Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the River

"D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick have slowly created a barbecue empire in Chicago with restaurants in suburban Evanston and a space along the Chicago River in Avondale. The brisket, moist and well-spiced, is among the best in Chicago, proving the Midwest isn’t just about links, chicken, and ribs when it comes to smoked meat. But fans of spare ribs won’t be disappointed, and the smoked link is a revelation. Being Chicago, it’s not a true experience without rib tips, and outside along the river is a great place to enjoy the messy delicacy." - Ashok Selvam

"Chef D’Andre Carter and wife Heather Bublick have brought back barbecue glory to the river. Carter, a South Side Chicago native, has shown an obsession for barbecue with Texas-style brisket, tender baby backs, and more. The operation also has a stall in the Time Out Market Chicago in Fulton Market, a food truck, and the original location in Evanston. Don’t forget about the smoked link." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"Soul & Smoke has a familiar story: a catering business designed for events buys a food truck. But now this outstanding barbecue spot in Evanston has (along with a food truck) a riverfront spot in Avondale. And not only are the meaty brisket and ribs incredible, but the sides (like creamy mac and cheese, cornbread muffins, and spicy baked beans) are all just as great as the meat." - adrian kane, john ringor

"Chef D’Andre Carter’s barbecue is available in Evanston, the West Loop, Soldier Field and within the Rockwell on the River complex, where diners can order at the counter and then take a seat in the dining room or patio depending on the weather. Both offer excellent views that can be savored along with a sampler of brisket, pulled pork, rib tips and housemade pickles. Those looking to get even closer to water can get their meal to go and rent a boat from the Chicago Electric Boat Company." - aimee.levitt, Eater Staff, Samantha Nelson

"Soul & Smoke has a familiar story: a catering business got a food truck and then opened a brick-and-mortar business. The brisket and ribs at this spot located at Rockwell on the River are incredible, and so are the sides like creamy mac and cheese, cornbread muffins, and spicy baked beans. Throw in a refreshing beer on their patio, and you get everything you want out of a summertime cookout without actually cooking. " - john ringor, adrian kane