Belly up
We are all for a fresh salad or a light fish dish, but sometimes foodies have to go all in. If there was one day to do that, it would be National Rib Day. Luckily for us, that day also happens to be today, April 27, so grab your bibs and get ready to dig in. This food holiday is going to require extra napkins!
Photo via Smoke Daddy Chicago
Smoke Daddy {1804 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.772.6656}
This is the daddy of all BBQ joints in Chicago. Smoking all of their meats in-house each day in the “Lil Red Smoker”, Smoke Daddy is the best place for everything BBQ. This local joint also features the best in local talent. From jazz to blues artists, all come to play—and eat—at Smoke Daddy. But back to the cue’, you gotta try their ribs. Choose from St. Louis Style, Baby Back Ribs, Rib Tips or the Smoke Daddy Rib Sampler for your main course. No choice is the wrong one! Pair it with Pimento Cheese Hush Puppies as a side and finish with Granny R’s Banana Puddin’ for dessert.
Photo via Belly Up Smokehouse & Saloon
Belly Up Smokehouse & Saloon {1132 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312.929.3856}
There are multiple levels of rib eating at Belly Up Smokehouse. First, you can go small, and choose a half slab of their Baby Back Ribs. If you’ve been waiting for this meal all day, we recommend the Combo Platter, which includes two different kinds of juicy meats. For an appetite that truly won’t quit, order the Belly Up Platter, which comes with three meats, three sides, coleslaw, and corn bread. If you still have room for dessert, you have to try the decadent Chef’s Cheesecake.
Photo via Huge Galdones
El Che Bar {845 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago; 312.265.1130}
For a unique take on ribs, El Che Bar is your spot. Their Braised Lamb Ribs come with a yogurt and mint relish complete with a fennel salad. You can also get a larger barbecue fix with their range of protein options including pork chops, ribeye, and more. All of these come from Chef John Manion, whose background in South American food puts a creative spin on the cue’.
Photo via Chicago q
Chicago q {1160 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.642.1160}
Chef Art Smith has been the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, cooked with Lady Gaga, and appeared on Top Chef. So, if he puts his stamp on some barbecue, you can bet it’s the best! Chicago q serves up a wide variety of classics from the barbecue pit. Our recommendations? The Competition Baby Back and St. Louis Ribs are truly out of this world. Eat them solo or as part of The Pit Boss Platter alongside BBQ Meatballs, Hot Links, Pulled Pork, Prime Sliced Brisket, and Pulled Chicken.
Photo via Lillie’s q
Lillie’s Q {1856 West North Avenue, Chicago; 773.772.5500}
With a handful of BBQ sauce options, at Lillie’s Q you can have BBQ your way. Sauce flavors include Carolina, Hot & Smoky, and even a mustard sauce—Gold. No matter what sauce you top it with, we recommend pairing it the North Carolina-style Baby Back Ribs. Don’t forget to order the Fried Pickles and Pork Rinds for a nice crunch. Or, if you want to grill at home for National Rib Day, you can also buy their sauces online!
By Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
The post Get Your BBQ On appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.