ZipPicks Awards
Best BBQ in South Chicago
Master Critic Review
Medley Grill & BBQ
8.3
A smoke-and-fire focused South Side counter spot built around non-pork barbecue, with brisket and smoked wings leading the reliability lane. The best move is a tight plate built around one smoked main plus a couple of hearty sides, where the textures stay cohesive and the seasoning reads clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brisket bowl, Smoked chicken wings, Brisket baked beans
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Non-pork BBQ with brisket-forward plates built for repeatable takeout.
Who should go: BBQ fans who want brisket and wings, no pork.
When to visit: Early dinner for best hot-hold timing.
What to order: Brisket bowl; smoked chicken wings; brisket baked beans.
Insider tip: Choose one smoked main and two sides—skip a scattered multi-protein order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking nearby; typically manageable in Avalon Park, but can tighten up around peak dinner hours—give yourself a few extra minutes and park on the calmer side streets if the main stretch is full.
Dress code: Casual counter-spot vibe—hoodies, tees, and jeans all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to have a normal conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10-25 min typical (longer if you’re ordering multiple plates for a group).
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typical—quick in-and-out most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly side-based (beans, potatoes/mac, depending on the day). Best move is a sides plate rather than hunting for a true vegetarian main.
Vegan options: Very limited—most BBQ sides can contain butter/meat seasoning. Ask before ordering; safest approach is selecting the simplest sides.
Gluten-free options: Possible but not guaranteed—smoked meats are often naturally GF, but sauces/seasonings and cross-contact can vary. Order sauce on the side and confirm sides before committing.
Best For
Better for: Non-pork BBQ cravings with a clean, smoke-forward profile—brisket and smoked wings that stay consistent when you build a tight plate (one main + two sides).
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full sit-down BBQ experience with lots of sauces, pork-focused staples, or a big dine-in hang—choose a larger BBQ restaurant if you’re after variety, ribs, and a longer meal.