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Local picks in Chicago

Barbecue and Mexican food

The intersection of smoky barbecue and bold Mexican food creates a meal that demands attention.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Heffer BBQ image 1
Heffer BBQ image 2
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Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant inside a brewery with an open beer garden offers a lowkey vibe and welcoming atmosphere. Music fits the setting well, creating a fun environment without feeling crowded. Regulars enjoy pairing craft beers with standout smoked meats and burgers.

Traditional southern style smoked barbecue stands out with high-quality, top-tier flavors. The BBQ closely resembles Texas style and consistently delivers excellent smoked meats.

Queso has a perfect consistency, not too runny or thick. Chips come from locally sourced corn tortillas cut and fried fresh. Smoked esquites deliver strong lime and smoke flavors for a standout corn side.

People are saying

"I found the BBQ here to be amazing and top-tier."

"This barbecue is amazing, easily some of the best in town."

"The brisket burger, topped with house-pickled red onions, is a standout."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available during select hours.

2

Heffer BBQ is a pop-up and not a permanent restaurant.

3

You order at the kiosk and find a seat or get a pager for your food.

02
Los Chepes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with cozy atmosphere and handmade tortillas sets a genuine tone. Authentic Michoacรกn-style carnitas and delicious lamb barbacoa draw steady crowds despite limited seating and ventilation. Food portions are generous for the price, creating a bustling, intimate vibe.

Delicious barbecue stands out here, especially the lamb barbecue which is highly praised. The process includes weighing the barbecue, which can take some time.

Carnitas stand out as tender, well seasoned, and not greasy, matching authentic Michoacรกn style. Handmade tortillas are large, fresh, and sturdy enough to hold full tacos without falling apart. The queso birria and barbacoa are also highly flavorful and memorable.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas, is tender and delicious."

"I found the barbecue here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

To-go Carnitas are available for $38.99 and $49.99 for 2 pounds.

2

Expect large portions for the price, making it a good value.

3

Parking is limited due to the residential area; paid parking is available on Archer street.

03
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Wings come with BBQ Sauce and Buffalo options that stand out. The menu offers a solid range of appetizers and BBQ meats with clear skill behind the grill.

Shrimp and Baja tacos stand out with delicious, tasty flavors. The tacos pair well with the excellent beers offered.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The Mexican food here is served with such lovely and friendly service."

"The Barbecue wings were smoked perfectly and sauced just enough."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

04
Earl's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Old-fashioned tin roof shed sets a rustic, small-town vibe with a laid-back, chill atmosphere. Small, cluttered dining area feels authentic and down to earth. Outdoor seating and great music add to the relaxed energy.

Barbecue here features incredible flavor and tenderness with a rich, perfectly balanced sauce that tastes homemade. The brisket sandwich stands out as fresh and satisfying, cooked with real care and attention to detail.

Brisket stands out with tacos, burritos, and sandwiches featuring a salsa verde. Salmon tacos lack flavor and do not match the brisket's quality.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is flavorful and tender."

"The barbecue here is so flavorful and tender."

"The brisket tacos are my favorite Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

There is no public restroom at this location.

2

Lunch specials are available until 3 pm.

3

This place has a drive-through service.

05
The L Station image 1
Restaurant

Small, beautifully decorated restaurant offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere with an intimate feel. Live DJ spins strictly R&B music, creating an upbeat and fun vibe that keeps energy lively. Known for spectacular lamb chops, perfect margarita flights, and a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Turkey tips come in BBQ and jerk flavors with sides like sweet potatoes and mac and cabbage. The BBQ turkey tips and mac and cheese stand out for their rich taste.

Tacos stand out with huge portions and flavors like jerk chicken and turkey. Margarita flights and specials like Taco Tuesday add to the Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Barbecue turkey tips were tender and delicious."

"You have to try the margarita flights; they're beautiful and taste so good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.

2

Expect a two-hour wait without a reservation.

3

The kitchen closes at 7pm, so arrive early.

06
FH JerkGOD image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Jamaican restaurant offers friendly atmosphere with relaxing R&B music and a vibe like visiting a friend's house. Seating is clean and comfortable, though the interior feels notably cold. Known for best jerk chicken and flavorful loaded fries, it attracts those seeking casual dining with unique dishes.

Chopped chicken breast comes cooked then topped with spicy BBQ sauce or a milder version. The Jerk Spicy BBQ and Garlic Aioli sauces stand out for flavor.

Jerk chicken tacos come with homemade aioli sauce, crispy fresh vegetables, and a foldable corn tortilla. The chicken is juicy and flavorful without being too spicy, making the tacos a standout dish.

People are saying

"This food is legit, with bold, smoky, and perfectly spiced jerk flavor."

"You have to try the flavorful jerk chicken tacos here."

"The chopped chicken barbecue is smoky, tender, and perfectly flavorful."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available with pictures of the food for easy selection.

2

Expect reasonable prices, making it accessible for college students.

3

The wait time for food is generally short.

07
Taylormade Que image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant features loud music that dominates the space, creating a high-energy atmosphere. Food offerings include tender ribs and spicy jerk dishes, with some variability in quality. Service and cleanliness issues occasionally affect the overall experience.

Rib tips taste like they come off a BBQ grill, which is unusual for a restaurant. The barbecue sauce is immaculate, and the fries stand out as the best on the Southside.

Tacos stand out with jerk seasoning and an amazing sauce. Steak tacos cost about 12 dollars and come without fries.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was always good and on point."

"You have to try the tacos; they're bangin' Mexican food."

"The rib tips here are amazing and plentiful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant often opens late, sometimes after 12:00 PM.

2

Menu descriptions may be misleading; verify details before ordering.

3

Expect long wait times for food during busy hours.

08
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.

Caribbean BBQ Catfish comes with beans, rice, cabbage, and plantains. Dishes include Carolina Crรจme Salmon, New Orleans Gumbo Yakamein, and Mexican BBQ Brisket Esquite with street corn.

Bayou blackened shrimp tamales offer bold, awakening flavors and work well for sharing. The BBQ beef brisket quesadillas come with phenomenal street corn as a side, though tamale dishes can be doughy and less satisfying.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The Barbecue catfish is served with beans, rice, and cabbage."

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'.

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