I was also a dedicated Glass Dome Hickory Pit guy, where we went nearly every Sunday night. What I liked about the ribs were that they required a good gnawing and tug, they could be prepared well-done ("burnt like bacon" was how I would order them; my father asked for his "incinerated") with no sauce (on the side only) and that the slab itself was a well-trimmed entity consisting of alternating struts of meat and bone, with no floppy, flappy top meat or other awful and fatty distractions.

As such, I, too, have long been in search of a Hickory Pit replacement. I continue to mourn its demise, and have even driven by on a couple of occasions hoping against hope that they re-opened but somebody forgot to tell me (all hope was lost when I saw on my last drive-by that the even the building was gone.)

My two closest approximations: Gibson's (make sure to tell them not to cut up the ribs, something they tend to do) and Rosebud Steakhouse on Walton.

Sweet Baby Rays in Wood Dale has some of the blandest BBQ Ive ever eaten. It looks great but I was very unimpressed tastewise.

I put my vote in for I57 Rib House... The ribs are a bit non-traditional from many other ribs in Chicago... more on the saucy side, but not smokey sauce, more hot sauceish. The Ribs are interesting if nothing else... The ribs come in a sauce atop fries with bread and cole slaw on the side... Quite yummy.


I57 Rib House
1524 W 115TH St
Chicago, IL 60643-4322
(773) 429-1111

You <I>can</I> call ahead with your order, but they won't prepare your rib order until you show up... so either way you have to wait in their waiting room...

As the name suggests, its RIGHT AT I57 and 115th... So its safe to get to, too... http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/36785965

There is awesome smokey goodness at Hillary and Cooks in maywood. I and other people I know think it's the best BBQ around. Excelent Ribs and tips don't expect babybacks its a straight forward carryout joint. Great Mild and wicked hot sauce. The mild is my favorite. Its very succulant with the smokey ribs but they taste good without sauce also. It's just a hole in the wall place in an intimidating neighborhood but I never had a problem. The people are nice and service is fairly Quick. Its just north of 290 on 17th ave about three blocks on the west side of the street before the tracks. I don't think anyone that goes there would be dissapointed. Its a real BBQ SHACK not at all generic. Another great thing! You can get a full slab and large tip for about 20 bucks!

G Wiv wrote:

stevez wrote:The pulled pork is just about the only thing that I consider decent enough to make a trip for at SBR's

And ask for sauce on the side!
Enjoy,
Gary

Hot diggity! Now that's my kinda sandwich! How much does she run ya?

Greasy Spoon wrote:Hot diggity! Now that's my kinda sandwich! How much does she run ya?

$5

Two great SOUTH side wood burning BBQ shacks...Exsenators has good spare ribs and the hot sauce is done well. Love to see this list grow and photos of your goto BBQ joints! Or just great photos of spares and babys

Best Bar B Que
1648 West 115th Street
Chicago, IL 60643
773 239-1522

Exsenator's Ribs
3349 West 159th Street
Markham, IL 60428
708 333-1211
http://exsenatorsbbq.com/

Glad you enjoyed them. Exsenators has been discussed on a few threads on lth.

I'm suprised nobody has mentioned Gale Street Inn, my personal fave at 4914 N. Milwaukee in Chicago.

http://www.galestreet.com/

HonestMan wrote:I'm suprised nobody has mentioned Gale Street Inn, my personal fave at 4914 N. Milwaukee in Chicago.

http://www.galestreet.com/

There's plenty of discussion of Gale Street Inn, just not in every thread.

See Gale Street Inn menu items and Google search results.

HonestMan wrote:I'm suprised nobody has mentioned Gale Street Inn, my personal fave at 4914 N. Milwaukee in Chicago.

http://www.galestreet.com/

What do you like most about the ribs? And be HonestMan

Cbot wrote:

HonestMan wrote:I'm suprised nobody has mentioned Gale Street Inn, my personal fave at 4914 N. Milwaukee in Chicago.

http://www.galestreet.com/

What do you like most about the ribs? And be HonestMan

I love the sauce, and the ribs aren't as greasy as some other places I've been to. My second go to place would be Smoque and Twin Anchors.

Here's a GOOD one for the list. Half rack w/mild on the side. The babys were good, decent/medium smoke taste to them and nice tug ad chew. Dry rub can use a bit of heat. Mild sauce served hot in a cup on the side was ok. I thought I tasted cinnamon in the ribs? Overall good will be back for more.

Chuck's Southern Comfort Cafe
6501 W 79th st,
Burbank IL 60459
708 229-8700 ‎
http://www.chuckscafe.com/