Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Barbecue
Top 100 Restaurant, Chicago
"With the smiley-face yellow of its logo, mansard roof, and funky stucco exterior, Carson's would make a good setting for an episode of That 70s Show. But let's face it, you don't go to Carson's for the decor. You go for the meat, and they got it, baby, along with some surprisingly good seafood. ... [There] are high-quality ribs, very meaty and well prepared, with clean natural flavors. But my absolute favorite is the tips, which are on Carson's 'secret menu' and must be requested."
– Chicago Reader
"After politics and politicians, the next meatiest subject in Chicago is barbecued ribs. There is no dearth of good rib places in Chicago, but few are more well-known than Carson's."
– Gayot
"The secret is in the barbecue sauce."
– Chicago Tribune
"Right on 'Cue. Here, our 21-bone salute to Chicago's best ribs. Insanely rich au gratin potatoes and hickory-smoked ribs–that's the deal at Carson's. It's what people order, and it's why Chicagoans have love Carson's since the doors swung open in 1977."
– Chicago magazine
"One of the originals–and still tops–in the ribs-restaurant rundown. The value and quality are there. Definitely not for the vegetarian in the family."
– Chicago Sun-Times
Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
How Others Rate Carson's
Zagat 2009
22 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)