This is a city that is packed full of amazing foodie options, but we’re gonna focus on the best Chicago ribs. The racks that are so big they fill the plate, and so tasty that you’ll be licking your fingers and savouring every single mouthful.
From sports bars and diners to high-end BBQ joints, there is something for everybody on this list.
It’s time to grab your friends, work up an appetite and dig into some of the top places to eat the best Chicago ribs…
Best Places for Chicago Ribs
How do these rankings work?
1. Green Street Smoked Meats
A super atmospheric restaurant where you know you are in for a great experience the second you walk in the door. With low lighting and great tunes there is always a buzzing room.
The food os terrific with super BBQ platters and some gorgeous sides to compliment them. Try a little bit of everything on a platter or get the ribs all on their own. An all round enjoyable experience.
2. Chicago Q
They serve the highest quality meats seasoned with house-made rubs which give them an intense flavour. As soon as you see the ribs coming to the table you know you are in for a serious treat. You are also going to need a big appetite, as the portions are large.
The food is served in a Savannah-style dining room, imbued with Southern charm and comfort.
3. Honky Tonk BBQ
Honky Tonk is a family-run operation located in the Pilsen neighborhood, just a couple miles southwest of the Loop in downtown Chicago.
They pride themselves on using only the best ingredients and making everything from scratch where possible. The cook everything on a a wood burning fire pit with no gas used at all. Easily some of the best Chicago ribs you will ever taste.
4. Smoque BBQ
Smoque BBQ are big believers in the right combination of great ingredients, perfect rubs and then cooking over a wood fire. Their proprietary sauces and rubs are lovingly crafted from scratch in their own kitchen.
The entire menu is packed full of BBQ classics, but the ribs stand out as an absolute feast that you simply cannot miss.
5. Fat Willy’s Rib Shack
This is an absolute institution in the area and a place that you cannot afford to miss if you come to Chicago.
The service is super friendly and the portions large, with the food served in a very traditional style. As soon as that first pieces of rib meat falls off the bone you will be planning your next visit instantly.
6. Gale Street Inn
They’ve been serving great food to happy customers since 1963 so that tells you all you need to know about the place.
They have great seafood and other meat dishes on an extensive menu but you’d be foolish to ignore the ribs. The portion size is absolutely massive and you’ll need plenty of napkins for the sweet and sticky sauce, but you will be in absolute heaven. As good as ribs can get.
7. Smoke Daddy BBQ
They have a perfect combination of great music, sports on TV, some of the best drinks in the city and amazing food. In short, pretty much everything you could want from a venue.
The ribs are served with one of the best BBQ sauces you will ever taste and come with classic sides. You’ll be hooked instantly.
Traveling around the country? You might want to check out The 50 Best Places For Ribs In America.
