Bro-N-Law's Bar-B-Q House, Humboldt Park

Here's a short report on an encouraging first visit to a barbecue house I didn't know much about. Bro-N-Law's has been at its current location only about six weeks. The pretty little pit displayed in the window and thin wisps of smoke coming from the chimney called out for further investigation.



Since this was lunch #2, we had to keep it simple so a mini tip ($5.49; $3.99 from 11am-2pm) it was. As the pitman grabbed the length of tips from the smoker, he assessed its doneness by watching how the piece of meat bent and flexed: a good sign. The mini order comprised an entire foot-long cylinder of pork hacked into unusually thin slices (plus fries, sauce and bread).



The meat showed a rosy ring and had the delicate flavor of apple and hickory smoke. Even though it was thinly sliced, the meat offered a bit of resistance to the teeth. The surface had a nice light crust while the interior was juicy but not particularly fatty (a bit more time in the smoke probably wouldn't have hurt though). I don't think I ever used such words to describe rib tips but these tasted fresh and clean. It's been a while since I've been so impressed by a blind visit to a Chicago barbecue house. I have my fingers crossed it wasn't a fluke.

Bro-N-Law's used to be located a half mile east, at 3334 W Chicago.



Longtime Chicago ribeaters might recognize that address as the former home of Fredine's.

Bro-N-Law's Bar-B-Q House
3820 W Chicago Av
Chicago
773-265-8344
Bro-N-Law's on Facebook

Rene G wrote:Even though it was thinly sliced, the meat offered a bit of resistance to the teeth.

I was really worried about these tips immediately after the very first bite because of this resistance. But I just kept reaching for more pieces because of their beautiful smoky meaty flavor profile. Even having tried them after a big niu rou mian/zha jiang mian hand-pulled noodle lunch (more to come), I was still strongly considering polishing off the whole tray!

Looking forward to a repeat visit.

#3 son is moving to the Humboldt Park area this very weekend...looks like I have some new places to explore.