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BBQ and fish in Chicago

Somewhere to get both smoked barbecue and fresh fish without one feeling like a compromise for the other.

Based on 481 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers a casual dining atmosphere with a warm and welcoming vibe that feels like being part of a family. Decor reflects the neighborhood but contrasts with the high quality of food and prices. Energy ranges from calm and cozy to lively and energetic throughout the day.

Smoky and tender BBQ beef stands out alongside honey barbecue buffalo wings and jumbo shrimp chicken wings. Homemade BBQ sauce complements a variety of options like the BBQ Beef Sub and sauced chicken wings combos.

Fish dishes come fresh and crispy with perfect seasoning. The fish sandwich stands out for its good spices and freshness, while fish fillets and combos pair well with crispy sides like onion rings.

People are saying

"I found the chicken wings here to be insane."

"The fish here is crispy and seasoned just right."

"The BBQ beef was rich, smoky, and tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late and offers fresh food.

2

The restaurant is super affordable and includes fries and a drink with every order.

3

The portions are generous for the price.

02
Sweet Rice Chicago image 1
Asian restaurant

Casual Thai restaurant with quirky cat robot servers creates a laid-back, street food vibe indoors and outdoors. The atmosphere feels comfortable and chill, blending novelty with authentic touches. Frequented for its fresh, flavorful dishes and relaxed setting.

BBQ dishes feature a sweet and tangy sauce with options like chicken BBQ and vegan BBQ pork. The menu includes spicy chicken BBQ tenders and a BBQ wonton soup with generous portions and solid protein.

Satay fish stands out as a popular dish here, often paired with papaya salad. Staff accommodate requests to modify dishes by removing fish when needed.

People are saying

"The durian sticky rice dessert has a sweet, beautiful texture."

"The BBQ chicken here is so flavorful and delicious."

"I loved the satay fish dinner; it's one of the best."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 8:45 pm on weekdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

The menu does not clearly indicate allergens, so ask staff if you have dietary restrictions.

3

Sweet Rice allows customers to bring their own alcohol, enhancing the dining experience.

03
Gale Street Inn Chicago image 1

Newly remodeled space combines Great Gatsby decor with a supper club vibe and a small stage for live jazz and ukulele performances. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with ample table spacing for comfortable conversation. Lively evenings feature phenomenal live music that enhances the classic old school Chicago environment.

BBQ ribs come with a wonderful BBQ sauce and fall off the bone. Extra sauce and a variety of sides are available with the ribs.

White fish special stands out with fresh, tender texture. The fish and chips come crispy and flavorful, making them a solid choice.

People are saying

"These ribs are the best in town, truly fall-off-the-bone perfection."

"The BBQ ribs here just fall off the bone."

"I thought the fish and chips were awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the place fills up quickly.

2

Live jazz music happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

3

The free parking is convenient.

04
Bar.B.Q Tonight image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Spacious restaurant with stunning banquet hall and modern, elegant decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Natural light and booth seating add comfort, while background music keeps the vibe relaxed and welcoming. Valet parking enhances convenience for guests.

Authentic Pakistani barbecue offers a rich, flavorful experience with every dish on the menu tasting great. The atmosphere blends warmth and elegance, creating a feeling of being celebrated at home.

Fish dishes feature flaky, moist fish tikka seasoned to perfection and fried fish reminiscent of Karachi's style. The fish tikka and chicken boti stand out as absolutely delicious options.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really tasty and delicious."

"The BBQ lamb chops are scrumptious and a must-try."

"The fish tikka was flaky, moist, and seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Biryani is only available on weekends.

2

The restaurant is Zabiha halal certified.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

05
Jerk & Soul Food image 1

Restaurant offers calm, comforting atmosphere with simple, no-frills setup and countertop seating along windows. Food is freshly cooked to order with large portions that favor takeout over dine-in. Jerk dishes stand out for being hot and tender, making it a go-to spot for authentic flavors.

Jerk chicken and BBQ wings come with Mac & Cheese and yams. Jerk chicken tastes like baked chicken with jerk or BBQ sauce. Some BBQ flavors are very tasty, while others are more mediocre.

Fried fish stands out with its crispy texture and solid flavor. It pairs well with cabbage and mac & cheese sides that complement the dish.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"I found the jerk chicken and BBQ wings incredible."

"The fried fish here was really good and on point."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait for food as everything is cooked fresh to order.

2

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

The restaurant does not include jerk sauce unless specifically requested.

06
Umai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that create an open feel despite crowded, close seating. Atmosphere is chill but stylish, attracting a younger, hip crowd for casual dates or dinners with friends. Music and a full bar complement the lively vibe during dinner hours.

Pork shoulder and beef tongue stand out with melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Japanese BBQ skewers add variety, including beef rolls with asparagus and other grilled options.

Fish here is consistently fresh with high quality cuts that melt in your mouth. The smell of grilling fish over coals adds to the experience.

People are saying

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

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The pork shoulder BBQ was very good."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially after 6pm.

2

Umai offers a self-serve sushi experience with prices based on weight.

3

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with several options available.

07
Seafood City Supermarket image 1

Supermarket resembles a little Philippines town with a huge variety of Asian food products and multiple Filipino restaurants including a Jollibee outlet. Atmosphere feels like home with a pleasant, welcoming vibe and plenty of seating for dining. Seafood section allows picking fresh fish to be cleaned and cooked on site.

Chicken and pork barbecue come on sticks and have a rubbery texture. The barbecue is part of a grilled foodcourt style setup alongside other options like Jollibee and Max Fried Chicken.

Fresh fish comes with a wide selection and high quality cuts. Butchers offer helpful service including cleaning and cooking fish on request.

People are saying

"I found so many great Filipino foods here, I didn't miss the Philippines."

"I found the fresh fish here to be of high quality."

"I loved the BBQ at the food court inside."

Good to know

1

Seafood City Supermarket offers a wide variety of Asian food products.

2

Expect higher prices compared to local American groceries and Asian stores.

3

The supermarket closes at 7:30 pm, earlier than many expect.

08
Hunan Grill 湖南烧烤 image 1

Charcoal-grilled skewers and authentic southern Chinese street-style barbecue create a smoky flavor and well-seasoned dishes. The space offers a cozy vibe with a self-service phone ordering system and BYOB policy. Portions come large enough to share, making it suitable for groups or hearty appetites.

Charcoal grilling gives the barbecue a strong smoky flavor. Skewers come well-seasoned and grilled just right. The spicy kick adds a satisfying heat to the southern Chinese street-style barbecue.

Grilled fish stands out with its tender texture and rich spices soaking through. Other notable dishes include grilled oysters and fried rice with pickled and aged pork, offering a flavorful variety.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Hunan flavors and spices here."

"The smoky, spicy Hunan-style BBQ here is delicious."

"The grilled fish here is tender and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient with plenty of spots available nearby.

2

Hunan Grill is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

The restaurant operates on a self-service model; order and pay via your phone.

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Chicago, Illinois

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