Sure, the North Side has been catching up in the past year, but critics still seem to agree that most of the best barbecue in Chicago is still made on the South Side. Actually, three of the most lauded restaurants are located within a mile and half of each other in the neighborhoods of Grand Crossing and Chatham (Uncle John’s, Lem’s, Barabara Ann’s). So it’s kind of big news when Time Out reports that a new joint called Smoke Signals opened recently, and that it will be located nearby those three. In fact, the man behind it boasts that he is already the best in the area. Pitmaster Ali Lahiani spent nearly twelve years catering parties and reunions, where he claims he honed his craft. He almost opened a restaurant back in 2002 at the same location where Uncle John’s currently resides, but had to withdraw his offer. We’ll have to wait and see what the critics think before we’ll know for sure whether he’s putting out the best smoked meat, but it’s nice to have another option in the area. [TOC]
Smoke Signals, 7137 S State St, Chicago, IL 60619; 773-783-1855