Smokey's BBQ

We've dined at I-forget-how-many North Side and suburban rib shacks. Smokey's stands head and shoulder above nearly all of them. Rather than offer a variety of entrees, Smokey's main focus is on baby back ribs. Theirs are NOT the boring sweet-sauced fall-off-the-bone ribs favored by many. No sir, they're the real 'cue - smoked and slow-cooked, and brushed with a complex sauce containing both sweet and spicy notes. In fact, the missus and I agree that they rival Smoque's ribs. Other menu items include smoked salmon, BBQ sandwiches, and salads.

We visited the restaurant one hour before closing. They apologized for already having run out of most of the side dish choices and offered us a substitute (yummy moist corn bread). Later, after stopping by our table to chat, they brought us a complimentary brick of bread pudding and a dish of cheesy potatoes to take home. Bravo for a friendly staff that goes the extra distance to please customers!

Smokey's decor is casual but warmer than most bare-bones neighborhood rib shacks, so it's an inviting place to dine in and BYOB. In mild weather, they roll up their front window like a garage door. The odd location amid factories means plenty of free street parking.

After a hard day's work on our constantly-under-renovation bungalow, carry out lunch from Smokey's seems to hit the spot for the men in my life.  Dad loves the 'trifecta' - three slider-type sandwiches so you don't have to choose, my husband likes the pulled pork, and I enjoy the jacket potato with beans and cheese, garden salad and corn bread.  We've never eaten in, but it could be nice (it's fast casual), esp. if they open the windows up to the street on a nice summer day....

Good brisket and pulled pork!