0 Followers
Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed
8.4
Milt’s BBQ for the Perplexed is a kosher smokehouse in East Lakeview where in-house smoked brisket, ribs, and an award-winning half chicken anchor a small, comfortable dining room. Since 2013 it’s built a following for higher-quality meats, a charitable mission, and a menu that balances barbecue platters with burgers, chili, and vegetarian options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Half BBQ Chicken, Beef Ribs
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Kosher, in-house smoked barbecue where profits support local charities.
Who should go: BBQ lovers needing kosher options and neighborhood warmth.
When to visit: Early evening weeknights to avoid long waits in the compact room.
What to order: Smoked brisket sandwich, half BBQ chicken, beef ribs.
Insider tip: Portions are heavy—split a platter and add chili or sides instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking; availability varies and can be tight during dinner hours and weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and everyday wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is manageable, but it can get livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak times, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian items and sides, though the menu is barbecue-focused.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of non-meat options, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many smoked meats and some sides are gluten-free friendly; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, low-key setting with comforting food and conversation-friendly noise; less ideal for a formal or upscale date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or earlier seatings — expect a wait at peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual environment, approachable menu items, and a family-friendly crowd; better for kids who can sit comfortably in a compact dining room.
Best For
Better for: Higher-quality kosher barbecue, thoughtfully sourced meats, and a community-driven mission that adds purpose to the experience.
Skip if: You want a sprawling Southern-style smokehouse with large-group seating, a full bar program, or late-night dining hours.
Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed
8.2
Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed is a kosher smokehouse turning out brisket, ribs, and wings in a casual Lakeview dining room where families, neighborhood groups, and visiting relatives all mix. Portions can be hefty and prices higher than average, but the charitable mission and crowd-pleasing BBQ keep it on local shortlists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked beef ribs, Brisket chili nachos, Smoked brisket sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A kosher BBQ restaurant where shareable platters and a give-back mission make it a destination for family outings.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting kosher-friendly barbecue platters.
When to visit: Dinner on weeknights or early weekends before reservation slots fill.
What to order: Beef ribs, brisket chili nachos, smoked brisket sandwich.
Insider tip: Sharing a ribs platter plus a couple of sides often feeds more people than the menu implies, which helps offset higher sticker prices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking — metered spots on Broadway and nearby side streets; availability improves after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sweaters, and family-dinner attire are standard.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversational on weeknights, louder during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides, salads, and non-meat items, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — occasional sides may work, but there are few true vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Many smoked meats are naturally gluten-leaning when ordered without bread; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones — portions are big, tables skew family-style, and the vibe leans lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evening, but weekends fill quickly — arrive early or be prepared to wait 30–60 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — staff is accommodating, portions are shareable, and the environment is relaxed and noisy enough for younger kids; best for ages 5+ who can share platters.
Best For
Better for: Kosher-friendly barbecue, generous platters for groups, and a community-driven mission that appeals to families and visiting relatives.
Skip if: You want bargain pricing, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or a bar-centric experience — or prefer non-meat or vegan dining.