Recent social media posts
05/25/2026
Memorial Day at Soul & Smoke 🇺🇸🔥
We’re open today and smoking all day long.
From prime brisket and pulled pork to baked mac & cheese and gumbo, we’re serving the comfort food people know and love us for.
Real smoke. Real soul.
Quality meats. No shortcuts. Ever.
Today we remember and honor those who served while gathering around good food, family, and community.
Dine in • Takeout • Catering
Brisket PulledPork MacAndCheese ComfortFood Evanston WestLoopChicago AvondaleChicago
05/21/2026
Excited to share two more pieces headed to the Evanston restaurant by the one and only .
When we started curating the art collection for this space, we knew we wanted Raspy’s work to be part of it. We catered her wedding years ago, and over time she and her husband became friends. There’s something really special about having artists you love — and people you love — help tell your story.
One of the pieces was created using materials pulled directly from Chef’s kitchen and the history of Soul & Smoke itself — spices, smoker ash, butcher paper, tray liners, pieces of the process that most people never think twice about. Seeing those everyday elements transformed into art that represents the soul of our restaurant was pretty emotional for us.
The second piece centers around connection and shared vision — the idea that community is built together, not alone. That feeling is woven into everything we’re trying to create in this space.
Art is such an important part of this restaurant. Every piece has intention. Every artist has a connection to our story, our city, or our community.
Can’t wait for everyone to experience it all together.
05/20/2026
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS MADE FOR BBQ 🔥
Preorders are now live for all your Soul & Smoke favorites - slow-smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and all the sides your cookout actually wants. Whether you’re hosting the whole neighborhood, headed to the lake, or just trying to avoid standing over a grill all day, let us do the smoking for you.
Available for pickup at all Soul & Smoke locations Memorial Day weekend. We highly recommend ordering early before popular items sell out.
05/07/2026
Catch Soul&Smoke at the Night Market this Friday & Saturday from 5-10pm at Ignite Glass Studios.
We’re pulling up with the smoke, the flavor, and all the weekend vibes alongside some of Chicago’s favorite local makers and artists.
Come hungry, shop local, and make a night of it! Free entry. All ages. See y’all there.
05/02/2026
stopped by with our dear friend to select frames for a series of incredible photographs he captured.
These pieces are from Paul’s Muse Collection, and we’re completely drawn to the story and emotion behind each one.
We can’t wait to bring them into the new restaurant and share them with you all.
05/01/2026
Mac & Cheese that doesn’t play.
Made from scratch with a creamy blend of Midwest cheeses — the kind that shows up and steals the whole plate.
Good takes time. 🧀
04/20/2026
MTV Cribs pulled up to Soul & Smoke Evanston this week 👀🔥
We’re still in the middle of construction, but we love giving a sneak peek into what we’ve been building in the 5th Ward.
This space means everything to us — rooted in history, built for the community, and designed to show what the future of BBQ can look like in Chicago.
There’s still a lot to finish… but we’ll be back with another update in just a few short weeks.
Evanston, we’re getting close. 🤎
04/18/2026
Big flavor meets a little finesse 🍷🔥
Soul & Smoke just leveled up with a new by-the-bottle wine program—because great barbecue deserves an equally great pour. From bold reds to crisp whites, there’s a bottle for every bite.
Pull up, pick your pairing, and let the smoke (and the wine) do the talking.
04/15/2026
Our Side Sampler is basically your BBQ’s best friend 🔥🔥stacked with all the rich, savory goodness you know you need. From creamy comfort classics to bold, smoky bites, every side came to show out… so go ahead, try a little of everything. We won’t judge 😉
04/12/2026
Last month, we hosted Northlight Theater’s Savor Evanston—a tour through all nine wards—and were honored to represent the 5th Ward in our home.
While the restaurant wasn’t fully complete (we truly thought it would be when we scheduled it), it meant so much to welcome our community in and share a glimpse of what we’ve been building.
There’s so much more to come.
04/09/2026
We’re fired up to be part of the 47th Annual Chef’s Table on Thursday, April 23rd. Join us at for a nautical-inspired evening packed with bold flavors and some of Chicago’s finest culinary talent.
We’ll be bringing the Soul & Smoke heat, serving up something special alongside the city’s best. Even better—this incredible night supports the IRA Educational Foundation and the future of hospitality.
Secure your tickets through the link in our bio and come ride the wave with us.
03/31/2026
Mexico vs. Belgium got you hyped? Good—now come get some 🔥bbq
Slide through Section 312 and let us bless your taste buds with the best bites in the building. Don’t be shy… we know you’re hungry.
03/25/2026
So thankful to and for recognizing us with the Innovator Award for our leadership development program.
We’re committed every day to doing right by our team, our guests, the environment, the food system, and our community. It’s not always easy, but as leaders in the Chicago food community, it matters that we show up with intention.
That work isn’t always visible — it lives in the day-to-day, in the small decisions, in how we choose to lead.
To have that recognized means more than we can put into words.
03/22/2026
On March 26, we’re proud to stand alongside our city’s culinary community for the second annual I Cook For benefit with Chicago Chefs Cook at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. This night is about using what we do best to support the people and causes that matter most.
From immigration rights to regenerative agriculture, from uplifting women in our kitchens to fighting food insecurity and supporting pediatric cancer recovery—this is what it means to cook with purpose. We’re honored to be part of a lineup of chefs who continue to show up for Chicago, not just in the kitchen, but in the community.
Join us as we raise a glass, share a plate, and give back!
03/14/2026
Day 2 at SXSW — Midwest House.
All I can say is the best brisket in Texas yesterday was served by us at Midwest House.
The line stayed long, we converted Texans into our newest fans, and we even got asked when we’re opening in Austin. Not a bad day for a Chicago BBQ crew.
The best brisket starts with the best meat, and we’re grateful to be cooking with brisket.
Huge thanks to our amazing partners — , , , , and — for making it all happen.
SXSW was good to us. Chicago BBQ showed up. 🤠🔥
03/14/2026
Day 2 at SXSW — Midwest House.
All I can say is the best brisket in Texas yesterday was served by us at Midwest House.
The line stayed long, we converted Texans into our newest fans, and we even got asked when we’re opening in Austin. Not a bad day for a Chicago BBQ crew.
The best brisket starts with the best meat, and we’re grateful to be cooking with brisket.
Huge thanks to our amazing partners — , , , and — for making it all happen.
SXSW was good to us. Chicago BBQ showed up. 🤠🔥
03/14/2026
It’s Smoked Corned Beef Season.
We’re proud to serve our 100% housemade smoked corned beef — cured, smoked, and sliced in-house. Now through St. Patrick’s Day you can find it at all locations.
Looking for something extra special? Evanston is serving a pastrami beef rib that is straight fire. 🔥
Come by and celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with us at Soul & Smoke. 🍀
03/13/2026
Day 1 at SXSW is in the books!
We spent the day at Food Tank with Niman Ranch and our friends and discussing all things food and the environment.
One of the highlights was definitely the Voices of Female Farmers storytelling session featuring our friend Elle.
We’re so proud to be Niman Ranch ambassadors and we get to learn more every day about the 600 family farms that Niman Ranch supports. 🌱🐖🔥
03/12/2026
Catch us at at this Friday!
We’ll be serving our signature BBQ sauce on brisket at the cool-ass Midwestern Market hosted at from 12–3.
If you’re in town, we’d love for you to stop by and say hi.
Huge thanks to , , and for sponsoring us and helping make this happen.
Community over everything. 🤘
03/05/2026
Our ‘Nduja Hot Link is back! 🔥
Made in collaboration with master salumier of this spicy, smoky sausage brings the bold flavor of ’nduja to the pit.
We made a limited batch to start — so get it while we’ve got it.
03/05/2026
Our ‘Nduja Hot Link is back! 🔥
Made in collaboration with master salumier of , this spicy, smoky sausage brings the bold flavor of ’nduja to the pit.
We made a limited batch to start — so get it while we’ve got it.
03/03/2026
Chef spent the day at Dunbar sharing smoked chicken gumbo and pouring into the next generation.
Nothing better than being with these students — mentoring, connecting, and hopefully sparking a little inspiration along the way. ❤️🔥
02/17/2026
Mardi Gras is here and we’re bringing the flavor. 🎭🔥
King Cake, shrimp & grits, handcrafted cocktails, and all the sauces you need to do it right. Stop by and celebrate with us or order online and bring the party home.
Let the good times roll… Soul & Smoke style.
02/16/2026
Had a blast today on CBS demoing our Pulled Pork Po’ Boy just in time for Fat Tuesday!
It’s officially Mardi Gras season 🎭
All locations are open today and tomorrow — come celebrate with us.
King cakes, gumbo, hurricanes, and all the good stuff waiting for you.
02/13/2026
It’s Valentine’s Day Weekend and you know we’re keeping it saucy and soulful.
Brisket > roses.
Stay saucy, Chicago. ❤️🔥
02/15/2022
🗣W**d St! We’re headed your way!
❤️ Chicago’s favorite BBQ is coming to you. Break up the week and grab a meal kit to enjoy at home. All meals are easy to heat up and take less than 10 minutes to prepare.
🌱 We’re hanging with our pals at 923 W. W**d St on Saturday from 11am-7pm.
💸 The best part, you can bring your receipt from our truck for $5 off your purchase inside the store.
🏡Take Home Slider Kits
Brisket, Pulled Pork or Pastrami
Receive Everything you need to make 12 sliders!
🍖Smoked Meats by the Pound
•Brisket
•Pulled Pork
•Rib Tips
•St. Louis Style Ribs
•Pastrami
🧀 Take & Bake Mac & Cheese
Family Size. Voted Chicago’s Best Mac
🍰 Sides + Dessert
•Cornbread Muffins
•Creamy Apple Slaw
•House made Bread & Butter Pickles
•Brown Sugar Bakery Carmel Cake
🍸Cocktails
•Peach Bourbon Tea
•Greyhound: Vodka, Grapefruit, Lime, Vanilla
Preorder Only. Limited offerings available on site.
Meal kits prepared cold with heating instructions. (want hot food? limited menu available on site) Find us at: Curaleaf Northbrook on Thursdays Curaleaf Skokie on Wednesdays Curaleaf W**d St on
02/15/2022
🗣 Northbrook! We’re headed your way!
❤️ Chicago’s favorite BBQ is coming to you. Break up the week and grab a meal kit to enjoy at home.
🌱 We’re hanging with our pals at 755 Skokie Blvd. on Thursday from 11am-7pm. All meals are easy to heat up and take less than 10 minutes to prepare.
💸 The best part, you can bring your receipt from our truck for $5 off your purchase inside the store.
🏡Take Home Slider Kits
Brisket, Pulled Pork or Pastrami
Receive Everything you need to make 12 sliders!
🍖Smoked Meats by the Pound
•Brisket
•Pulled Pork
•Rib Tips
•St. Louis Style Ribs
•Pastrami
🧀 Take & Bake Mac & Cheese
Family Size. Voted Chicago’s Best Mac
🍰 Sides + Dessert
•Cornbread Muffins
•Creamy Apple Slaw
•House made Bread & Butter Pickles
•Brown Sugar Bakery Carmel Cake
🍸Cocktails
•Peach Bourbon Tea
•Greyhound: Vodka, Grapefruit, Lime, Vanilla
Preorder Only. Limited offerings available on site.
Meal kits prepared cold with heating instructions. (want hot food? limited menu available on site) Find us at: Curaleaf Northbrook on Thursdays Curaleaf Skokie on Wednesdays Curaleaf W**d St on
02/15/2022
🗣 Skokie! We’re headed your way!
❤️ Chicago’s favorite BBQ is coming to you. Break up the week and grab a meal kit to enjoy at home.
🌱 We’re hanging with our pals at 10000 Skokie Blvd. on Friday from 11am-7pm. All meals are easy to heat up and take less than 10 minutes to prepare.
💸 The best part, you can bring your receipt from our truck for $5 off your purchase inside the store.
🏡Take Home Slider Kits
Brisket, Pulled Pork or Pastrami
Receive Everything you need to make 12 sliders!
🍖Smoked Meats by the Pound
•Brisket
•Pulled Pork
•Rib Tips
•St. Louis Style Ribs
•Pastrami
🧀 Take & Bake Mac & Cheese
Family Size. Voted Chicago’s Best Mac
🍰 Sides + Dessert
•Cornbread Muffins
•Creamy Apple Slaw
•House made Bread & Butter Pickles
•Brown Sugar Bakery Carmel Cake
🍸Cocktails
•Peach Bourbon Tea
•Greyhound: Vodka, Grapefruit, Lime, Vanilla
Preorder Only. Limited offerings available on site.
Meal kits prepared cold with heating instructions. (want hot food? limited menu available on site) Find us at: Curaleaf Northbrook on Thursdays Curaleaf Skokie on Wednesdays Curaleaf W**d St on
Address
1601 Payne Street
Evanston, IL
60201
To reach Payne Street in Evanston, visitors can take the Purple Line or Union Pacific North Metra line and get off at Davis Street station. From there, they can walk west on Davis Street until they reach Payne Street. For those driving, the best option for parking would be to use the metered street parking available around Payne Street or use one of the nearby public parking garages.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
11am - 8:30pm |
| Tuesday |
11am - 8:30pm |
| Wednesday |
11am - 8:30pm |
| Thursday |
11am - 8:30pm |
| Friday |
11am - 9:30pm |
| Saturday |
11am - 9:30pm |
| Sunday |
11am - 8:30pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Soul & Smoke is a barbecue restaurant and food truck located on Payne Street in Evanston that has been making waves in the local food scene. Barbecue restaurants are known for their mouth-watering dishes that are slow-cooked to perfection, and Soul & Smoke is no exception. Their menu features a variety of classic barbecue dishes such as brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as unique items like smoked tofu and vegan mac and cheese.
What sets Soul & Smoke apart from other barbecue restaurants is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Chef D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick have created a menu that showcases their passion for barbecue while also incorporating new flavors and ideas.
Their Avondale pop-up space has recently transformed into a full-fledged restaurant thanks to the Chicago Recovery Grant, which means customers can now enjoy their delicious food in a cozy indoor setting. They also have two other locations where customers can pick up their orders or dine al fresco on the riverfront patio.
Soul & Smoke's dedication to providing excellent service is evident in their social media posts, where they frequently update customers about upcoming events and specials. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or a night out with friends, Soul & Smoke has something for everyone.
If you're planning a summer party or celebrating a special occasion, there's nothing better than BBQ from Soul & Smoke. You can even pick up a bottle of their signature BBQ sauce at your favorite retailer or any of their three locations to take home with you. Overall, Soul & Smoke is an excellent choice for anyone looking for delicious barbecue in Evanston.
