A great lunch spot in the loop. Instead of going to your typical deli, try out some quick but quality bbq! Chipotle style ordering, so even long lines go by fast. I got the brisket salad with all the toppings, including corn bread, with the Chicago style sauce. This was a great combo. The brisket was delicious and tender, and the sauce was tasty. The cornbread crumbs were especially yummy and sweet too. Even the salad was a very filling meal, so you get your bang for your buck at this place! A nice change from your average work lunch. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Brisket salad with all the fix ins - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I tried Blackwoods BBQ for the first time last week. It was a gorgeous, sunny Chicago spring day and what better way to enjoy it than to get some BBQ, right?!? I went to the location on Lake Street in the Loop. When you walk in you'll notice that Blackwoods is very sleek, clean and modern. If you didn't know the store was there you'd miss it as you walk by the concrete and glass office building it is in. You can't smell any BBQ while walking by making me wonder where they cook their meat. This runs counter to the way many think of BBQ. If you go down south BBQ places tend to be a little more rustic, etc. and you can often judge a BBQ joint by the aroma emanating from within. My favorite place is Bogart's in St. Louis. Getting hungry just thinking about it. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with the "Memphis sauce" and a side of mac & cheese. The guy building my sandwich reached below the counter somewhere and produced a handful of pulled pork. Where did it come from?!? I have no clue. I'd like to see a BBQ place breaking down a pork shoulder behind the counter after it had cooked for hours upon hours but you don't see that here. There's just a mystery drawer with meat in it. All together, my lunch came to $9 which is pretty reasonable in the Loop for a non-sandwich place over the lunch hour. As for the food itself, it was quite good. The pork was tender, the sauce was sweet, and the brioche bun was great too! The only negative thing for me was how big the sandwich was (it's a little much for lunch) and the fact that the meat was luke warm at best. As for the mac & cheese, that was the best part of the whole meal! The cheesy crust on top was delicious and I could have eaten it all day! Overall, I'd give Blackwoods 4 stars. It's good food and it's adds some variety to the Loop lunch scene. Will I go back? Yup! read more

Blackwood BBQ - Brisket with mac and cheese... #nomnomnom - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Did expect a little more. BBQ is good if you're in a rush and want to get something fast to eat.

When I entered this place there were a few guys in suits,.. but everyone else (staff and clientele) looked like real deep south BBQ eaters. I n fact one woman was from Memphis,.. so I thought maybe we were onto something. The menu is simple, and like usual,. that was a good thing. Brisket, pulled pork or chicken on a bun, a platter, or salad. I did brisket on a platter and was not disappointed. Wow, real deal, black and salty on the outside, tender inside, probably one of the best briskets I've had. My wife had pulled pork on a bun,.. the bun itself was nothing special but that pork! You get an extra side if you tell them it is your first time. What I liked also was the choice of sauces,.. being Canadian, i feel as if my knowledge of BBQ nuances is limited so was happy to be able to compare St. Louis style with Carolina etc. The mac and cheese side was just normal as was the cornbread. If this place was here, I'd find myself there frequently. As it is, I'll just have to curse Memphis Blues and pay for substandard. read more

We decided to try Blackwood for lunch (which is the only option right now) and it was PACKED. Despite the line being out the door, it actually went really quickly. The idea is similar to Chipotle - you pick your style (sandwich, salad, platter), meat (brisket, chicken, pork), sauce, and sides and watch them make it as you go down the line where you pay at the end. They had enough tables for a few dozen people, but I wouldn't take more than 1 or 2 people with you when you go. The Chicago sauce was an unexpected favorite - it was a little spicy and very flavorful. The North Carolina sauce was pretty bland. The brisket was flavorful all on its own and had a great texture. The mac and cheese was pretty good and definitely fresh out of the oven - good crust and rich cheesiness, although I would have liked a little more spice. The baked beans were TERRIBLE - a total letdown at the end of the meal - and tasted like runny old italian wedding soup. One caveat for the brisket - they do not trim it very well, so if you are like me and don't want a mouthful of fat, you'll have to do that yourself when you get it. We would come back, especially with the sandwich coming in at $8 with cornbread for $1 or mac and cheese for $1.50. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Brisket sandwich with corn, Mac and cheese, and baked beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Straightforward delicious bbq. Choose between a sandwich or platter, choose your meat, choose your sauce, choose your sides. I got the brisket platter - half lean and half fatty (I appreciated that they asked what cut I'd like) - slathered in Chicago-style sauce with mac & cheese and cornbread. The brisket was soft and juicy but slightly chewy. The Chicago-style sauce was pretty good - definitely better than I expected: sweet yet tangy in a good way. The pickles were alright. The mac & cheese left something to be desired. But the cornbread was soooooo good. I haven't had cornbread that good in awhile. It had a sweetness to it that wasn't overpowering, and it was perfectly moist with the right density. More like a 3.5 simply because of the cornbread and lack of other delicious bbq options in the area. I like that they don't drown the meat in sauce so you can actually taste it. The facility was clean and catered to the surrounding offices. read more

Blackwood BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was pretty crowded (a good sign), got in the curvy line that went by pretty fast and ordered the 1/2 lb Beef Brisket Platter for $9.99. Comes with house pickles and a side of your choice. I chose the 3 Cheese Mac with panko crust. Let me tell you... that was one good MAC!!! Recommended! The brisket was very flavorful and tender soft. You also get to choose your BBQ sauce. The service was just ok. A few of the ladies expressions didn't look like they wanted to be there; no greet no smile. There are some seatings in the restaurant, but doesn't look comfortable. Seems to be more of a take out place. PLUS... you don't want to go back to the office smelling like you've been smoke'n ribs all day. My next items to try... the Pulled Pork Platter with the Elote Corn Salad. Sounds divine doesn't it? read more

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Best in and out barbecue spot in the city - Anytime I'm in the area it's my go to spot! Great taste and great staff! read more

Blackwood BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing barbecue with a variety of sauce options. I tried both the pork and chicken, both of which were tasty and juicy. Being from the South, I was chomping at the bit to try the South Carolina mustard-based sauce. It was all I hoped it would be, as it was reminiscent of the sauce I would get back home. My husband had the pork with Chicago sauce, as well as a sample of the North Carolina vinegar-based sauce and the Alabama white sauce. He thoroughly enjoyed all three. I had to begrudgingly admit that the North Carolina sauce and the Alabama sauce were good as well. Honestly, the Chicago sauce did nothing for me. Again, I am used to a heartier, tangier sauce for BBQ pork and chicken. For the price of a platter (about $10), the portions were appropriate. Service was very good and the decor was fine. I will definitely visit again when in that part of Chicago. read more

My husband and I cannot thank Jess, Bob and the staff at Blackwood for bringing to life our dream concept at our wedding reception! I come from a family of eaters, and not keen on traditional wedding food, so we opted for upscale BBQ from Blackwood at Ovation in Chicago. Although we researched BBQ in Chicago for several months, a coworker recommended Blackwood after she hosted a baby shower using their catering services. Their service and response times are so appreciated. More than a year out, we were discussing a personalized menu for our reception, including having the chef create custom appetizers, which up until then, had not been part of their full service catering options. We had three (yes three!) full tastings to ensure we knew not only what food options we liked, but also exacty how they would be prepared day of. Jess and Bob even gave us a tour of the commisary where all of the locations' meats and salads are prepped. Have you ever seen a smoker that fits 30+ chickens?! They also went way beyond the typical responsibilities of a caterer, and helped our coordinator with several of the day-of details. People are still talking about the food (and many went up for seconds!). The restaurant makes the most amazing homemade pickles and we really wanted to include them in the lineup. As an homage to my late grandmother, they lined the tables with mini mason jars filled with the pickles. The smoked brisket was a huge hit, and the small touches like homemade croutons, tableside cornbread, and 6 house BBQ sauce selections made the dinner all the more unique. We're also not big cake eaters, so Blackwood took it upon themselves to store and distribute the It's It ice cream sandwiches we had shipped overnight from San Francisco. Given we had no leftovers, we assume everyone (including the staff) thoroughly enjoyed them! If you're looking for full-scale catering at incredibly reasonable prices and amazingly responsive staff who make you feel as though your day is the most important event of the year, you cannot go wrong with Blackwood BBQ. Thank you for a wonderful reception! read more

Portions were small for the price, the buns were sub par and the meat barely mediocre. The only redeeming quality was how tasty the Mac n cheese was but the potion is about 5 bites worth read more

My food was very disappointing. The brisket was cold, dry and lacked flavor. The meat was 60% fat. The Mac was dry and cold. I will never order from them again. read more

A couple of my friends and I stopped in for dinner after work and I am very glad that we did! When we walked in, it was pretty slow (no other customers at the time) and it was like 6pm so that kind of had me a little concerned but perhaps it worked to our advantage. Winston was behind the counter and was able to provide that personal touch. One thing that you can't fake is genuine pride in a product (well, I guess you can if you are a great salesman but you don't work at a bbq joint to be a salesman). Winston was proud of his product. He cut a few small pieces of meat and let us sample to make sue that we got what we wanted. And WOW! Those burnt brisket tips? People have been murdered for less! (Especially in Chicago where the murder rate is through the roof.) I ended up just going with the brisket platter but those burnt brisket tips were awesome! Look, I read some of the other reviews. A lot of people mentioned that you don't get a lot for your money and they are kind of particular about the portion sizes. I get it and maybe that doesn't happen a lot down south but anybody that travels much knows that the price is about average and the portion sizes are, too. I live in Brooklyn so am actually used to paying a little bit more to get a little bit less. I get that this isn't NYC, though. Just know that you are not getting ripped off on portions or on the price. Heck, I've even been to places in Dallas where you get less for your money. Speaking of the financials, this place isn't going to break the bank. I got the platter and added on an additional side and drink and it was still just around $14. The dinky salad that I got at lunch was more expensive than that. (Okay. Who am I kidding? I'm fat. I didn't get a salad. But my buddy did and his salad cost that much.) So, excellent quality. Outstanding customer service. Industry standard for quantity and price. I rarely give 5 stars but Winston earned it. read more

Amazing, wonderful, delicious, great experience. Can't say enough about this place. Food will wow you. Speed will impress you. And you'll be coming back for more. Brisket is charred to glorious perfection. Lean, fat, or in the middle are the choices for the meat and I understand the benefits of each. Middle is the way to go for a balance of flavor and sanity. Then after the meaty goodness comes the sides. Can't go wrong with cornbread or Mac and cheese. I would even go as far to say the salads are wonderful. If you can call a meat loaded bowl that's bbq sauce drizzled and some greens a salad. Mentally I like to tell the wife I had a salad today even though I'm fooling myself. read more

Oh my goooooooodness, y'all! We went up to Chicago (from Texas) for my brothers graduation from the Navy. He was a bit homesick and wanted some BBQ for lunch. Yelp (thanks y'all!) led us here and we couldn't have been more thankful. We lucked out at went right before lunch rush on a weekday. The food is delicious, we all had brisket. my best friend doesn't like mac n cheese but she said the mac n' cheese is "out of this world" (she's thought bout it multiple times since we've visited). The different sauces (bbq) are all good, we all got different ones. The only thing I didn't like was the apple slaw, was a bit too bitter/vinegary for my taste buds. Also, the staff is so sweet, down to earth, and full of that southern hospitality I'm so used to. Thanks for making Chicago feel like home, y'all! read more

Brisket is temperamental, don't treat it right right it will rebel by turning out rubbery and unseasoned- fortunately brisket is done right by Blackwood Bbq-tender succulent and well flavored brisket sliced not too thinly so you can enjoy each and every bite! I had a dinner portion accompanied by a side of Mac n Cheese and cold slaw both a perfect side to complete a great meal! Enjoy this restaurant, but save some brisket for me! read more

I had the vegetarian jackfruit platter and it had so much potential! The flavors could have been so amazing but they made it unbelievably spicy that it was not even edible! I could barely get through half of it, and I actually like spicy food! I don't know what kind of person could have handled that level of spicy. I wish they could have a little warning saying that it was extremely spicy on the menu. read more

Very disappointed! The prices are ridiculous! Burnt ends are not, they are just baked longer! The fact the cornbread is not included with a platter is insane,, furthermore, its priced the same as mac and cheese! Although the food was good, its not even close to $18.41 for buts of meat, a drop of coleslaw and 6 pickle slices! Never Again! read more

Ordered 41 boxed lunches for an office lunch. Everything was ready on time, order was accurate, and food was delicious. Especially in the current crazy state of the world with supply chain issues and staffing shortages, I'm so appreciative and grateful for such a fantastic experience. THANK YOU! read more

I came here quite a couple of times during the summer as it was right across from my work building. The price is pretty standard for loop lunches prices at around $10-15 for the meal. I've ordered the chicken salad a couple of times and its so, so tasty. The cornbread croutons are a MARVEL. It can get super busy during lunchtime, I highly recommend ordering through their website and choosing a pick-up time so you can avoid the wait. However, even when there is a line, the service is fast & friendly, and the counter is run very efficiently. A great place to stop for a quick, casual meal with coworkers or friends. read more

I have always enjoyed the food at Blackwood BBQ. But today when I got to the cashier with my lunch order, I was informed they NO LONGER take cash! Since I rarely carry my credit card when I go out to pick up lunch, I told them they would just have to throw away the order they just prepared for me. I'm sorry, but I prefer paying for my lunch with cash. This new policy at Blackwood this tells me they no longer want me as a customer. read more

We ordered lunch from here today, and the food is really good. My favorite is the pulled chicken sandwich with chicago style barbecue sauce, and a side of Mac & Cheese. Very tasty food, and that sauce has a sweet / spicy twang to it that gives the sandwich a bang! Reasonable prices for the portion size as well. It was so good, that I forgot to take my picture of meal. Lol read more

Blackwood BBQ - A delicious lunch inside. - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I honestly don't know why I didn't come here sooner when I literally passed by this place on the way to work every day and smelled the delicious barbeque, but better late than never right? I got the breakfast bowl with brisket with the Kansas City style sauce. It comes with a generous portion of eggs, potatoes, and brisket, and topped with the KC sauce, it was absolutely delicious. The brisket was very well seasoned, and the KC sauce had a very interesting tang in addition to the heat. The price was amazing for the location and the portion size was perfect for breakfast--enough to keep your stomach full for a while, but not enough to knock you out. Will definitely be back to try the cornbread and the other sauces! read more

Not authentic at all, One plain fact, theres no smoker to be found. When I asked about this they said it comes from a different location and they just REHEAT, WTF, basically canned precooked food. And of course thats why it tasted how it tasted, stale. read more

And now for something completely different. Okay, so barbecue is hardly "different," but if you work in the Loop, you're likely sick of the same-old, same-old for lunch every day; I know I sure am. Blackwood is a breath of fresh air. Its meats are sourced from Midwestern farms, and the spices used to make sauces and rubs come from Chicago's own The Spice House. Gotta love that they're keeping it local. It's a quick-service establishment. You pick what you want, move down the line to pick your sauce and any sides or drinks. There's a long communal table and a few counter seats if you opt to dine in. There are three choices of meat: brisket, pulled chicken, or pulled pork, which are available as a sandwich, salad, or platter (includes one side). Five regional sauces are offered and a few side options (usual suspects like baked beans, corn bread and mac and cheese). So far I've tried the brisket twice, and while good, it has ranged from too fatty to too stringy. Mac and cheese and cornbread were both above-average, but I didn't really care for the baked beans; I thought they could have been zippier. Staff is friendly and efficient so the line moves quickly. Prices are pretty reasonable; you won't break the bank or ruffle any feathers in accounting if you're expensing your lunch. The homemade lemonade is pretty tasty, and they also have sweet tea in addition to canned and bottled drinks. And I'm not sure why, but they're open for breakfast (although I have no idea what's being served at 7 a.m.), just in case I get a hankerin' for some pulled pork with my morning coffee. Is it the best barbecue I've had? Far from it, but it fills a much-needed void in the Loop lunch scene. If you work in the northwest area of the Loop and you like barbecue, get on it. read more

The chicken was tasteless and dry. The only way to save a dry meat is with a good sauce, so I tried the Chicago style sauce. It had heat, but no taste. The coleslaw was as bland as the meat and sauce. Last time I was in Chicago I tried Smoque, which rivals any BBQ in Central Texas. Blackwood isn't Smoque, but the prices are virtually the same. It's such a long ride on the Blue Line though... read more

Really nice service at a locally-owned fast casual bbq restaurant! We ordered the brisket salad and a pulled pork sandwich and both were great. Staff was more than happy to make sauce recommendations. I appreciate that they serve Chicago's own Pretty Cool ice cream. They let me choose between high fat, lean, or in between brisket, which I appreciated. read more

Ah, the (Alabama) Blackwood BBQ. It's not too buku. Okay, okay. It's actually rather a small place. You walk in, snake through the line and arrive at the counter, where you'll select your...meat. You so hungry. They'll have a big hunk of burnt brisket sitting on the counter which looks delicious, and the guy will cut it up right there for you. You'll find it hard to resist - but you should in my opinion. You'll also have your choice of several varieties of BBQ sauce, most of which are named after southern locales. Then, you'll move over to the right and select your side(s). Get the corn muffin. Get two of them. Then, step over further to the right, pay your damages and then go sit with your fellow zeks in the mess hall communal seating. What do you get for nine dollars? Everything you want. Or a BBQ sandwich, a side and a lemonade. Feel like spending some of your hard earned money, cowboy? Well, the brisket was downright tough and fatty, and I ended up not eating at least half of it as a result. Now, the corn muffins, well, they are a completely different story. The corn muffins are so good I've been back solely to order a few of them to go. The corn muffins are number one. The brisket was closer to number ten. I need to go back and try the pulled pork some day. At nine bucks for a full meal - and then some - it's not too buku to give it a spin. Addendum of 7/11/14: I finally went back for the pulled pork. It's was better and way less fatty than the brisket. The meat itself was dry - which is fine by me - but the dryness from the lack of barbecue sauce topping really just made it too dry. My sandwich was screaming for a healthy dousing of sauce. Maybe I need to try the pulled buzzard? I don't know. This place is a firm and middling three stars. read more

We did a catering order with Blackwood on a whim and everyone in my office was very impressed. Even the person from Kansas City. The brisket seemed to be the most popular option of the meats and was my favorite, but the pulled chicken and pork were also tasty. Mac and cheese was rich and garlicky and the slaw had a nice flavor. We got all the sauces. My favorites were Memphis and Kansas City but others enjoyed the North Carolina. They give you nice big bottles with a catering order. Even the salad was a hit. This was one of our more affordable staff lunches and certainly beats a sandwich platter. read more

BBQ as a whole in Chicago kinda sucks, and considering this is in the Loop with a fast food structure my expectations weren't very high. This review is for the newly opened location on Clinton. The line moves fast since the options are few and there isn't much customization. I got the brisket and pulled chicken sandwich. First thing I noticed was the surprisingly large portions. I don't know if this is the standard or maybe I'm just used to being short-changed in this city but it was way more than expected. Whenever I though the server would stop he kept pilling on chicken. I got three long, very thick slices of brisket which is more than you'd get at all of the BBQ places in Chicago. They also ask if you want lean or fatty cuts. Go with fatty. The chicken had very good seasoning and flavor. They offer cole slaw to top the sandwich and I'd seriously recommend it. The paring went amazingly well. The brisket was subtle, but in comparison considerably more flavor than what people would consider the best brisket in the city from Smoque. I definitely have to come back for the pulled pork, luckily this place isn't within walking distance of my job. read more

As a proud Texan, I am overjoyed that someone other than Smoque is finally doing brisket right! And they aren't charging $18 for it, like Chicago Q.. which has varying quality. It will only be a matter of weeks before Blackwood is super packed. Why? Because their brisket is juicy and tender and has amazing pink smoke rings and a delicious rub. Simply put, it is amazing and I will likely be back twice a week. (it's actually common for Texans to have BBQ at least twice a week.) The sides were delicious as well. The mac n' cheese was solid with a buttery crust and the cole slaw was tangy and a bit more upscale than the usual Southern fare. The real surprise was the cornbread muffin - it had real corn and was very moist. The sauces were pretty good and I expect they will get better with time. The Chicago sauce was a good blend of sweet and spicy and my favorite. If they can figure out how to clone the Salt Lick sauce - it would elevate the brisket even more. I also really enjoyed the homemade lemonade and ice tea... I had an arnold palmer. Delicious and refreshing. This is the best new place I have been to this summer. And the fact that it is only blocks from my office?... I am in heaven. I am actually in shock that more has not been written in the food blogs... eater, etc. about it. If had opened up in Bucktown or Lincoln Park, this would be massively popular already. So get in before the lines start going down the block. The food is that good. And the owners were very friendly. I actually am going to start using them to cater all my company functions. BBQ travels well and is easy to serve and these guys are pricing it so it won't break the bank. A new BBQ star is born. My stomach rejoices. BBQ for breakfast will be in my near future. read more

It's hard to believe that the best BBQ I've had in Chicago has been at this limited-menu spot with weird hours of operation. But I did. Opting for the brisket platter, I was impressed when the man at carving station asked if I'd like the brisket "fat, lean, or in between." I took the in between and he proceeded to stack one lean brisket on top of a fattier brisket and then carve off a good half-pound for me. This was some delicious brisket with outstanding smoke and just enough spice. The mac and cheese side was spot-on. perfectly cheesy with a nice cheesy crust on top that reminded me of creme brulee. A table card notes that Blackwood gets all of their seasonings from the Spice House. That says a lot. Spice House knows what they're doing and you can taste their expertise in the cue. Seating is pretty limited--maybe 15 seats total--so plan on coming very early or very late to avoid the midday business lunch crowd. read more

A good friend referred us to Blackwood as an office, catering option and ... W-O-W! We;re a small office (8 employees) but on short notice we were set up with a great sprad (pulled chicken and pork and brisket, mac and cheese, corn bread and each of their five (5) differerent sauces as other reviewers have written about). Each of the sauces captured the regional charachter for which they were named. The South Carolina Style had the right balance of mustard; the North Carolnia the vinigar tang you want; KC was rich, spicy with just the right hint of kick, memphsis was sweet and thick as it should be, and the Chicago Style (???) is described as sweet and heat ... but I'm a SC style when it's done right, and this was absolutely done right. Corn bread muffins had real corn in them and the mac and cheese was moist and cheesey. But all of this was incidental to the meats. The chicken earned a bronze medal, not because it wasn't good, it was, and as somebody who smokes brisket, ribs, pork shoulder and chicken at home, i appreciated the chicken which a lot of people don't associate with Barbeque. Moist and flavorful, definiltely something you should try if you want a healthier option, but not as good as the pork or the Brisket. Silver medal to the pulled pork, very good, nice hint of sauce added to give it flavor, but dry enough that if you want to add more you could. Nice smoke flavor and the nice kick of black pepper from the rub. Bridket gets the Gold, obviously smoked right, slow and low, moist and flavorful without sauce, but add sauce and you still got the succulant flavor of the meat, enhanced/complimented by the sauce (again, i went SC, but did try the KC which also paired well.) I try not to get to carried away with a first impression, but other than Smoque and Honkey Tonk, i would not put any other BBQ city spot with, and certianly not above, Blackwood. The brisket alone is worth checking this place out. You can get it as a sandwich or as part of a platter. Definitely a fan, can't wait to sample again. read more

A coworker and I decided to try out Blackwood for lunch today. We got there a little after noon so prime lunch rush. There was a long line, but it moved quickly. We both ordered the salad with beef brisket. They give you the option of a fatty cut, lean cut, or in between. I went with the in between and choose all the toppings to go on the salad plus the apple dressing. We took the lunches to go as there wasn't much seating available there. Price for my salad was 10 bucks and some change. When we started eating the salads in our office, my coworker noticed that I didn't receive any cornbread croutons!! Guess the person who made my salad forgot that when I asked for all the toppings. Overall, the salad was really good and didn't even need the dressing since there was so much going on in the bowl already. I'd go back again but would be sure to keep a watchful eye so that those cornbread croutons aren't forgotten... read more

Fantastic barbecue at the NW corner of the Loop. They stick to a pretty basic script here: do a few things and do it right. My usual order is the brisket -- fatty cut. Forget what your momma told you; FAT IS GOOD and it makes the meat more moist and flavorful. The sides are only ok. The mac and cheese has a nice crust but should be a bit creamier. Beans are nicely flavored with scraps of meat. WARNING: Blackwood gets very busy at lunch time and seating is scarce. read more

No more biscuits and gravy? What gives? Went there this morning for breakfast. Other than the attitude from the female cashier this place is ok. I didn't step up to pay fast enough for her because I was trying to see what exactly goes in the breakfast bowl. The brisket was over cooked and not tender. Probably won't be back. The breakfast options are slim and overpriced. read more

The thing about BBQ is that like so many other things in life - keep it simple. Blackwood BBQ hits that nail right on the head. Judging from the steady line to the door, I was expecting greatness and not only was I happy, I was impressed! A "Chipotle-esque" format sets the pace. Pick your meat - brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken - then pick your plate - sandwich, salad, or platter (comes with 1 side). A few sides to choose from: mac & cheese (which was awesome**), cornbread muffin (also solid), baked beans, and I think one other which I can't recall. I went with the pulled pork platter, mac & cheese and cornbread, and I think I was out the door for around $12. For the price and quality, I'll be happy to go back again, and soon. Why not 5 stars? Simple. I think it would be great to see an additional side or 2, maybe some green beans with bacon (just sayin') or some other vegetable. **Regarding the mac & cheese: my co-worker wrapped up the meal nicely as he pulled a fork out of the tin cup that housed it and said, "If I were at home I'd stick my face in this and clean it out." Yeah, it's that good. Well done, Blackwood. read more

Randomly found this place cutting down Lake street - and so I glad I saw it! Tried it for the first time today and will be going back. Ordered online - ready and HOT when I got there and so for $11 total-ish dollars I received a really nice portion of beef brisket (w/Chicago sauce), side of mac n' cheese, side of cole slaw and a corn bread muffin. Every single bite of every single thing was delicious. I ate it at my desk, bbq sauce on my fingers in front of God and everybody like it was a Sunday afternoon in the middle of June with the no worry or concern for the "man" and his idea of professional...did I say it was good? Okay last thing...there were some Yelpers who complained about the simple presentation...these people are fools. Likely transplants...which makes them worse than fools - in this Chicago girl's opinion...Tasty, well priced options in the Loop are slim...pick your battles wisely foolish nay sayer. read more

I stopped into Blackwood BBQ last week for lunch since it's right by my job & I'm glad I did because it was a great meal & customer service experience! The ordering process is setup cafeteria style where you give your order at one station then move down to the next - everyone was pleasant and friendly! I even got a free cornbread muffin because it was my first time there! I ordered the brisket platter with it being "in-between" fatty & not so much with the Memphis style BBQ sauce (which is sweet & tangy how I like!), a side of Mac & Cheese (amazeballs!) & the cornbread muffin with actual bits of corn. Everything was excellent! Gotta love a restaurant that takes care of their customers, has a great staff & amazing food; I will be back again! read more

This place is not quite what I expected. As a fan of regional BBQ, I was excited that a new BBQ place opened near my office, but I probably should have checked the Yelp reviews first. Most of the shortcomings are listed below which makes me wonder why the average star rating is so high. (Most of the 5-star reviews are from people with no profile pic and/or very few total reviews, but I digress). In short, the menu over-promises and under-delivers. IMO, the apex of BBQ is Memphis-style pork, so of course I'm going to order that. The pork had good texture and a nice smoke ring but it was dry, not particularly smokey in flavor and, worst of all, it was served cold. One particularly large, dry hunk was completely inedible. About half a cup of "Memphis-style" sauce was ladled directly over the top. Nobody confident in their BBQ would bury it in this manner. Also, the sauce was not good. Memphis-style sauce is sweet, as the menu explains. The actual product they served was not sweet at all. Maybe he gave me the wrong sauce, though that seems unlikely as he double-checked before slathering it on there. Traditional BBQ / Southern portions are meat + 3 or, occasionally, meat + 2. Here, your options are meat +1 or meat + 0. Additional sides are $1 each, and they're quite small. I tried them all anyway. The mac & chz is good but poorly plated in an individual aluminum dish, presumably to prevent the staff from giving you too much for your money. This makes it difficult to eat. The beans are not baked as you would expect from a BBQ place but rather stewed, apparently. Still a pretty good side, but the recurring theme here is "unexpected." If you're hoping for a traditional slab of corn bread to be eaten with a pat of butter, you'll be disappointed. Here, it's just an unremarkable muffin...and it counts as a full "side." The room is small, so there's not a lot of space to dine-in. If I go back, I'll try the brisket with no sauce. More likely, I won't go back. read more