Chicago is known for many things: deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and of course, beef ribs.
The city is a meat-lover's paradise, with its numerous steak houses and barbecue joints. But where can you find the best beef ribs in Chicago?
Beef ribs are a popular dish in Chicago, and many restaurants in the city offer them on their menus. However, not all beef ribs are created equal.
Some are tender and juicy, while others are tough and dry. It takes skill and expertise to cook a perfect rack of beef ribs.
To find the best places for beef ribs in Chicago, we scoured the city, trying out different restaurants and asking locals for their recommendations.
We sampled ribs from traditional steakhouses, casual barbecue joints, and everything in between. We looked for ribs that were perfectly seasoned, cooked to perfection, and had that melt-in-your-mouth quality that every beef rib lover craves.
In this blog post, we will share our findings and reveal the best places for beef ribs in Chicago.
Whether you are a local looking for a new spot to try, or a visitor searching for the perfect Chicago-style beef rib, this guide has got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best beef ribs in the Windy City.
1. Green Street Smoked Meats
Green Street Smoked Meats is a must-visit for meat lovers. The beef ribs are incredibly tender and one of the best around.
The sliced brisket is also excellent, as well as the pork belly. The atmosphere is perfect for the cuisine, with a rustic and raw interior that matches the Texas-style BBQ served here.
The service is fast and friendly, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of the meats. Highly recommended for those looking for an authentic BBQ experience.
2. Smoque BBQ
Smoque BBQ is a popular spot for delicious beef ribs. The restaurant serves up juicy and flavorful meat that is smoked to perfection.
The side dishes are also generous in size and complement the meat nicely.
The staff is friendly and the service is excellent. The atmosphere is casual and the community tables make for a fun dining experience.
For those who love barbecue, Smoque BBQ is a must-try spot.
3. Gale Street Inn Chicago
Gale Street Inn in Chicago is a neighborhood gem that serves up some of the best beef ribs in town. The menu may be limited, but the quality of the food and service more than make up for it.
With a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, this spot is perfect for a casual night out with friends or a family dinner.
Don't forget to try their French onion soup, crab cakes, and coleslaw.
And if you're a vegan, don't worry – they have options for you too. Make sure to book a reservation, as this place can get busy.
4. Carson's Ribs
Carson's Ribs is a classic steakhouse and rib-joint that serves slow-smoked American barbecue, including their signature babyback ribs.
The beef ribs are a standout dish, with a juicy and flavorful taste that impresses customers.
The portions are generous and the prices are affordable. The service is attentive and polite, and the atmosphere is pleasant.
Carson's Ribs is highly recommended for those looking for delicious beef ribs in a classic steakhouse setting.
5. Milt's Barbecue
Milt's Barbecue serves up delicious, kosher beef ribs that are sure to satisfy any meat lover's cravings.
The portions are generous and the flavors are top-notch. The restaurant also offers tasty vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The service is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to try Milt's Barbecue for a unique and delicious meal.
6. Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Chicago Cut Steakhouse is the go-to place for beef ribs in the city. The grilled meat is of the highest quality and the dishes are delicious.
The restaurant has an old-school steakhouse feel, and the attentive and knowledgeable staff make the experience truly special.
The outdoor patio overlooking the river is perfect for good weather.
The steaks are cooked perfectly to order and are exceptionally tender. Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a must-visit for any steak lover.
7. Soul & Smoke – West Loop
Soul & Smoke – West Loop is a top-notch barbecue restaurant that offers the best beef ribs in town.
The ribs are tender and packed with flavor, which makes them a must-try for all meat lovers. The staff is friendly and quick to serve, ensuring that customers have a great dining experience.
The side dishes are equally delicious, with the mac and cheese and greens being some of the best around.
If you're in the mood for some mouth-watering beef ribs, Soul & Smoke – West Loop is the place to go.
8. Joker's Cajun Smokehouse
Joker's Cajun Smokehouse is a BBQ and Cajun restaurant that's perfect for meat lovers. Their beef ribs are a must-try, packed with smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone tender.
The restaurant also offers other smoked meats like pulled pork, chicken, and brisket, all cooked to perfection.
Their homemade sauces are a great complement to the meat, especially the chipotle sauce. Sides like dirty rice and hush puppies are also worth trying. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and often features live music. If you're looking for a delicious BBQ joint, Joker's Cajun Smokehouse is the place to go.
9. Jiang Niu BBQ House Chinatown
Jiang Niu BBQ House Chinatown is a must-visit destination for beef ribs lovers. The all-you-can-eat option is a great deal, with a good selection of quality meat to choose from.
The staff is attentive and helpful, and the grill has an exhaust fan that sucks in most of the smoke.
The robot waiter is a cool feature, but the service is faster with a human server. The passion fruit smoothie is a must-try, and the spicy beef is highly recommended.
The parking is tight, but there are a few street parking spots available. Go hungry and enjoy a fun dining experience at Jiang Niu BBQ House Chinatown.
10. Leon's Barbecue
Leon's Barbecue is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for delicious beef ribs. The portions are large and the ribs are cooked to perfection, making it the perfect spot for families or solo diners.
Their South Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce might not be for everyone, but it adds a unique flavor to the ribs which sets it apart from other BBQ places.
The staff is friendly and the turnaround time for an order is extremely fast. Although there is no place to dine in, the food is perfect for take-out.
If you're in the mood for some finger-licking good beef ribs, Leon's Barbecue is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.
11. The Fireplace Inn
The Fireplace Inn is a cozy tavern that serves up some delicious American fare, including their famous BBQ beef ribs.
The meat is cooked to perfection, with a smoky flavor that's hard to resist. The atmosphere is lively and the staff is friendly, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or family.
The prices are reasonable for the quality of food you get, and the oversized vodka-lemonades are a must-try.
If you're in the mood for some hearty ribs, The Fireplace Inn is definitely worth checking out.
12. Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park
Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park is a casual joint that offers a variety of smoked meats including beef ribs.
The menu is simple and straightforward, offering half and full racks of St. Louis style and baby back ribs, as well as rib tips and brisket.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is lively with live music and a friendly staff.
If you're in the mood for some delicious smoked beef ribs, Smoke Daddy BBQ – Wicker Park is definitely worth checking out.
13. Weber Grill Restaurant
Weber Grill Restaurant is a meat lover's paradise. The menu is focused on steaks, burgers, and ribs cooked on giant Weber kettles. The beef ribs are a must-try.
They are cooked to perfection and the meat is so tender that it falls off the bone. The hickory smoked flavor and the sauce make them even more delicious.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. The atmosphere is casually refined, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or a date.
If you're a meat lover, you won't be disappointed with a visit to Weber Grill Restaurant.
14. Lem's Bar-B-Q
If you're looking for some of the best beef ribs in town, look no further than Lem's Bar-B-Q.
This takeout-only joint on the South Side of Chicago is a local institution, and for good reason. The rib tips are meaty and flavorful, and the JBL special is a must-try.
The wait can be long, but it's worth it for the delicious food. Just be sure to speak up when they ask you what you want, and remember that there are no substitutions.
Trust us, Lem's is a BBQ experience you won't want to miss.
