JimInLoganSquare wrote:Looking at my original post, I see how I could have been more clear about this, but these guys from Boston actually had a different misperception -- they had assumed Chicago has a larger barbecue culture than it actually does in terms of sheer volume and availability -- like there's a smoker on every block or something. In fact, they weren't even really aware of the "baked and slathered" Chicago rib style (which I know because I had to explain that style to one of them who asked about the Carsons sign he had seen on Ontario Street).
stevez wrote:JimInLoganSquare wrote:I've always thought their best product was their pork chops.
And, of course, the chopped liver in the bar.
stevez wrote:
And, of course, the chopped liver in the bar.

I also had a lackluster meal today...I was picking up our new (old) sign at "The Neon Shop" next door...it wasn't ready, so I sampled some of my competition. Ribs, Hot LInk & wings....I'll have to say - the wings were good. I waited about 15 minutes for them, and I can tell you almost 100% - they were the only fresh thing in my bag...5:30pm - smoker was cold. Not just with nothing in it - but cold. I know what a fresh pit looks like, and I'm certain it wasn't even burning a fire today. My ribs were covered in a not-so-great sauce. My link was served in a paper boat, filled to the brim with sauce and then wrapped in wax paper - it looked like a hot dog in ketchup; odd, not natural, blasphemes! Ribs were ok, for reheated ribs, but covered in sauce...and the membrane wasn't pealed so it they had an odd texture. Now, this (membrane) doesn't ruin a fresh slab or ribs - but on a reheated slab of ribs - the membrane tastes (texture) like wax paper.
Service was also very poor: the guys behind the counter were chatting up a friend and had no interest in my order - I value service, even at a small BBQ joint. If talking to your friend about his new TV that you're "fittin' to watch tha' fight on this weekend" is more important than my order - let someone else work the counter that cares about the food and will talk to his friends after he's done being paid to do a job.
I've heard great things about this place from people who's opinion I respect, and I understand that Q varies in quality - but a few things like: the over-saucing of all of the meats (if I do go back, I'll ask for everything dry), the membrane left on the back of the ribs, and the obviously re-heated food didn't impress me enough to try them again.

kenji wrote:Stopped in yesterday. Have some bad news for those that love their Fullerton Ave. location. Was told yesterday they are pulling out and heading to Bronzeville on Stony Island.
Rene G wrote:kenji wrote:Stopped in yesterday. Have some bad news for those that love their Fullerton Ave. location. Was told yesterday they are pulling out and heading to Bronzeville on Stony Island.
It's 43rd Street, not Stony Island.
Rene G wrote:It's 43rd Street, not Stony Island.
spanky wrote:This page is exactly one of the reasons that stops people from frequenting this site. I hear it all the time.
Jeezus.
Kenji was trying to be helpful. There's a better way to fix that.
Be sure to edit what I'm saying "for the mods".
ronnie_suburban wrote:spanky wrote:This page is exactly one of the reasons that stops people from frequenting this site. I hear it all the time.
Jeezus.
Kenji was trying to be helpful. There's a better way to fix that.
Be sure to edit what I'm saying "for the mods".
No offense intended. When we're talking about topics like closings, it's important to be precise.
Thanks,
=R=
for the Moderators
BR wrote:Crushed...not sure where I'll go for my beloved tips now.
ronnie_suburban wrote:When we're talking about topics like closings, it's important to be precise.
nsxtasy wrote:BR wrote:Crushed...not sure where I'll go for my beloved tips now.
Well, you could go to Honey1's new location at 746 East 43rd Street, once they're open there. After all, it's not like they're closing, a la Hot Doug's. Granted, it may not be as convenient to those on the north side, but still, it's a mostly-expressway drive from their old location. Google Maps says that will take 18 minutes, assuming of course that you're not driving on a weekday in prime commuting hours.
nsxtasy wrote:BR wrote:Crushed...not sure where I'll go for my beloved tips now.
Well, you could go to Honey1's new location at 746 East 43rd Street, once they're open there. After all, it's not like they're closing, a la Hot Doug's. Granted, it may not be as convenient to those on the north side, but still, it's a mostly-expressway drive from their old location. Google Maps says that will take 18 minutes, assuming of course that you're not driving on a weekday in prime commuting hours.
gnarchief wrote:As a someone without a car, Honey1 was my go-to for tips and links. It's going to be a rough loss for the neighborhood.
kenji wrote:If someone already had a photo of the new place how come they didn't make a post in this thread about the news? Just wondering.....