ZipPicks Awards
Best BBQ in Near West Side
Master Critic Review
Jimmie Gs on Kedzie
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A soul-food-and-BBQ hybrid built around hearty, plate-style comfort rather than a pure smokehouse experience. The best strategy is to keep the order classic—pick one main and two familiar sides—then treat it as a practical takeout stop instead of a destination dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rib tips, Catfish dinner, Mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 6.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: BBQ-and-soul-food plates designed for big comfort and quick turnaround.
Who should go: Plate-lunch regulars craving ribs and sides.
When to visit: Lunch hours for the fastest pacing.
What to order: Rib tips, catfish dinner, mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Stick to the core plates and reliable sides instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking nearby; generally manageable compared to busier corridors, but allow a few extra minutes during peak meal times. Best move is quick in-and-out for pickup if you’re driving.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, work clothes, and jeans all fit in. Come comfortable and ready for a messy, saucy plate.
Noise level: Low to moderate—more quick-service energy than a loud dining room, and usually easy enough to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min (often faster for takeout than dining-in, depending on order size).
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min (typical quick turnaround, but fried items and larger combo plates can take longer).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some sides can make a small meal (think classic comfort sides), but this is primarily a meat-and-plate spot.
Vegan options: Very limited—most of the menu is BBQ/soul-food focused, so vegan-friendly choices are not the strength here.
Gluten-free options: Limited and not guaranteed—BBQ sauces, breading (fried items), and cross-contact can be an issue. If you’re sensitive, stick to the simplest grilled/BBQ proteins and plain sides, and confirm details when ordering.
Best For
Better for: Big, filling BBQ-and-soul comfort plates at a budget-friendly price point—best when you want a reliable main + two sides meal that feels hearty and satisfying.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re specifically chasing true smokehouse craft, a polished dine-in experience, or strong vegetarian/vegan options—this is built more for comfort-value takeout than destination BBQ.