Opening in the summer of 1994, The Smoke Daddy Rhythm and Blues was the first of its kind in Wicker Park to offer barbeque and free live music, seven days a week. Over the years, "The Daddy " has appeared various times on The Food Network, including the Bobby Flay Show and Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels, and has received numerous recommendations from nationally recognized newspapers and magazines. The New York Times, National Geographic, Zagat survey, Chicago magazine, and the Chicago Social all rated "The Daddy " as "having Chicago's best barbeque". If you're looking to try some of Smoke Daddy's savory recipes at home, it will be featured in its first cookbook, Killer Ribs, which will appear in Spring, 2006 from Williams Sonoma.
We smoke all of our meats and vegetables every day in our "Lil Red Smoker", using only the finest of Hickory, Apple, and Cherry wood. We take pride in offering the best ribs and pulled meats in town.Our small music venue which offers live music seven nights a week has made "The Daddy" a favorite among musicians such as Jimmy Lee Robinson (Little Walter & Elmore James), Willie "Big Eyes " Smith (Muddy Waters), Billy Boy Arnold (Bo Diddley), Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds), and Jerry Portnoy (Muddy Waters & Eric Clapton).
Over the years, The Smoke Daddy has changed ownership a number of times, but is now managed by four men whose deep-rooted passion for barbeque began at a young age as they learned the art of BBQ with their fathers. Coming from locations like Kansas City and other Midwest BBQ Mecca's they have joined together to provide the tastiest Chicago-style barbecue in the city.Our concept is simple: great, quality food and music in an entertaining atmosphere. We hope you enjoy your experience here as much as we enjoy serving you.
