I have to say that the people working here are very sincere.

However, they are likable people who need to create more likable food.

In particular, *dial down the salt*. The fries were pretty good, you know, but I do not need to see them salted like Lake Shore Drive in January. Same with the mac&cheese: there should not be the actual texture of salt in mac&cheese, in every bite. That is just either insecurity in your cooking or deliberate dissimulation. Nothing needs to be that salty, ever.

The coleslaw was unspeakably horrible as noted by others.

The brisket was edible tho not that fresh? I'd like to see if the chicken would be a little closer to freshly prepared. I like this *kind* of food, but seriously, the execution borders on sabotage. Don't take the top of the salt shaker off when you use it. Ribs&Bibs in Hyde Park can turn out this chow without hiding behind the salt, at much lower prices, so can you.

kenji wrote:Your profile says you are from out by O'Hare, which I thinks means you live that way. What's out there BBQ -wise that you might buy from for take out or eat in on say a Tuesday night at 7pm 15 minutes after you get home from work.

The Hyatt Regency and Sweet Baby Ray's.

LAZ wrote:The Hyatt Regency

Intrigued by the prospect of an airport hotel all you can eat BBQ buffet, even with "Maybe it isn't real barbecue, but it's among the best imitations you're likely to find quite so close to O'Hare" or possibly because of, I called to inquire. American Grill no longer serves BBQ and had the smoker removed. It seems odd they would remove the smoker, and I would call later to confirm, but was informed they are closing early today due to light hotel occupancy.

LAZ wrote:Sweet Baby Ray's

Thanks for the link/URL to talk of SBR. Interesting thread.

Everytime I'm on that stretch of road it's not time to eat so I never ventured in.

G Wiv wrote:

LAZ wrote:The Hyatt Regency

Intrigued by the prospect of an airport hotel all you can eat BBQ buffet, even with "Maybe it isn't real barbecue, but it's among the best imitations you're likely to find quite so close to O'Hare" or possibly because of, I called to inquire. American Grill no longer serves BBQ and had the smoker removed. It seems odd they would remove the smoker, and I would call later to confirm, but was informed they are closing early today due to light hotel occupancy.

I didn't call before posting but checked the O'H American Grill page on the Hyatt's website, which still lists "slow-smoked Beef Brisket" among the dinner items. It does seem odd that they would get rid of the smoker, since it was one of the portable Southern Pride types. Perhaps too many people had a hard time with the concept of barbecue at a hotel -- and it really felt very disconnected from the dining room's Space Age decor. Too bad. I kept meaning to go back for the smoked prime rib.

Here's a photo of the brisket they used to serve:

I just read via their facebook page that they are already planning a second location.

Seems a little fast for them to expand...no?

soltro79 wrote:I just read via their facebook page that they are already planning a second location.

Seems a little fast for them to expand...no?

They may not have very good BBQ, but if this is true, they've got balls large enough to fill the Grand Canyon. Hopefully they've got a wallet to match.

I just hope they're familiar with Berry Chill...