Archive for March, 2012

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#36 Eat at Smoque, Fat Willy’s Rib Shack, Smoke Daddy


2012
03.04

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Welcome to Smoke Daddy

Welcome to Smoke Daddy

Smoke Daddy serves up Wicked BBQ in Wicker Park and after seeing countless friends check in on foursquare, it was time for an investigation. On a Thursday night there was live Blues, a crowded but not stuffed dining area, and the opportunity to try some of Chicago’s best BBQ. I quickly ordered an Allagash White and counted my lucky stars that Smoke Daddy also serves up libations.

Inside, the red window neon light casts a reflection over the whole venue and you’ll find people chowing down on ribs, nachos, sandwiches, and all kinds of smoked goodness coming right out the kitchen. We decided to dive into the nachos with brisket.

Smoke Daddy Brisket Nachos

Smoke Daddy Brisket Nachos

As you can see, these nachos had nearly all real estate occupied by cheese, brisket, and BBQ sauce. There was a sweetness and smokiness to the meat and don’t dare bring these nachos to any party – they’ll be gone quicker than the time it takes to recite the alphabet backwards.

Smoke Daddy Platter

Smoke Daddy Platter

Food magically rained down on the table and I found myself staring at pulled pork, brisket served on white bread, corn bread, fries, and a side of cole slaw. Surprisingly I found the pulled pork better than the brisket but the platter was just too much to finish. The BBQ sauce tasted great and didn’t overwhelm and I had enough leftover for another day. With refreshing Allagash White, live music, and a tasty dosage of smoked BBQ, Smoke Daddy will be your new go to BBQ joint.


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#74 – Ribs at Gale Street Inn


2012
03.03

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Gale Street Inn

Gale Street Inn (Source: city-data.com)

Welcome to Gale Street Inn located across the street from the Jefferson Park bus terminal/CTA Blue Line/Metra stop. You’ll find this northwest side gem a convenient location whether you drive or take public transit. Gale Street has a parking lot in the back and we found it relatively packed for an idle Sunday post-Monster Truck JAM!

After walking in, we saw some Mardi Gras decorations and plastic beads being passed around and the Bulls game playing in the background. After checking out the menu we all decided on some ribs and the server came back several times to refill watch and made sure our glasses were never empty. Classic northwest side with no artifice, I felt right at home at Gale Street Inn

French Onion Soup at Gale Street Inn

French Onion Soup at Gale Street Inn

The soup was just the doctor ordered and I had been craving some oniony deliciousness. Savory with soaked bread and cheese I love French onion soup. We also destroyed a giant plate of calamari before I could snap a photo but it came with a giant hunk of lemon and some sauce to dip. Soon enough we were waiting on the ribs all delighting in the tastiness of our meal. At last the ribs came but first I needed a bite of the mash potatoes.

Gale Street Inn Mashed Potato

Gale Street Inn Mashed Potato

Garlicky, buttery, this rich mashed potato was whipped to perfection. You could probably live off a giant pot of these mashed potatoes for days if it came down to it and it was simple, down to earth yet otherworldly. YUM!

Gale Street Inn Ribs

Gale Street Inn Ribs

And there we have it at last: Gale Street Inn ribs!!! Just how tender were Gale Street Inn ribs?  When people say meat falls off the bone, sometimes you’ve got to just check for yourself. I did not use my knife at all and didn’t need to use my hands because your fork can take off all the meat off of the bones and clean your whole plate. If you ever find yourself by Jefferson Park Blue Line CTA, head on over to Gale Street Inn for the best ribs around town.