Grilling is a holy act. It’s smokey, messy, slow-cooked, and very personal. You pay attention when a national news source tells you where to find the best barbecue in Illinois, especially if it’s only a short drive from where you are.
LoveFood’s most recent barbecue guide says that the best place to eat in Illinois is not in a roadside shack or a small town in the country; it’s in the Old Irving Park area of Chicago. You should check out Smoque BBQ. It has been the best since 2006.
Smoque BBQ: A Chicago Classic Since 2006
Right now is the time to learn about Smoque BBQ if you haven’t already. It’s at 3800 N Pulaski Rd, right off of I-90, and people have been going there for almost twenty years to get Texas-style barbecue, pulled pork, and ribs that fall off the bone.
It began as a hobby for a group of friends who loved barbecue and has grown into a full-on place that every serious meat lover must visit.
Their signature dish is the brisket, which is cooked so well that it doesn’t even need sauce. However, their house-made sauces are so good that most customers still cover everything in them.
What’s Unique About Smoque?
LoveFood says that Smoque stands out from the rest because of its consistency, taste, and clear dedication to craft. It’s not just the quality of the meat.
“Texas-style brisket that is so juicy, tender, and tasty that it doesn’t even need sauce.”
People really like their smoked chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, and pulled pork burgers. People keep coming back for the brisket platter, which comes with mac ‘n’ cheese, coleslaw, and a cornbread muffin the size of a small kid.
Local Favorite, National Praise
People in Rockford and other places have their own BBQ spots with loyal followings, but Smoque always gets national attention. The Chicago Tribune and Food Network have both written good things about their brisket, and now they’ve been named the best BBQ spot in Illinois again.
You should drive to Smoque even if you have a favorite pitmaster close by, especially if you’re only two hours from Chicago. It takes about 90 minutes from Rockford, with or without a snack stop and some traffic.
What about when you get there? You should expect a line, but know that it’s worth it.
A Place That Lives Up to the Hype
Smoque doesn’t try to be fancy and isn’t. You need napkins for this kind of place, and the smell of slow-smoked meat hits you before you even open the car door. That’s exactly what makes it unique.
Close-ups of beef bark, trays of saucy ribs, and happy customers digging in are all over their Instagram feed. Each picture proves what regulars already know: this is how good BBQ should taste.
Getting Ready to Visit
Smoquebbq.com has the full menu, business hours, and you can even place an order there. They also do catering, and trust us—if you show up to a party with trays from Smoque, you’ll be the life of the party.
Smoque is open Tuesday through Sunday, but the busiest days are the weekends. However, their method works well, and even when there are lines out the door, the staff keeps things moving.
Where Have You Been?
You might use Smoque often. You might not have been before but have now put it on your list of things to do this weekend. Now is the time to show some BBQ love, no matter what.
To be honest, smoked meat, good sauce, and a table full of sides are the only things that bring people together.
Where is your favorite place to eat BBQ in Illinois?
You can find Smoque BBQ in Chicago. Have you been?” Which order do you like best? Also, which BBQ places in your area do you think should be known across the country?
Don’t forget to tag your road trip crew when you post your thoughts. A tray full of beef and a cornbread muffin the size of your head are the perfect way to spend the weekend.
This article was written by Kayla McFarland. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
