Even though I'm driving back to TX in a few days for the holiday, I had the BBQ monkey on my back today while running a few errands near home. I arrived around noon, and Smoque seemed to be doing reasonable first-day lunch bidness.
Dining is casual and self-busing. Parking is good on Pulaski and side streets. The CTA Blue line Irving Park stop and the Kennedy Irving Park/Pulaski exit are a block away to the north. It's easy to miss heading south on Pulaski. The location is on the west side of Pulaski.
(BTW: It's pronounced "Smoke"; I inquired.)
Sliced-brisket and pulled-pork sandwiches: smoky, nice smoke-ring, some nice burnt-ends, just enough fat, good dry rub. The sauce was subtle and very good, but the meat did not require it (a very good thing).
On the next trip, I intend to see if they'll do all burnt-ends.
. . . if they only had some hot links . . . .
. . . and both types of NC pork sauces (vinegar- and mustard-based (but, then, I always have my own bottles at home) . . . .
(BTW2: Unlike in NC, the pulled-pork sandwich DOES NOT automatically come with cole slaw as a condiment; on my next visit, I'll order a side.)
I didn't see which model they use, but they had a Southern Pride smoker in sight. These can range from pretty damned authentic (log burning) to heretical (chips), but, unlike in TX and NC, I don't expect to see a Chicago bbq joint stoking outdoor pits (in the city and in the winter).
(BTW3: "Southern" Pride's HQ is in Marion, IL!?)
I won't stop taking those trips back to TX, NC, Kansas City, and Memphis, but it's surely nice to find some fine brisket in Chicago (the first I've discovered since the late and personally lamented (hmm, and, perhaps, awkwardly named) Old Plantation Smokehouse on Armitage. After long days at work, and during the 3-4 months a year in which I'm too much of a wuss to fire up my huge barrel-smoker for briskets and pork shoulders, I am comforted to know that Smoque is near.
With Honey 1, and those divine ribs, tips, hot links, and pulled pork, the NW side is becoming an interesting BBQ belt.
Brisket
Pork
Cheers,
Wade
Smoque BBQ
3800 N. Pulaski
Chicago
773-545-RIBS
http://www.smoquebbq.com/
(Forgive me: I was in a rush to get back to my car and moist towelettes, and totally forgot to ask about days and hours)
"Remember the Alamo? I do, with the very last swallow."