0 Followers
Old Crow Smokehouse
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Old Crow Smokehouse
8.2
Old Crow Smokehouse’s Wrigleyville outpost is a high-capacity bar-and-BBQ spot where smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket meet country playlists, a large patio, and game-day crowds. With more than a thousand Google reviews and steady traffic, it’s the play for groups looking to pair pitchers and live entertainment with approachable barbecue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Baby Back Ribs, Burnt Ends, Brisket Mac n' Cheese Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Large-format Wrigleyville bar where smoked meats, country bands, and patio space converge.
Who should go: Groups pregaming Cubs games or planning casual celebrations.
When to visit: Game days and weekend nights for full patio and stage energy.
What to order: Pork baby back ribs, burnt ends, Brisket Mac n' Cheese sandwich.
Insider tip: For quicker service, book earlier time slots before first pitch or headliner sets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; metered street parking and nearby paid garages, but availability drops sharply on Cubs game days and weekend nights.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, jeans, and boots are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during games and live music with limited conversation ability; more moderate earlier in the evening or on non-event weekdays.
Weekend wait: 30–75 minutes without a reservation on game days or during live music; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with easy seating at the bar or patio when weather allows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides and salads can work, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — most items include meat, dairy, or sauces; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some smoked meats and simple sides can be prepared gluten-conscious on request, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, high-energy nights than intimate conversation — it plays best for fun, social dates or post-game meetups rather than quiet one-on-one dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but arrive early on game days or weekends; large groups should plan ahead or expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings with spacious seating and approachable food; it skews adult-oriented and rowdier late at night and during big games.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, pre-game gatherings, patio hangs, and lively nights with music and drinks where barbecue is part of the experience rather than the sole focus.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, chef-driven barbecue, or dietary-restricted menus — a smaller, food-first smokehouse will be a better fit.
Old Crow Smokehouse
8.3
Country-leaning BBQ bar with a multi-level layout, live music, and a rooftop patio overlooking Clark Street. It leans more toward game-day drinking and platters of smoked meats than purist barbecue, but functions as a reliable Wrigleyville meetup with views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brisket, Pulled Pork, Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Smoked-meat platters, country-bar energy, and a rooftop with direct Wrigley spillover.
Who should go: BBQ-and-beer crowds wanting loud, social rooftop energy.
When to visit: Game days and weekend nights for peak rooftop buzz and bands.
What to order: Brisket, pulled pork, Pulled Pork Egg Rolls.
Insider tip: On busy game days, head straight upstairs early to claim a rooftop rail facing Clark.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on game days; expect heavy congestion. Several paid neighborhood garages are available within a few blocks of Clark & Addison.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, jeans, and casual barwear are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and live music; rooftop and interior can be high-energy with limited conversation comfort on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on typical weekends; 60–90+ minutes on Cubs game days or concerts.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during major events or stadium activity.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides, salads, and bar snacks can work with modifications.
Vegan options: Very limited — mostly fries and select sides; menu leans heavily meat-centric.
Gluten-free options: Some smoked meats and salads can be gluten-free with guidance; confirm sauces and buns with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, social dates than intimate conversation — the vibe is lively, sports-driven, and often very loud on weekends and game days.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but arrive early on game days or head straight to the rooftop to improve your chances of finding space.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but evenings and game days skew adult-focused with loud music, drinking crowds, and limited stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, rooftop views over Clark Street, live-music nights, and high-energy game-day meetups.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, purist or competition-style barbecue, or a refined sit-down dinner experience.