Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Illinois

Cake and brisket spots

A tender, smoky brisket paired with a slice of cake is the indulgence being sought.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Charred Fork image 1
Charred Fork image 2
Charred Fork image 3
View all
Halal restaurant

Spacious Halal restaurant with bright inviting decor and an open floor plan suits small to medium groups. Atmosphere feels welcoming and cozy, encouraging lingering after meals. Unique touches include hand-washing sinks in dining area and house-made fountain soda.

Carrot cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. Dessert options include lemon raspberry drop, both offering a sweet finish.

Smoked on site, the brisket is tender and flavorful with a moist texture. Options include a halal brisket sandwich and brisket pizza, both cooked to perfection.

People are saying

"The brisket sandwich was so delicious and tasty."

"The char on the chicken sandwich was incredible."

"The carrot cake is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is HALAL, catering to dietary needs.

2

Portion sizes are generous, often enough for two meals.

3

The prices are reasonable for the quality of food.

02
Shabu Plus Rotary Hot Pot Wicker Park image 1

Rotary hot pot setup features individual pots and food delivered by mini trains and conveyor belts, creating an interactive dining experience. Atmosphere blends anime and manga decor with a warm, fun vibe suitable for groups and families. Guests engage with a DIY sauce bar and enjoy a variety of fresh ingredients at their own pace.

Dessert options include green tea crepe cake, chocolate cheesecake, coconut pudding, and mochi ice cream. The crepe cake has a lighter texture and stands out among the amazing dessert selection.

Brisket comes thinly sliced and fresh, standing out as one of the best cuts alongside pork. It pairs well with a dark soup base and ranks highly in the medium tier meat selection.

People are saying

"The food delivery via train and conveyor belt is so fun!"

"The mango crepe cake is light and satisfyingly sweet."

"You have to try the brisket; it's so fresh and thinly sliced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers 90 minutes of all-you-can-eat hot pot.

2

Expect a 45-minute seating limit for dining.

3

The all-you-can-eat experience costs $25.00 per person.

03
Big Ed's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Huge, clean space with a cafeteria-style dining area creates a spacious, casual vibe. Live jazz and a full bar add to the lively atmosphere, while comfy couches offer spots to relax. Known for top-tier barbecue and a variety of sauces, it blends great food with a fun, family-like energy.

Pound cake stands out as exceptionally delicious and should not be skipped. The chocolate cake also impresses with its rich flavor, while the cornbread adds a solid touch to the cake selection.

Brisket gets smoked for at least 15 hours, delivering a deep smoky flavor. The brisket sandwich and rib tips dinner offer tender, well-seasoned meat that stands out in the BBQ lineup.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's some of the best American food around."

"I recommend getting the brisket; it's delicious."

"You have to try the pound cake; it's exceptional."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on menu items as they sell out quickly.

2

Free meals are offered on Thanksgiving Day, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Some menu items are only available on specific days, so check ahead.

04
The SoulFood Lounge 2 image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with an all-black aesthetic and live music featuring jazz and saxophone. The vibe stays laid back and refreshing, suited for quiet dinners or date nights. Space is limited, creating a cozy but sometimes cramped setting.

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake comes with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Turtle Pound Cake serves as a sweet finish to meals.

Mexican Brisket offers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Brisket hash also features on the menu, showcasing the meat in a different style.

People are saying

"The American Food here, like the turkey leg, is off the bone and delicious."

"The grilled pound cake was heavenly and delicious."

"The Mexican Brisket was melt-in-your-mouth perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to secure a spot inside the restaurant.

2

Parking can be difficult, often requiring a walk from 1-3 blocks away.

3

The restaurant has a 'No Share Policy' for events like 'The Grand Tasting'.

05
Tomahawk BBQ Steakhouse image 1

Asian-inspired bar and grill combines modern and traditional Japanese decor with an interactive dining atmosphere featuring tablet ordering and smoke-free BBQ grills. The vibe is cozy and inviting despite cramped seating, with a mix of bold, authentic flavors and free photo services adding to the experience.

Beef brisket stands out for its tenderness and flavorful quality. It pairs well with other dishes like bulgogi and kimchi made in-house.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"I thought the beef brisket was so tender and flavorful."

"The black forest cake was awesome."

Good to know

1

There is a 2-hour limit on table usage for dining.

2

The price is $37 per person for the all-you-can-eat option.

3

Expect a variety of food options, including steak and seafood.

06
Soul & Smoke - West Loop image 1

Small shop tucked in a food court offers savory brisket sandwiches and loaded mac and cheese with a comfort food vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and friendly, catering well to commuters and casual diners. Pricing leans high but matches the quality of food served.

Real caramel cake stands out here, known for its rich flavor and unique presence. The chocolate cake needs resting to reach the right temperature before serving.

Smoky brisket piled high creates a perfect balance in the sandwich. The meat tastes superb and pairs well with BBQ sauce.

People are saying

"The brisket sandwich here is top tier American food."

"I found the brisket sandwich to be fantastic."

"That caramel cake was one of the best Iโ€™ve had."

Good to know

1

This location is inside of Time Out Market.

2

The restaurant operates on a self-serve model, where I order on a kiosk or tablet.

3

They may run out of your favorites, so it's advisable to get there early.

07
Homewood Brewing Company image 1

Spacious brewery with stylish decor and a laid-back charm combines a lively atmosphere and welcoming energy. Features include an open-air rooftop patio with a stunning mural, ping pong tables, and a photo booth. Serving robots add a unique touch to the modern, clean environment.

Carrot cake stands out as a sweet finish with a moist texture and balanced flavor. It pairs well with a Cafe au lait for a smooth, comforting dessert experience.

Brisket features a good bark and pulls nicely. Brisket tacos stand out, tasting better than many others in Phoenix. The brisket stew is hearty and pairs well with biscuits.

People are saying

"I thought the food was excellent and properly cooked."

"The brisket tacos have a nice, spicy kick."

"I enjoyed the carrot cake with my cafe au lait."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The kitchen closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Parking is ample and free for all customers.

08
Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the River image 1

Outdoor patio overlooks river with spacious seating and fire pit creating a relaxing vibe. Music blends 80's to 2000's R&B with live DJ enhancing the atmosphere. The setting combines beautiful views and a lively energy near water and wineries.

Caramel cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. It pairs well with coffee and serves as a satisfying dessert option.

Smoky and tender, the brisket delivers bold, rich flavor and comes in massive portions. The sandwich version pairs well with sides like chicken gumbo or grits.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's outstanding."

"You have to try the brisket; it's so tender and melt-in-your-mouth."

"I thought the caramel cake was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on weekends.

2

Expect limited food options late in the day as they may run out.

3

The venue hosts events like bingo and DJ nights on specific days.

09
Red Apple Buffet-Restaurant image 1

Buffet restaurant offers authentic Polish food with an old school charm and outdated decor. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and family-friendly early on to loud and cramped when busy. Seating is tight, but a separate private room accommodates groups comfortably.

Poppyseed cake stands out among the dessert options. Cakes and pastries are surprisingly good for a buffet and worth trying.

Carved brisket comes with a horseradish sauce that adds a sharp kick. Roast beef brisket appears alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy and green beans.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade lemon and beet desserts."

"The cake and pastries were surprisingly good for a buffet."

"You have to try the brisket; it's a special highlight."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but there is a free lot behind the restaurant for customers.

2

The restaurant accepts only cash, so plan accordingly.

3

The buffet costs $33 per person, which is on the higher side.

10
Big Mama's BBQ Express image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere and friendly staff. The space feels cozy and quaint, offering well-regarded barbecue and homemade cakes. Some areas like flooring and drive-thru need updates, but the vibe remains positive and welcoming.

Caramel cake stands out with its moist texture and nostalgic, homemade flavor that recalls childhood and grandmother's cooking. Other options like German Chocolate and Chocolate Fudge cakes also offer rich, delicious choices.

Some brisket is very flavorful and peppery, especially in the bbq brisket sandwich. Others come out dry and tough, with a rubbery texture that makes them hard to chew.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ here was the best I've ever had."

"I found the food to be absolutely fabulous and delicious."

"I loved their flavorful brisket sandwich."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially for lunch.

2

They often run out of popular items like rib tips and brisket.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for quicker service.

11
Hecky's Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Tiny barbecue spot offers takeout only with outside dining on the sidewalk. Atmosphere feels inviting and community-oriented, drawing people from all over for authentic smoked ribs and sauces. No indoor seating keeps the focus on food quality and legacy rather than ambiance.

Caramel cake has a moist texture but shows inconsistency in freshness. The caramel topping offers a nice flavor but can be gritty and less sticky than expected.

Brisket here is tender and huge, often served in a sandwich that melts in your mouth. It pairs well with sides like corn muffins and Mac & Cheese, offering a very, very good barbecue experience.

People are saying

"These ribs are so tender, they just fall off the bone."

"I found the brisket here to be the best BBQ I've had."

"I loved the caramel cake; it was so moist."

Good to know

1

Hecky's Barbecue offers takeout only with no seating available.

2

Expect to pay around forty dollars for ribs, with sides not included.

3

Fries must be purchased separately, but they come in large portions.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...