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312 Eats
River North · American · $

Blackwood BBQ - Lake Street

4.5553 reviews ·Opens at 11AM tomorrow
The platter comes with pickles on the side, with some garlic cloves and a few bits of celery
Greg JohnstonGreg Johnston · 158 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

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

Fast serviceCozyQuick bite
Plan your visit
307 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606
River North
Today11AM-3PM
SunClosed
Mon–Fri11AM-3PM
SatClosed
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What 553 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Emily Pavel
Jun 2026

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.

Emily Pavel

Emily Pavel

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ryan O'Toole
May 2024

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.

Ryan O'Toole

Ryan O'Toole

46 reviews on Google

Review photo by S Car
Jan 2026

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.

S Car

S Car

18 reviews on Google

Review photo by Isabela Tonetto
Feb 2025

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.

Isabela Tonetto

Isabela Tonetto

45 reviews on Google

Review photo by R B
Sep 2024

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

R B

R B

470 reviews on Google

Review photo by ARI K PRODUCTION (Arian Khoroushi)
May 2024

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.

ARI K PRODUCTION (Arian Khoroushi)

ARI K PRODUCTION (Arian Khoroushi)

445 reviews on Google

Review photo by Harmon McClanahan
May 2024

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.

Harmon McClanahan

Harmon McClanahan

71 reviews on Google

Review photo by Clay Goldman
May 2024

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.

Clay Goldman

Clay Goldman

654 reviews on Google

Review photo by Athena Lai
Nov 2023

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

Athena Lai

Athena Lai

290 reviews on Google

Review photo by Andrew Kim
Jul 2023

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.

Andrew Kim

Andrew Kim

50 reviews on Google

Review photo by Amy
Nov 2024

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.

Amy

Amy

35 reviews on Google

Review photo by Zach Johnson
Sep 2024

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.

Zach Johnson

Zach Johnson

74 reviews on Google

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