Green Street Smoked Meats: Chicago BBQ

The West Loop is my favorite area in Chicago for coffee and food. If you’re looking for both great flavors and a cool vibe, you really can’t beat it. Recently I had the chance to eat at Green Street Smoked Meats, a Chicago BBQ place. It absolutely did not disappoint. AND I’ve been back and took out of town guests there, so it was definitely a hit.

Green Street Smoked Meats is tucked away off the main street, and is nestled in a quaint alleyway. Seriously, how cute is this alley? You can walk down to the entrance with lights strung overhead. It’s vibey in the summer, and magical during the holidays. You can also enter through Sawada, a coffee shop that shares the same space.

The BBQ and other sandwiches they have are amazing! Big enough to feel full, but not overwhelmingly heavy. There are also multiple BBQ sauces at the condiment stand to choose from, so you can try them all if you’re feeling adventurous.

What’s cool about Green Street Smoked Meats is that they don’t just serve food, but they’re also a butcher. You can order a sandwich while also ordering 2 pounds of pork shoulder (or whatever people order at a butcher).

The inside is also strung with lights and has a casual, edgy feel. It’s kind of like a canteen. Drinks are available to purchase and they’re in an ice bath ready to grab. The music is pretty loud, so if you’re wanting to have more of a conversation while you eat, you can head out to the alleyway and sit at one of the many picnic tables.

Green Street Smoked Meats is a great place to bring out of town guests, or to grab a casual bite with friends. It’s not a popular tourist spot so it has a “locals only” vibe. Whenever I go to places like that, I always feel like I’m “in on the secret” - or at least a true local.

Let me know if you try this spot! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for frequent posts.