Soul & Smoke Evanston

“She takes care of her community and Lora is where nice.”

Paris Walker

Dec 2025

“Awesome local spot that prioritizes giving back.”

Awesome local spot that prioritizes giving back. We loved the opportunity to donate to the food pantry and pop a meal in the community fridge. Kana was also so helpful and even dug us up a phone charger since we left ours at home while traveling. The brisket, mac, and sausage were amazing! We can’t wait to come back when they open their new dining hall.

Jordan Foster

Dec 2025

“Lori Lee!!!! Wow just wow! The fact that we came 1.5 hours away just to try this gem of...”

Lori Lee!!!! Wow just wow! The fact that we came 1.5 hours away just to try this gem of establishment should tell you something. We went in very nervous but she put that at ease, she explained the sauces and different cuts. She wasn’t over zealous she was just right. Thank you again for such a wonderful experience. FYI we absolutely have been traumatized with corn bread in the past but let me tell you by far the BEST ONE.

Rozi Redz

Oct 2025

“First visit; they are gut remodeling the seating area so we were at picnic tables in the warm...”

First visit; they are gut remodeling the seating area so we were at picnic tables in the warm kitchen/prep area on a HOT day. Food was great and the staff quite attentive for a 'counter place'. They are quite socially conscious.

Conrad Pomykala

Jul 2025

“Awesome hidden gem .”

Awesome hidden gem ! We were visiting Evanston and were very hungry for some bbq, this place didn’t disappoint . I had the brisket sandwich and Mac n cheese. Brisket was tender and Smokey , absolutely loved it. Mac n cheese was creamy and cheesy in all the right ways! My husband had their jalapeno sausage dog and he loved it as well. Service was great , no problems at all.

Amber Binderup

Jul 2025

“I met the owners when we were both doing appearances on a morning news show.”

I met the owners when we were both doing appearances on a morning news show. I have lived in Evanston for over 30 years; and, shame on me, did not know about Soul & Smoke. I went there that afternoon and have been back 3 times! The herb roasted turkey dinner with all of the sides was phenomenal! I even got a beef brisket dunner for a friend who was celebrating Hanukkah. I am telling everyone about this! Look at the photos!

Jennifer Brennan

Dec 2024

“We bumped into Soul and Smoke's food truck at a recent event, and we wanted to find their restaurant.”

We bumped into Soul and Smoke's food truck at a recent event, and we wanted to find their restaurant. We dined in. We ordered the sampler sides and sampler meats with pulled pork, brisket, spicy sausage, rib tips, and homemade pickles. My favorite sides were the greens, apple slaw, and mac and cheese. I was really feeling the greens. Soft, flavorful, just delicious. I wanted brisket, and it did not disappoint. Smooth, juicy, smokey brisket. It hit the spot. For drinks, we ordered the rum punch, and it was such a pleasant evening. Great fast and friendly atmosphere. It's a great date night spot. Looking forward to the new restaurant section opening. I will go again!

Dana Glasenhardt

Jul 2024

“The creamiest and best Mac n cheese I’ve ever had.”

The creamiest and best Mac n cheese I’ve ever had. Brisket was tender and very good. Pulled pork was fine. Very friendly staff. Fine in is at a few picnic tables for now as they build out a restaurant next door.

Joel Minster

Mar 2024

“I joined my coworkers for lunch and opted for the Rib Tips accompanied by Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens.”

I joined my coworkers for lunch and opted for the Rib Tips accompanied by Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens. The meal was incredibly tasty, with the rib tips being juicy and even more flavorful when combined with the original sauce. The service was satisfying, and one of my coworkers praised the deliciousness of the hot links. I'm eager to return and give them a try.

Vincent Mañara

Jul 2023

“I have had a lot of BBQ in my life, and man, this place blew me away.”

I have had a lot of BBQ in my life, and man, this place blew me away. To start, the sausage had such a deep, smokey flavor to it. The caramelized onions, sauce, and bun… Wow. The hot link was so tender and juicy. The brisket was also delicious. We ordered lean and it came exactly as expected with little fat yet was still tender, juicy, and flavorful. I did not get the chance to take a picture of the other items I ordered, which were the slaw and cornbread. I have never been a fan of slaw in my life but the apple slaw was GOOD! The mix of cabbage, apples, and cranberries complimented each other perfectly. Last was the cornbread muffin that was delicious and moist with a perfect amount of sweetness. Yes, for anybody who is used to BBQ from the South (where I’m from) or other areas where it’s more common (cheaper), this is a little bit pricey. However, I think the price is for good reasons considering the taste, quality, and portion sizes. Highly recommend!!

Rye

May 2023

“Came for a quick dinner and the food was incredible.”

Came for a quick dinner and the food was incredible. Brisket was perfection and you only/barely needed your fork to eat it as it was so tender. Wings were perfect as were their sauces. Highly recommend.

MRob

Mar 2023

“I had the link and sausage meal and it was everything.”

I had the link and sausage meal and it was everything! The collard greens were perfectly made. (coming from a southern girl who knows her greens) Definitely will order from them again.

Deitra Lawson

Jan 2023