Smoque BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Old Irving Park ·
Tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and proprietary sauces
![Smoque BBQ by Smoque BBQ [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62470608/smoquebbqbrisket.23.jpg "Smoque BBQ by Smoque BBQ [Official Photo]")
Tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and proprietary sauces
"If you ask someone their favorite place for brisket, there’s a 99% chance they’ll say Smoque (especially if they haven’t tried Soul & Smoke or Umamicue). Understandably—the brisket at this casual BBQ spot in Irving Park is outstanding. But the ribs are too, and shouldn’t be overlooked. They’re smoked over oak and applewood, and coated with a Memphis-style dry rub. You can choose between baby back, St. Louis style, or a combo platter of both—which is what you should do." - adrian kane, john ringor
"Since opening in Old Irving Park in 2006, this Chicago barbecue restaurant — led by owner and pitmaster Barry Sorkin — has earned a reputation as one of the city’s best spots for brisket and ribs, built on a declared 'low and slow' approach and supplemented by a small line of rubs and sauces. When Weber released a newly named pellet smoker (priced at $799/$999), Sorkin objected, citing his long-held trademark and concern that customers could mistakenly assume an affiliation if the restaurant’s sauces appeared alongside the grill; his team issued a cease-and-desist in January and later filed a federal trademark complaint. He went public with the story on social media on June 16 and has circulated a petition that has gathered 381 signatures. Weber responded that its trademark application pertains specifically to pellet smokers and outdoor cooking appliances, noted it does not operate restaurants, and expressed admiration for the restaurant’s contributions to Chicago’s barbecue culture; nonetheless, the owner maintains that the restaurant’s labor-intensive, authentic barbecue results cannot be replicated by backyard pellet smokers and is defending its identity." - Ashok Selvam
"A longtime Chicago barbecue restaurant included among the rotating local favorites returning to the festival, known for its smoked-meat offerings." - Ashok Selvam
"With two smokers to prep meaty St. Louis-style and baby back ribs, tender brisket, and apple-and-oak-smoked pulled pork, this destination in the Northwest Side neighborhood of Irving Park delivers barbecue with nods to Kansas City, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee. During the pandemic, owner Barry Sorkin expanded takeout and outdoor dining options, including a patio in the former parking lot. Takeout and delivery here. Best for: A no-frills diner without a reservation, or for takeout and delivery on a cold winter day." - Ashok Selvam
"A former stall that rebranded in 2023 to focus on sandwiches owned a heavy, single-piece custom smoker that had been offered to a prospective replacement tenant; after the rebrand the company wanted the equipment back. Co-founders say they support a new chef using the old smoker, but ownership and logistics became complicated once it was revealed the smoker belonged to them, and the piece’s weight and location made moving it difficult." - Ashok Selvam
