Has there really been sharp downturn in south and west side aquarium use, or an increase in other BBQ conveyances in those sides of the city? I don't see it so clearly.
In my experience, aquariums are in heavy use at lots of places. It's just that only a relative handful of the aquarium-users are excursion-worthy or show up here. Neighborhood BBQ, using aquariums, seems to be alive and well.
Also, I can't think of too many (or maybe any) south or west side BBQ places using other methods.
All of the Coleman's outlets, Leon's, Lem's, I-57, Kenny's outlets, Slab, Uncle John's, Ribs n' Bibs, Captain Curt's, BK's (place by That's A Burger), Barbara Ann's, Best's (by I-57), and any number of corner places that I haven't been.
So, if the point is there are fewer BBQ places on the south and west sides than previously, OK I see it. But there are still plenty. It's a fairly defining thing. Also, I can't think of one that doesn't involve an aquarium.
To me this is sort of like the lament that there are no more neighborhood taverns in Chicago simply because Daley Jr. has taken them down from 4 every block to 1 or 2 every block. Many fewer, sure, but still far more than just about any other city (NOLA and Milwaukee excluded).