What is the best Bbq restaurant in Avondale & North Center?

Soul & Smoke is our top pick for Bbq restaurants in Avondale & North Center, scoring 8.4/10. Chef-driven barbecue and soul food focused on smoked prime brisket and rib tips.

Any insider tips for Soul & Smoke?

Preorder online for peak hours to lock in brisket and avoid pickup delays.

When should I visit Soul & Smoke?

Evenings and weekends when the smoker and patio are busiest.

Who should go to Soul & Smoke?

BBQ fans wanting serious smoked meats without downtown crowds.

Any insider tips for Wurst Behavior?

Check for seasonal specials like Oktoberfest brats or holiday paczki-inspired offerings.

What should I order at Wurst Behavior?

Loaded Brat, Smoked Polish Kielbasa, Potato Pancakes.

When should I visit Wurst Behavior?

Evenings and weekends for the fullest menu and energy.

Who should go to Wurst Behavior?

Sausage lovers who want craft beer with their BBQ.

Any insider tips for Mr E Chef's Barbecue?

Watch their social and catering channels for festival pop-ups like Taste of Chicago appearances.

When should I visit Mr E Chef's Barbecue?

Order ahead for weekends, holidays, and game days.

Who should go to Mr E Chef's Barbecue?

Groups and families ordering trays of smoked meats.

Best Bbq Restaurants in Avondale & North Center (60618)

Q: What should I order at Soul & Smoke?

Prime Brisket Dinner, Smoked Duroc Rib Tips, Meat Sampler.

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Soul & Smoke

Chef-driven barbecue and soul food focused on smoked prime brisket and rib tips.

Notable Picks

#1 Soul & Smoke

8.4

$ Avondale

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Quick Bites Champions

Soul & Smoke’s Avondale location at Rockwell on the River is a barbecue and soul food kitchen centered on smoked prime brisket, Duroc rib tips, and hearty sides. Diners rely on it for takeout platters and casual riverside meals built around carefully smoked meats and mac + cheese.

Must-Try Dishes: Prime Brisket Dinner, Smoked Duroc Rib Tips, Meat Sampler

What makes it special: Chef-driven barbecue and soul food focused on smoked prime brisket and rib tips.

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#2 Wurst Behavior

8.1

$$ Irving Park

Vibes: Brewery & Beer Garden Republic Comfort Food Classics Group Dining Gatherings Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Wurst Behavior is a craft Midwestern-inspired smoke house and beer garden in Old Irving Park where sausages, brats, and dogs are smoked in-house daily. Guests come for loaded brats, Polish kielbasa, and pierogi-friendly sides that pair well with local beers in a relaxed indoor-outdoor setting.

Must-Try Dishes: Loaded Brat, Traditional Brat, Smoked Polish Kielbasa

What makes it special: Polish-inspired sausages and brats smoked in-house with a casual beer garden feel.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Mr E Chef's Barbecue

7.9

$$$$ Horner Park

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven Group Dining Gatherings Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Mr E Chef’s Barbecue is a Black family-owned, catering-driven BBQ outfit now operating takeout and delivery from the Rockwell ghost kitchen. The menu leans into Southern-style smoked ribs, rib tips, wings, and sides based on the late Ernest S. Kelley III’s comfort food recipes.

Must-Try Dishes: Smoked Ribs, BBQ Rib Tips, Catfish Nuggets

What makes it special: Family-run BBQ and catering focusing on Southern-style ribs, rib tips, and wings.

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