Smoque

If you like barbecue and you haven't been to Smoque, you should get up from your computer and go there now.  The food is that good here.  There have been a lot of barbecue places opening up in the City over the last couple of years but this restaurant was around long before it became trendy.  Smoque is located in Old Irving at 3800 N. Pulaski. 

As I mentioned, the food is really great and there are a lot of choices.  The menu is printed on a big chalkboard that you can see when you walk in and usually the line is long enough to make your decision before its time to order.  You are given a number after you order that is called when your food is ready.  You then go up to the counter to pick it up.  The ribs are awesome, the fries are great.  There is a childrens' menu with three items on it:  a mini pulled pork sandwich, a mini brisket sandwich, and mac and cheese.  My finicky daughters don't like the mac and cheese there and I guess pulled pork and brisket is a little too far out of their comfort zone so last time we ordered the half chicken for them to share off of the regular menu.  They loved it.  They also go crazy for the corn bread and the french fries. 

Inside there are a bunch of tightly packed tables where everyone sits communal style. Don't pick out a seat before you order. Someone who works there will find out how many people are in your party and find a place for you to sit while you order and wait for your food.  I've been there when there has been a line out the door and also when there has been no line at all.  Somehow they always seem to be able to seat everyone.  The last time we were there I noticed that they have added outdoor seating as well.  The restaurant also does a lot of take out.
The restaurant is really casual.  It is always really noisy with lots of kids there.  High chairs and booster seats are available if you need them.  Smoque is located just a couple of blocks from the Irving Park Brown Line stop.  Finding free parking on Pulaski usually isn't too difficult.