“Hey Baramee. Do you like BBQ?”
“Yes”
“Do you like brunch?”
“Yes”
“Okay! We’re going on a baby road trip.”
“Wait…what?”

And that’s how I agreed on a road trip from Chicago out to the suburb of Palatine, IL. Let me just start by saying, it was worth every mile and minute we spent in the car. And, if you want to go out there and are car-less, I’ll gladly go out there with you. As we were driving out there, I was hoping I’d just “see” the place…it’s a little trickier than that. My Waze told me I was there, but I couldn’t see it. Then as we were stopped at the light waiting to turn, I spied it in the corner of this little strip mall… There it was, almost as elusive as ever. They were only open on the weekends and from 11a until they sold out. Wait…what? By the way, this didn’t mean they were open until the sun went down. They normally sell out before that. Yes, their Texas-style bbq is THAT GOOD. Also, there are lines before they even open for their special of the week, which sells out pretty fast. Their specials get announced on their Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Oh, and it case you were getting thirsty just taking in all the smells while waiting in line, they also offer 100+ craft beers (and some sodas). You won’t find any Coca-Cola here. Though, you will find a 32 oz bloody Mary. I hope you’re not driving (I was so hoping to try it, but I can’t drink that much bloody Mary (I don’t think, by myself)…I would need more people). Also, McClure’s is my absolute favorite bloody Mary mix of all time.

So, what makes this place so great, other than being insanely delicious, are the two pit masters, Greg & Kristina Gaardbo. You’ll see him working in the kitchen and coming out every so often. You’ll find Kristina working at the register, taking your order and grabbing your beer. They’re awesome and wicked cool. You can see their passion shine through their awesome personalities. This is their baby to do with what they want and it’s not to be missed. Chicago Culinary Kitchen is quite the hidden gem of a restaurant (and immediately after reading this you’ll forget all about it and I can have all the barbecue to myself, right?). Just kidding, definitely go check them out.

I know…I know. Let’s get real, you’re really here for the food. We tried their whole menu, because how do you make a fair assessment otherwise. There was a platter (so heavy) of delicious, delicious meat, some sides and then a steak (because the platter wasn’t enough apparently). They had run out of the lamb before we got there…before noon.

Brisket (that will literally melt in your mouth), Pastrami (as close to Katz’s Deli as I’ll get in the Midwest…and if you don’t know Katz’s, I’m not sure we can be friends), Pork Chops (sooooo moist and juicy and the mustard is great too) & Pulled Pork (there’s soooo much of it (you can see the juices pool at the bottom – great flavor and when sauced and put between two pieces of bread)

brisket & pastrami

pork chops

pulled pork

Spare Ribs (simple, but soo soo good), Back Alley Sticky Ribs (with Mike’s hot honey (my fav) and a Mediterranean nut mix – think pistachio goodness) & 1/2 Amish chicken (delicious NOT DRY chicken)

spare ribs, sticky ribs

Amish chicken

31-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak (this might’ve been my absolute favorite) – you don’t even really need the tomatoes or potatoes (but it is a giant buttery potato)

Texas Sausage Link (pretty good – nothing’s bad at this joint), F’n Mac & Cheese (different than your usual mac & cheese – giant noodles), 18 Hour Pit Beans (these are fantastic and have so much flavor), Esquites (this is the MUST-GET side dish)

Bread Pudding (with Fireball caramel sauce) – fantastic ending to a great meal

And I’m serious, if you want some AMAZING BBQ, I’ll totally mini-road trip with you out to Chicago Culinary Kitchen for a Saturday or Sunday meat brunch. And this time, let’s get there early enough so that we can get the special before they run out. When Alex and I made our trek out there (getting there at noon, just an hour after they opened), they had already run out of one item (the lamb).

Chicago Culinary Kitchen is located at 773 N. Quentin Road Palatine, IL. They’re open only on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11am and close whenever they run out of food.