Smoque BBQ — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

Fire & Flavor: BBQ Excellence

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smoque BBQ, and I must say, it truly lives up to its reputation. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of smoky goodness filled the air, instantly whetting my appetite.

I started off with their perfectly smoked chopped brisket, and oh boy, it was a game-changer. The meat was incredibly tender, with a beautiful smoky flavor that melted in my mouth. It was evident that the pitmasters at Smoque BBQ take their craft seriously, as every bite was a testament to their expertise.

But the real star of the show was the BBQ gumbo. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was. The combination of flavors was pure genius, with the smokiness of the BBQ trinity, sausage, ribs, and chicken, all cooked to perfection, each with its own unique smoky flavor meat blending harmoniously with the rich and flavorful roux. It was a bowl of pure comfort, and I found myself savoring every spoonful. This dish truly stole my heart.

The sides at Smoque BBQ were just as impressive as the main dishes. The mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, with a perfectly golden crust on top. And let's not forget about the cornbread, which was moist, slightly sweet, and the perfect accompaniment to the smoky meats.

I couldn't help but wonder about the background story behind these incredible dishes. The level of skill and attention to detail that goes into creating such masterpieces is truly commendable. I would love to know more about the pitmasters and their journey to perfecting their craft.

The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every customer felt welcomed and taken care of.

It's no surprise that even Guy Fieri himself has given Smoque BBQ his stamp of approval. This place is a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast. The flavors, the quality, and the overall experience are simply outstanding.

If you're in Chicago and craving some top-notch BBQ, do yourself a favor and head over to Smoque BBQ. You won't be disappointed. It's a true gem that deserves all the praise...

Navigating through the labyrinthine streets of Chicago during rush hour may seem like an ordeal, but the promise of Smoque Barbeque on the other side made every honk, screech, and detour worth enduring. Amidst the urban cacophony of car horns, engine rumbles, and sirens, finding our way to Smoque felt like embarking on a culinary odyssey directed by none other than Dr. Seuss himself. Construction zones and orange barriers peppered our journey, weaving challenges into our quest for barbecue bliss.

Yet, against this backdrop of urban chaos, the towering skyline of Chicago served as a reminder of the city's resilience and allure. Finally reaching Smoque after a 90-minute cross-city trek felt like discovering a hidden gem amidst the hustle and bustle. Stepping inside, we were greeted by the no-frills ambiance characteristic of authentic barbecue joints—a place where flavor reigns supreme over fancy decor.

We wasted no time in diving into Smoque's menu, eager to sample their offerings. From succulent brisket to tender ribs, each dish showcased the mastery of barbecue craftsmanship. Though I regret not having room for the Texas sausage amidst the feast of meats, every bite was a testament to Smoque's dedication to quality and flavor.

Service at Smoque was impeccable, but it was the warmth and friendliness of the staff that truly elevated the experience. From the front-of-house team to the culinary wizards working their magic behind the scenes, everyone contributed to creating a welcoming atmosphere that complemented the outstanding barbecue fare.

In the end, the journey to Smoque was more than just a culinary excursion—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of Chicago and a reminder of the simple pleasures found in great food and good company. If you're willing to brave the urban jungle, Smoque Barbeque awaits as a beacon of barbecue excellence amidst the chaos...

Was with some buddies last night and they decided to order a spread of food from Smoque...as someone who BBQ's a lot I was excited to try a top rated BBQ joint in Chicago. Well let's just say it was a waste of my money! We ordered slices brisket, sausage, and pulled pork along with some sides.

The sides: We had fries but since it was delivered, I won't rate them since I understand that the travel time changes the crispiness. The Mac and cheese was okay, nothing special (check out Salt +Smoke in St. Louis for amazing Mac and cheese). The beans were nothing great either, could have been cooked longer and need a better sauce. The slaw was flavorless. All the sides left much to be desired and are really small.

The meat: The sausage was good, lots of flavor with a nice little spice kick. It was really the only good meat we got, and encased meats are not a big draw for BBQ places for me because I can find those places all over. The pulled pork was a bit dry and not flavorful at all. The brisket was gray, mushy, and tasted like roast beef made in a Crock-Pot. There was absolutely no smoke flavor and the color made it look meh.

The Sauces: The Memphis sauce was running and not that sweet...tasted okay but does not do justice to the Memphis style at all. The Carolina sauce was okay, not tangy enough to classify it as a true Carolina style in my opinion. Both seemed like the same base that just gets minor tweaks to make them different.

Overall, I really don't understand what the hype is about. I will make my own or wait until I go back home to StL to...