I didn't expect it to be that good and surely not that popular, but the photos over the Net and a 4.5 review rate on Yelp were enough to make me drool.
Smoque has won dozens of awards which are displayed over the restaurant's walls. It's a fast food joint where you order before being seated. A bizarre first impression that's changed as soon as you have your first bite.
Time Out Best of 2007 and 2009, best BBQ restaurant, Zagat favorite and much more, the wall is filled with awards.
Orange, yellow and red painted walls, concrete and wood, high glass facades and two members of staff standing in front of the counter to welcome guests. On the main wall is the menu, proposing brisket, pork, chicken, sausages and ribs. Sides and desserts occupy the right side of the board.
It was a must to try everything and I did. The pork, the brisket, the chicken and the sausage and believe it or not, the chicken was my favorite.
I loved this place!
Crunchy and flaky fries with a golden envelope and a tender heart, unpeeled potatoes sprinkled with lots of sauce, delicious and unique potatoes. With that we had the ribs, sausages, brisket and pulled pork and beans and coleslaw on the side with their signature sauces. An airy and fluffy bun generously filled with meat, tender meat awaiting some Carolina BBQ. It's so simple and so delicious! Pulled pork done in a way I've never had before. The same tender bun, the smoky pulled pork and its juiciness, the full fledged flavor with the BBQ Carolina sauce on the side. What a sandwich! What a sausage, intensively filled, chewy meat and a thick envelope. It's not something for the faint hearted. And I couldn't stop eating fries... The ribs could be more tender but one can't deny how good the meat is. The chicken is my favorite: A strong taste of charcoal and grilling wrapped around a moist chicken. The skin and juicy heart are so yummy! It's exceptional!
Now for the sides: Top of the line mac and cheese served in a metallic cup, exceptional fries, an awesome chili brisket, and amazing sweet beans. The salad has a superb crunch and sweetness to it while the sauces are memorable. BBQ sauces with all their flavor and taste and sweetness and spiciness.
They do have amazing barbecue, exceptional sauces and tasty sides. Smoque is a recommendation when you visit Chicago.
