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Blackwood BBQ
Master Critic Review
Blackwood BBQ
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucked inside the Merchandise Mart, Blackwood BBQ runs a counter-service line for smoked brisket, pulled pork, and jackfruit with mix-and-match sauces. Office workers and Mart visitors use it as a fast, dependable lunch stop for barbecue platters, salads, and tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brisket Platter, Pulled Pork Platter, 3 Cheese Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Counter-service BBQ inside the Mart where brisket, pulled pork, and jackfruit come in customizable platters, salads, and tacos.
Who should go: Nearby workers and shoppers needing a fast, filling barbecue lunch.
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours when the line moves quickly and meats are freshest.
What to order: Brisket Platter, Pulled Pork Platter, 3 Cheese Mac & Cheese.
Insider tip: Go slightly early or late for lunch and build a brisket or pulled pork platter with extra sauce on the side—seats in the food court fill fast at peak convention times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking inside the Merchandise Mart and nearby garages; limited street parking in the surrounding blocks.
Dress code: Casual — office-friendly but relaxed; come as you are for a quick lunch stop.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush; generally easy to hold a conversation outside peak windows.
Weekend wait: Not typically applicable — this location primarily operates as a weekday lunch spot.
Weekday lunch: Short line at peak lunch hours (5–10 minutes); minimal to no wait slightly before or after noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — jackfruit protein and customizable salads/tacos provide workable options.
Vegan options: Limited — jackfruit and some sides/salads may work, but selections are narrow and sauce choices matter.
Gluten-free options: Partially — platters without bread and some sides can be gluten-friendly; cross-contact is possible in a fast-casual line.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a quick, casual lunch than a first date — it’s counter-service inside the Mart with a practical, cafeteria-style setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are used; seating is shared food-court style and most guests find a spot outside of the peak lunch window.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual daytime visits — simple meats and sides work for kids, but seating is communal and best for school-age children rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable BBQ platters and bowls during the workday with customizable sauces and proteins in a convenient Merchandise Mart setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for slow-paced, sit-down barbecue, dinner service, or a destination experience with full table service.