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Chicago q
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chicago q
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
A Gold Coast barbecue destination that leans upscale in the dining room while staying classic on the smoker. It’s strongest when you build a platter-style meal around ribs and brisket, then round it out with Southern sides that hold up at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis-style ribs, Brisket, Bacon cheddar hush puppies
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Upscale Southern BBQ built around a serious wood-smoked program.
Who should go: BBQ fans doing a nicer night out
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing
What to order: Ribs, brisket, hush puppies
Insider tip: Order one rib + one brisket play, then let sides fill the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available in the evening (typically $12–$15); limited street parking nearby and fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but most diners look polished rather than casual.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is easy early in the evening, but expect a buzzier room during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 10–15 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and salads.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few vegetable sides may work, but not a full meal without mixing items.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many smoked meats are gluten-free; sauces and sides should be confirmed with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something lively and memorable. It’s a little messy, but the polished room and shareable platters make it fun rather than awkward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are tough — reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids. There’s space and familiar food, but the vibe skews adult, especially later at night.
Best For
Better for: Upscale BBQ experiences, group celebrations, and diners who want classic smoked meats in a polished Gold Coast setting.
Skip if: You want casual counter-style BBQ, fast service, or a quiet, low-key meal — neighborhood smoke joints or lunch-only spots may suit you better.
Chicago q
8.4
A Gold Coast BBQ dining room that treats ribs like a centerpiece: smoky, sauce-ready, and built for shareable platters with sides that actually hold up. The move is to commit to one rib lane and one classic comfort side, then let the table pace the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Louis Style Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Brisket Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Upscale BBQ room with high-volume, ribs-first credibility.
Who should go: Ribs fans who want a sit-down BBQ night
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier seating and faster pacing
What to order: Louis Style ribs, baby back ribs, brisket meatballs
Insider tip: Order one rib platter first, add sides after it lands.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available in the evenings; limited street parking nearby and can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean a bit dressier for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy enough for table conversation, but it has an energetic dining-room hum.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, and vegetables rather than full mains.
Vegan options: Very limited—some vegetable sides may work, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Several meat options are gluten-free if ordered without certain sauces; confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a relaxed but polished dinner—ribs are shareable and fun, though it’s better for casual chemistry than ultra-formal vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning overall, but older kids who enjoy BBQ will be comfortable; it’s less suited for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down BBQ nights where ribs are the star and sides feel intentional, not an afterthought.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual counter-service BBQ or a menu with broad vegetarian or vegan options.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm