Blackwood BBQ - Lake Street

I chose to get the sampler platter. Ribs were not the best, however the brisket and pulled pork made up for it. Mac and cheese was TOP NOTCH. For sure one of the better barbecue meals I’ve had in a while.

I walk by here all the time because it’s right by my work but today I finally stopped in for some lunch. There’s plenty of different meat options but I have a sweet spot for pulled chicken. I snagged a sandwich with some North Carolina bbq sauce on there and enjoyed. Overall, it’s solid bbq but I was left wanting a little something more from it.

For those seeking a mouthwatering barbecue and satisfactory smell experience, Blackwood BBQ delivers more than just delicious eats—it brings a savory celebration. From the moment you place your order, the anticipation builds, fueled by the enticing aroma of slow-smoked meats that wafts through the air upon arrival. The packaging is thoughtful and sturdy, ensuring your culinary treasure remains intact until it reaches your table. The menu boasts a tantalizing array of options, from tender brisket to succulent pulled pork, each dish crafted with care and expertise. The sides are no afterthought either, with options like creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw providing the perfect complement to the main event. Every bite is a testament to Blackwood BBQ's commitment to quality and flavor. The meats are perfectly seasoned, boasting a rich smokiness that dances on the palate with each tender mouthful. The sauces, ranging from sweet and tangy to fiery and bold, elevate the experience to new heights, allowing you to customize your meal to suit your taste. But perhaps what sets Blackwood BBQ apart is its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. The staff is friendly and accommodating, ensuring that every order is prepared with precision and care. Even in the midst of a bustling takeout service, they manage to maintain a level of attentiveness that makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. In conclusion, Blackwood BBQ offers a takeout experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you're craving a hearty meal for a cozy night in or looking to impress guests with a gourmet spread, Blackwood BBQ delivers the goods with style and flair. So why wait? Order now and treat yourself to a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

The food is okay, but you can spend $25 and still leave hungry. The Mac and cheese side is barely larger than the size of the sauce.

I did take out. Most food was already prepared so it’s just streamlining down and checkout was really fast 🍖 burnt end platter: the burnt ends was different from what I imagined. The burnt end is covered in thick layer of sweet sauce which hides away the original flavor of smoked meat. The burnt ends were also not as fatty as I imagined, it was kind of disappointing

Literally terrible service. They only have 1 person working on a weekday during lunch and when I asked for a salad they only gave me lettuce with zero toppings. This was my first time here and I thought the salad came with the listed toppings. Apparently if you order the salad they only give you lettuce. I had brisket on only lettuce. Zero dressing, zero toppings, zero bbq sauce. It was pitiful. Good barbecue, horrible service.

Brisket sandwich was fine, nothing really stood out. The side of beans had more meat than beans. I get that it's a BBQ place but if you already have a sandwich or platter it's a little over the top.

Decent place. Ordered the pulled pork sandwich and baked beans; nothing exceptional, but the food was okay. I expected the portions to be a bit bigger. Counter service, yet the workers still came off a bit rude. Prices are too expensive to justify coming here all things considered.

Since discovering this quick service BBQ I have eaten here 3 times in the last few months. I love the brisket! When I get the platter I always ask for extra pickles. I can't get enough of them! The sides are also great. I have had the corn muffin, Mac & cheese, and elote corn is my favorite.

Blackwood BBQ is a tasty spot with a lot of options, sauces, and decent sides! If you have a specific regionality of sauce you like, chances are that they have it here. Chicago, KC, both Carolinas, lots to choose from. I opted for a burnt ends sandwich, but I'd probably try the salad on my next visit. Sandwich, cornbread, and a drink plus tip ran me close to $25 though, so I don't think it would be my regular lunch spot. Staff was friendly and offered suggestions when asked . Seating is surprisingly plentiful given the tight space.

One of my go to spots for lunch downtown. They can get busy so go early if you're trying to grab lunch. They do sometimes run out of chicken, brisket or sides. Anything on the menu is good from the pulled pork, sausages and chicken is all delicious. Everything is a la carte, so it can be a bit pricey but the food is worth it. Plan i. Spending $20-30 per person, but the portions are generous.

I walk by here all the time because it's right by my work but today I finally stopped in for some lunch. There's plenty of different meat options but I have a sweet spot for pulled chicken. I snagged a sandwich with some North Carolina bbq sauce on there and enjoyed. Overall, it's solid bbq but I was left wanting a little something more from it.

While I was working at Northwestern on 29FEB2024, my manager went to Blackwood BBQ for lunch. She had tacos and I had the burnt ends salad. We enjoyed our meals and appreciated how quickly our food was prepared. The NC bbq sauce was like traditional Eastern NC vinegar sauce and very good. Thanks to Blackwood BBQ for a taste of home while away from home!

Came in today for an evening dinner around 5 PM. The place was a zoo, filled with kids jumping on tables. They were out of the burnt ends. We waited 40 minutes for chicken tenders and a half slab of ribs. The chicken was decent, but nothing to rave about. The ribs were dry and chewy with lots of fat.

Ordered for 22 people and got 36 mini buns. That is less than 2 MINI sandwiches per person. I called to ask if I could purchase more buns and was told no. I offered to come and get them myself and explained that one mini sandwich per person was not enough. Again, I was told no. My order was over $500 and they could not sell me another package of buns? Really!!!??? They were completely un helpful and rude. Will not be ordering from them again.

Let me put my glasses on so that I can type this out loud (THIS SHIT PISSES ME OFF) The food was horrendous old and not good at all what in the world was that because it wasn't Mac and cheese the coleslaw had no flavor the biscuits was a mini muffin and you charged me 3.00 for that b.s. The brisket was old as if it was sitting out . I see why the place was empty when I got there. I'm giving this place a -2 out of 10!

I truly enjoy the sides offered at this quaint establishment. The Mac n cheese is so yummy! I could eat it by the pan! The elote is fresh and quite tasty & don't get me started on the cornbread!!! Definitely a great spot to grab a quick bite. The staff is friendly and the service is quick. Check it out if you're in the area.

This was a great experience.. as in the two tacos I had in about 10 minutes. The store is open for like 3 hours so plan accordingly for your visit. The Mac and Cheese was delectable and the sausage taco was very good. Don't make my mistake and come too late to get your order of brisket.

Really good and smells awesome My first time here was definitely worth it, guaranteed!

This place has changed. The quality of food is still good but the value is terrible! Paid $18.99 for a salad with 2 small pieces of brisket. It was very lack luster. Should not be over $12! In addition the ambiance is now a little dirty and cheap! Signage taped on glass and written in pen. Went way down hill in my opinion.

It's gone way downhill since the first time I went here 9 years ago. And it's gotten more expensive! Not a great combo

Grabbed BBQ for lunch today and Blackwood BBQ doesn't disappoint! I got the pulled pork platter with Carolina bbq sauce and it's super tender and juicy. Pickles and onions were fresh and coleslaw was crunchy. The staff were super sweet too, plus love how cute their to go bag is. Docked one star since I found a piece of plastic in my food but would still go back.

We recently used Blackwood BBQ to cater our wedding in June and I cannot rave enough about how excellent their team was as well as the food. Under Jessica's expert guidance, the event unfolded seamlessly. The staff's professionalism, coupled with Jessica's attentive touch, fostered an inviting atmosphere that resonated with all our guests. What truly set Blackwood BBQ apart was their comprehensive service. Not only did they serve up their delicious BBQ and sides, but they also took care of coordinating the happy hour appetizers from another vendor, the bartending staff as our venue was BYOB and even the dinnerware, ensuring an elegant and seamless dining experience. Blackwood BBQ and Jessica played pivotal roles in crafting an unforgettable wedding day for us and our guests. People are still asking me about the food as well as their was barely anything left by the end of the night!

Came here for an early dinner and it's a small little place that gives a little bit of a Chipotle vibe in terms of customization and the modern-ness of the place. ATMOSPHERE/ARCHITECTURE: 8/10 Open, modern aesthetic with a lot of metal and glass. The chalkboard has some cute artwork overall and the place feels pretty inviting if not a little small. It can seat probably 20-25 tops. SERVICE: 8/10 The server/cashier was very friendly and guided us through the whole process along with the options we had available to us. It was a little slower than expected but otherwise I didn't have any issues with it. FOOD: 9/10 Pulled Pork Salad with Chicago Sauce - 9/10 - The pulled pork had a nice tender texture and smoky flavor. The choice pairing with the Chicago sauce was a great idea on my part as I felt they went together well. The salad was refreshing and did not feel too heavy or filling. It was a decent size and I really enjoyed it overall. A nice mix of fresh with hearty comfort food. Brisket Salad with Liquid Gold Sauce - 9/10 - Man, the brisket looked amazing as the server took it out from the oven and sliced off some chunks into the salad bowl. The liquid gold sauce was a variant of a Dijon mustard which paired okay with the brisket, but there were probably better options to have chosen with this. The meat itself though was amazing. Tender, smoked to perfection, just the right amount of fat. This was better than the pulled pork. Next time I come here I'd either get this again or I'd go and try for the burnt ends. Also, shout out to the corn bread croutons. YES, they really are as good as they say. VALUE: 8/10 I think the value is fair for what you get. It's about the price of a Chipotle bowl for a comparable amount of food. PROBABILITY OF RETURN: 8/10 I definitely would come back here to try some of their other offerings, like their burnt ends for one! TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT: Eat! It is 100% worth it if you like barbecue and the salad is well put together. OVERALL: 8/10

The service was typical of Chicago/a big city. I wanted to try the burnt ends since it was on the menu, but they said they only cook them on certain days of the week. I ended up ordering the brisket with the KC style BBQ sauce. I can honestly say this is some of the best BBQ, as far as the meat, I have had in Chicago. They suggested getting the cornbread, which wasn't bad, but not worth the money in my opinion. The slaw was pretty good, but the elote was the e best side by far. I am not much of a pickle person, but I heard others talking about how great they were.

WOW. This little unassuming place has phenomenal BBQ. Every single thing I ate was absolute tasty perfection. The person who served me was not exactly friendly, and the price was higher than I usually spend for lunch, but honestly I don't even care. I had 2 brisket tacos, a side of Mac & cheese and a cornbread and it cost over $17. Honestly that's not even that expensive for the loop and it was so worth it. 10/10 will deal with annoyed personnel again to get that brisket.

*waves hand in the air like a lunatic with great enthusiasm.* I am usually not a huge fan of bbq, but this place has me hooked. When I say hooked I mean sneaking in the door on tiptoes like those cartoons you watched in childhood. What's so great about this place, because it doesn't look like much? True, it's just a regular-looking storefront. The bbq is perfect and tender. The sauces and seasonings are also top-notch! If you eat here be prepared to get extra sauce just to try different kinds because they invested quite a bit in perfecting their sauces, so might as well try them! ;) They have something for everyone. If I don't feel like eating too much meat, I will have one of their many salads and they are by far the best salad you will find in Chicago. They use bbq meat, and they have even more sauces to select from in the place of salad dressing. You can get a fairly large bowl so there's no way you won't fill up on the salad alone. Their delicious cornbread is given out with most bbq dishes except for the salads, enjoy! I know I will.

I really wasn't impressed with this place. A basic over price BBQ place down in the loop. The food was just ok nothing fancy about it. You can select the meat and sauce of your choice. The sauces are a bit strong and over power the taste of the meat. The space is pretty small and you are lucky if you are able to find seating. The customer service was ok. I can bypass this place when I'm on lunch.

Customer service was great but the bbq is not it. Overpriced and the taste wasn't that good.

Came from Texas and the barbecue was kind of lacking. Meat was cold and tough. The Kansas barbecue sauce was tangier than spicy, so it tasted kind of funky with the briskets. The Mac and cheese was mediocre at best.

This food was suuuuuper good! I was in Chicago for a business trip looking for a quick bite to eat. At first, I stopped at the wrap/sub carry out next door. They were "closed" but the doors were open. I literally yelled to the men who were talking in the back (who I know who could definitely hear me). They pretended like they couldn't hear me though (oh well!) so I went next door to Blackwood BBQ. I can't exactly remember which sauces I ordered, but I believe one I got was with garlic? The person taking my order was very nice and let me sample as many sauces as I wanted until I could decide which one I wanted (because they were all soooo good!) I would highly recommend this place if you want a quick, yet filling, meal. Oh and by the way their sweet tea is unsweetened (yuck) but it isn't a dealbreaker :)

This place was great! My friend and I had just gotten into Chicago and needed somewhere to eat quickly. This place looked perfect. There wasn't much of a line when we went in, but service was fast and accurate. The restaurant is nice and clean with a cool looking environment. The menu is straightforward and there are a few beers on tap and in bottles if you'd like a beer with Your BBQ. (We definitely did.) We ordered the platters of beef brisket and pulled BBQ both with Chicago sauce. Oh it hit the spot. The sauce was tangy but not overpowering the pork and beef were amazingly tender and tasty. We left the place well fed and happy. The only reason it got 4 out of 5 stars is just because it's not the best BBQ I've ever had. But it was well worth my money. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Not too bad! My only complaints were that you could only get one sauce (I think) and that the portions weren't all that large compared to some other BBQ places I've been. It's an inexpensive option for good food, so for that reason, I'll be back.

I hardly ever give bad reviews, but the utter lack of customer service and sanitation warranted one. I made the mistake of going in 20 minutes before closing, and the person at the counter made it very clear she was annoyed by this late straggler. She asked what I wanted with a clear attitude , then gave me a portion that felt incredibly underweight. I then asked for Cole slaw, as she proceeds to grab a scoop with her hands and dropped it on my plate. Ma'am where are your utensils?! I didn't bother complaining because I already understand coming in when you're trying to wrap up, but cmon. On top of all of that, the meat was barely room temp and not very good. Will definitely not be back here.

Did expect a little more. BBQ is good if you're in a rush and want to get something fast to eat.

Been a few times for lunch and have always been satisfied. Most recently I ordered the trio (brisket, pulled pork, chicken), with a side of baked beans and cornbread. I also got the optional side of pickles (FREE). The brisket is tender and flavorful. The nice thing about the brisket is that it's sliced to order so it retains all the moisture and juices. The pulled pork and chicken were equally tasty. They have a multitude of sauces to choose from and a limited sides menu. I tried the North Carolina which is a vinegar-based sauce and Kansas City which is thicker and spicier. The baked beans are prepared with what looked like to be pork. The cornbread was moist and flavorful and had bits of corn throughout. Overall a decent lunch spot for quick BBQ and a nice change-up to the Loop lunch rotation.

My friends and I were wanting some barbeque but didn't want to spend too much on it so we decided to try this place. Walking in the restaurant, the set up reminded me a bit like Chipotle. My friends and I decided to order 3 1/2 pound platters of brisket, burnt ends, and pulled chicken. The platter of brisket was very delicious and tender. It had a lot of flavor and did not need any sauce whatsoever. It was the best thing we ordered out of the platters that we ordered. I would give it a 5/5. The burnt ends were alright. It was drenched with sauce and I couldn't taste any of the meat itself. Also, it was a bit tough as well, which was a but disappointing. Nevertheless, it was decent but I would probably not order this again. I would give it a 3/5. The pulled chicken had good flavor. It did not need any sauce and was delicious on it's own. However, it was a bit dry and tough. Therefore, I would give this a 3.5/5. The restaurant was reasonably priced and with 3 platters feeding 4 people, it ended up costing around $8-9 per person. The platter also comes with coleslaw (you can substitute coleslaw for another side for $0.99) and pickles. I would definitely like to come back to this place just for the brisket alone.

Great fast casual bbq place! Reasonable prices - I got the brisket platter for around $10 and subbed the coleslaw for Mac and cheese ($1 extra). The brisket was good - some dry pieces but not surprising. The Carolina sauce was ok, I would have liked more of a vinegar kick. The Mac and cheese side is so good - perfectly baked to get a great breadcrumb crust. Easy fast lunch pick!

So, I live in Texas and my best friend lives/works at one of the very fine hospitals in Chicago. She's been working her tail off-night and day-weekends too, and I wanted to give back to her and her very wonderful team. I contacted Blackwood yesterday, and Jessica Cole the events/catering manager, was so wonderfully helpful!!! The food turned out amazing, the delivery was impeccable, and I have to say that Jessica was ridiculously helpful. Only reason that they didn't receive 5 stars, is that the Pecan Pie never got delivered....but one email to Jessica, and the pie was refunded and all was well! Thank you to our first responder's, and THANK YOU to Jessica at Blackwood for being awesome!!!

The meats are good. The sides are good, with the pickles being great. Is there better bbq in the city? Absolutely. Is there better bbq downtown? I haven't found it so far. So if your in the loop and have a hunkering for bbq for lunch, this is the place. Plus, real vegan options that are pretty tasty.

Tried this place out with a colleague and opted for the Burnt ends platter, cause how can you go wrong with burnt ends amirite? Turns out you can. The burnt ends were not impressive at all in flavor. The seasoning was way off and some bites were even difficult to stomach because it was waaay too salty or waaay too not. I also sat through my entire lunch wondering why I got so little for the price I paid, I mean... it's burnt ends! Definitely one of the more lackluster barbeque places I have ever been to. I imagine if you were desperate for your bbq fix then more power to you but I don't think I'll ever crave the product here.

My food was very disappointing. The brisket was cold, dry and lacked flavor. The meat was 60% fat. The Mac was dry and cold. I will never order from them again.

Mac and cheese is amazing! As are their salads-the portions are generous and they have obscure but delicious toppings. Definitely recommend.

No nonsense BBQ joint in downtown. I had their brisket plate with spicy Kansas sauce. It was warm and tasty with just the right amount of seasoning. It came with pickles and coke slaw. There was a nice amount of everything, perfect for lunch. The service was super fast at 12:30pm.

Stopped in to this location after visiting the one in Illinois Center fairly recently, thinking that I would get some great BBQ one evening. (crickets) Let me preface this by saying that I ordered 2 brisket platters. First, the portion sizes are small. WAY small. Much smaller than the Illinois Center location. Then, they WEIGH the portions. I was shocked to see that. I don't know of any other BBQ place that actually cuts small portions for brisket and then weighs the portions. I wanted to ask if the scale took into account that there was a heavy container on it, but I digress. Once I got past that, they didn't put the sauce on the small portions of brisket. Oh no! Instead they put the sauce in plastic containers and included it in the heavy container (after weighing the container with the brisket on it). (Illinois Center will spray the sauce onto the BBQ before you leave, making it that much better.) Yes, they are cashless. I have no problem with that. When I got home with the brisket, I opened the container, took the sauce, put the sauce on the brisket, and took a bite. I was absolutely not impressed; rather repulsed. It was too late to take the meat back and ask for a refund (like I would've gotten one anyway), so I ended up throwing it away. And also throwing away $24.00. I'm afraid I won't be stopping in this location again.

Got the same thing, Pulled Pork Salad, with North Carolina sauce and Apple 2.0 dressing. However, it was only okay this time. I suppose they're not consistent, which is a shame. I'll try again next time because 3rd time's a charm, right?

I normally don't eat salads all that often, but Blackwood BBQ has turned me into a regular after they significantly revamped and upgraded their salad bowl. Filled with a heaping scoop of brisket, plus other goodies like cornbread croutons, sweet potatoes and fresh corn, there's no chance this was going to be anything ordinary. Here's a great way to get your BBQ fix while feeling pretty good about having a "salad."

I'm normally not a fan of BBQ (it's usually much too sweet), but Blackwood BBQ was AMAZING. I got the BBQ pork salad, and it was divine. Enjoyed the extra toppings as well. If you are unsure about the sauce, get it on the side! They have plenty of options. I actually enjoyed mine even without the sauce.

I feel like they're always skimpy with something here, particularly at breakfast. If they haven't shorted me on meat (most common) it's the sauce; if it's not the sauce it's the sides. If you ask for more of anything you're generally given attitude, and if you ask for more sauce they will drown whatever you ordered in sauce while giving you a "Happy now @sshole?!" kind of look. Worst part is the BBQ here is only consistently average, so the somewhat high prices, internment-camp rationed portions and attitudes are a little harder to tolerate. Unfortunately in the loop this is about as good as it gets.

Perfectly cooked brisket. They offer pulled pork, pulled chicken and ribs on Fridays, but it's ALL about their brisket. The other proteins are just ok. Above average Mac n' Cheese. I think it's topped with crushed Cheez-Its. Long lines during the lunch rush, but quick friendly service. For the price you won't find a better bbq option in the Loop. I definitely recommend if you're in the area. Keep in mind they close at 3pm M-F.

Pretty darn decent bbq. I have been here a few times when I'm in town over the last few years and I always go for the brisket because you can get it fatty, lean or in between. Fatty is the best but somedays you just cant eat that rich so having the options is great. Their sauces complement the meat well and the coleslaw is not too sweet and not too tart. The beans and pickles are just ok at best and in my opinion not worth getting. Seating is really limited so plan accordingly.

Blackwood BBQ was a pop up in our "Fooda" Food Hall. This is the first time I have taken the time to write a review of one of the visiting restaurants so, it must have been good. I opted for the salad base with the pulled chicken with the Apple vinaigrette. Just a salad, Right? Not just a salad. The best, freshest, crispest, salad. Crispy lettuce, crunchy cabbage, thin crisp carrot slices, firm cucumbers, juicy quartered cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and my favorite, diced sweet potato. The pulled chicken on top was so tender with a lovely hint of smoke. All topped with a few yummy corn bread croutons. If this does not make your mouth water...O.K. you're not a salad eater, but everyone was also raving about the bbq and the mac and cheese. They have restaurant open at night in Lakeview - Belmont Ave.

I got take out from Blackwood for lunch. I'm not the biggest BBQ Fan but I've heard great things and upon recommendations ordered the beef brisket with the Alabama Sauce. I wasn't sure what to expect what I did get was a kick full of flavors and tender meats. I think the Alabama sauce was a great place to start. For people that really like a kick, probably not for you. It wouldn't be a complete meal without some Mac and cheese and I have to say, this is some of the best Mac I have tasted. Their pickles are delicious too. The only regret was not getting to try their corn bread even though this meal was plenty. I'll have to go back to try more of their sauces next time.

Well Blackwood, there has been some love lost. While you are superfast at serving a giant crowd, you also herd people like cattle and are starting to treat people like a number. The staff move so fast that they slop the toppings and dressings all over the place. One one of my last visits, I was charge an embarrassing amount of upcharge for an extra salad vegetable, while I skipped other vegetables on my salad. Blackwood also decided to go CASHLESS - a business in business to make money but not to accept any form of cash. Yawn. I don't need to return. The cashier could not have cared less when I said I didn't understand what your tiny door sticker meant "NO CASH ACCEPTED."

Ordered 41 boxed lunches for an office lunch. Everything was ready on time, order was accurate, and food was delicious. Especially in the current crazy state of the world with supply chain issues and staffing shortages, I'm so appreciative and grateful for such a fantastic experience. THANK YOU!

This BBQ is soooo good! A coworker and I went on a recent business trip and it was a pleasant surprise. I had the brisket, mac and cheese, corn muffin, and slaw, she had the pulled pork sandwich and mac and cheese. Everything was delicious. I got my sauce on the side and I ended up not need it for the brisket. Some of the best that I have had. The homemade pickles leave a little to be desired as they are still very cucumber-ensue and Im not a cucumber fan. This is a card only establishment, which was a first for us.

Only if i could give them 10 STARS! My job caters from them on a regular, both breakfast and lunch. I have never ever tasted anything that wasn't perfection. My wonderful coworkers gave me a Welcome back from Maternity leave party, and ordered breakfast. The brisket is so mouthwatering, smoky and juicy. Their food will definitely leave you in a food coma. The sides are just as awesome. I'm very critical of macaroni and cheese, but theirs is well made. I really wish they had more locations, so I could enjoy the most delicious brisket at other times besides when I'm at work.

Chef Otto has got it going on!! Meat cooked to perfection and boy these burnt ends are mouth watering Don't get me started on the Mac n cheese Perfect portion with a layer of stringy cheese cooked to a perfect golden brown to enhance the texture Phenomenal food for a fair price