#smoked-meats

#smoked-meats

But one area where the city is less developed is barbecue, not in quality so much as quantity: The places we have tend to be excellent, but number few. So, when news arrived this summer that Austin's La Barbecue was opening a Portland offshoot, there was plenty of excitement. Originally planned as a brick-and-mortar, Lil' Barbecue instead landed this October at Woodlawn cocktail bar Tough Luck. Seven days a week, diners can find brisket, sausages, pork ribs, and vegan "beet ends."

Barbecue may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Chicago cuisine, but the city's South Side has a storied smoked meats tradition. Sanders BBQ Supply Co. stands at the top of the scene, building on that legacy with a menu of deeply satisfying ribs, brisket, and sausages that showcases different regional styles. It's hard to choose just one or two items, so the $50 platter (serving 2-4) is the way to go.