Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant barbecue scene. While not traditionally associated with BBQ like Memphis or Kansas City, Chicago's diverse culinary landscape has embraced ribs with enthusiasm, offering a variety of styles and flavors. This guide dives into the top 20 rib joints in Chicago, ensuring your next rib-eating adventure is unforgettable. We'll explore different styles, price points, and atmospheres to help you find the perfect spot.
Finding Your Perfect Rib Joint: Factors to Consider
Before we dive into the list, let's consider what makes a great ribs experience. What are your priorities?
- Style of Ribs: Do you prefer dry rub, wet/saucy, St. Louis-style, baby back, or spare ribs? Chicago offers a mix, so knowing your preference is key.
- Atmosphere: Are you looking for a casual, family-friendly place, or a more upscale dining experience? Some rib joints are bustling, while others are more relaxed.
- Price: Rib prices can vary significantly. Budget accordingly!
- Location: Consider the location in relation to your other activities.
The Top 20 Ribs in Chicago: A Delicious Journey
This list is carefully curated based on online reviews, local recommendations, and our own taste testing (a tough job, but someone's got to do it!).
Note: Restaurant rankings and menus are subject to change. Always check websites for updated information and availability.
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Smoque BBQ: Known for its Texas-style smoked meats, Smoque consistently ranks highly. Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, with a fantastic smoky flavor. Expect a wait, especially on weekends.
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Twin Anchors Restaurant: A Chicago institution, Twin Anchors offers a classic barbecue experience. Their ribs are a crowd-pleaser, with a balanced sweet and smoky flavor profile.
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Bob Chinn's Crab House: While primarily known for seafood, Bob Chinn's also serves excellent ribs. Their location on the lakefront adds a scenic element to your meal.
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Lem's Bar-B-Q: A legendary Chicago BBQ spot, Lem's is famous for its unique sauce and down-home atmosphere. Their ribs are a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.
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Dimo's BBQ: This family-run establishment serves up delicious, generous portions of ribs. Their dry rub ribs are especially noteworthy.
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Pork Chop: This popular spot is known for its diverse menu, including flavorful and tender ribs. They offer various sauces and sides to complement your meal.
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Honey 1 BBQ: Honey 1 BBQ brings a unique approach to BBQ, offering creative and flavorful dishes alongside traditional favorites like ribs.
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Hillbilly's BBQ: This BBQ haven offers a casual, fun atmosphere. Their ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, falling off the bone.
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Uncle Remus BBQ: A beloved local favorite, Uncle Remus BBQ serves up authentic BBQ with a focus on quality ingredients.
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Fat Johnnie's: This establishment has a loyal following for its consistently tasty ribs and great sides.
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The Smoke Daddy: With multiple locations, The Smoke Daddy offers a modern twist on classic BBQ. Their ribs are expertly smoked and generously portioned.
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Southside BBQ: As the name suggests, Southside BBQ serves up delicious, authentic Southern-style barbecue. Their ribs are a must-try for Southern BBQ enthusiasts.
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Red Hot Ranch: Red Hot Ranch offers a wide variety of BBQ items, including tender ribs. Their casual and friendly atmosphere makes it a great place for a casual meal.
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Big Lou's: Big Lou's is known for its delicious ribs and other barbecue specialties. They are a great option for a casual, satisfying meal.
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Mabel's BBQ: This newer spot is making a name for itself with its high-quality ribs and flavorful sides.
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BP's BBQ: BP's BBQ has earned a reputation for offering some of the best ribs in the city.
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Lil' Tony's Ribs: Lil' Tony's is another place that regularly makes "best of" lists for its tasty ribs.
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Smokin' Hot: As the name suggests, Smokin' Hot serves up ribs that are smoked to perfection.
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Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Surprisingly, this seafood restaurant serves quite impressive ribs.
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Kingston Mines: While primarily a blues club, Kingston Mines serves up surprisingly good ribs.
Beyond the Ribs: Exploring Chicago's BBQ Scene
This list is just a starting point. Chicago's BBQ scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants popping up all the time. Don't be afraid to explore and try new places! Consider trying different styles of ribs, exploring different sauces, and comparing the experiences at different establishments. Happy eating!
Tips for Your Chicago Rib Adventure
- Make Reservations: Popular spots often have long waits, especially on weekends. Making a reservation can save you valuable time.
- Check the Menu Online: Familiarize yourself with the menu beforehand to determine if the restaurant offers the style of ribs you prefer.
- Bring Cash: Some smaller establishments prefer cash payment.
- Be Prepared to Wait: Popular BBQ joints are often crowded.
- Share with Friends: Rib portions are often generous; consider sharing to try different items.
Remember to let us know your favorite Chicago rib joint in the comments below!
