Customer service was great but the bbq is not it. Overpriced and the taste wasn't that good.

Stopped in to this location after visiting the one in Illinois Center fairly recently, thinking that I would get some great BBQ one evening. (crickets) Let me preface this by saying that I ordered 2 brisket platters. First, the portion sizes are small. WAY small. Much smaller than the Illinois Center location. Then, they WEIGH the portions. I was shocked to see that. I don't know of any other BBQ place that actually cuts small portions for brisket and then weighs the portions. I wanted to ask if the scale took into account that there was a heavy container on it, but I digress. Once I got past that, they didn't put the sauce on the small portions of brisket. Oh no! Instead they put the sauce in plastic containers and included it in the heavy container (after weighing the container with the brisket on it). (Illinois Center will spray the sauce onto the BBQ before you leave, making it that much better.) Yes, they are cashless. I have no problem with that. When I got home with the brisket, I opened the container, took the sauce, put the sauce on the brisket, and took a bite. I was absolutely not impressed; rather repulsed. It was too late to take the meat back and ask for a refund (like I would've gotten one anyway), so I ended up throwing it away. And also throwing away $24.00. I'm afraid I won't be stopping in this location again. read more

Got the same thing, Pulled Pork Salad, with North Carolina sauce and Apple 2.0 dressing. However, it was only okay this time. I suppose they're not consistent, which is a shame. I'll try again next time because 3rd time's a charm, right? read more

I normally don't eat salads all that often, but Blackwood BBQ has turned me into a regular after they significantly revamped and upgraded their salad bowl. Filled with a heaping scoop of brisket, plus other goodies like cornbread croutons, sweet potatoes and fresh corn, there's no chance this was going to be anything ordinary. Here's a great way to get your BBQ fix while feeling pretty good about having a "salad." read more

Blackwood BBQ - Never thought salad would be so good - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I feel like they're always skimpy with something here, particularly at breakfast. If they haven't shorted me on meat (most common) it's the sauce; if it's not the sauce it's the sides. If you ask for more of anything you're generally given attitude, and if you ask for more sauce they will drown whatever you ordered in sauce while giving you a "Happy now @sshole?!" kind of look. Worst part is the BBQ here is only consistently average, so the somewhat high prices, internment-camp rationed portions and attitudes are a little harder to tolerate. Unfortunately in the loop this is about as good as it gets. read more

Pretty darn decent bbq. I have been here a few times when I'm in town over the last few years and I always go for the brisket because you can get it fatty, lean or in between. Fatty is the best but somedays you just cant eat that rich so having the options is great. Their sauces complement the meat well and the coleslaw is not too sweet and not too tart. The beans and pickles are just ok at best and in my opinion not worth getting. Seating is really limited so plan accordingly. read more

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

Blackwood BBQ was a pop up in our "Fooda" Food Hall. This is the first time I have taken the time to write a review of one of the visiting restaurants so, it must have been good. I opted for the salad base with the pulled chicken with the Apple vinaigrette. Just a salad, Right? Not just a salad. The best, freshest, crispest, salad. Crispy lettuce, crunchy cabbage, thin crisp carrot slices, firm cucumbers, juicy quartered cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and my favorite, diced sweet potato. The pulled chicken on top was so tender with a lovely hint of smoke. All topped with a few yummy corn bread croutons. If this does not make your mouth water...O.K. you're not a salad eater, but everyone was also raving about the bbq and the mac and cheese. They have restaurant open at night in Lakeview - Belmont Ave. read more

I got take out from Blackwood for lunch. I'm not the biggest BBQ Fan but I've heard great things and upon recommendations ordered the beef brisket with the Alabama Sauce. I wasn't sure what to expect what I did get was a kick full of flavors and tender meats. I think the Alabama sauce was a great place to start. For people that really like a kick, probably not for you. It wouldn't be a complete meal without some Mac and cheese and I have to say, this is some of the best Mac I have tasted. Their pickles are delicious too. The only regret was not getting to try their corn bread even though this meal was plenty. I'll have to go back to try more of their sauces next time. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well Blackwood, there has been some love lost. While you are superfast at serving a giant crowd, you also herd people like cattle and are starting to treat people like a number. The staff move so fast that they slop the toppings and dressings all over the place. One one of my last visits, I was charge an embarrassing amount of upcharge for an extra salad vegetable, while I skipped other vegetables on my salad. Blackwood also decided to go CASHLESS - a business in business to make money but not to accept any form of cash. Yawn. I don't need to return. The cashier could not have cared less when I said I didn't understand what your tiny door sticker meant "NO CASH ACCEPTED." read more

This BBQ is soooo good! A coworker and I went on a recent business trip and it was a pleasant surprise. I had the brisket, mac and cheese, corn muffin, and slaw, she had the pulled pork sandwich and mac and cheese. Everything was delicious. I got my sauce on the side and I ended up not need it for the brisket. Some of the best that I have had. The homemade pickles leave a little to be desired as they are still very cucumber-ensue and Im not a cucumber fan. This is a card only establishment, which was a first for us. read more

I'm normally not a fan of BBQ (it's usually much too sweet), but Blackwood BBQ was AMAZING. I got the BBQ pork salad, and it was divine. Enjoyed the extra toppings as well. If you are unsure about the sauce, get it on the side! They have plenty of options. I actually enjoyed mine even without the sauce. read more

The meats are good. The sides are good, with the pickles being great. Is there better bbq in the city? Absolutely. Is there better bbq downtown? I haven't found it so far. So if your in the loop and have a hunkering for bbq for lunch, this is the place. Plus, real vegan options that are pretty tasty. read more

Only if i could give them 10 STARS! My job caters from them on a regular, both breakfast and lunch. I have never ever tasted anything that wasn't perfection. My wonderful coworkers gave me a Welcome back from Maternity leave party, and ordered breakfast. The brisket is so mouthwatering, smoky and juicy. Their food will definitely leave you in a food coma. The sides are just as awesome. I'm very critical of macaroni and cheese, but theirs is well made. I really wish they had more locations, so I could enjoy the most delicious brisket at other times besides when I'm at work. read more

SMOKE IN THE CITY Everyone loves a good BBQ but where do you go in Chicago? This place is like the Chipotle of BBQ and they are slammed by lunch time. The large staff behind the counter runs like a finely oiled machine. They are ready to have your selected food packed for you but be prepared to eat elsewhere because it is small inside. I ended up having a nice BBQ picnic near the Chicago river. The staff was fantastic. I couldn't decide between the the pulled pork or the brisket and they suggested I get both meats. They will split a single portion of meat among two different meats which is great if you are eating here for the first time. I had no idea they would do this because it is not on the menu board. So I was really glad that I asked the guy behind the counter my question. The hard part was to decide which sauces to get. I decided to go with a Kansas City Style BBQ sauce on my pulled pork and an Old Style Based BBQ sauce on my brisket that was called Chicago Style. I looked over at the PitMaster to see if he approved with my sauce selections and he gave me a big head nod. That really made me feel very confident in my sauce choices. I must admit both sauces were really good. They have 6-8 different sauces to choose from. I wish I could have tried them all. Maybe on my next visit. The PitMaster whispered something to one of the staff members and the next thing I knew the staff all did a giant yell saying, "First Timer!" I thought that was really cool and less embarrassing then a version of Happy Birthday at Applebee's. It was a great way to acknowledge a newbie and make them feel special. Ordering here Is similar to a cafeteria counter where you walk along the glass making your selections. Next up for me to choose from was my sides. I wanted all of them and finally settled on the Baked Beans and the Mac N Cheese. The guy behind the counter also threw in a free corn bread. He told me that because it was my first time he was giving me a gift. This is definitely better then a birthday song at Applebee's plus the food is way better here. All three sides were good but if I had to pick one then I would go with the baked beans. These things rocked. I am going to say they are the best baked beans I've had in a long long time. In fact, when I come back here next time I may get two servings of them. I wish they had a larger double order. Yes they were that yummy. I also loved the meats but the pulled pork was my favorite. I would surely come back for that. All of the meat is available in a platter form, sandwich or salad. So depending on your mood you can choose accordingly. They even had pulled chicken but I did not try that. So if you're craving some BBQ in the city then this is your place. The staff will have you in and out in a flash. The food is really tasty. I can hardly wait until I am in the area and I can come back in for some BBQ. I also promise you that it smells really good. There is nothing like some meaty smoke smell in the air. Stop in for a smell and leave with some meat. read more

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What - good BBQ served in the Loop? If you see the lunchtime lines forming outside Blackwood BBQ, you will believe that is true. They serve a pretty simple lineup of food here. You select from pulled pork, pulled chicken or beef brisket, served in a bun or as a stand-alone meat platter accompanied with a side. You can choose from five sauces for your meat selection. Once you pick your side item and beverage, you can pay up, so the service is relatively quick. The interior is smallish so you would be lucky to get table space or one of the window counter seats. There are two counter seats right by the entrance that should be occupied only as a last resort during crunch time, as I imagine everyone in the ordering line will want to smash into you. My lunch pal and I each ordered a platter for lunch. I really enjoyed the pulled pork, tender and flavorful, drizzled with the Memphis-style BBQ sauce. Watch out for tiny bone chips while biting down on the meaty goodness (I bit into two). My pal had beef brisket with vinegar-y North Carolina-style sauce. We each ordered the mac and cheese as a side. Baked in individual foil cups, the mac and cheese has a crusty top, and it was a shame that the plastic cutlery was unable to scrape off each cheesy crunchy morsel from the foil. Eating messy BBQ and sides in an outdoor plaza while wearing beige pants can be dangerous, so take care and enjoy. read more

As Carrie S said, this place is dangerous if you work nearby. Heavy meats tend to put people to sleep and if you are eating BBQ during lunch then I imagine most people would be very unproductive the latter part of the work day. One of my colleagues had a chance to try this place and he loved it. He convinced 5 of us to join him on a lunch outing here. He warned us that it wasn't a huge space so we decided to try to make it there by 11:45 to beat the lunch rush. We made it over and it wasn't packed but quite a few seats were taken so we figured the 6 of us would probably not be eating all together. Seating is communal so you will see gaps here and there. Once you walk in you can smell the yummy goodness of smoked meats. They have different versions of BBQ: Memphis BBQ (usually good) Kansas City BBQ (my favorite) South & North Carolina BBQ (have to be in the mood for it) Chicago BBQ (Never heard of it) I tried the KC BBQ pulled pork sandwich and I enjoyed it with cole slaw slapped on top. Sauce was very tangy with a small kick to it. One of my buddies got the brisket platter and it looked very good. He let me try a piece and it was very tender and packed with flavor. I know what I am getting next time. Good spot to check out for lunch if you work nearby, but beware as it may bring on the itis. read more

I wanted to give Blackwood BBQ one more chance because I had a feeling my first experience wasn't the norm. I ordered the brisket platter again, this time with the slaw and an extra side of beans ($12). The fatty brisket was way better than my first visit. It wasn't what I would consider perfect as it still had dry spots, almost like a pot roast. But the area where it was fatty was actually really good! I wasn't a fan of the beans as I found it to be a little too sweet, but the slaw really surprised me. In fact, I would order that over the mac and cheese any day. When I heard apple slaw, I immediately thought it was going to be more vinegary than creamy but this was the perfect blend. So the food, especially the brisket this time around was probably a 3 1/2 to 4, but the atmosphere is where I still have trouble with. BBQ is a very casual kind of dining experience. A great BBQ restaurant should make you feel like you've been invited to a neighbor's backyard get-together. There's no greater feeling than eating grilled or smoked meat on a summer evening while drinking a beer and surrounded by friends. Yes, this place is fast-casual too. But it feels rushed and loses that backyard, relaxed feeling. Ordering reminds me of the Jim Gaffigan Subway sandwiches bit. But for me it's, I'm constantly trying to mind will the employees to give me another piece of meat. Everything seems really robotic, almost like ordering from a cafeteria and not from your buddy, Ryan who just installed a new kegerator in his garage and wants to show off a bit. I rarely talk about the atmosphere of a place, but I figured it was worth mentioning. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Beans a little sweet but the apple slaw was the perfect blend of tangy and creamy. Decent brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I showed up at 11AM today to make sure to get in to this place as the line has been out the door since the place has opening. I wanted to love this place because I love BBQ and there's no BBQ in the loop, but honestly I don't, it's just not memorable. Lilly Q's in the French Market is worth the extra walk. Pros --Interesting Chipotle-like system where you pick a meat, then a sauce, then a side --BBQ in the loop! The only other places I know of are Lilly Q's at the French Market --Meat looked extremely fresh (see photo of cut to order brisket) --Reasonable prices Cons --Really poor presentation (see photos) for the platter and sandwhich presentation --Limited sides --Limited seating surrounded by people waiting in line --Food was good, but not outstanding, amazing, or to die for --I would have liked to have seen more variety of meats (they offer brisket, pulled chicken, and pulled pork) such as a 1/2 BBQ chicken breast, ribs, etc...) Recommendations: 1) Improve your plating (get rid of cheap styrofoam containers) 2) increase the number of sides (the platter should be like Roti's where I pick a meat, sauces, then a bunch of sides, not just one side) and meat choices read more

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I came after reading all the good yelp reviews. Unfortunately I guess BBQ Blackwood isn't for me. pros: reasonable prices for BBQ downtown fast service mac and cheese they allow for a choice of two sauces (I did the chicago and kansas city) line moves quickly cons: limited choices only open M-F until 3pm; closed weekends food is contained in a paper box Usually I like places that put food in a paper box because I am an environmentally friendly person. However, by the time I brought my food home, my pulled pork was dry because the paper box had absorbed all the moisture from my food. If you are going to eat food from here, make sure you eat it ASAP. Unfortunately for me, I had to take my food to go. read more

Oh how I wish there was a Blackwood BBQ closer to home. If you love pulled pork sandwiches you must try this place. The staff was so helpful in helping me choose which sauce I wanted for my pulled pork sandwich even allowing me samples to try until I decided. I went with the Chicago style because I felt out of the 6 options it had the best combination of a smokey and sweet flavor. For sides we chose the beans and the mac and cheese. Due to the fact we were first timers there we also were given free corn bread! Let's just say we both finished our meals quickly and did not do much talking because they were that tasty. I haven't had a pulled pork sandwich that was so tender and juicy in my life. The sauce was not drowning the pork at all which at times makes it unbearable to eat considering the bread becomes soggy. Out of the sides I think the mac and cheese was my favorite. They pride themselves in their mac and cheese and rightfully so. Before we left the staff asked us how we liked them and were overjoyed to see how happy we were. My experience here was probably one of my favorites while in Chicago. From the food to the wonderful service we received if I could I would give this place a 10 out of 10. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Choice of 6 different sauces - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I looooooove this place. I label it the Chipolte of BBQ. They have a very similar set up and ordering system but with Southern BBQ options. If you walk by this place at night you can smell them smoking the meats for the following day. I get the same thing every time because it's just so good. I couldn't decide between the Pulled Pork or the Beef Brisket so I get the platter with BOTH! I also love their baked beans and if you come here you have to try their Cornbread. YUM! The only downfall of this place is their hours. I wish they were open on the weekends or at least for dinner during the week (Hint-hint... if the owner happens to be reading this post) read more

Been a few times for lunch and have always been satisfied. Most recently I ordered the trio (brisket, pulled pork, chicken), with a side of baked beans and cornbread. I also got the optional side of pickles (FREE). The brisket is tender and flavorful. The nice thing about the brisket is that it's sliced to order so it retains all the moisture and juices. The pulled pork and chicken were equally tasty. They have a multitude of sauces to choose from and a limited sides menu. I tried the North Carolina which is a vinegar-based sauce and Kansas City which is thicker and spicier. The baked beans are prepared with what looked like to be pork. The cornbread was moist and flavorful and had bits of corn throughout. Overall a decent lunch spot for quick BBQ and a nice change-up to the Loop lunch rotation. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Trio with baked beans and cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

UPDATE - 2016-04-15: Blackwood has updated their salad to be a much-more substantial chopped salad, and I'm a BIG fan of it. I enjoyed the old salad, but the new one kicks its ass hard. I'm not as big of a fan of the new vinaigrettes, but not because they're bad. They're actually quite good, but they just don't provide quite the satisfaction of my favorite salad dressing of their Chicago sauce mixed with ranch dressing. Over the past couple of years, I've tried brisket at 3 or 4 different Chicago BBQ restaurants, and it still amazes me how poorly they compare to Blackwood's brisket. Blackwood's brisket is the best I've ever had. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Now they're slam dunking breakfast! Either brisket on a croissant or pulled pork hash. My favorite is the pulled pork hash - it's outstanding. Scrambled eggs, potatoes, red pepper and onion with plenty of pulled pork and some sauce if you want. It's a bargain at $3. The meat is the star, but I commend them on the eggs, which are cooked perfectly, better than at places that supposedly specialize at breakfast. Well done, as usual for Blackwood. UPDATE - 2013-08-08: Well, Blackwood has gotten into a nearly perfect groove, so I had to ramp them up to 5 stars. I've had lunch here at least once a week since they opened, and they keep hitting the ball out of the park. It's my favorite lunch spot of the week without question, and I'm betting they'll remain there for a very long time. Spectacular says it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A decent BBQ restaurant only 1/2 block from my office in the Loop??? Oh man, have we waited for a long time for a place like this to come along! Thanks to their two free sampler platter days this week and their official opening on Thursday, I've had their BBQ each day this week except Monday and tried all but the Kansas City style sauce. All the sides (cornbread muffin, baked beans, cole slaw and mac-n-cheese) are excellent. I think the slaw and muffin are my favorites. All the sauces I tried were also excellent. The meats are very good (pulled chicken, pulled pork and brisket) and could use a bit more smoke to put them over the top. Prices are in line for a very good quality everyday lunch spot in the Loop, especially considering the food quality. The co-owner Jon seems to appreciate getting constructive feedback (I've had the chance to chat with him a couple of times to offer feedback) and also seems well in tune with the importance of social media, so I'll offer some feedback. I already mentioned that more smoke flavor could put things over the top. I like more sauce than they put on the meat when served, but asking for a side sauce takes care of that (and is really how I prefer to do it). I hear from others' comments at the office and online that they've had some consistency issues in portioning the meat - they'll get that worked out over time, after all they've only been officially opened two days! Overall, a welcome new lunch alternative in the area. I'm guessing we'll be hitting Blackwood BBQ for lunch once a week for a while to come. read more

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I got introduced to this bbq joint 2 years ago when I started working at the loop. We even had Blackwood Fridays at the office where a bunch of my colleagues heads over here before it gets too crowded for lunch. They do get really packed but the prep line is so efficient everytime, you'll be out with your order in about 10-15mins. If I feel eating healthy I go for the salad otherwise I'll take a pile of meat, 1/2lb with side of pickles, brisket platter baby! Top it with Chicago (simmered with old style lager) + Kansas style sauce for that sweet n' spicy blend. The brisket salad taste equally amazing with all the veggie garnish please. Beans, corn, carrots, onions, pickles then a choice from fatty, lean, or in between chunk of meat. My go to sauce for the salad is the vinegar based North Carolina style. They do have other meat choices like the pulled chicken and pulled pork which I would think is good but not as great as the brisket . 15Hours in the smoker wraps that flavor to the beef and makes that extra tender meat. Don't skip a side order of the crunchy crust and gooey inside mac n' cheese that comes in little cupcake sized foil cups. And whoever thought of bbq for breakfast for a little over 5 bucks is a genius! I'm a fan of eggs+taters+brisket with Alabama white sauce. They recently added the buttermilk biscuit and eggs sandwhich with your choice of either pulled pork or brisket smothered with cheddar on top. The breakfast of champs! They do serve the la colombe coffee too for 99cents. I'm a fan so hope you guys branch out to the burbs soon. read more

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Biscuit brisket breakfast sandwich (3 stars): maybe I came on an off day, but the brisket was already pre chopped and watery, not very fatty or flavorful. The eggs were all pre scrambled with cheese already mixed in. The biscuit was dry and not flaky. I really wanted to like it, but maybe I need to come back during lunch hour or try the original location. They don't serve their regular platters during breakfast time. Elote (4 stars): corn salad with a good kick of spice and pickled peppers! This was definitely the best part of my order and I would get this again. Comes in a small platic to go cup, maybe 5 spoonfuls worth. read more

Not too bad! My only complaints were that you could only get one sauce (I think) and that the portions weren't all that large compared to some other BBQ places I've been. It's an inexpensive option for good food, so for that reason, I'll be back. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Brisket and Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Meh is right. While I don't think it is too little for lunch, there are so many better places to have BBQ in this city that I would not waste the calories or the time in the long line here. Things they do right: nice to offer 5 different sauces - the Memphis is quite spicy, the corn muffins have real corn in them and the mac is decent. The line also moves quickly IF - and this is a BIG IF - you have people who know what the F they want when they get to the cashier - otherwise be prepared to wait behind asshats tyhpical of places that offer too many choices. (and seriously -there are three meats to choose from, 5 sauces and 4 sides - move it along!!) Things they could fix: not enough seating and wasteful use of space with too large tables and awkward arrangement. Make it all take out and just have the bar stools at the window because it is so hard to move around, also, just getting the meat alone for the price is a bit stingy. I suggest making the corn muffins in a mini size and throwing them in for free with the plates and allowing another side. And, no fries? Weird. read more

The perfect spot for lunch if you're looking for something simple, hearty, and meaty. Fresh from an interview in the Loop, my cousin and I decided to hop on Yelp to find somewhere to eat. Enter Blackwood BBQ. We almost walked past the place (located right next to the Enterprise), but eventually walked in to the clean restaurant. The queue is set up "Chipotle Style" and ordering is straightforward, pick your meat, pick how you want it, pick your sauce, pick your sides, enjoy. I ended up picking up the Pulled Pork Sandwich with North Carolina Sauce, Slaw on top & Corn Bread. The Sandwich was great! Was it the best BBQ I've ever had? No, but it's definitely the best I've had without having to wait in a ridiculous line. The Corn Bread was pretty good and moist too. Bottom line: Well-made, simple BBQ at reasonable prices. You'll love it =] read more

Blackwood BBQ - Pulled pork, North Carolina Sauce, Slaw and Cornbread. - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A few coworkers of mine raved about Blackwood BBQ, so I had to give it a try. On my way home from work, I decided to get food to go since it was dead at 5pm and would be a quick in and out. Let's just say, not impressed. I tried a bit of everything - brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and a few sides. It was a bit overpriced for the quality and portion sizes, but I guess what else would you expect from the loop? I will admit their sauces are pretty tasty though. Happy I tried it, but nope not for me. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Mains: Brisket, half pulled chicken & half pulled pork. Sides: Mac & cheese, beans, corn and coleslaw. - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've tried the pulled pork and the brisket. Prefer the pork, I tried Carolina and Memphis sauce and enjoyed both. Really like the cornbread- didn't care for beans. This place is popular with lines out the door. BTW- they are open for breakfast. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Pulled pork platter w baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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For the Loop's fast lunch crowd, "good" food is usually sacrificed for faster and cheaper. Not so here.Though its fast BBQ, the meat has been slooooow cooked well in advance of you scarfing it down. Get the brisket. No seriously get the brisket. No pictures will do it justice, just go try it. And don't let "BBQ" deter you, as you can get very tasty options that aren't BBQ-heavy and send you to an afternoon slumber as you try to do some work. read more

Great BBQ place close to my work! The sauces are great - and they sell them to-go. My one critique is that they should toss the salad ingredients for you, or give more space to be able to mix the ingredients. It's great that they give you so much salad and meat packed into the serving bowl, but I cannot mix it at all. read more

Dropped by the restaurant around 1 pm on a Wednesday. There was no line at all with a few people seated on the small seating area. The staffs are very friendly and the food came out quickly. I ordered the pulled pork platter with the famous apple coleslaw on the side while my friend ordered the beans and mac and cheese on the side. The pulled pork was really nice and tender. We both chose the chicago style sauce. The sauce can be overwhelming so if you can, try asking them to put it on the side or something. Next time I'de want to try the memphis rub, heard a few people ordering that while I was waiting for my food. Overall, a good portion for 8.9 dollars and a quick meal. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Pulled pork platter - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Finally, a new place to eat near the office! ...and BBQ at that! I walk past Blackwood BBQ on my way to work in the morning, and the delicious smells that come from their establishment make me want ribs for breakfast! Like everyone else's reviews have said, it's like Chipotle in the way that you order. You pick one of 3 meats: pulled pork, beef brisket or pulled chicken. You can have it on a bun, in a salad or on a platter. With one side. So far I have been there twice for lunch. The first time I had a pulled chicken salad. The salad was great, except for the fact that I had BBQ sauce on my salad, rather than actual salad dressing. The sauce was too spicy, but that's what happens when the you let the guy behind the counter pick the sauce for you. With black beans, corn and halved grape tomatoes for toppings, the salad was perfect for me. The second time I went I got the beef brisket....because it was the only meat left. I understand they are new, and getting used to figuring out how much they need to cook in order to feed the multitude, but I was a little bummed that I couldn't try the pulled pork that day. But that won't affect my 5-star rating. The brisket was a-w-e-s-o-m-e. It was so juicy and tender, and had a nice dark crust on the top. Basically fell apart with my fork. I wish there were more sides to choose from, but the two that I have tried are awesome, so I won't complain. The mac 'n' cheese is in a small aluminum dish, with a white cheese sauce. The best part is the shredded cheese and crumbs baked on top. The corn bread is sweet and soft, almost like Boston Market's awesome cornbread, except that it has cheddar cheese and pieces of corn inside. YUM When I was getting up to leave, the guy behind the counter asked me if I like beans or cornbread. I said "uh, yeah..." He asked me if I wanted to take home their leftovers because they closed in an hour and had extras! Too bad they only had one corn bread muffin left, but I gladly took it. (skipped the beans becasue I just don't like beans the much). The free corn bread was a nice touch to end my experience there. Today is Friday, and I cannot wait to get back to the city for work on Monday so that I can go back and try the pulled pork on my lunch break! read more

So I'm only speaking to the catering, as when I've dined in the portion sizes are not as generous, but still very good. We ordered for an office party. I was very pleasantly surprised on portions, as we had more than enough for everyone. The food came hot and exactly when promised. 1) Brisket - was very moist and flavorful. great quality 2) Chicken - was a little dry, but still very good 3) Pulled pork - not a big fan, but other appeared to really like it 4) Backed Bean's - too sweet for me, but again, others liked it 5) Cornbread - thought they were too dry. had to dip in sauce to eat 6) Mac 'n Cheese - no flavor and in my opinion, and just not very good. others agreed 7) Sauces - really good...love combining the sauces. Overall very satisfied with catering and would definitely do it again. read more

I hardly ever give bad reviews, but the utter lack of customer service and sanitation warranted one. I made the mistake of going in 20 minutes before closing, and the person at the counter made it very clear she was annoyed by this late straggler. She asked what I wanted with a clear attitude , then gave me a portion that felt incredibly underweight. I then asked for Cole slaw, as she proceeds to grab a scoop with her hands and dropped it on my plate. Ma'am where are your utensils?! I didn't bother complaining because I already understand coming in when you're trying to wrap up, but cmon. On top of all of that, the meat was barely room temp and not very good. Will definitely not be back here. read more

I need to start off with a confession of guilt. I have been working in the southwest corner of River North for ten months now. Why I waited this long to try this place, I don't have a reasonable explanation. I went in and ordered an oil spill which, is the BP, or combination of brisket and pulled pork. Unfortuantely, they were out of sliced brisket, so I went with chopped instead. I got slaw for my side and I got a free cornbread since I was a first time customer. They give you whatever sauces you select on the side and they ahve six to choose from. I didn't care for the Chicago style with the Old Style beer in it. The KC one had a tang and worked well on the brisket. Next time, I think I'd try the Memphis on it though. But the winner, was the pulled pork topped with the South Carolina mustard sauce. I've had a few mustard based sauces that were just overwhelmingly strong. This sauce was well-balanced between sweet, smoky, spicy, and bitter and it was an ideal complement to the pork. The slaw was a fine side. It had a blend of vinegar, a touch of mayo (thank God, not too much) and some red apple, which made it different than any other slaw. I think I'd try their beans next time though. And I have to give some love to their beverages. They have an excellent homestyle lemonade on fountain with free refills. Also, their sweet tea is freshly brewed and marvelous. Combining these two together makes an ideal Arnold Palmer. As far as Chicago BBQ is concerned, I'd probably have to give the edge still to Smoque just because they have such good ribs and their peach cobbler dessert. But for a limited menu, this place is dynamite and I hope they continue to expland and come to the suburbs. read more

It's always a cause for celebration when a new lunch spot opens downtown. I mean, when you've worked in the Loop for years, you get pretty tired of the same old stuff. Generally the hardest question of the day is, "Where's lunch?" So when I saw Blackwood opening, I was excited, and them having a unique offering boosted my excitement even more (the only other barbecue I can think of is in the French Market). Like all city restaurants, they go the Chipotle route of ordering. You choose your vessel, your meat, sauces, then sides. I recommend getting a pulled pork sandwich, then adding cole slaw on top of it. The brisket is very good too, but awkward to eat in a sandwich. The long strips don't lend themselves well to being piled together and eaten. I've only tried a couple of sauces, but they're great too. I like the Chicago one, which turned out a bit spicier than I expected. Next time I want to come back and try the BBQ/ranch combo people are talking about. The prices are also surprisingly in line with other Loop spots; I expected for it to break the dreaded $10 barrier but it doesn't. Blackwood has definitely made it on to our work lunch rotation. While it may be months until we get another new kid on the block, it's safe to say Blackwood has got the right stuff. read more

Excellent pulled pork sandwich; falling apart tender, fresh bun, good amount. Cole slaw was ok; next time, I'll try the other sides. My only complaint: I asked for a lot of BBQ sauce but didn't get enough and the extra I got when I asked was a TEENY little container. From the minuscule sauce taste he gave me at first, and the fact that sides were all extra, I had the feeling if I asked for another extra sauce, they'd charge me. What is it with restaurants being stingy with sauces??? It's like charging extra for ketchup; I'm giving you my business, give me some sauce, man! The Chicago and Memphis sauces were both good although neither as tomato-y, sweet and rich as I like. Unique though. Otherwise, excellent, no line at 1:30. Tasted the brisket and it seemed a bit dry although it looked yummy so maybe the "fatty" brisket next time. read more

DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING THE MAC AND CHEESE Blackwood has awesome flavor and a great staff! The line is a little intimidating around lunch time, but it moves fast I PROMISE! I've tried the entire menu, including the breakfast (YES THEY HAVE BREAKFAST). If you're in the mood for good brisket, pulled chicken, or pulled pork...this is your place. Personal recommendation is the Beef Brisket in-between and a side of mac and cheese! ENJOY! read more