From BBQ-aficionados to country music enthusiasts, festival fanatics to summer lovers, many flocked to the inaugural Windy City Smokeout. This summer festival brought together the best of live country music, beer and BBQ to the city’s popular River North neighborhood. Throughout the weekend, guests enjoyed southern-inspired fare from premiere Chicago BBQ restaurants Smoque, Lillie’s Q and Bub City, as well as nationally-acclaimed Myron Mixon, star judge of Destination America’s “BBQ Pitmasters,” and The Salt Lick, hailing from Driftwood, Texas, and ice cold Coors Light to wash it all down. Festivalgoers also had the opportunity to interact with chefs and their culinary teams.
At Windy City Smokeout, fans of country music and those that enjoy a good concert took in performances by three of country music’s biggest stars. Festival headliners include Jerrod Niemann, followed by Grammy-nominated artists David Nail, and Pat Green. Well-known and emerging talent also took to the stage throughout the weekend.
But for me and the Baron, we were focused on sampling the tasty BBQ from the five places featured. Although there weren’t very many establishments, those that represented were definitely pros on the BBQ circuit. Here’s a rundown of what we thought were finger-lickin’ good…
We were especially excited about Salt Lick BBQ. Hailing from Austin, Texas, these folks brought it. Back in June, our trip to Austin was cancelled due to schedule conflicts and one of the places we were anticipating on checking out was Salt Lick. When I found out they were coming to participate in the Windy City Smokeout, I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity. We had their beef brisket which was amazing. Tender, juicy, and so flavorful – even without their sauce! I actually have a bottle of their BBQ sauce in my pantry and I’m anxiously planning a BBQ dinner soon just to use it…
This sounds like my ideal summer festival.