BYOB barbecue joints

Photo: Chris Lake

Honky Tonk Barbecue
When he trucked his pulled pork down to the legendary Memphis in May barbecue competition over the summer, Honky Tonk’s Willie Wagner picked up third place, quite a feat given the playing field. Not surprisingly, at his country-fried sit-down spot in Pilsen, pulled pork is the star of the show—even when the weekend band helps the joint live up to its name. 1213 W 18th St, 312-226-7427.
Corkage fee $1 per person
Best nearby liquor store Lush Wine & Spirits (1306 S Halsted St, 312-738-1900)—Heather Shouse

Smoque BBQ
The amount of barbecued brisket this simple counter-service spot goes through should put owner Barry Sorkin on the pension plan of the American Beef Association. The man did his homework in the Brisket Belt of Texas, and it pays off in the form of buttery-soft meat sporting a thin, crusted spice cap. It’s offered sliced or chopped; we prefer the latter for a good mix of pink-hued smokiness, luscious fat and crunchy spice rub. 3800 N Pulaski Rd, 773-545-7427.
Corkage fee None
Best nearby liquor store Miska’s (4212 W Irving Park Rd, 773-685-8171)

Honey 1 BBQ
Father-and-son team Robert Adams Jr. and Sr. have a way with pork, from their meaty spareribs that sport a touch of a telltale smoke ring—from time over smoldering hickory wood—to savory hot links bursting with juice and delivering just the right amount of heat. For the indecisive: The rib-tips-and-hot-link combo offers the best of both worlds. 2241 N Western Ave, 773-227-5130.
Corkage fee None
Best nearby wine store Provenance (2528 N California Ave, 773-384-0699)
Best nearby beer store Danny’s Buy Low (2220 N Western Ave, 773-489-3622)

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