Each day in December, I’m celebrating the rest of the best bites (and sips) that I didn’t get to blog about in 2013, posted in chronological order. Browse all of this year’s Best Bites, or look back at 2012’s Best Bites.
Why it’s another 2013 Best Bite: Tucked away in Irving Park, Smoque is one of Chicago’s most beloved barbecue institutions, and it just happened to be on my way home after an exhausting bout with the DMV. I was so, so glad that they offered a sandwich with half pork and half brisket – in fact, I think it should be mandatory for all barbecue joints – and still can’t decide which meat I preferred. Both were smoky and tender, with just enough crispy charred bits, and both soaked into the soft bun with a moderate topping of tangy sauce. Suffice it to say that I won’t wait until my next DMV trip to do a little more research.
The details: Smoque BBQ, 3800 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago.