Smoque BBQ
A no-frills Northwest Side barbecue counter widely rated among the city's best smoked meats.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you are traveling with kids.
Why
- 01
Order at the counter, grab a paper-lined tray, and tuck into brisket and ribs in a plain, busy room.
Our read - 02
Zero pretense, serious smoke.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
Think twice if
You only have one day
Smoque BBQ is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, it depends on the day.
What to order
The plates that decide it
- Brisket and St. Louis ribs — the two dishes that built the reputation
- Pulled pork and the mac & cheese — reliable, well-executed standbys
- Coming late in the evening — best cuts can run out — go earlier
Plan it well
- Cost
- $$ — generous and affordable
- Timing
- Lunch or early dinner before items sell out
- Booking
- No reservations — counter order, walk-in
- Allow
- 45 min–1 hour
- Accessibility
- Order-at-counter; limited but real veg sides
Ready to plan it?
Booking may earn us a commission. It never changes the verdict.
Sources and method (3)
- Old Irving Park (Northwest Side) BBQ counter open since late 2006; ~50 seats, order-at-counter, known for Texas-style brisket and St. Louis ribs smoquebbq.com ↗
- Routinely ranked among Chicago's best barbecue timeout.com ↗
- choosechicago.com ↗