will give them credit for it being juicy and tender enough to be sliced with a fork, I am not 100% sold on the fatty part. Maybe this ties into the balance of it not being a fat overload and there's some marbling going on. At the same time, in my uninformed, uneducated, and inexperienced opinion, some more fatty bits to have me say "Oh! The gluttony!" Would have been much appreciated. Slaw - I hold no ill will toward mayonnaise, but I greatly appreciated that this slaw didn't have it as part of the dressing. Rather, the dressing was light, tangy, with just a hint of sweetness. The cabbage was fresh, and I appreciated the light use of onion. Baked Beans - Same as with the slaw, I loved that these weren't swimming in a sauce worthy of some caliber of avant-garde dessert. Tangy, savory, and all-around well done. Mac & Cheese - while the bread crumbs up top were a welcome touch, this was otherwise an okay side. It lacked the velvety creaminess and mac's slight firmness found in a next-level mac and cheese. Sauces - I went for the Spicy Memphis and Carolina. I enjoyed the light and approachable kick of the Spicy Memphis, and surprisingly enjoyed the Carolina even more. It reminded me of A1, only a touch sweeter, more savory, and less acidic. Service - the individual taking orders was welcoming and kind. The food was ready faster than in some fast-casual joints. At the conclusion of the meal, there were two people offering to take my tray, not knowing I was planning to pack up the leftover beans and slaw (oops - but no harm/no foul). Finally, prices - my brisket platter with sides and a bottled cola ran me $35 after taxes. Given the fast-casual nature of the establishment, and food that was very good, but not quite amazing, this feels very steep. Thus, while Smoque has much good going for it, it's not a place I see myself going out of my way for. As for when I do find myself in the area, their prices may deter abundant return visits. read more

Smoque BBQ - Receipt - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been going to Smoque since I moved here more than 15 years ago and it has been one of the remarkably consistent meals over time. I like the variety of meats you can get there. Brisket is never something I associate with Chicago but I think they do a great job as is their pulled pork. The sides especially the Mac and cheese are great. Love the varied in sauces as well . Inside is chill and full of people enjoying their food. They have their own parking lot and neighborhood parking is pretty easy read more

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Always excellent service , food is amazing! I am coming to Smoque once a month and it's great place. read more

Well the brisket and other BBQ was bland and cold .. the BBQ sauce was vingery i tried all the flavors so I didnt want to use that on top. The cornbread was just decent. Chili was meh fries were great oh over all was a dissatisfied customer but the service was very good. The lady at the front was very nice and accommodating when I mentioned the food was cold she got me warm food. Surprisingly the water was really good. Its more a cafeteria style seating was ok. read more

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We flew into Chicago and looked for a good place to stop and grab a bite and we're craving BBQ We saw Smoque was rated very high but also had a lot of reviews so we stopped in and are we glad we did! Mrs.GiGi at the front took our order and Juanita let us know we'd be waiting for a table as we waited for the food - it went pretty quick even though being busy with every table filled and people waiting. It's a smaller restaurant but the staff and team were so welcoming and took such great care of us (the whole team was amazing - some of the best service we've ever received and we stopped in on December 27th later at night)! This is a must try if you haven't - we will defiantly be back!!! read more

Smoque BBQ - Peach Cobbler and the Pecan Caramel Bread Pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Smoque is some of the best bbq in the city! Indoor seating is sparse so be prepared to eat outside. The ribs and pulled pork are both delicious. Great for kids too. It's a bit of a trek for us northsiders but worth it! read more

Ambiance - casual, open kitchen, tight sit down tables for dine in guests Service - walk in, order by cashier and select a table, name will called when order is ready, staff was super nice and attentive Food - Texas sausage link is my favorite, sliced brisket was super tender and juicy read more

Smoque BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Late Review Around mid-March I was craving ribs in Logan Square and chose Smoque BBQ because it had the best reviews nearby. When you walk in, you place your order and give your name to be called up, grab it straight from the counter or it's brought to you directly. There was one food runner/server there at the time; he seemed to know who ordered what depending on when they ordered, what they ordered, and where they sat down (which takes a lot of paying attention). The communication system between the floor workers wasn't clear but it didn't matter because we got our food promptly--only reason I noticed is because I used to work in the restaurant industry. It's small inside, partially self-seated (depends on table availability), and was pretty clean. Definitely prefer more space but overall not too shabby. We ordered the St Louis ribs and sliced brisket with sides of mac & cheese, cornbread, and baked beans. Coleslaw comes with every meal. For dessert, we ordered the bread pudding and peach cobbler. Sliced brisket was 7/10. Tender, average tastiness but when dipped in the BBQ sauce, delightful. The coleslaw was okay, but a little vinegary for my liking. I didn't taste the Mac & cheese, but the baked beans were Unc's backyard BBQ eligible (complimentary). The peach cobbler was not the best and kind of tart. However, the bread pudding was very moist and the right amount of sweet. Now for the grand finale, the St. Louis Ribs... I was hoping for just satisfying taste, got above & beyond that. It took nothing but a slight pull for the meat to come off the bone--like pizzicato on a violin. Overall, 8/10. read more

Smoque BBQ - Sliced Brisket Baked Beans Coleslaw Cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Saturday night restaurant pick was mine and I was feeling like some Q, but not waiting forever for a table. I'd heard of Smoque BBQ online and gave them a chance. We got a half rack each of baby backs and St. Louis style. Donna declared them merely serviceable. Their sauces really kicked them up a bit. We also tried a pound of chopped brisket (should've gotten sliced). I thought they were very tasty, Donna thought there was too much fat in there. Traffic was awful coming back with the food, so it all had to be warmed up. Maybe waiting on site would have been better. 3 stars for Smoque. Sorry, no pics. The dining area was small and packed. There was a constant stream of takeout and delivery while I waited. read more

I was disappointed. After reading all the great reviews, we made an order. The ribs were OK, but nothing special. Delivery was on time. Food was warm and well packaged. I didn't have the "in store" experience so nothing to say about that. read more

Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! Smoque's is hands down the best BBQ in Chicago!!!! read more

Smoque BBQ - Brisket platter - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Service was phenomenal!!!!! Food was good too! Ambiance is industrial which is great and they have a patio for all the dog parents

Amazing BBQ & def wanted to try as much as possible. Loved the half pork half brisket meal that comes with slaw & 2 sides. Cornbread is perfectly baked. Beans are on the sweater side. Meat is super tender but brisket can be on the fattier side. You get 2 sauce cups so you can choose 2 diff wants if you want. Quick service - you order up front then find a seat. Not too crazy packed on weekdays, but good luck grabbing a table on weekends. read more

I can now confirm why nearly every friend of mine had Smoque on their must-visit lists of Chicago restaurants, and why mentioning this place always evoked a look of longing. The atmosphere: typical counter-serve casual BBQ spot. But the food: perfectly, I mean perfectly cooked meats and french fries. I got the brisket sandwich with Spicy Memphis sauce; the brioche bun wasn't warmed/toasted which gave me pause, but the bun was well-chosen and stood on its own, and the brisket was super juicy and tender (I did opt for the "juicy & fatty" option but you can also choose lean). And I really like their vinegar-based coleslaw (tangy, seasoned with celery seed). They know what they're doing. What to get: pulled pork, brisket, fries, coleslaw. Note: the Memphis-style sauces are tangier than most you'll encounter, but I like that. The spicy version is spicy and while I wouldn't mind more depth to the heat (it comes across like all the heat is from cayenne), I'm not mad at it. I'll be back to try the sausage, ribs, BBQ gumbo, Carolina-style sauce, and peach cobbler. read more

Smoque BBQ - Brisket sandwich meal with coleslaw and choice of 1 side (a very generous serving of fries in this case) - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been eating here since it first opened. Have always loved it. The sandwich had HALF as much as the typical meat and it was so much fattier than usual. Maybe they make sandwiches differently when ordering delivery vs eating there? For $40 plus tip, that BBQ sandwich and sides was a complete disappointment. Either way, it will be a while before I consider giving Smoque BBQ another try. read more

Brisket was better than the pork which was dry. The mac & cheese was meh. The chili needed salt and flavor. The cornbread was just ok. It's been a while since I last tried this place and now I remember why. read more

Recommended this place for good BBQ and it really is delicious. It wasn't busy when I got there so we took our time to look at the menu and order, but definitely look at the menu before you get there to order since you have to order before you sit down. It's also BYOB. The place is clean and the staff are all very nice. The food was spectacular. The ribs were good on its own and the spicy Memphis bbq sauce had a nice kick. I think the price is pretty fair for what I got and how it tasted. This really satisfied my bbq cravings. read more

Smoque BBQ - Top: 1/2 and 1/2 Sandwich Meal Bottom: Baby Back 1/2 Meal, Peach Cobbler - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm from Texas and have eaten som BBQ. So far I've had the pulled pork, beans, and BBQ gumbo and it was all incredible. A little pricey, but that's standard for BBQ now : ( read more

As a loyal customer of Smoque in Chicago since its opening, I've long cherished the smoky, tender brisket that made this place a standout in the city's BBQ scene. Brisket is all I get here--it's been my go-to order for years, a ritual of sorts. But over time, I've watched with growing frustration as the portions have dwindled, and the prices have climbed, reflecting what feels like overwhelming greed. My latest visit left me deeply disappointed, and I'm struggling to justify returning. The brisket, once a generous heap of melt-in-your-mouth perfection, has been reduced to a meager five thin slices for a staggering $28. For that price, you get two sides + coleslaw. The value just isn't there anymore. What used to feel like a labor of love from Smoque's pitmasters now feels like a calculated cutback, with portions shrinking smaller and smaller with each visit. The quality of the brisket is still decent, but the experience is tainted when you're left hungry and $28 lighter for what feels like a snack. On a petty note (not a happy customer anymore), hire a cashier and order taker that speaks up and has a bit of customer oriented personality... There's no love lost here, but it's hard to stomach this shift from a place I once raved about. Smoque, you've lost the heart of what made you special to this loyal customer. read more

Popular bbq place that comes highly recommended; definitely the best in this area of the city. I really enjoy their sliced brisket and baby back ribs. The brisket is super juicy and falls apart. The baby back ribs are drier and leaner than their St. Louis style ribs but I just find the flavor and texture to be more enjoyable. The chicken is also a fan favorite when I bring it to gatherings. The pulled pork is just okay in my opinion; it's too dry for my liking. Their sides are generally decent. Personally not a fan of their baked beans but everything else is pretty good. Depending on the day it can take a LONG time to get a table for dine in. Not a ton of seating area, but they can make it work. They have a really efficient system for online orders - they'll come up to your car when you drive up, ask for your name, and bring out your order in a matter of minutes. I was really pleasantly surprised by that. read more

This was the best barbecue I have ever put in my mouth. The brisket was so succulent and juicy. The service was outstanding and very fast and professional. The atmosphere had great music and the owner was very kind. 10 out of 10 would recommend. read more

Came here Saturday afternoon on my way back to the airport. Did research prior and was looking forward to eating bbq. Luckily the line was not long. After you place your order, you find a seat and someone will drop off your food at your table. Ordered the brisket platter ($27.50) which comes with two sides. The brisket was juicy and tasty. Got the mac N cheese and cole slaw which were both really solid. This is a solid bbq spot and def worth a trip on your way to the airport or after you arrive. read more

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Consistently GREAT brisket and service!! This is my go-to for brisket and been coming to Smoque for years; they still maintain the same high-quality cooking for their smoked meat. I travel about 25 miles each way and purposely pass all the other smokehouses just to get to Smoque. One of Chicago's top BBQ spots and worth every mile!! read more

This place is amazing I traveled from Milwaukee to Chicago on my birthday just to find the best bbq and brisket Ladies and Gentleman stop don't pass go.. don't go any further... this is the best brisket Smokey tender and moist... you will thank me later read more

being from texas, i know good bbq, and while this ain't texas bbq, it's nothin' to laugh at. they are real proud of their food! it ain't cheap! the "gumbo" was delicious! not one bite without meat in it! sausage was great but one should get a couple of links for that price. i'm a snob about mac n cheese, and this was tasty, just not enough! read more

Smoque BBQ - gumbo - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This's our first time trying this place! There are street parkings available if you come on the weekends, it does get busy! You order it at the register, and they will assign you to a table and call your name to pick it up when it's ready! For each meal you order, you get to pick 2 sauces! Can't go wrong with the Memphis bbq sauce, the Carolina is good too if you like more of the vinegar taste. We got 1/2 rack baby back ribs with 2 sides, add on 1/4 St. Louis ribs and 1/4 lb slice brisket! Make sure to get the brisket juicy and tender, definitely amazing! The ribs are really good, not dry at all and have just the right amount of seasoning! But def get baby back ribs over St. Louis!!!!!! I like the coleslaw, maybe because they put onions in it and I love onions!! They also have dessert, merch, bottled bbq sauce / rub for purchase! It does get very busy during dinner time, so get there early! They also have outdoor seatings! Will be going back for more brisket and definitely trying that peach cobbler next! read more

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The food here is usually on point, which is why I always come back when I need a real barbecue fix,especially after being disappointed elsewhere. My go-to is the beef brisket sandwich, and it normally comes with a generous portion of meat that makes it worth every penny. Unfortunately, today was different. The brisket was sliced extremely thin, and there were only about four pieces, which left me with more bread than meat. For nearly $25, I expected the same quality and portion size I've always received in the past. I don't like leaving negative reviews here because I truly enjoy this place, but if the portions continue like this, I'll have to rethink ordering the brisket sandwich in the future. read more

This is more or less a self service type of place. You walk in, order at the counter, gather your food when they call your name and get your own utensils and napkins. You also clear your table when you are done. The place is no frills, but the food makes up for it. Between the 3 of us we had the pulled pork platter, the brisket platter, Mac and cheese, coleslaw, brisket chili, cornbread, and bbq beans. The food was so good! The pulled Pork was so tender and tasty. I liked the spicy bbq sauce on it the most. The Mac and cheese was so creamy with a crispy crust. The brisket chili was not my favorite since a lot of the brisket was tough. The brisket in the platter was absolutely amazing though. We do wish there were a couple actually vegetarian items on the menu or maybe a pulled chicken platter for non red meat eaters. read more

Smoque BBQ - Pulled pork platter with coleslaw, Mac and cheese and brisket chili - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sunday Funday and we ended up here! When we 1st walked in, all of the seats inside were taken. We opted to wait for outside seating, but while ordering and using their restroom inside dining seats became available so we sat inside. I had a brisket sandwich and 1/2 slab baby back ribs. My sides were cornbread and fresh cut fries. Hubby ordered the same, and mom ordered a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. Everything came out in about 10 minutes. Everything was fresh and hot, just like we like. Brisket was soft and smoked to perfection, as were the ribs. Service was friendly, and they were bussing continuously throughout the night to keep the tables turned over quickly. They're a little pricey also. But the general concencus was that everyone enjoyed their food and would return. When we left, we noticed the patio was filled completely. read more

Smoque BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is good but it's small in there and the prices are so high it unreal I know food has gone up but this place always has higher prices. The people where good the one that attended me not so good but what can I say? I guess you don't like his job but it's good food. I will go again but not to eat in there claustrophobic read more

I had to come back after 7-8 years away. In fact it was my first stop after checking into the hotel. Glad I was first in line at 11, because it got crowded by 11:30. The setup was different than what I remembered. I placed my order at the counter when I first walked in as opposed to walking to the pick up area. I got my usual order, platter of sliced brisket, St Louis ribs, smoked beans, mac and cheese with bread crumbs on top, vinegar slaw. Loved everything, and I also liked that spicy BBQ sauce, I don't think I'd had it before. They even have a couple charging spots if you're sitting near the wall. Good to be back! read more

We got the ribs and brisket. The brisket was delicious and the ribs were pretty good as well. We got the St. Louis ribs, but if I were to go again, I would get the baby back ribs instead because the St. Louis ribs were a little bit fatty they had a variety of sauces to choose from that were very tasty. My only other thing would be that the sides were a little bit on the smaller side. Otherwise the service is great. There is indoor and outdoor seating, but the indoor seating is kind of limited so you might be waiting for a spot. I would go with a smaller group to get seated inside. read more

Smoque BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been a customer for years. Until last night. Cut my brisket sandwich in half expecting a great sandwich per usual. Came upon 3 grisly fatty pieces each about an inch long and a little thick in the first half. Never happened before. What happened Smoque? Your stuff is expensive enough and with that the expectation of consistency and quality. Biting into that was yuck. You can do better! Hope the second half is better. read more