What is the best Bbq restaurant in River North?

Weber Grill Restaurant is our top pick for Bbq restaurants in River North, scoring 8.5/10. Charcoal-kettle grilling and a big menu of classic BBQ plates in a centrally located, always-busy room.

Any insider tips for Weber Grill Restaurant?

If you’re with a group, share ribs and a brisket plate to sample more of the smoker section in one visit.

What should I order at Weber Grill Restaurant?

BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Beer Can Chicken, Prime Beef Brisket.

When should I visit Weber Grill Restaurant?

Evenings and weekends before or after downtown events.

Who should go to Weber Grill Restaurant?

Families, groups, and convention-goers wanting classic grilled BBQ.

Any insider tips for Bub City?

Plan an early dinner reservation, then stay through the first live set so you can actually taste the BBQ before the room gets rowdier.

When should I visit Bub City?

Evenings and game days when the room, bar, and stage are busiest.

Who should go to Bub City?

Friends wanting BBQ, whiskey, and a lively, music-driven night.

Any insider tips for Blackwood BBQ?

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.

When should I visit Blackwood BBQ?

Weekday lunch hours when the line moves quickly and meats are freshest.

Who should go to Blackwood BBQ?

Nearby workers and shoppers needing a fast, filling barbecue lunch.

Best Bbq Restaurants in River North (60654)

Q: What should I order at Bub City?

Giddy Up Fries, 18 Hour Beef Brisket, Brisket Chili.

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Weber Grill Restaurant

Charcoal-kettle grilling and a big menu of classic BBQ plates in a centrally located, always-busy room.

Notable Picks

#1 Weber Grill Restaurant

8.5

$$$ River North

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Business Lunch Power Players

Weber Grill Restaurant is a long-running River North fixture built around charcoal-grilled steaks, slow-smoked barbecue plates, and a large, crowd-friendly dining room. Locals lean on it for reliable ribs, brisket, and beer can chicken before shows, shopping, or downtown events.

Must-Try Dishes: Beer Can Chicken, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Prime Beef Brisket

What makes it special: Charcoal-kettle grilling and a big menu of classic BBQ plates in a centrally located, always-busy room.

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#2 Bub City

8.3

$$ River North

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Sports Bar Central Live Music Showtime Trendy Table Hotspots

Bub City is a high-energy country bar and BBQ joint known for live music, whiskey, and game-day platters in the heart of River North. The kitchen leans into hearty smoked meats and shareable snacks, making it a go-to for nights that blur from dinner into drinks.

Must-Try Dishes: Giddy Up Fries, 18 Hour Beef Brisket, Brisket Chili

What makes it special: Loud, country-leaning BBQ bar where whiskey, live bands, and hefty smoked-meat plates share the spotlight.

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Worthy Picks

#3 Blackwood BBQ

7.6

$ River North – Merchandise Mart

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

What makes it special: Counter-service BBQ inside the Mart where brisket, pulled pork, and jackfruit come in customizable platters, salads, and tacos.

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