Smoke Daddy BBQ
| Address: | 1804 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-772-6656 |
| Site: | thesmokedaddy.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Roy Kim
I came in on a Saturday afternoon for brunch. From the last time Ive been here, they expanded and opened up the dining area and bar. Still the tables are packed tight. When you have to get up from your seat, you will definitely bump into the people sitting at the table behind you and you entire row has to get up to let you out as if it was a booth. The table to my right was about a foot away. I felt obligated to introduce myself because they were practically eating with us. I started off with a Bloody Mary and opted for the $1 upgrade to use cucumber vodka. I didnt notice anything special coming from the vodka so that $1 will stay in my pocket next time. On the side came a baby bottle of champagne (as in champagne of beers) which was "cute". Compared to any other place that serves a halfway descent Bloody Mary, the only thing that stood out was the pepper rimmed glass which was nice. I ordered the skillet which was great. Its served in cast iron and that thing comes really hot and keeps the food hot the entire meal. My only criticism would be a to use a little less smoke. I topped it with their homemade hot sauce which was a pleasant surprise. I wish I took a little taste first because I underestimated the heat it was packing. Combining a very spicy sauce and a hot skillet had me sweating. It definitely took away from my experience. But this was my fault, not Smoke Daddys. Overall, the food was good and Im sure Ill be there again. If I had an out of town guest craving BBQ, this place would not be on top of the list.
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Jason H.
Ive been coming here for about 20 years now. I used to come here quite frequently when I still lived in Chicago back in the 90s and early 2000s. Back when it was small and back when this area wasnt as "hipster trendy as it is now. Ive noticed though, that when I do come back to Chicago and I visit, Im not as happy with the quality. I usually visit at least once every couple of years. Ive noticed for at least the last 6 to 8 years, the quality of the food has significantly gone down. It just doesnt seem like the time and attention is given to the food anymore. Shortcuts. Over cooking. Its just not the same. I had the baby back ribs during my last visit here. Extremely disappointing. Dry. Overcooked. Not a lot of meat on the bone. Not what I remember of the old days of this, what was once a killer barbecue place. Would I go back? After just over 20 years, Im afraid I wont be going back. Ive tried. I really hoped and tried. Maybe its okay for the new local scene and clientele. But for somebody who knows what this place used to put out, I dont think I can go back. Unfortunately the last several visits have severely tainted what I remember how good it used to be. And it pains me to give one of my all-time favorite places a bad review, but its necessary. And to be honest, I feel like I am being generous by giving two stars instead of one.
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Lisa Sromek
This is a spot that will make everyone happy. There are two separate rooms with bar in each and several large screens for the sports fans. There is live music at times in the first room...and when there isnt, its blues and jazz that youll hear over the speakers at just the right volume. The second room, with an all-glass garage door that opens onto the patio in the warmer months, is perfect for gazing through in the colder months. I didnt even have a chance to get bored of doing so, as the service was super speedy…on a friday night! The staff here truly knows the meaning of teamwork, and they are attentive without being obtrusive. I tried both the baby back ribs and wood-roasted chicken, which were very good and not at all dry. I was so happy to see sweet potato fries among the large offering of sides. The only thing missing for me is a great, well-balanced and seasoned BBQ sauce--its not bad, but not the best Ive had.
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Aaron Melamed
Did not expect the live music when I walked in but it was great. We got a table in the far back so we could talk without yelling since the music is quite loud. We got some of their layered nachos which are delicious. They dont just throw all the ingredients on top of the chips, they layer everything so the chips on the bottom are as delicious as the ones on top. For my entree I got the burnt ends which is was almost everyone at the table did because its the smartest move to make. I would have been nice if I tried more of their BBQ sauces since they make them all in house but the one I smothered my burger in was awesome and I have no regrets. For dessert we got two of their skillet cookies with ice cream for the table. These cookies are thick and gooey and disgustingly amazing. The hot and cold with the gooey and creamy of the ice cream and cookie are a match made in heaven/your mouth.
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YD Kim
Service was good, got our food fairly quick and drinks were frequently checked on. Our waitress was excellent. Food is delicious, especially if youre a carnivore and love BBQ, tasty ribs, brisket, and side items were yummy. Nothing bad here, maybe except for ones cholesterol count after a nice meal here, lol. A good number of favorite craft beers can be had here, as well as the usual domestics and imports plus well drinks. I think some close to top shelf spirits are here as well. Seating is tight but doable - we had a table of 7 and was sitting next to the bar, which is awesome for quick drink refills. A bit noisy but one can still enjoy themselves here with some talk and drinks & food. Will come here again for more BBQ, as did our guest from London who loved it with the aim to eat meat here in Chicago! And he loved it!
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Jacob H.
Not anything to write home about. We ordered, the smoked jalapeno cheese, smoked wings, smoked chicken, smoked brisket, mac and cheese, homemade bbq chips and the fries. the smoked jalapeno cheese was interesting. At first it was pretty meh, and then was a bit addicting as you continued to eat it. I didnt eat the smoked wings, so I cant review those. The chicken and brisket were decent. Mac and Cheese was good, chips and fries were good. The sauces though were mediocre at most. They had an original style which was like KC style, a mustard based one, and a Chicago bbq? The mustard based one was by far the best, with the kc style next. The chicago one was essentially sugar with molasses and more sugar. I didnt know chicago had a style of bbq so Im not sold on this. Basically its a sweeter kc with more molasses.
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Jewel Lane
A vast improvement since I was there several years ago.The burgers were delicious and the service was outstanding. I love the newly remodeled outdoor patio and inside sports bar. Our waitress was friendly and attentive as was the owner who delivered our meal. Even though we only ordered burgers - no alcohol -I felt like it didnt matter that we had a small bill. Everyone was really nice and not in an over the top fake way. It felt real. I was sold on the service before I was even seated by a bus boy who came by and saw me struggling with my jacket and stopped to help me get it off and put it on the back of my chair. He never said a word he just helped me. That was really nice and totally unexpected. Well be regulars there especially on half price burgers night. Great value and sooo good..yum!!
