John Ringor
Staff Writer, Chicago
John grew up in Albany Park and likes to play the xylophone when he isn’t busy eating and filling his camera roll with videos of pasta twirls.
CHIReview
To no one’s surprise, drinking is why most people go to breweries. While Monochrome Brewing makes great beer, the food from resident pop-up Heffer BBQ is an equally valid reason to visit this Pilsen spot. The short menu changes frequently, but expect BBQ favorites like brisket and pulled pork, and excellent sides like smoky baked beans and creamy esquites. Heffer BBQ operates in Monochrome’s brick-walled space only on Saturdays and Sundays, so keep some weekends open.
Unrated: This is a restaurant we want to re-visit before rating, or it’s a coffee shop, bar, or dessert shop. We only rate spots where you can eat a full meal.
Umamicue is a Vietnamese-Chinese-American BBQ pop-up with some of the best brisket in the city.