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Fireplace Inn
$$ · BBQ

1448 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
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ZipPicks Awards

Best BBQ in Gold Coast & Old Town Best BBQ Ribs in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Happy Hour in Gold Coast & Old Town Best Happy Hour Tacos in Gold Coast & Old Town

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Fireplace Inn 7.9
Old Town
Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Sports Bar Central Happy Hour Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings
An Old Town tavern that earns its keep with long-running barbecue ribs in a classic, sports-bar setting. Come for the rib-and-sides comfort meal and treat everything else as supporting cast to the core BBQ order.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ baby back ribs, Courtyard potato, Onion rings
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A ribs-first Old Town institution with a true tavern rhythm.
Who should go: Rib loyalists and game-day groups
When to visit: Weekend afternoons or pre-game evenings
What to order: Baby back ribs, Courtyard potato, onion rings
Insider tip: Go ribs + one side-heavy add-on instead of stacking multiple mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town is limited and competitive, especially evenings and weekends. Nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, hoodies, and game-day gear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during games; quieter earlier in the day or between sports windows.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak sports or dinner hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly sides like baked potato, salads, and onion rings
Vegan options: Very limited — a few sides may work but not a focus
Gluten-free options: Limited — ribs without sauce may work, but cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — it’s lively, informal, and conversation can get interrupted during games.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during the day or early evenings, but expect waits during games or weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy ribs and pub food; the sports-bar energy may be loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, no-frills ribs in a classic tavern setting with TVs and a neighborhood crowd
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for upscale BBQ, quiet dining, or strong vegetarian/vegan options