Slab BBQ - South Shore

I've been wanting to try this place after reading Nick K's article in the Tribune. I was able to stop by recently driving back to the city from Bourbonnais, but was surprised there wasn't already a post about Slab BBQ on the site. The article covers everything pretty well so I'll just add my personal experience (sorry, no pics as I was pretty hungry when I got home and couldn't wait).

This is a typical Chicago BBQ place (tips, links, ribs, wings, white bread and fries with every order, rotating glass payment window). My order was a tips and links combo, full slab of St. Louis ribs, mac n cheese, and baked beans. All the meats were nicely cooked, nice smoke rings, and smoke flavor. I actually enjoyed the ribs more than the tips, though both were excellent. They have, pork, beef, and turkey meat links. I decided to try the turkey, which were just ok. Would definitely go with the more traditional meat links. Portions are what you expect (i.e. combo = 2 meals or 1 very large meal).

The mild sauce was very well balanced, nice consistency, and just a little heat at the end. I always get the sauce on the side, and it complimented the meat well and was great for dipping the fries.

Like the article mentions, they really give love to their sides. The beans get special mention: perfectly cooked, nice smoke flavor. Fries are a notch above similar places since they are fresh cut, though they may have been slightly undercooked. Cole slaw was solid and not overly watery. Mac n cheese was good too and had actual cheese stretching when spooning bites and not swimming in the yellow liquid goop.

Overall, a place I would definitely return to. There's no seating to eat so maybe on a nice day, get some bbq and find a bench in the area to enjoy. I think I would put Slab slightly below Lem's though above Honey 1 and Uncle J's in my book.

Also, didn't get a look at the aquarium smoker, but there are pics on yelp. And while I was waiting, the pitmaster grabbed a couple wood logs they keep out front so they're not just for show.

The Slab BBQ
1918 E 71st St
Chicago, IL 60649
773-966-5018
M-Th 11am-9pm
F-Sa 11am-11pm
Su 11am-8pm