TGI Fry-Day: Barbecue Potato Chips at Chicago Q

[Photograph: Nick Kindelsperger]

Chicago Q knows that it has to try a bit harder than most barbecue restaurants. That's mostly due to its prices, which are astronomically higher. Of course, you're also paying for the Gold Coast location, service, and sides that are a little more involved than white bread and unseasoned fries (not that there's anything wrong with those). For example, the moment you sit down plates full of thick pickles and barbecue chips hit the table. Both are fantastic, but its the chips that you'll have a hard time leaving be.

A few other places have barbecue chips on their menu, but no place quite nails them like Chicago Q. There are no soft chips here—each and every chip is crisp and distinct. Instead of covering them up in a dry and pasty spice mix, the barbecue rub is sparingly sprinkled on, so that you get a nice balance of sweet and heat.

Chicago Q

1160 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
312-642-1160
chicagoqrestaurant.com

This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Serious Eats. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.