One of the best parts about Chicago is exploring neighborhoods and seeing what they have to offer.  I find this to be the perfect opportunity to try a new restaurant.  A trip to Wicker Park over the weekend led us to grabbing some barbecue at Firewood BBQ on North Ave.  It did not disappoint.

The restaurant itself is clean and minimalist.  Every table has a large barbecue sauce dispenser, similar to those giant hand sanitizer dispensers you see in schools or hospitals.   Our server was very friendly (as all people in Chicago normally are).  At this point, it was mid afternoon, and we were hungry.  Instead of each ordering separate entrees, we decided to go family style and get one big platter with multiple smoked meats to share, which comes with one side.  We also ordered pulled pork nachos as an appetizer, but everything came out at the same time.   

On the platter was ¼ rack of ribs, pulled pork, dark meat chicken, and brisket with coleslaw and bread and butter pickles made in house.  This was plenty of food for two people.  The brisket had a nice smoke ring and was very tender.  The rib bones were able to pulled off the meat with ease, and had great smokey flavor.  The chicken and pulled pork both were tender and juicy.  Of course, I had to take the bread at the bottom of the platter that had been soaking up all the juices and spread brisket and barbeque sauce all over.  

As for our sides, we really enjoyed the nachos.  The green salsa was perfect for cutting the fattiness of the pulled pork and the avocado.  We picked truffle fries for our side of the platter.  The truffle flavor was definitely there, but they could have been more crispy.  Overall, the nachos and the brisket were the highlights of the experience for me.

If you’re looking for a relaxed environment that plays good music and has good barbeque, stop in at Firewood BBQ .  From very friendly service to great menu options and delicious food, I would absolutely recommend this place for anyone in the area.  The family that owns Firewood also owns Earls Drive Thru BBQ in Jefferson Park and Ella’s BBQ in Lincoln Park so you should definitely check those out too!  ( I know I will be) 🙂