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Offset BBQ

1720 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
$$
Barbeque

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Master Critic Review

Offset BBQ 8.5
Humboldt Park
Offset BBQ is a Humboldt Park smokehouse from industry vets serving St. Louis–style ribs, brisket, and smoked turkey just off the 606. Ribs come with a choice of sauces and sides, and the room runs casual enough for weeknight trays, takeout, or a post-trail meal.
Must-Try Dishes: St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs, Chicken Fried Ribs, Meet Our Meats Platter
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood smokehouse focused on slow-smoked ribs and meats just off the 606.
Who should go: BBQ fans wanting serious ribs without leaving the neighborhood.
When to visit: Early dinner or weekend afternoons to avoid peak lines.
What to order: St. Louis ribs, chicken fried ribs, and a meat platter to share.
Insider tip: Mix sauces—get ribs dry and taste through the whole sauce lineup at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; availability varies and can tighten during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, tees, and trailwear are common
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, livelier during weekend rush
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes at peak; faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — sides and salads are the safest options
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is primarily meat-focused
Gluten-free options: Several meats and some sides can be gluten-free when ordered without bread or sauce; ask when ordering
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than formal ones — trays, shared platters, and a relaxed room make it low-pressure rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly. Arrive earlier in the evening on weekends to minimize waits, or order takeout if the line is long.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, shareable platters, and familiar sides work well for families; earlier hours are more comfortable for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Smoky, rib-first plates in a low-key neighborhood setting where sharing trays and mixing sauces is part of the appeal.
Skip if: You want a full-service, upscale BBQ experience, extensive vegetarian options, or a quiet, special-occasion dining room.

Hours

Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 8pm