Smoque BBQ

Smoque BBQ is a barbecue restaurant on North Pulaski Road on Chicago's North West Side, far from the downtown hotels but well worth the journey for anyone who loves smoked meat. It has built a strong following among Chicagoans, and its brisket has drawn praise from a Texas Monthly editor, a notable endorsement given Texas's own barbecue tradition.

Brisket is the dish to order, and the online menu shows the full range of what is available on the day. Barbecue of this kind is usually smoked slowly in advance, so arriving earlier in the day is a sensible way to get the best choice. Sharing a selection among a group is a good way to try more of the menu.

Opening hours are 11am to 8pm from Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am to 8pm on Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday. Online ordering through Toast is available for pickup and delivery, which is useful if you would rather eat in a park or back at your accommodation. Catering is handled by a separate office, open on weekdays, on +1 773-545-8122.

Smoque suits families, groups of friends and travellers who want an informal, good-value meal away from the tourist areas. It is a casual restaurant rather than a place for a formal evening, and it is an easy choice for children. Allow around an hour to eat. Prices are moderate, and the quality of the meat is the main reason to come.

For the restaurant itself, call +1 773-545-7427. Weekend evenings are the busiest time, so a weekday lunch or early dinner is the most relaxed option. If you are short of time, ordering ahead online for pickup avoids any wait at the counter.

The restaurant is on the North West Side, a residential part of the city that most visitors would not otherwise see. It is easiest to reach by car, taxi or ride-share. A visit here pairs naturally with exploring the city's neighbourhoods, and it shows a side of Chicago eating that sits between the deep-dish pizza and fine dining that dominate most guides. If you are heading north-west towards O'Hare airport, it can also make a good last meal before a flight.