Seemor

Soul & Smoke - Avondale at Rockwell on the RiverB+

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618 · Barbecue restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier, Soul food restaurant · Avondale

Smoked-meat standout with riverside seating and counter-service convenience; excellent brisket and sides, but portions and mandatory service charge make value feel mixed.

Why this grade

Soul & Smoke delivers solid barbecue with excellent brisket and signature sides in a genuinely appealing riverside setting that justifies the visit. However, inconsistent execution on portions and seasoning, combined with mixed counter-service experiences, prevents it from reaching higher territory. The casual, counter-order model suits its casual barbecue identity, but value concerns and occasional sell-outs keep it competitive with—rather than ahead of—the area's better neighborhood restaurants.

One caveat: Pricing is genuinely expensive ($18+ sandwiches, $21.50 half-pound brisket, $30 dinners) which may surprise casual diners

What to order here

What stands out

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:30 Saturday11:00–21:30 Sunday11:00–21:00
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