"Remember when you were little, and kids with summer birthdays got to have pool parties? This place doesn’t have a pool, but you can channel the same energy with a backyard BBQ-style get-together. Plan to start off at the huge bar in the center of the restaurant (since you can’t make a reservation). Once you secure a picnic table, get in the cafeteria-style line, which moves quickly. Then, you’ll have all the time in the world to eat ribs and be glad you’re not relying on your drunk friends to oversee the grill." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen, john ringor
"This BBQ spot is where to go when you and all your friends call in “sick” after that wedding. The food is served cafeteria-style, and you can get meats like ribs, brisket, or pastrami by the half-pound. Inside, it feels like a fancy warehouse, with communal picnic tables that can seat large groups. It gets crowded even during the week, so a good strategy is to divide and conquer—have someone grab a table while another person goes through the line. Then, hope that person doesn’t call in “sick” and leave with all the food." - adrian kane, john ringor, nick allen, veda kilaru
"This BBQ spot doesn’t take reservations and is often crowded. But the chance of getting a table increases significantly during the week. The food is served cafeteria-style, and you can get meats like ribs, brisket, or pastrami by the half-pound. The space feels like a fancy warehouse, and when it’s nice out, you can sit at one of the communal picnic tables outside. A good strategy is to divide and conquer—have someone grab a table while another person goes through the line. Then, hope that person actually comes back with the food." - adrian kane
"Green Street is from the people behind Au Cheval, and somehow (whether it’s burgers, Italian food, ramen, or BBQ) everything this team does is fantastic. We suspect there’s some sort of Faustian deal going on. But we’re not here to talk about that, we’re here to tell you about their barbecue. Their meaty ribs have such a fantastic rub that they don’t need any sauce. Also, it would be irresponsible for us to not mention that their pulled pork is excellent. Order sides like broccoli salad, macaroni salad, Frito pie, cornbread with honey butter, and prepare to require an embarrassing amount of napkins." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Green Street Smoked Meats in the West Loop, part of the complex with Sawada Coffee and High Five Ramen, has one of the best takeout operations in the city. Barbecue is one of the best cuisines for takeout and delivery, and Green Street’s brisket, links, and smoked turkey breasts are wonderful. Consistency is the key, and Green Street is royalty." - Eater Staff