eatchicago wrote:The correct list from Chicago Mag.

Fat Willy's
Honey 1
Honky Tonk
Smoke Shack (800 W. Altgeld)
Smoque
Sweet Baby Ray's (Wood Dale)

So what was supposed to be five places on the North Side and one in Wood Dale actually turns out to be one place on the South Side, one on the North Side, one in Wood Dale (a west/northwest suburb), and three on the Northwest Side within a block or two of the Kennedy, providing easy access from much of the entire Chicago area.

Funny how the original claim falls apart upon further examination. Now, does someone want to claim that Chicago magazine bends over backwards to favor the Northwest Side?

riddlemay wrote:This is funny (and I bet your guess turns out to be pretty right on) because it underscores that mainstream-media journalism has become so effing predictable. Not just Chicago Magazine, but the Trib, the NYT, on and on.

When you know exactly what the MSM is going to say before they do (and unfortunately, this is more and more the case, whatever the topic), their reason for being becomes less and less.

There are lots of times when I find that discussions on LTH can be just as predictable as any of those other media. And this topic is one such example.

IMO, any list that includes Fat Willy's (their bbq chicken aside- it's the only thing they really do well) earns my doubt. Any list that includes Fat Willy's and excludes Lem's, Babara Ann's and/or Uncle John's doesn't really merit any consideration at all.

Desite the fact that it's a half mile away from me, i have yet to try the Smoke Shack. The revolting photos on this site are enough to keep me away for a while.

As for Calvin's, I kind of like it. Sure, I realize that it is kind of bastardized in that it is precooked then reheated on a grill. However, it does retain a bit of smoky flavor. I haven't been to Calvin's much since Honey 1 opened.

I was wondering f the Wood Dale one was Sweet Baby Rays..talk about mediocre sauce drenched bbq...

So what was supposed to be five places on the North Side and one in Wood Dale actually turns out to be one place on the South Side, one on the North Side, one in Wood Dale (a west/northwest suburb), and three on the Northwest Side within a block or two of the Kennedy, providing easy access from much of the entire Chicago area.

The real point, it seems to me, is that there's no place on the list located in a majority black neighborhood.

What was Calvin Trillin's comment about dining being like going to a non-Jewish cardiologist, and the percentages?

Como es dicho en Wood Dale, la salsa es jefe: The Sauce is Boss.

YourPalWill wrote:IMO, any list that includes Fat Willy's (their bbq chicken aside- it's the only thing they really do well) earns my doubt. Any list that includes Fat Willy's and excludes Lem's, Babara Ann's and/or Uncle John's doesn't really merit any consideration at all.

I agree to your latter point, but as for the former point, I never understood all the vitriol here for Fat Willy's. I'd say Sweet Baby Ray's is the bottom dweller on that list and, before Smoque and Honey 1 opened, Fat Willy's was the only place on the North or Northwest Side I'd bother even going for barbecue. And if you want to take someone out for BBQ who wants more of a sit-down restaurant w/ liquor license feel to it, it's one of the only games in town, in my opinion.

eatchicago wrote:Close, Wiv.

The correct list from Chicago Mag.

Fat Willy's
Honey 1
Honky Tonk
Smoke Shack (800 W. Altgeld)
Smoque
Sweet Baby Ray's (Wood Dale)

Michael,

Close, but no cigar.

Frankly it never occurred to me that Chicago Magazine would include two, of six, relatively new BBQ joints. Of the two new BBQ joints I've been to Smoke Shack and would not include it a best of BBQ Chicago list. I've not been to Honky Tonk so can't comment.

Enjoy,
Gary

I respectfully disagree with Ed that Honky Tonk isn't very good, especially with all of Will's recent tinkering. I encourage visits (where else can you get a no-sauce burnt ends brisket sandwich in Chicago, even if the bread isn't perfect); feel free to PM me if any of you would like a dining companion on your excursion - while most of the credit goes to Hammond for cultivating this relationship, Willie will share many an off-menu treasure with those LTHers interested (just not in mid-May, when he's in Memphis!)

While Chicago sadly didn't include Lem's in this roundup (finally got a look at the article today), they do recommend it on their website and in the magazine; see the link in my post above. My personal preference still leans toward Uncle John's.

Frankly it never occurred to me that Chicago Magazine would include two, of six, relatively new BBQ joints.

I'd look at it the other way: Chicago would never have made such a list until the rash of new places on the north side meant there was enough at-least-passable BBQ in "safe" areas for north shorians with recent plastic surgery to venture into.

Mike G wrote:

Frankly it never occurred to me that Chicago Magazine would include two, of six, relatively new BBQ joints.

I'd look at it the other way: Chicago would never have made such a list until the rash of new places on the north side meant there was enough at-least-passable BBQ in "safe" areas for north shorians with recent plastic surgery to venture into.

Think there's room there for pre-op River Westians?

Santander wrote:While Chicago sadly didn't include Lem's in this roundup (finally got a look at the article today), they do recommend it on their website and in the magazine; see the link in my post above.

I think it may be telling that Chicago Magazine's website gives the wrong location for Lem's, the only southside barbecue house listed. The Lem's at 5914 S State closed over four years ago.

Good catch, Rene. Correct location:

Lem's BBQ House
311 E 75th St
Chicago, IL 60619
773-994-2428

This is actually a "nicer" (well lit, busy intersection, near a police station) location than the State one Chicago was sending its helpless middle class post-op whites to, if you care about that sort of thing.

Santander wrote:This is actually a "nicer" (well lit, busy intersection, near a police station) location than the State one Chicago was sending its helpless middle class post-op whites to, if you care about that sort of thing.

The only part I don't get is "post-op," because I'm not hip enough.

What's it mean?

riddlemay wrote:

Santander wrote:This is actually a "nicer" (well lit, busy intersection, near a police station) location than the State one Chicago was sending its helpless middle class post-op whites to, if you care about that sort of thing.

The only part I don't get is "post-op," because I'm not hip enough.

What's it mean?

Post-operative... a reference to the plastic surgery ads mentioned upthread.

Dmnkly wrote:Post-operative... a reference to the plastic surgery ads mentioned upthread.

Ah. Thanks!

The only association I could make with post-op was "post-operative," and that's the association I made, but it didn't make any sense, so I rejected it. Didn't connect it with the passing reference to plastic surgery above. But as a white northsider who's never had "work" done (nor, as far as I can tell, has anyone else on my block--we're all naturally beautiful), I wouldn't make the connection.

YoYoPedro wrote:I'm with you! They have their own magazine up there! But how they love to drive into the city...

Does this comment actually mean anything? To me, it seems even more annoying than the list that inspired this thread. But, I'm genuinely curious. Tell me, do I really love driving into the city? Do I not?

~~~~~

God forbid Chicago Magazine should try to cater to their readership. How dare those people attempt to perpetuate their livelihoods. The nerve of them!

It's just a list and we all know that lists sell magazines. The funny thing is that when it comes to BBQ, there is hardly a consensus on the matter. It's a topic that's often hotly debated, even across the numerous threads about it that can be found throughout this very forum. The list and the opnions behind it are no less valid than anyone else's around here. So, we're basically just arguing about BBQ again, right? Yeah, that's what I thought. Oh well, at least north shore-bashing makes for a nice, original condiment.

=R=

edited for clarity

ronnie_suburban wrote:

YoYoPedro wrote:I'm with you! They have their own magazine up there! But how they love to drive into the city...

Does this comment actually mean anything? To me, it seems even more annoying than the list that inspired this thread. But, I'm genuinely curious. Tell me, do I really love driving into the city? Do I not?

~~~~~

God forbid Chicago Magazine should try to cater to their readership. How dare those people attempt to perpetuate their livelihoods. The nerve of them!

It's just a list and we all know that lists sell magazines. The funny thing is that when it comes to BBQ, there is hardly a consensus on the matter. It's a topic that's often hotly debated, even across the numerous threads about it that can be found throughout this very forum. The list and the opnions behind it are no less valid than anyone else's around here. So, we're basically just arguing about BBQ again, right? Yeah, that's what I thought. Oh well, at least north shore-bashing makes for a nice, original condiment.

=R=

edited for clarity

Didn't mean to bash the North Shore (too much). I certainly didn't mean to start a feud or anything like that. I just prefer that a magazine I subscribe to keeps its eye on the prize. As a Chicago resident, I read Chicago magazine (when I read it) to find things to do in Chicago. I would guess that other people reading a magazine called "Chicago" magazine would be reading it for the same reason. As an avid AutoWeek reader, it bugs me when they spend time writing about trucks or SUV's, because they are of little interest to me, and there are other magazines that focus primarily on those subjects. As far as Chicago magazine catering to its readership, that's exactly what I was saying. The vast plurality of its readers are from Chicago. Now, regarding your like or dislike of driving into the city, I just don't have enough information to be sure. You aren't the black Range Rover HSE with "NIP TUCK" license plates are you?

http://www.chicagomag.com/images/Advertise/Chicago-Mag_Circulation-Map.jpg

I am shocked Chicago Magazine didnt have Carson's on their list of "great bbq".

Santander wrote:I respectfully disagree with Ed that Honky Tonk isn't very good, especially with all of Will's recent tinkering.

S,

"Tinkering"

Exactly why a relatively new place, BBQ or otherwise, should not be included in a Top of the City list, unless it's a list of recent openings. If a respected publication such as Chicago magazine says Honky Tonk is tops it should be past the tinkering stage and well into steady groove.

Nothing negative about Honky Tonk, as I mentioned I have not been there as of yet, just a general observation.

Stop, hold the presses! It just occurred to me I have made a very basic mistake, I have assumed that the Chicago Magazine list is a Top Of list. Will someone with the magazine, I have not received my current Chicago Magazine yet, please post the what the list of six BBQ joints represents.

Enjoy,
Gary

Did anyone actually read this article? I'm sure not.

If anyone had actually read the article, they wouldn't complain that the list includes so many relatively new places or that it excludes some of the most established places in town.

Why wouldn't someone who actually read the article complain about these things?

Because the article is about new barbecue restaurants. It is decidedly not a "best of" list.

I just went through a year's worth of wet wipes in a month. That's what happens when you volunteer to ricochet around town and sample the latest generation of barbecue joints. Six spots, all new by 'cue standards, were on my agenda - places where unheralded pit masters do smoked ribs and brisket and pulled pork. Even the names conjure up real wood smoke: Fat Willy's Rib Shack, Honey 1 BBQ, Honky Tonk Barbecue, Smoke Shack, Smoque, Sweet Baby Ray's. Who says there's no smoking in Chicago restaurants?

Come on folks. It shouldn't take two pages of discussion before someone actually looks at the article carefully.

G Wiv wrote:Stop, hold the presses! It just occurred to me I have made a very basic mistake, I have assumed that the Chicago Magazine list is a Top Of list. Will someone with the magazine, I have not received my current Chicago Magazine yet, please post the what the list of six BBQ joints represents.

We apparently made the same discovery at the same time. I just took about 20 minutes to thoroughly read the article and post.

"All new by 'cue standards"? Fat Willy's has been around for six years. How does Fat Willy's make the cut but Uncle John's, which is far newer, not?

YoYoPedro wrote:http://www.chicagomag.com/images/Advertise/Chicago-Mag_Circulation-Map.jpg

Clicking on this link reveals that a minority of Chicago Magazine readers lives in the city. (It's the largest single segment, but still a minority. More readers live outside the city than in it.)

Neither here nor there with regard to BBQ, but I found it interesting and surprising. Not earth-shattering, but surprising.

By the way, did you ever think you were reading the next post in a thread, and only later did you realize that you inadvertently had skipped over about a page and a half of them? That's what happened to me, which is why I was clueless on the whole plastic surgery, pre-op post-op thing. I've since gone back to read all the posts I missed. Sincere thanks to Dmnkly again for clueing me in.

... Even the names conjure up real wood smoke: Fat Willy's Rib Shack, Honey 1 BBQ, Honky Tonk Barbecue, Smoke Shack, Smoque, Sweet Baby Ray's. Who says there's no smoking in Chicago restaurants?

What in the world does this mean? Honey, Willy, Honky, Sweet... how the heck do these names "conjure up real wood smoke"? I'd have stopped reading the article for anything but amusement value as soon as I encountered that line.

Kennyz wrote:

... Even the names conjure up real wood smoke: Fat Willy's Rib Shack, Honey 1 BBQ, Honky Tonk Barbecue, Smoke Shack, Smoque, Sweet Baby Ray's. Who says there's no smoking in Chicago restaurants?

What in the world does this mean? Honey, Willy, Honky, Sweet... how the heck do these names "conjure up real wood smoke"? I'd have stopped reading the article for anything but amusement value as soon as I encountered that line.

That line was in the first paragraph of the article.

When Wheaton complains that the beef brisket at Sweet Baby Ray's is dry and tough, is that not to be taken seriously because you didn't think the "Rib Shack" conjured up smoke?

Other than entertainment value, why else would you read the article?

If I may, I think some are taking this a little too seriously.

riddlemay wrote:

YoYoPedro wrote:http://www.chicagomag.com/images/Advertise/Chicago-Mag_Circulation-Map.jpg

Clicking on this link reveals that a minority of Chicago Magazine readers lives in the city. (It's the largest single segment, but still a minority. More readers live outside the city than in it.)

Neither here nor there with regard to BBQ, but I found it interesting and surprising. Not earth-shattering, but surprising.

By the way, did you ever think you were reading the next post in a thread, and only later did you realize that you inadvertently had skipped over about a page and a half of them? That's what happened to me, which is why I was clueless on the whole plastic surgery, pre-op post-op thing. I've since gone back to read all the posts I missed. Sincere thanks to Dmnkly again for clueing me in.

My bad, it's actually a plurality. I edited my post to reflect it. Thanks for pointing it out.

gleam wrote:"All new by 'cue standards"? Fat Willy's has been around for six years. How does Fat Willy's make the cut but Uncle John's, which is far newer, not?

Conspiracy? Scandal?
This place was also left out:
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

Darren72 wrote:

Kennyz wrote:

... Even the names conjure up real wood smoke: Fat Willy's Rib Shack, Honey 1 BBQ, Honky Tonk Barbecue, Smoke Shack, Smoque, Sweet Baby Ray's. Who says there's no smoking in Chicago restaurants?

What in the world does this mean? Honey, Willy, Honky, Sweet... how the heck do these names "conjure up real wood smoke"? I'd have stopped reading the article for anything but amusement value as soon as I encountered that line.

That line was in the first paragraph of the article.

When Wheaton complains that the beef brisket at Sweet Baby Ray's is dry and tough, is that not to be taken seriously because you didn't think the "Rib Shack" conjured up smoke?

Other than entertainment value, why else would you read the article?

If I may, I think some are taking this a little too seriously.

Re. your last question, I might have read the article to learn something about Chicago BBQ joints, but I find that line to be so comically nonsensical that I would instead end up looking for more ridiculous hyberbole and out-of-place "catchy" phrases, so that I could make fun of the author. Probably says more about me than it does about Wheaton.

Kennyz wrote:Re. your last question, I might have read the article to learn something about Chicago BBQ joints, but I find that line to be so comically nonsensical that I would instead end up looking for more ridiculous hyberbole and out-of-place "catchy" phrases, so that I could make fun of the author. Probably says more about me than it does about Wheaton.

Funny - I retract my comment about taking this too seriously.

Chicago (esp the north side) has a reputation for very bad ribs that are not actually smoked as part of the cooking process. I presume nearly everyone contributing to this thread is aware of this. I think Wheaton was just trying to make the point that there are new places that actually smoke their ribs, hyperbole aside.