Chicago, Illinois' Best South Side BBQ

Barbecue at its best is finger licking, falling off the bone, tangy, smoke flavored good meat. Whether it is pork ribs, hot links, chicken, fish, or just an order of French fries, barbecue has its critics. Some of the best barbecue can be found on the south side of Chicago, from under the train tracks to mom and pop joints as they call them in the old days. These BBQ places will be lined up along the hustling streets of Chicago. While in school we frequent spots that were known to us through our parents. As adults we learn to acquire our own taste and customs that keep us going to certain rib joints. Some people like for the fries to be dipped in the sauce so that the barbecue runs down their chin. Others like for the ribs to be falling off the bone, that way they could dip the bone back in the sauce and enjoy it even more. For me there is nothing like meaty ribs, and fries that compliment it, and sauce that make you want to...well, you know the rest no quoting from Friday after next, but we all know that favorite line.

Some of the places I love to frequent are special occasion spots that make me reminisce on the past. Most of the spots are south although some are across the river heading north, like Carson's Ribs at 612 North Wells Street Chicago, IL 60654-3715 phone number (312) 280-9200. But we all know the best ribs will always be south, whether you are in Chicago or actually down south. For all those that don't know and want to get on the grill, ribs take some time to cook, and its best that you season your meat a couple of days ahead of time, and also pull off that membrane in the back of the rib it is a milky looking skin that will keep your ribs from getting all the flavor and will make them tough. The cook time sometimes if the meat is real meaty is about 3 to 4 hours on the grill make sure they are away from the heat. Did I just give away one of my secrets, I'm going to have to stop teaching and give you guys the best BBQ in the Chicago area.

First restaurant I think is a favorite in Chicago is Leon's, located on 79^th and Stoney Island, 1640 E 79th St. Chicago, IL, 60649, right across from the Regal Theater. This place is a favorite of mines when I want the great tasting fries and a nice plate of rib tips. The sauce alone will have you coming back for more, and more, and more. They have chicken that is smothered in BBQ sauce that trickles down to the fries. I suggest you get a side of fries, and maybe a link to go, better yet they have a sample platter where you can get a taste of the link and chicken with fries, or tips and fish with fries. They are open late to the wee hours in the morning for all you club heads. You will smell the BBQ from blocks away as you travel to feed your hunger. When you enter the establishment you will be greeted by glass block window with one or two people trying to sell you an item like a movie. It's your one stop shop for food and a movie. Don't play them no mind just say no thank you and place your order, it should take no longer than 10 to 15 minutes to get your food, but that depends on how many people are waiting. The best times to go are not lunch or dinner time, if I were you I would go in between these two time periods, three o'clock, or around 8pm, it's a very busy street so be careful. The price range is well worth the food, you won't be spending a whole lot, and that depends on your appetite and how much you eat before you start the car. Oh did I fail to mention there is no where to eat but in your car, this is not a sit down restaurant.

Another good spot on the south side is Uncle John's BBQ, located on339 E 69th Street Chicago, IL 60619 phone number is (773) 892-1233. This spot is a site for sore eyes, but don't let that keep you from tasting some of the best BBQ in Chicago. You won't go wrong when you taste a slab of ribs from this joint. The fries are so good, that's all my son wants to eat sometimes especially when we have them soaked in the BBQ sauce. I am still trying to figure out how they do the sauce, maybe I will get a job there to find out. The food is reasonably priced you will be out of around 15 to 20 for two people to eat and enjoy the meal. The chicken is not the best, but who goes to a BBQ spot for the chicken, ribs and links are what you look for in these spots. I would recommend when you go to not pull out your wallet have cash ready, get in and get out. No I am just playing it's a safe place to go and no there is no place to sit and eat, but just like the first restaurant there's nothing like sitting in your car and enjoying some good BBQ

The last but not least BBQ jewel on the south side is right off the expressway at 1648 W 115th St Chicago, IL 60643 the number is (773) 239-1522. For some of the best links in town, this is the place. I was introduced to this place when we ordered food for mother's day at the church. Those Hot links melted in our mouth, and the sauce was tasty. I enjoy this one so much I visit it on a regular basis when I shop at Wal Mart on 167^thstreet. The food will leave you traveling from the north to the south side like you have a job there. The prices are good, a slab of ribs will run you around 17 dollars, and tips around 8 to 11 dollars. You can call in your order and they will have it ready when you get there. There is a great atmosphere when you visit, and the cashier smiles and befriends you when you come through the door.