Smoque BBQ
About This Spot
Stepping into Smoque BBQ feels like entering a welcoming neighborhood hub that effortlessly blends the simplicity of a classic barbecue joint with the warmth of a place where smoke and flavor tell a story. The atmosphere is unpretentious yet lively, inviting diners to slow down and savor both their meal and the company around them. Whether you find a spot inside amid the rustic charm or enjoy the outdoor seating on a sunny day, there’s a comfortable rhythm here that encourages sharing plates, conversations, and moments.
The pace at Smoque is relaxed, reflective of time well spent over food that’s been carefully tended to over the coals. The scent of smoky oak and sweet applewood sets a subtle invitation to dig in, while the variety of sauces and sides hint at a thoughtful attention to balance — a harmony of richness, tang, and spice that enhances every bite without ever overpowering. It’s evident that the kitchen respects tradition, but also isn’t afraid to add touches like candied jalapeños or house-made beef tallow to elevate familiar favorites.
What makes a visit here special isn’t just the expertly smoked ribs or brisket, though those are certainly reasons to return. It’s the human moments: the friendly staff who gladly accommodate your takeout plans with a quiet efficiency, the casual conversations sparked by shared meals, and the comfort of knowing you’re partaking in an honest local experience. The sides—like fresh cut fries and a rich mac and cheese—round out the meal with a homely feel, providing familiar grounding points against the boldness of the smoked meats.
Smoque BBQ is a place where the focus isn’t on flash but on substance, where every element on the plate seems to be a conversation between smoke, spice, and tradition. It’s a spot to unwind, savor, and return to whenever the craving for a truly heartfelt barbecue experience strikes.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Kerbside pickup
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Serves local specialty
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Comfort food
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Quick bite
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Family friendly
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Groups
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Locals
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Tourists
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University students
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Usually a wait
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
Luis Vacila 20 Dec 2025
It was my first time being here and this place was amazing. The brisket was tender, juicy and well seasoned. The max n cheese was on point. The St. Louis Ribs was tender and the bbq sauce was amazing. Everything in this place was very delicious. French fried mix well with meat. Overall the place was great I would definitely go back.
Christian Acuña 10 Dec 2025
Awesome bbq spot. Great menu with reasonable prices. Definitely recommend getting one of the platters. The Texas Sausage was my favorite. The Brisket and pulled pork was also great. The Mac and cheese and coleslaw were a little bland but the rest made up for it. The sauce selection is great, definitely recommend the spicy Memphis sauce. Will be coming back for more.
Jim McGuire 08 Dec 2025
Legitimate BBQ, the meats were smoky, moist and quickly devoured ! The baby back ribs were tender, the chopped brisket other-worldly and pulled pork outstanding! The individual cups with the sides is a great serving idea. Honestly the Cole slaw was the best I ever had. We enjoyed the food immensely and recommend Smoque BBQ to all Foodies as “finger lickin’ good”.
Jennifer Dario 04 Dec 2025
I’m happy to write this review and confidently say this is still the best BBQ joint in Chicago. And I don’t say that lightly, I’m from Texas and take my BBQ very seriously. We ordered takeout on a Sunday night, and the dining room was surprisingly busy. The staff asked whether we preferred to wait inside or in our car and even took our vehicle information so they could bring the food out to us. Truly above and beyond. I’m gluten and dairy free, and both the order taker and the manager took this very seriously. They walked through the entire menu with me in detail to make sure I could order safely without compromising my preferences or restrictions. The staff was incredibly accommodating and completely nonjudgmental about my allergies, which, unfortunately, is not always the case. Too often I’m met with eye rolls or uncertainty about ingredients, but that was absolutely not the experience here. The process was quick and seamless. We had our food within 10–15 minutes, and when we got home everything was clearly labeled for allergies. Most importantly, the food was so good. I can’t express how much I love this place. Every visit makes me feel right at home, and I’ll continue coming back without hesitation.
Ticker 29 Oct 2025
I have been here probably 10 times its always been solid. My fav bbq in the city is downtown in Fulton Market. Smoque is a close second. Indoor and outdoor seating, they do a Taco special once in a while that is go to as well. Pro outfit. Easy to walk to from the blue line and or Pulaski bus stop
Jade Emerson 14 Oct 2025
The ribs, brisket, and pulled pork were all packed with flavor and cooked just right. The meat was tender and smoky, and the sauces on the side made it even better. Portions were generous, and it felt like real comfort food. The atmosphere was relaxed, which made it a great place to enjoy a hearty meal with friends or family.
Renee Maree 05 Oct 2025
Good customer service, food is good quality. Meats were tender. LOVE the coleslaw which is like a vinegar based, sooo good. Maybe need more seasoning on the brisket other than just cumin.