Clumsy Cow BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Loop ·

Clumsy Cow BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Loop ·

Smoked mortadella, brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sides

brisket
pulled pork sandwich
mac and cheese
cornbread
potato salad
fried chicken sandwich
rib tips
smoked mortadella sandwich
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null
Clumsy Cow BBQ by null

Information

234 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60604 Get directions

$10–20

See Menu
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Family friendly
Vegetarian options
Comfort food

Information

Static Map

234 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60604 Get directions

+1 708 330 4209
clumsycowbbq.com
@clumsycowbbq

$10–20 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Family friendly
•Vegetarian options
•Comfort food
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted

Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Clumsy Cow BBQ opens with smoked meat in the Loop | Eater Chicago

"I see Clumsy Cow as a barbecue bonus from the team behind Industry Ales that they embraced when the opportunity arose in the Loop; located next to the legendary Central Camera store and named for the legend behind the Great Chicago Fire, it takes barbecue stylings from different regions—including Chicago’s land of sweet sauces and aquarium smokers—and blends them to create something new. Chef Alexander Willis runs a menu of ribs and brisket and a smoked mortadella sandwich served on a torpedo roll and drizzled with a smoked pistachio barbecue sauce made with jalapeños." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2023/6/20/23767484/clumsy-cow-barbecue-downtown-industry-ales-central-camera-photos-images
Clumsy Cow BBQ
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings in Chicago, Summer 2023 | Eater Chicago

"I'm intrigued by the new barbecue spot helmed by Soul & Smoke alum Alexander Willis at 234 S. Wabash, which promises “new age” takes on rib tips and Polish sausage and even caters to vegetarians with a Southern-fried lion’s mane mushroom sandwich." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2023/6/8/23753812/best-new-restaurants-chicago-opening-summer-2023
Clumsy Cow BBQ
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Clumsy Cow BBQ Will Bring The ‘New Age Smoke’ Downtown | Eater Chicago

"I’m excited about an upcoming barbecue spot planned to open in early June at 234 S. Wabash Avenue where the team behind Industry Ales aims to bring true barbecue downtown without the ventilation headaches many nearby kitchens face. Chef Alexander Willis—who worked with D’Andre Carter at Soul & Smoke and spent time at Hog & Hominy in Memphis—calls his mostly hickory approach “new age smoke” and plans South Side staples like rib tips alongside brisket and pulled pork finished with unique spice rubs rather than a universal salt-and-pepper. He’s inspired by Memphis’s Cozy Corner and its smoked bologna, which influenced a smoked mortadella sandwich on a torpedo roll with a smoked pistachio barbecue sauce made with jalapeños that he compares to an Alabama white sauce; there’s also a special Polish sausage that sounds like a cross between kielbasa and a Maxwell Street version, a southern-fried lion’s mane mushroom sandwich, dry-rubbed mushrooms from Four Star Mushrooms sold by the pound, and in-house fried hand pies with seasonal fillings like strawberries and rhubarb. The owners won’t serve Industry Ales’ beer there, their branding winks at Chicago sports culture, and if the concept succeeds they plan additional locations." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2023/5/31/23744470/clumsy-cow-bbq-loop-barbecue-industry-ales-ribs-pork-beef-smoked
Clumsy Cow BBQ

chris S.

Google
I really wanted to like this place. But the food prices, compared to how good the food tastes are way off. Two combo orders, one brisket and fries and one Buffalo chicken sandwich with fries, and you don't even get a drink was 50 bucks. The chicken was really bland. And to much Cole slaw put on it. That it dominated the whole taste. Brisket was not bad at all. But for the price , I definitely can find a better place. The weirdest part was the cornbread. It was kinda of wet like it was not cooked all the way. But no, it was, and it was pretty good. I do want to try their Mac n cheese with brisket. But 12 dollars for a small cup and not sure how the Mac tastes like has stopped me.

Joshua J.

Google
Just tried this one for the first time. I'm impressed. Got the brisket sandwich and it was overflowing with delicious brisket. I like my brisket lean but juicy, and this was spot on. No big gross chunks of fat. It maintained a great balance with the pickles and sauce. Collard greens were solid as well. Good flavor and perfectly cooked. Service was excellent too. Everyone was nice and accommodating. I'm definitely coming back. Highly recommended.

Kirstjen L.

Google
I ordered the pulled pork which was shredded to the point of looking like threads. I would have preferred bigger pieces so I had something to chew, but it tasted pretty good. I had it with the Carolina BBQ sauce which is tangy and not at all sweet. The greens are delicious. The mac and cheese is super creamy with a nice amount of cracked black pepper. It was $35 when tax and tip was included, which makes for a very expensive fast food lunch for one, but I do have leftovers

Claire W.

Google
Got the ribs and brisket! They were both super flavorful and tender. When the food came out, I was a bit worried that brisket looked a bit too lean but it was so juicy and tender! Also, their BBQ sauces are 10/10 —tangy, sweet, and savory. Loved their pickles too!! The staffs are super helpful and friendly. Highly recommend 💯🫶

Dareth C.

Google
The corn bread with honey butter might be the best corn bread i’ve ever had in my life. The mac and cheese is up there too. Beef brisket is 10/10, rib tips are a little dry but still delicious. Will be back. We ordered the beef brisket sandwich with fries, cornbread, and a side of mac and cheese, and rib tips with a side of cornbread.

John B.

Google
Man, how can you not love brisket like this? Fatty and DELICIOUS. Potato salad has room for improvement. Seems like the sides are still being refined but the meats are no joke. Place smells incredible inside. Fantastic spot to have in the loop.

Andrew W.

Google
This place is absolutely legit. It looks like this tiny little fast casual spot, but this is seriously some of the best BBQ I've had in the city. The brisket sandwich, smoked mortadella on homemade focaccia, and the citra hops sauce were phenomenal. Cannot recommend highly enough.

John M.

Google
Great BBQ in the heart of the Loop! My faves were the brisket, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, fries, and potato salad! I liked the murals on the walls too.
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NaywriChi W.

Yelp
Ahh! This used to be Chicago's Beef and Brew and before that Al's Beef remember that? The Industry Ales people are behind this. I had there Braised Greens and they were very good. PS. Industry Ales is going to open late Summer.
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Stephanie C.

Yelp
My coworkers and I journeyed here today for lunch. When we arrived, there were issues at the register and it looked like we would be leaving without delicious BBQ. The manager swooped in and gave us all lunch at no cost, as he tried to fix the problem. Great customer service, that will bring me back. The Brisket sandwich was delicious and the pickles!! The Mac and cheese just ok and overpriced at $7. The ambience is a typical fast food scene. Overall good food, but slightly overpriced.
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Donald M.

Yelp
Food was great!!! All three sandwiches we ordered were yummy. 1. Brisket perfect flavor not fatty and bbq sauce was good. Not too sweet. 2. Fried chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce. Perfect. 3. Pulled pork was good not fatty either.
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Cam M.

Yelp
I stopped by on a whim with my girlfriend. We were walking down Wabash and saw "BBQ"...and after a quick glance at the menu we went in. The staff members were friendly and efficient. The location itself is inviting. It's hard to go wrong with red and black. The food tho. All of the above were great, but the food is why we will be back. It was just that good. My girlfriend had baby back ribs-they were good. I had a brisket sandwich and fries which were great. I see us coming back within a month to try more items for a weekend lunch.
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Michelle P.

Yelp
This was a little disappointing for me. I was so excited to see a BBQ sign right around the corner from my office. But I was hoping for a lunch platter for a reasonable price. 1/4 lb of pulled pork for $14 with one sauce and a small cup of potato salad for $5? This is way more than I want to spend for a takeout lunch. Smoque at Revival offers the same items with 2 sauces for $14 total. If it was incredible BBQ, I might be willing to pay, but the pork was 1/3 a stringy chunk of fat swimming in juice. I'd like to try other items, but they're even more expensive. And when I checked out, they had the minimum suggested tip set at 18%. Are you kidding me? What a bummer. I likely won't go back.
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vernon c.

Yelp
I can only rate this spot based on the smoked wings...That's all I ordered. Long story short...The wings are big and meaty with a smokey delicious taste...I would have liked them cooked a little longer and skin crisper but that's nitpicking. Cant wait to try the ribs and other bbq items on the menu.
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Alecia G.

Yelp
I ordered online and felt that the pickup process could have been better. I stood at the pick-up counter for over 5 minutes with no one behind the counter acknowledging me even though there were several people working. I ordered the 1/2 slab ribs, brisket, mac & cheese, and greens. The greens were good but I was disappointed that most of the container was liquid. Mac & cheese was just ok. The stars of the show were the brisket & house made bbq sauce.

Michael B.

Yelp
The BBQ here is great! I had a pulled pork sandwich, potato salad and cornbread. It was so yummy!!!!!! I will be back!!!

Flori B.

Yelp
My favorite items on the menu just delicious by the way brisket sandwich mac cheese corn bread oh yea fresh fresh fries always Great place easy in and out great food and service. What else can you ask for. Oh yea they have these Muriel's on the walls looks great

Charlee C.

Yelp
the restaurant is new and they are still getting everything g together. everybody is so nice and welcoming I had a half slab of ribs and bean all were delicious I didn't even have sauce in my ribs and they were still delicious I recommend this place and wish them all the luck with their new restaurant

Lejla B.

Yelp
Great food and very friendly people Chicken sandwich. Brisket sandwich are my favorites Corn bread excellent fresh fries were great hot and perfect salt mac and cheese was very good as well. Overall def recommend clumsy cow bbq I even liked the music that was playing

Bledar B.

Yelp
I ate here with my wife last week and the brisket was delicious! Service was efficient! We also ordered the Mac & Cheese and cornbread which were also so gooood. I'm a cornbread frantic so when I tell you their cornbread is good, it's great! Highly recommend for a meal, nice inside dining area right on Wabash!
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Shannon B.

Yelp
Definitely check this place out. I got the pulled pork sandwich and my partner had the brisket and baked beans. Oh and we had sweet tea. My sandwich was juicy and delicious. The brisket was nice and juicy a good fatty piece of meat. And the baked beans were way better than the usual ones we've had at BBQ joints. This will be a place we visit again, next time we're in Chicago.

Jason M.

Yelp
Food was good but the service was terrible. My two coworkers ordered a salad and some of the ingredients were missing when we ask about it was told well we changed some of the recipes. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich and fries. Got the sandwich but the fries come out 5 minutes later. Every came out piece meal. And we were the only customers in the place.

Adam A.

Yelp
Overall delicious barbecue. Seem to be a bit more Carolina-style barbecue with their mustard based sauces on their pulled pork and what not. Tangy, spicy potato salad rich with flavor. Service could maybe be a bit more personable but overall worth the time and money

Carter E.

Yelp
Had the buffalo chicken sandwich. Service was good and the atmospheres was traditional fast food. Sandwich was good but overpriced in my opinion.

Ro R.

Yelp
The bbq rib tips were tuff i asked if i could get something else after one bite the cashier said the manager is not there to give me something else so i requested a refund they told me leave my number i would be contacted about my refund no one has called me

Don S.

Yelp
I really like this place. Convenient to Millenium Park for take out BBQ while watching summer concerts. Ribs were excellent. Great, fast service. Good value.

Sophia D.

Yelp
Delicious new BBQ joint in an awesome location. We will absolutely be back for more brisket, which was tender and super flavorful. Also tried and loved a bunch of sides: baked beans, chili, coleslaw, cornbread (although the honey butter needs more honey!), and braised greens. It's fantastic to see a new restaurant in the neighborhood! (The rib tips were tasty but a bit tough for my preference, with more bone than meat.)

John M.

Yelp
Great BBQ in the heart of the Chicago Loop! My faves were the brisket, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, fries, and potato salad!