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Best Barbecue Restaurants in River West

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bub City restaurant
1. Bub City
4.7
Exceptional(1510)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • River North (Chicago)
Booked 18 times today
Bub City in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood is a true gem for barbecue enthusiasts. Known for its authentic house-smoked BBQ, this Southern spot offers an unmatched dining experience, complemented by live country music and an extensive whiskey selection. Patrons rave about the "top notch" brisket and the "phenomenal" pulled pork topped Mac n' cheese, highlighting the quality and flavor that Bub City brings to its dishes. The atmosphere is consistently praised as "super fun" and "always buzzing," making it not only a place to eat but a destination for a great time. Whether it's the "delicious and fresh" food or the "excellent service," Bub City sets the standard for a memorable barbecue dining experience in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of Chicago q restaurant
2. Chicago q
4.4
Awesome(4009)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 14 times today
Experience the essence of impeccable Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service at Chicago q, located in the vibrant Gold Coast / Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago. Since 2010, this establishment has been a beacon for both cocktail aficionados and barbecue lovers. Patrons rave about the "extensive beverage menu" and the "well-cultivated bourbon collection," highlighting the hand-picked flights that perfectly complement the smoky BBQ flavors. Guests particularly love the craft cocktails, with one noting the Old Fashions as “highly recommendable,” served by staff who provide “top-notch service.” Chicago q's atmosphere, described as both "lovely" and "charming," along with its thrilling Happy Hour specials, make it a prime destination for an authentic and enjoyable bar experience. Whether you're in for a casual outing or a special celebration, Chicago q promises a memorable visit with its stellar drinks and service.
A photo of Briny Swine - Chicago restaurant
3. Briny Swine - Chicago
4.3
Awesome(110)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Lincoln Park
Booked 15 times today
Briny Swine in Chicago's vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood is a true celebration of Southern cuisine, offering an authentic taste of the South with a touch of local charm. Diners rave about the "down home, southern barbecue and seafood," with one patron exclaiming it made them feel like they were "back down there" in the South. The restaurant specializes in Carolina-style BBQ and Lowcountry classics that leave guests longing for more. Highlights include "fall-off-the-bone tender" ribs and "the tastiest greens I have ever tasted." The lively atmosphere, complete with live music and a steady flow of drinks, complements the mouthwatering dishes. As one review perfectly sums it up, "Briny Swine really gives you the feel of an outdoor BBQ in the south!" making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern flavors in Chicago.
A photo of Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern restaurant
4. Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern
3.9
Excellent(166)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • River North (Chicago)
Booked 13 times today
Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern is a beacon of American cuisine in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood. This restaurant is celebrated for its authentic, scratch-made BBQ that captures the true essence of American culinary traditions. Patrons rave about the "Best Damn BBQ joint in town," where the chicken is described as "perfection on a plate" and the rib tips are "sauced up to the max, tender, and so juicy." It's not just the food that gets high marks; the atmosphere is consistently praised for its good vibes and the staff, like Ariel and Raven, are highlighted for their exceptional service. Wilma's offers an all-around superb dining experience that resonates with the heart of American BBQ. Whether it’s the soul rolls, the catfish, or the signature drinks, every visit promises a memorable taste of American hospitality and flavor.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | West Loop (Union Park) restaurant
5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | West Loop (Union Park)
4.7
Exceptional(926)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Downtown / Loop
Booked 49 times today
At Gyu-Kaku in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, you're not just a diner but the chef of your own authentic Japanese BBQ experience. Esteemed as the world's #1 Japanese BBQ brand since its inception in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku offers a unique, interactive dining adventure. Guests rave about not only the flavorful and "consistently amazing" premium meats like the best-selling Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib but also the engaging atmosphere where you can "cook your stuff exactly like you want it." The combination of top-notch service and a lively setting makes every visit memorable. As one reviewer put it, the food and service are "BLOW YOUR MIND good!" making Gyu-Kaku a must-visit for anyone seeking an exemplary Japanese culinary encounter in Chicago.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile) restaurant
6. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile)
4.7
Exceptional(2324)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • River North (Chicago)
Booked 86 times today
Gyu-Kaku in Chicago's vibrant River North district offers a unique and delightful dining experience that brilliantly captures the essence of Tapas/Small Plates cuisine with a Japanese BBQ twist. Known for its interactive dining, Gyu-Kaku allows guests to become chefs at their own table, grilling premium meats to personal perfection. Highly praised by diners, the restaurant's atmosphere is perfect for both intimate gatherings and large groups, with reviews frequently highlighting the "delicious" quality of the meats and the "excellent service." The signature dishes like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib are must-tries, ensuring an unforgettable meal which many describe as "heavenly...fresh, high quality meat" and "absolutely elite" service. For a truly unique Tapas experience, Gyu-Kaku Chicago is a standout choice.
A photo of Daebak Korean BBQ - Wicker Park restaurant
7. Daebak Korean BBQ - Wicker Park
4.7
Exceptional(38)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Belmont Central / Cragin
Booked 9 times today
Daebak Korean BBQ in Wicker Park, Chicago, isn't just a restaurant; it's a gateway to authentic Korean barbecue. With its modern twist on traditional recipes, Daebak offers an array of dishes that leave diners raving about the quality and taste. Patrons consistently praise the "delicious" and "tender" meats, highlighting menu stars like the Tomahawk Kalbi and marinated pork collar. The atmosphere adds to the experience, described as "fun" and "welcoming," with an ambiance that makes you feel like you've been "transported to Seoul." The exceptional service complements the culinary delights, making each visit memorable. Whether you're a seasoned Korean BBQ enthusiast or a curious first-timer, Daebak promises a top-notch dining experience, earning it the title of the "best Korean BBQ in Chicago" according to many satisfied visitors.
A photo of Weber Grill - Chicago restaurant
8. Weber Grill - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(6882)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • River North (Chicago)
Booked 65 times today
At Weber Grill - Chicago, located in the vibrant River North neighborhood, the steak is not just a meal; it's a masterpiece of grilling tradition. Celebrated for their "Classic Chicago Steaks cooked on very large Weber grills," this restaurant ensures each cut is seared to perfection, providing a "Great steak" experience as attested by numerous guests. Patrons rave about the "fantastic grilled flavor" and how steaks are "cooked perfectly," highlighting the authentic, charcoal-grilled technique that makes Weber Grill a standout. With a history of grilling expertise, Weber Grill continues to impress with its high-quality steaks, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors seeking the true taste of Chicago.
A photo of Welcome to the Farm- Chicago restaurant
9. Welcome to the Farm- Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(4)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • River North (Chicago)
Booked 8 times today
Classic American style BBQ with Caribbean + Asian influence from Chef Raheem Sealey. Drinking Pig quickly gained notoriety as “the best barbecue in Miami” (Infatuation) and named in the “top BBQ Spots In South Florida” (Eater), now it’s here in Chicago.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Lakeview restaurant
10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Lakeview
4.6
Exceptional(525)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Lakeview / East Lakeview
Booked 50 times today
Gyu-Kaku in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood offers a truly unique Tapas/Small Plates experience, bringing authentic Japanese BBQ right to your table. Patrons are raving about the variety and quality of the dishes, with special mentions of their "delicious meats" and "tasty sauces" that make each bite exceptional. The restaurant's interactive dining setup allows guests to grill their own selections of premium meats, complemented by a variety of appetizers like "Pork dumplings," which are a crowd favorite. Reviewers consistently highlight the excellent service, with one guest noting, "The food was soooo good. I will definitely be coming back." Whether you're looking for a fun group outing or a romantic date night, Gyu-Kaku provides a memorable and engaging dining experience that stands out in the world of Tapas/Small Plates.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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