One cold and windy Chicago night, my parents decided it was time to make another trip to the BBQ mecca known as Smoque. We were no strangers to this Chitown smoked meat shop and should have known just how long the wait would be on a Saturday evening.
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| Waiting in line outside. Just looking at this makes me cold! |
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| Smoque's chalkboard menu. Simple and delicious. |
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| Smoque's dining room. After ordering at the counter, you are seated by Smoque's staff. |
After waiting one hour in the brisk weather, we scooted our way inside to order off of Smoque's chalkboard menu. Smoque offers an array of meats from pulled pork and smoked brisket to sausage, ribs and chicken. Meats are available both on sandwiches and as a platter served with two sides. Sandwiches are served with coleslaw and one additional side such as macaroni and cheese, fries, cornbread or beans. On many previous visits I stuck to the barbecue pork and was always pleased.
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| Still waiting in line to order... |
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| Excuse the glare...Smoque was featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives |
This time around, I had my heart set on trying Smoque's barbecue brisket. I still wanted a taste of pork so I opted for the half and half sandwich, half brisket, half pork aka the best of both worlds. Now, believe it or not, I'm not a huge french fry fan, but one of the only places I order a side of fries is at Smoque. These are the best french fries I've ever had in my life, let alone in Chicago. You get an entire mini brown bag per order, it doesn't get much better than that! I also wanted to try the macaroni and cheese side and each platter comes with coleslaw.
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| Half & half sandwich with coleslaw, fries and macaroni and cheese |
The pork was by far my favorite of the two meats because it was super tender and full of smoked flavor. While the sliced brisket was also tender, it lacked the flavoring the pork had. The macaroni and cheese was extremely rich and savory. Two bites and I had to stop from cheesy-overload (in a good way). The coleslaw was vinegar-based and added a nice acidic balance to the meat. You already know how I feel about Smoque's fries...get them, enough said. I enjoyed the barbecue sauce and took a liking to Smoque's spicy barbecue sauce (be sure to ask for it) which was thicker and had just the right kick.
My parents both went with the sliced brisket in platter and sandwich form. From the looks of their empty plates, I know they enjoyed it! My mom also got a half barbecue chicken to go for the next day, because, let's be honest, after waiting in line for an hour, you'll want to stock up before your next visit!
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| Sliced brisket, barbecue beans, coleslaw and fries |
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| Sliced brisket sandwich with fries and coleslaw |
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| Half barbecue chicken |
Overall Smoque gets 4 stars for its smoky pork, the best fries on the planet and, did I mention, it's BYOB?! Get in line, grab a six pack, and for the last time, try those ridiculous french fries (and pork)!
Smoque
www.SmoqueBBQ.com
3800 N. Pulaski
Chicago, IL 60641
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