Honky Tonk BBQ

The basics: Accomplished pitmaster Willie Wagner helms this homey woodclad Pilsen saloon, complete with a stage for live acts, a lavish mahogany back bar, and more hokey cowboy art than an Oklahoma flea market. And while quarantine initially silenced the once never-ending stream of Hank Williams cover bands, there’s nothing stopping you this summer from pulling on your finest wranglers, grabbing a dusty guitar, and jamming away in your living room to an outsourced backdrop of peppery dry-rubbed brisket, meaty St. Louis-style ribs, and some of the most flavorful pulled pork this side of Memphis.
What the experts say: “It’s a classic place with so much character,” says Steve Lewis, owner/partner of Logan Square’s charcuterie wonderland, Lardon. “The music is awesome and the BBQ is great.” McKenna concurs: “This place has a classic Chicago bar and the mix between very good meats and honky tonk bands makes for a great time. Willie the pitmaster-owner has put together a great place.”
How to book: Order online for take-out or get delivery via Caviar, Uber Eats, and ChowNow.