Blackwood BBQ - Lake Street
Blackwood BBQ - Lake Street — dependable american in River North. Backed by 537+ Google reviews. "The bark is savory and spicy, The meat is tender and smoky" — Scott E [$]
What 553 diners keep saying
What 553 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I cannot understand why the Chipotle across the street has a line and this place doesn’t. They know my order: pulled pork lunch special, no bun. They always change their gloves because they know I’m gluten free. I’ve eaten here every week or two this year, and I sometimes look forward to not bringing my lunch. Friendly staff, adhering to allergy protocols, five stars! Atmosphere is just your typical lunch loop spot, they’ve maximized the amount of chairs they can have.”

“I chose to get the sampler platter. Ribs were not the best, however the brisket and pulled pork made up for it. Mac and cheese was TOP NOTCH. For sure one of the better barbecue meals I’ve had in a while.”

“Location is card only. The brisket was a little fatty but overall good. I love the Texas Tomato dressing. Has a little kick. I tried to go back days later for another. That's when I discovered it was cash only.”

“I’m on a mission to try all “healthy” bowl options in the loop so I tried their smokehouse harvest bowl. Good flavors! I think the portion was a bit too small, which is good for someone trying to keep it light, but not great comparing with sweetgreen bowls (about the same price). Great experience ordering online for pickup.”

“The pork and Chicago BBQ sauce were delicious. The Mac n cheese needed salt or to add BBQ as well 🤔”

“For those seeking a mouthwatering barbecue and satisfactory smell experience, Blackwood BBQ delivers more than just delicious eats—it brings a savory celebration. From the moment you place your order, the anticipation builds, fueled by the enticing aroma of slow-smoked meats that wafts through the air upon arrival. The packaging is thoughtful and sturdy, ensuring your culinary treasure remains intact until it reaches your table. The menu boasts a tantalizing array of options, from tender brisket to succulent pulled pork, each dish crafted with care and expertise. The sides are no afterthought either, with options like creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw providing the perfect complement to the main event. Every bite is a testament to Blackwood BBQ's commitment to quality and flavor. The meats are perfectly seasoned, boasting a rich smokiness that dances on the palate with each tender mouthful. The sauces, ranging from sweet and tangy to fiery and bold, elevate the experience to new heights, allowing you to customize your meal to suit your taste. But perhaps what sets Blackwood BBQ apart is its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. The staff is friendly and accommodating, ensuring that every order is prepared with precision and care. Even in the midst of a bustling takeout service, they manage to maintain a level of attentiveness that makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. In conclusion, Blackwood BBQ offers a takeout experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you're craving a hearty meal for a cozy night in or looking to impress guests with a gourmet spread, Blackwood BBQ delivers the goods with style and flair. So why wait? Order now and treat yourself to a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.”

“The food is okay, but you can spend $25 and still leave hungry. The Mac and cheese side is barely larger than the size of the sauce.”

“I walk by here all the time because it’s right by my work but today I finally stopped in for some lunch. There’s plenty of different meat options but I have a sweet spot for pulled chicken. I snagged a sandwich with some North Carolina bbq sauce on there and enjoyed. Overall, it’s solid bbq but I was left wanting a little something more from it.”

“I did take out. Most food was already prepared so it’s just streamlining down and checkout was really fast 🍖 burnt end platter: the burnt ends was different from what I imagined. The burnt end is covered in thick layer of sweet sauce which hides away the original flavor of smoked meat. The burnt ends were also not as fatty as I imagined, it was kind of disappointing”

“Decent place. Ordered the pulled pork sandwich and baked beans; nothing exceptional, but the food was okay. I expected the portions to be a bit bigger. Counter service, yet the workers still came off a bit rude. Prices are too expensive to justify coming here all things considered.”

“Horrible. Gave us the wrong food, the food we did get was bad. Photo speaks for itself- why did we order right at open and pick up immediately and STILL had cold food? Ordered the pulled pork, beef brisket, and chicken tacos. All dry, flavorless, cold, and packages so excessively it is like they threw their leftovers in random boxes. The mac and cornbread sides were average.”

“It’s always interesting to see what is considered good BBQ in different parts of the country. This place ain’t it. I tried a Burnt Ends sandwich. The burnt ends were clearly just some reheated leftovers, and weren’t properly cooked the first time. Dried out, chewy texture. If I hadn’t paid close to $27 for the sandwich, 2 sides and a drink I’d probably just throw it in the trash where it belongs. TX and the South has truly spoiled me on what good BBQ is. I think I’ll stick to Italian beef and pizza on future visits.”
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