Central Texas BBQ

Located in a warehouse-style space down an alley in the West Loop, Green Street Smoked Meats specializes in Central Texas-inspired barbecue sold by the half-pound. The menu features house-smoked meats, hot links, and sandwiches paired with a selection of selected draught beers and cocktails. Since 2014, they have operated as a destination for both counter-service dining and private events.

Smoque BBQ specializes in central Texas-style brisket that has earned recognition from *Texas Monthly* for its traditional quality. Located on North Pulaski, the restaurant is known for its regional wood-smoked techniques and offers its own line of bottled barbecue sauces.

Located in Niles, this establishment combines a BBQ kitchen with a craft brewery specializing in Belgian-style ales, IPAs, and stouts. The venue features a spacious taproom and patio where guests can pair house-made beers with smoked meats for dine-in or pickup. Distinctive for its community atmosphere, the space hosts weekly events including live music and pub trivia.

Located in downtown Lemont, Matt’s specializes in traditional Central Texas-style barbecue using low and slow smoking techniques and a traditional salt, pepper, and wood smoke seasoning. The restaurant is known for its prime beef brisket and family-oriented atmosphere, smoking all meats on-site daily until they sell out. Originally started as a Southside Chicago garage operation, this family-run brick-and-mortar also features a bourbon bar.

Station One Smokehouse specializes in traditional, Texas-style barbecue served in a renovated historic firehouse in downtown Plainfield. This family-owned restaurant is recognized by FoodBeast for having the best barbecue in Illinois and offers a full bar alongside its dine-in, carry-out, and catering services. Their menu focuses on Texas-inspired smoked meats and has earned several "Best of" awards over the past seven years.

Moontime Smokin' Que in Crystal Lake specializes in wood-fired meats including Black Angus beef brisket, smoked beef tenderloin, and St. Louis ribs. They use two custom pits from Georgia-based Primitive Pits fueled by a locally sourced blend of hickory, oak, and cherry woods. The menu also features standard BBQ staples like pulled pork and pulled chicken.

Located in Wilmette, Pit & Tap specializes in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken smoked in a massive wood-burning smoker nicknamed “Big Earl.” This family-friendly establishment offers a variety of smoked meats alongside sandwiches, brisket nachos, and specialized salads like the Lone Star Caesar. The casual dining space also features an extensive tap system and provides custom catering services for local events.

Blackwood BBQ on Adams Street is a local Chicago establishment recognized for its brisket, including a distinctive "briskets and gravy" breakfast dish. The restaurant operates with a fast-casual service model and offers full menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beyond in-store dining, they specialize in large-scale catering and "backyard BBQ" events featuring on-site pitmasters.

Located in Romeoville, Doc Watson’s Smokehouse specializes in Central Texas-style barbecue prepared with a "low and slow" dry rub method that uses no sauce. The meats are never frozen and are smoked for 4 to 16 hours over cherry wood, with service continuing daily until the kitchen is sold out. Their menu features traditional smoked meats, sandwiches, and pit combos alongside signature appetizers like brisket nachos.

Sanders BBQ Supply Co. in Chicago specializes in meats slow-smoked over real wood, including ribs, rib tips, and brisket that is sliced to order. The menu features different items like smoked cheeseburgers alongside classic sides like mac and cheese and beans, accompanied by house-made bourbon or spicy BBQ sauces. Distinctive for its traditional service style, the restaurant utilizes a designated meat cutter and occasionally offers complimentary burnt ends to large groups.

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern is a downtown Chicago smokehouse located on North Wabash Avenue that offers both delivery and pickup services. The establishment operates as a tavern and BBQ house, applying a 3% surcharge to all credit card transactions to offset processing costs.

Blackwood BBQ in Schaumburg offers a multi-meal service model, providing separate menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant specializes in counter-service barbecue and catering, operating daily with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.