Sabrina

Ok, everybody has an opinion about the best pizza in Chicago. What about BBQ ribs? My personal favorite is a little joint on the South Side called Lem's. What's yours?

Dan

I think that Carson's is by far the best place for ribs. As a matter of fact it is the best place for ribs that I have ever had!

Al

As they say, "It's Carson's For Ribs."
If you can't get in, try the Wabash Inn.
But the wait is worth it.

Mtselinda

No ribs, including the ones I had in Memphis and Nashville, beat those I have every time I visit Chicago. The Gale Street Inn on Milwaukee Avenue near Lawrence. I find them better than Carsons.

sarah

SmokeDaddy's. Can't remember where it is but it was really good. A real "joint," not a commercial place like Carson's.

cleo

Here's a hidden surprise and believe me, we try ribs everywhere in the city. Try Armands in Elmwood Park, yes, it is an Italian place but the ribs blow Carson's away. Also, try Brother Jimmy's.

lisa

I love Carson's!

MJ Eraci

Another place that has good ribs is Twin Anchors bar in Old Town. It is a fun place and near downtown. Have fun.

Tchicaga

Forget all the others (except maybe Carson's if you can't get out of the city) -- THE ONLY place is Hecky's in Evanston at 1902 Green Bay Road. All you have to do is stand outside and smell it and you KNOW you've found the best place.

jamie

The Patio. Various locations.

Edye

Carson's, THE place for ribs. They have carry out too.

Tom

Twin Anchors in old town are the best.

Just Me

jamie: Really - The Patio???? - I'd rather stay home & eat my own cooking than go there!

kam

Another vote for Hecky's---one of the things I miss about not living in Evanston anymore.

kay

It's GOTTA be CARSONS!

frankie

Twin Anchors hands down. Don't make me send the "family" after you if you disagree.

for

I'd have to go with Twin Anchors as well. Great, great ribs.

Is Hecky's in Evanston the same as Merle's?

marilyn

No, Hecky's is carryout, on the corner of Green Bay and Emerson. Merle's is a sitdown place on Benson (I think) that features different styles of ribs with sauce and/or rubs, plus other downhome type food.

OldChicago

Sabrina, I haven't had them in years, but do you mean Leon's? Where is Lem's. Leon's were the best that I've ever eaten. I'm not sure if they are still in business. They had rib tips also. Everything was boxed with a slab of white bread on top. They were on the east side- somewhere South of Canaryville. We would take our lives in our hands to go get them. The sauce was brown/red, vinegar/grease based and hot! Much better than the thick, sweet generic tomato based sauces, i.e. Patio's. Meaty and the meat fell right off the bones. They weren't pre-cooked and deep fried either. That's how lots of places do it now. It's faster.
There are lots of good ribs in Chicago- but not a lot of great BBQ sauces like Leon's.