Where To Eat Grilled Meats in Chicago (Aside From Your Own Backyard)
via Green Street Smoked Meats
Summer and grilling are pretty much synonymous, because let’s be honest, who actually enjoys cooking outside during the frigid Chicago winter? For anyone looking for that fall-off-the-bone type of meat outside of their own backyard, here are knock-out Chicago restaurants that excel in all things grilled:
Green Street Smoked Meats {112 North Green Street, Chicago, IL; 312.754.0431}
Tucked away in a brick alley in the heart of the West Loop’s vibrant culinary scene, Green Street Smoked Meats has been a neighborhood favorite for years. Nationally acclaimed for their house-smoked, Texas-inspired BBQ, their menu highlights delicious smoked meats offered à la carte or by the ½ lb, as well as sandwiches and sides. Drinks are ordered straight from the expansive central bar, and seating is both communal and first-come-first-served at classic picnic tables spread out between the moody warehouse interior and on the alley patio.
Highlights include:
Prime Sliced or Chopped Brisket
Pork or Beef Short Ribs
Cheddar-Jalapeño Hot Link
Tango Sur {3763 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.477.5466}
Experience an authentic taste of Argentina right in Chicago at Wrigleyville’s Tango Sur. Their grilled meats are prepared in true asado form, slow-cooked over a roaring wood-fire grill, giving their Argentine barbecue a rich, smokey flavor best enjoyed with their house-made chimichurri sauce. Tango Sur is a restaurant rooted in tradition, with an emphasis on meals being a celebration of community and culture, providing both a lively and truly welcoming space for everyone who comes through their doors. Pair your delicious Argentine meal with your favorite bottle or sip, Tango Sur is a BYOB restaurant, and prepare for an unhurried, unforgettable dinner.
Note: You can also visit their non- BYOB siblings: Folklore & Bodega Sur for a similar Argentine Grill experience.
Highlights include:
Parillada (a selection of meats served on a personal tabletop grill)
Vacio (traditional Argentine cut of a 16oz flap meat)
Lomo Relleno (32oz Argentine filet mignon stuffed with ham + chimichurri)
via Frontier
Frontier {1072 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.772.4322}
Adventurous game eaters and groups looking to dive into a whole animal dining experience should book a table at Frontier, a true ‘game lodge’-style atmosphere complete with roaring fires and an expansive all-season patio. Frontier’s menu is filled with bold flavors and adventurous dishes, including smokehouse classics as well as more unusual game options (think fried gator bites + BBQ boar mac n’ cheese...), but their real claim to fame is the ‘Whole Animal Experience’, where groups can choose from a selection of whole animal wild game like pig, wild boar, alligator + more complete with four added sides. Talk about a truly one-of-a-kind dinner outing!
Highlights include:
Smokehouse Beast Feast Platter
Beef Brisket Empañadas
(Famous) Fried Chicken Sandwich
Perilla Steakhouse {225 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.236.9300}
There’s barbecue, and then there's Korean barbecue, which definitely deserves some recognition in this roundup. The team from West Loop’s Perilla Korean Fare opened their new concept off the Riverwalk in 2024, marking the very first Korean steakhouse in Chicago! Their menu combines authentic Korean BBQ with classic Chicago steakhouse vibes, featuring table-side grills for every diner to cook each meat to their exact temperature and liking. Perilla Steakhouse is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour, drinks + dinner and is perfect for an interactive date night or lively group outings.
Highlights include:
Marinated Wagyu Skirt Steak
Miyazaki A5 Wagyu
Heritage Pork Belly
via Smoke Daddy
Smoke Daddy {3636 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 773.227.2583}
Every barbecue lovin’ Chicagoan has probably visited a Smoke Daddy joint at least once in their life, and for good reason. While their OG location in Wicker Park sadly closed its doors earlier this year after an amazing 31 year run, the Wrigleyville location, conveniently located right next to Wrigley Field + Gallagher Way, continues to be a popular and lively hotspot for all things BBQ, beers + blues. All of Smoke Daddy’s meats are smoked in-house daily, and while their ribs and pulled meats are a specialty, you can’t go wrong with any of their BBQ staples. Equal parts good food + good vibes, a visit to Smoke Daddy is a must-try experience for locals and visitors alike.
Highlights include:
Smoked Meat Platter
Carolina-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich
Pulled Meat Nachos
Weber Grill {539 North State Street, Chicago, IL; 312.467.9696}
Why not leave the grilling to the people who know grills best? Chicago’s Weber Grill is situated in the heart of River North, right off of the Mag Mile, and has been a beloved staple for over 20 years. The vibe is casual + friendly, with a menu that lets the grilling do all the talking. All Weber Grill meats are cooked on (you guessed it) giant Weber kettles and their expansive menu offerings also include a variety of non-meat related grilled favorites, including Grilled Gulf Shrimp, Beer Can Chicken, Smoked Carolina
Pork Chops + more! Weber Grill is open for breakfast through dinner, with weekend specials, group dining menus and catering also available. (Fun fact: All Weber grills are actually designed + engineered right in the Chicago area!)
Highlights include:
Hickory Smoked Prime Rib (Saturday special!)
Prime Bone-In New York Strip
Grill Master Combo (Baby Back RIbs, Wings + Spicy Cheddar Hot Link)