City: Chicago, IL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (773) 545-7427

Address: 3800 N. Pulaski Rd.

Description: There’s your everyday brisket and then there’s dry-rubbed brisket that’s spent 15 hours in the smoker. That should answer any questions about whether this Irving Park joint is serious about their ’cue. If you’re still unsure, you could also scan the four-page ”manifesto” on their website that states, “If the world made any sense, Chicago would be known as a great BBQ town,” and continues on to describe philosophies and opinions regarding sauces, baby backs vs. spares, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and even sides. But you could just forget all that and head over to the 50-seat, quick-serve BYOB spot where you’ll find a wide variety of smoking styles from around the country. The menu is pretty much limited to barbecue, but you won’t mind once you’ve tried the pulled pork smoked over apple and oak wood, and baby back and St. Louis ribs. Plus that pink smoke ring around the meats tells you this is the real deal. Sides feel the love too, including their cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and brisket-studded baked beans, a top pick by Guy Fieri when he stopped in with his Diners, Drive-ins and Drives crew. For dessert? Peach cobbler, of course. Open Tues through Sun for lunch and dinner.