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    Smoke Daddy

    3.8 (1.6k reviews)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Smoke Daddy Photos

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    SMOKE DADDY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Smoke Daddy

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    The Daddy-O
    Amisha R.

    Smoke daddy always hits the barbecue checkpoints and is my go-to for good brisket. With a variety of different bbarbequed and smoked meats, sides, and appetizers it's a great spot for a group of an intimate dinner with close friends because it'll get messy. The service is fast and polite, with good knowledge of the menu and alcohol selection. Lots of tvs so good for game or a Sunday brunch with their brunch menu.

    Trung V.

    Smoke Daddy is more of a last resort for me in Wicker Park. For me, BBQ in Chicago has always been a hit or miss. I'm not saying BBQ can't be done well up here, but I've learned to keep low expectations after my time visiting Texas. Overall, food was okay and I appreciated the platter option including my choice of two meats. The cause of the low rating was the brisket, which came out extremely dry and cold - lacking all the charms of what makes brisket my favorite in the first time.

    The $69 platter. Fed 3 guys. It could have probably fed a 4th if they had a smaller appetite.
    Jim U.

    We came in for brunch which isn't served on the weekdays. I don't remember seeing that anywhere but may have missed it. Servoce was good. Food came out reasonably fast. It tasted decent overall. I wouldn't say it was the best but it wasn't dry. The pulled pork wasn't pulled but was probably the best thing I tasted. Brisket was good. The ribs were a bit embarrassing. Very little meat and over charred. Tasted good tho. we got the $69. Taste of daddy's platter or whatever it's called. It fed 3 easily. 4 would probably be fine too. The sides were kinda small for a family tray like that. They add a 3% fee to the bill. They advertise this in small print, but to me this is just misrepresenting prices. I'm not a fan of this practice.

    Denise M.

    Best bar in Chicago! Big shout out to Ruben who made our visit here so much fun! Made our start of a Saturday a great one!!

    Bbq spread!
    Maddie H.

    Great spot! BBQ is good but my favorites had to be the smoked wings, hush puppies, Cole slaw and corn bread! I'm such a sides girly and they do a really great job. Service was quick and nice and the place definitely feels like a BBQ spot with a more chill vibe. We'll definitely be back for brunch!

    Elgin B.

    This was my first time at Smoke Daddy. It was warm, so sitting outside was perfect. The ambiance was a bit loud, but it wasn't unbearable. The wait staff was very knowledgeable and accommodating. The food was solid. We got plenty of food to share: beef ribs and chicken. The cornbread was fluffy; I loved all the different Barbecue sauces. Everything was good even the Mac and Cheese. The only Thing that doesn't give it 5 stars is personal taste. Being from St.Louis I had a deep love for bbq and compared its a level of crispy and taste that smoke daddy didn't quite hit. Based on my first experience and personal taste, I give Smoke Daddy a solid 3 1/2 of 5

    The chicken wings fall off the bone!
    Magaly O.

    You can't go wrong with smoke daddy, the barbecue is legit and the sauces are amazing. Andrew was our server and he was super attentive and went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed our visit. They also have great happy hour specials.

    Brisket Sandwich
    Oscar B.

    The food was great; I had a brisket sandwich. It was enough to fill a hungry belly. The staff were nice and prompt. The vibe is standard BBQ sports bar. I would go back. Bloody Mary's are great as well.

    Smoked BBQ wings
    Johnfavour N.

    I had a great date night at smoke daddy, and was pleasantly surprised by their happy hour that runs until 7pm. I love that they offer beers on tap from Perch brewery, the kick, push hazy IPA is my fave. I got a boiler maker ($4 beer +$2 tequila shot) since there was a happy hour deal. The smoked chicken wings were half off for happy hour, and they were incredible. They were so tender and came right off the bone, and had so much flavor with the sauce. The taste of the daddy with baby back ribs, burnt ends, Cole slaw, and sweet potatoes fries hit the spot. The sweet potatoes fries tasted like churros since there was a hint of cinnamon. The baby back ribs were really tender. The burnt ends were delicious and tender as well. The BBQ sauces were solid, nothing mind-blowing but still good. The surprising standout dish was the cole slaw, the dressing had a nice cilantro taste and it's made fresh to order. The vibe was chill sports bar. Almost cafe-esque since the music was quiet and you could hear the murmurs of other patrons chit-chatting, which I enjoyed. It was surprisingly populated for a Wednesday night, but did not need a reservation for two. They have a double door entrance, and we were able to be sat all the way inside, which is great for winters because you don't get a cold blast whenever the entrance door is opened. Your hair and/or clothes may smell like BBQ afterwards. Also shout out to our server Heron, who was super friendly and walked us through all the happy hour deals.

    Smoked Half Chicken
    Hakeem L.

    Daniella was super prompt and helpful. She recommended tasty things on the menu and I greatly enjoyed the food. Can't wait to come back

    Great brunch
    Deanna S.

    I live in the neighborhood and want to like this restaurant but it always disappoints. The service is consistently bad and rude. Went there because the hash browns are good but they said they were out of them on a Sunday brunch time when not that busy. Then he came out to say they had one left but then 10 mins later came back and said they don't have them and he was wrong. No apology just asked what else we wanted. Wasted time here and still left without eating. Won't come back.

    The Daddy-O
    Jenny T.

    Walking into the place, you can tell it's casual but in an all-American BBQ-themed way. I ended up getting the Daddy-O sandwich, which had brisket and a stacked onion ring. The brisket could've been a bit more moist, but I did come on a Sunday evening. Aside from that, the staff were accommodating and checked on our party regularly, which is always appreciated!

    Mac - N - Cheese and Cornbread
    Dorothy S.

    I've been here for lunch and for brunch and I liked both, but liked the brunch a bit more. We added an egg to the pulled pork nachos and they were *chefskiss. Also got a yummy side salad, corn bread (comes w some sort of maple butter), and Mac n cheese. All the food was very tasty. They also have an awesome brunch deal that you can get w bottomless drinks and food, it seriously looked like such a good deal, I'd highly recommend that deal if you were lookin for a Sunday funday. They also have lotsa TVs, playing all the different games. Their patio area is usually Open air in the summer and closed off in the colder months. Service is always fine. Parking over here on division is always tough, just a heads up!

    Beef rib

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    Josh R.

    Thanks for the detailed review, Jenny! We hope to see you again soon!

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    Really like this location- especially the outdoor/ enclosed patio. The nachos are super good!

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    Page 1 of 41

    Smoke Daddy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Smoke Daddy

    If I can only get one type of ribs from here, what would people recommend? Baby back or St. Louis style?

    Baby back more meaty but both are good.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Smoque BBQ

    Smoque BBQ

    4.3
    (4.9k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

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

    I've recently started lifting heavy, and on a Friday night was looking for a high protein…read moreindulgence. 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.

    Photos
    Michelin Recommend Smoque BBQ 3800 N Pulaski Rd,Chicago, IL This Place is Smoking Hot! Low and Slow! BBQ Heaven! Brisket is The Best.Cool!
    Michelin Recommend Smoque BBQ 3800 N Pulaski Rd,Chicago, IL This Place is Smoking Hot! Low and Slow! BBQ Heaven! Brisket is The Best.Cool!
    Brisket & pulled pork combination platter
    Brisket & pulled pork combination platter
    Burnt ends yumminess!

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    Burnt ends yumminess!
    Offset BBQ

    Offset BBQ

    4.7
    (302 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

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

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

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

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    Looking out at California.
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

    4.8
    (29 reviews)
    3.8 mi

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

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

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    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
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    Blackwood BBQ

    Blackwood BBQ

    4.1
    (406 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

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

    I have fond memories of Blackwood from the pre-Covid days but today's experience shattered them. I…read moreordered the lunch special, barbecued pork sandwich with a side and drink. The sandwich had ok flavor but seemed at least 1/3 fat and skin. The cornbread was as dry as the Atacma desert with no butter offered or in sight. They have good iced tea, though, polite, friendly staff, and good music, though. They have limited seating at this location.

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

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    Half a dozen sauce regions!
    Soul & Smoke Avondale

    Soul & Smoke Avondale

    3.8
    (113 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

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

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

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

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    MEAT SAMPLER
    Chicago q

    Chicago q

    4.0
    (2.1k reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

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

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

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

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    Carson's

    Carson's

    4.1
    (469 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$$

    This is a remarkable experience with excellent service from Mariano and stunningly delicious…read morefood!!! Pork chops are GINORMOUS, the ribs good and the chicken spectacular! Sit in the south dining room so you have a view of the River!!!!

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

    Photos
    Carson's
    Carson's
    Starters: Mediterranean shrimp 17

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    Starters: Mediterranean shrimp 17

    Smoke Daddy - bbq - Updated July 2026

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