These 5 on the map
The 5 barbecue spots on this page, pinned where they actually are. Tap a marker to see which one it is — all 10 are on the map in the Whosly app.
Chicago barbecue
The aquarium smokers are on the South Side. For brisket, go to Irving Park or the West Loop.
5 of the 10
Smoque BBQ
Irving ParkBarbecue counter$$Barry Sorkin's counter off the Irving Park exit since 2006: long-smoked brisket and St. Louis ribs, with sides made in-house. It's BYOB with only about 50 seats, so come early or call in for carryout.
Lem's Bar-B-Q
ChathamBBQ rib tips$Smoky tips and links pulled from an aquarium smoker since 1954, sauced sweet and hot; James Beard named it an America's Classic in 2025. Order at the window and take it to go.
Green Street Smoked Meats
West LoopTexas-style barbecue$$Hogsalt's warehouse smokehouse down a brick alley off Green Street: central Texas-style brisket, ribs and pork belly by the half pound, ordered cafeteria-style, with craft beer.
Uncle John's BBQ
ChathamRib tips and hot links$A South Side carryout pit beside Dat Donut on Cottage Grove: get the tip-and-link combo with fries and white bread, sauced mild or hot. Cash and carryout only.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse
PullmanSmokehouse$$Chef Dominique Leach grew a Pullman food-hall stall into the whole building in 2022: rib tips under Chicago mild sauce, sliced brisket and a mac and cheese loaded with it. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 to 7.
The other 5
The 10 are spread across 9 neighborhoods. Chatham (2) has the most; Beverly, Bronzeville, Humboldt Park, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Pullman, West Loop and Wrigleyville have one each.
+5 more in the app
Another aquarium pit on 43rd Street, a Beverly counter opened in 2024, a Pullman smokehouse, a drive-thru rib shack, and more.
Add all 10 to your Whosly mapEvery one lands on your own map in a tap — save them, rate them, plan around them. City Packs are included with Planner Pro.
Or search “Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs” on the App Store
Common questions
What is Chicago-style barbecue?
Where is the best brisket in Chicago?
Which Chicago neighborhood is best for barbecue spots?
What are the best barbecue spots in downtown Chicago?
Where can I see all 10?
All 10, on your own map
This page is 5 of them. The Chicago Barbecue pack in Whosly has all 10 — add it and every one drops onto your map, ready to save, rate and turn into a plan your friends RSVP to from a text, no app needed to answer. The pack is included with Planner Pro.
Get Whosly — free on iPhoneOr search “Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs” on the App Store
“Whosly: Plans, Places & RSVPs”.
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