Carter's Barbecue - West Side Wood Burner

LTHForum,

Big BBQ day for yours truly, unable to resist the sirens song of Ursiform's Mary's Bar BQ post I loafed along a leisurely route making three stops before my final destination. White Castle for a BBQ Pulled Pork Slider, truly horrific, Ferdine's to see if it was still open, it's open and still putting out solid, if unspectacular, tips from it's lump and hickory fired Aquarium smoker, and the subject of this post, Carter's Barbecue, a 2-month-old wood burner on West Chicago ave.



Owner was chatting with a friend just inside the door, noticed I took a picture or two of the exterior and was naturally curious. Said I was a BBQ enthusiast and it smelled pretty darn good in here, though with a spacious kitchen/prep area visible behind bullet-proof glass, and no smoker in sight, I was now the curious one. I asked what type of smoker he was using, "a big one, do you want to see?" Yes sir, I would.

Lo and behold, an Aquarium smoker with accompanying wood pile, just out of sight in a back room.

Carter's Barbecue Aquarium Smoker



Lawrence Carter, owner



Small tip/link please, which set Mr. Carter in motion.

Tips awaiting a 'hatchet job'



Mr. Carter is of the 'cut em small' school, a style choice on his part.




Standard tip/link operating procedure, fries, tips/links, white bread, Mr. Carter's wife makes the sauce, which I asked for on the side.

Small Tip/Link combo




Tips were tasty, nice caramelization, light smoke flavor, little chew, but not tough, scattered delicious fatty bits. Links were standard issue Moo and Oink, which I like, but a wee bit dry. Overall a B-, respectable for a place open just 2-months.

The majority of Carter's business, at least from what I observed, seemed to be chicken wings, which Mr. Carter hand-breaded, and other fast food items. Hopefully as the BBQ side of the business picks up, and they get a little more time under the belt, Carter's will start to inch up the BBQ bell curve.

Three wood burning Aquarium smoker BBQ joints in a row, a damn good BBQ day for this enthusiast.

Enjoy,
Gary

Carter's Barbeque
3801 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60651
773-533-1000

Ferdine's
3334 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60651
773-826-7055

Mary's Bar BQ
606 S. Pulaski
Chicago, IL 60624
773-638-2233

That looks great, G Wiv, I especially enjoyed the hatchet shots!

This also makes it much harder for me to drive to Depot American Diner - I may have to resolve to pick up barbecue AFTER I eat there, perhaps as takeout for dinner or a post meal snack.

Hi,

I appears Carter's is no more. Their phone number belongs now to Petunia's Essentials.

Regards,

tips look great