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Chicago Culinary Kitchen

Chicago Culinary Kitchen Chicago Culinary Kitchen is a distinctive American barbecue restaurant renowned for its engaging cooking classes that delve into the intricacies of BBQ, covering everything from nose to tail and sausage to brisket. Owned by Greg and Kristina Gaardbo, the culinary experience includes lessons on local beer pairings with various meats, featuring classes like Meat Church, Bitches That Barbeque, and the Complete BBQ & Craft Beer Experience. Beyond classes, CCK offers bespoke private events and exclusive "in the pit" experiences. Catering services are also available for a range of gatherings including bachelor/bachelorette parties, sports teams, office functions, school fundraisers, and alumni events. Operating Wednesday through Sunday until sold out, this Texas-style BBQ kitchen invites patrons to arrive hungry and ready to enjoy a culinary adventure.
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Recent social media posts

If you’re out & about this week, you may see this bad boy tearin’ up the streets (weather permitting)! Here’s where you ...
06/03/2026

If you’re out & about this week, you may see this bad boy tearin’ up the streets (weather permitting)! Here’s where you can find us:

Wednesday, June 3rd, 5-8pm: Johnsburg Food Trucks located @ 2315 Church St, Johnsburg, IL.

Saturday, June 6th, 5-10pm: Live at the Lake located @ Paulus Park 200 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL.

Sunday, June 7th, 11:30am-2:30pm: Buffalo Grove Pride Picnic located @ Mike Rylko Community Park 951 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL.

Come on out to enjoy some great food, live music, & community fun!

Wanna know where we’ll pop-up next? Join the Heads Up List @ cckbbq.com

Wanna book us for your own event? Call 847-701-8243 or email [email protected] to make all your wildest fantasies come true 🛻 ❤️

06/02/2026

This is Tallow. AKA Liquid Gold. The REAL Texas Tea. The fat of the land. The stuff certain dreams are made of. We don’t buy , we make it.

Summer's here & we're ready to rock! There's quite a bit on the calendar & a lot of work to be done, but that's just the...
06/01/2026

Summer's here & we're ready to rock! There's quite a bit on the calendar & a lot of work to be done, but that's just the way we like it!

Wednesday: Texas Hippie Brisket Mac is about as comforting as it gets with a heaping helping of our creamy Mac & Cheese, Smoked Brisket, Texas Hippie BBQ Sauce, Crispy Onion, & Green Onions. All you need is a spoon & a few napkins & you're golden, pony boy. AND you can catch CCK Mobile @ Johnsburg Food Trucks (2315 Church St, Johnsburg) from 5-8pm (or sell-out) with a delightful array of Smash Burgers, Brisket & Pork Tacos, & more!

Thursday: a Lamb Meatball Submarine doesn't requite any special certifications or training, but it does require a hearty appetite! It's going all the way down with some smoked & braised Lamb Meatballs, Tzatziki, Cucumber, Tomato, & Red Onion on a toasted French Roll. We love lamb!!!

Friday: Smoked Chicken Vesuvio is one of those classic menu mainstays at some of the most iconic Chicagoland steakhouses & we'll do our best to do it justice with a brined & smoked Miller Farms Amish Chicken Half, White Wine-Lemon Sauce, Roasted Potatoes, & Green Peas. We'll also have Smoked Salmon, Pastrami, The Super Katz, Tamales, Turkey, & more Fri-Sun while supplies last!

Saturday: Izza Pizza Burger is a blast from the past complete with a handmade smoked & grilled Brisket Burger, Pepperoni, Marinara, & Mozzarella on a toasted Brioche Bun. AND you can catch CCK Mobile @ "Live at the Lake" in Lake Zurich from 5-10pm (or sell-out) with all sorts of yum yums for your tum tums!

Sunday: The Full Monte Cristo is another brunchified classic "sandwich" made with Smoked Ham & Swiss on French Toast with a side of nostalgia. AND you can catch CCK Mobile @ the Buffalo Grove Pride Picnic from 11:30-2:30 (or sell-out) with all sorts of yum yums for your tum tums (again).

Please note: we will not be accepting any new catering orders for Fri/Sat/Sun this week as we are already at capacity for those days!

Need Father's Day plans? Check out our "Dad's Big Day" pre-order @ www.cckbbq.com

Any questions? Email [email protected]

Until next time: keep calm & rock on!

XOXO,

Team CCK

Just gonna leave these. Right. Here. Not really though.That would be reckless & irresponsible. Want a Smoked Tomahawk Ri...
06/01/2026

Just gonna leave these. Right. Here.

Not really though.

That would be reckless & irresponsible.

Want a Smoked Tomahawk Ribeye this week? Or for ?

Let us know. DM or email [email protected] or pre-order for Father’s Day @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

05/31/2026

This Chorizo-PoTOTo Burrito is off the chain…or the reservation…or it’s AWOL. Or something whatever it is, it’s f’n delicious!

It’s a grilled 14” Flour Tortilla Loaded with smoked chorizo, tater tots, scrambled eggs, cheddar & pepper jack, salsa verde, cilantro, & onion. Don’t think about it, just put it in your mouth!

And what’s more: we’ve got another batch of Smoke-a-Fried Pickle Wings today as well as a whole lotta damn fine food to brighten your mood!

It’s Sunday, May 31 & we’re open til 7pm! Order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Happy Sunday Funday Fam!

05/31/2026

Smoked helles beer collab in process. Stay tuned 👀

This may tell you everything you need to know about how things went tonight at the Park Ridge Market after Dark. And we’...
05/31/2026

This may tell you everything you need to know about how things went tonight at the Park Ridge Market after Dark.

And we’re tired.🥱

But rest assured we have A LOT on our plate over the next few weeks.

Johnsburg Food Trucks we’ll see you on Wednesday!!!! 💋

05/30/2026

For the first time in the history of our we’re gonna collab with because what could possibly be better than or ? Probably both at the same time.

This SUPER limited collab is only available while supplies last on Saturday, May 30th @ the Park Ridge Market After Dark

Get some grandson!!!! Get some!!!!

Menu pour la nuit…It’s French and it means “holy f’n sh*t what a line up for Park Ridge Market after Dark tonight!”The p...
05/30/2026

Menu pour la nuit…

It’s French and it means “holy f’n sh*t what a line up for Park Ridge Market after Dark tonight!”

The party starts at 4:30pm & there’s more food at this place than you can shake a stick at. But if you wanna bring your own stick to shake, by all means, do you.

See you soon 👀

It's a beautiful day to eat like a king (or queen, or Viking warrior, etc) and we've got PLENTY of beautiful things to e...
05/30/2026

It's a beautiful day to eat like a king (or queen, or Viking warrior, etc) and we've got PLENTY of beautiful things to eat such as:

Smoke-a-Fried Pickle Wings
The Super Katz
Sweet & Spicy Fuji Shrimp Tacos
Confetti Cake
Brisket-Jack Tamales
and so much more!!!

We're open 11am-8pm & you can order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Then, later today, we'll be rollin' over to the Park Ridge Market after Dark for a fun-filled evening with plenty of live music, craft vendors, & all kinds of yum yums for your tum tums! More info @ https://marketafterdark.com/

So, whatever you choose to do today, make us a part of it!

P.S. We just launched a very special Father's Day pre-order so check it out @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com/events

Happy Saturday!!!!

It’s almost here! The Park Ridge Market after Dark is this Saturday, May 30th from 4:30-9:30pm! It’ll be a night filled ...
05/30/2026

It’s almost here! The Park Ridge Market after Dark is this Saturday, May 30th from 4:30-9:30pm! It’ll be a night filled with live music, local craft vendors, & all sorts of food stuffs!

We’ll be rockin’ a super tasty menu:
Oklahoma Onion Cheeseburgers
Smoked Pork Philly Steaks
Brisket & Pork Tacos
Brisket Tamales
The Fat Man Walks Alone
BBQ Bacon Rib Tips
Fat Grandma’s Banana Puddin’
& more!!!

Come on out to see what all the fuss is about!

🗓️ Saturday, May 30th
⏰ 4:30-9:30pm
📍 15 Prairie Ave, Park Ridge, IL
🌎 https://marketafterdark.com

We’ll see you there 👀 💪 ❤️

05/29/2026

Every day is better with a really good Shrimp Taco and we’re making some REALLY good Shrimp Tacos today! They’re loaded with marinated & grilled Sambal-Honey Shrimp, a sweet & spicy Asian Slaw, Cilantro, & Jalapeños on warm Corn Tortillas.

They’re crazy good, but don’t just take our word for it: come by & smash’em yourself! Available today while supplies last along with Brisket-Jack Tamales, Smoked Chimichurri Salmon, Pastrami, & so much more! We’re open 11am-8pm & you can order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Don’t forget: we’ll be rollin’ over to the Park Ridge Market after Dark this Saturday from 4:30-9:30pm with a belly-bustin’ array of things like Brisket Tacos, Oklahoma Onion Cheeseburgers, Smoked Pork Philly Steak, & a whole bunch of other stuff! More info about this & other upcoming events @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com/events

Happy Friday Fam!!!!

Every day is better with a really good Shrimp Taco and we're making some REALLY good Shrimp Tacos today! They're loaded ...
05/29/2026

Every day is better with a really good Shrimp Taco and we're making some REALLY good Shrimp Tacos today! They're loaded with marinated & grilled Sambal-Honey Shrimp, a sweet & spicy Asian Slaw, Cilantro, & Jalapeños on warm Corn Tortillas.

They're crazy good, but don't just take our word for it: come by & smash'em yourself! Available today while supplies last along with Brisket-Jack Tamales, Smoked Chimichurri Salmon, Pastrami, & so much more! We're open 11am-8pm & you can order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Don't forget: we'll be rollin' over to the Park Ridge Market after Dark this Saturday from 4:30-9:30pm with a belly-bustin' array of things like Brisket Tacos, Oklahoma Onion Cheeseburgers, Smoked Pork Philly Steak, & a whole bunch of other stuff! More info about this & other upcoming events @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com/events

Happy Friday Fam!!!!

A rolling stone gathers no moss. Unless it already had moss on it, but at least if it's rolling, it won't gather any mor...
05/29/2026

A rolling stone gathers no moss. Unless it already had moss on it, but at least if it's rolling, it won't gather any more. We're like a stone that's been around for years & years that all-of-a-sudden became an object in motion. It feels like we've hit some kind of stride that is difficult to measure but is tangible nonetheless. And this weekend? We're still rollin...

Friday: Fuji Shrimp Tacos are a great choice for a fish-friendly Friday made with Sambal-Honey Shrimp & a sweet/spicy Asian Slaw on Corn Tortillas. We'll also have Smoked Chimichurri Salmon, Pastrami, The Super Katz, Brisket Jack Tamales, Turkey, & more Fri-Sun while supplies last!

Saturday: Smoke-a-Fried Pickle Wings are back by popular demand (and because our favorite Matt absolutely loves our Pickle Wings). These magically delicious drums & flats are Pickle-brined, smoked, & flash-friend for a crispy, juicy, pickle-y chicken wing that's more of an experience than a meal.

AND you can catch CCK Mobile @ the Park Ridge Market After Dark from 4:30-9:30pm (or sell-out) with all sorts of yum yums for your tum tums like Brisket & Pork Tacos, Oklahoma Onion Cheeseburgers, BBQ Bacon Tips, Tamales, & more!

Sunday: Chorizo-PoTOTo Burrito is an absolute killer combo of smoked & grilled Mexican Sausage, Tater Tots, Scrambled Eggs, Salsa Verde, Cilantro, & Onion all stuffed into a grilled 14" Flour Tortilla. Just pretend like no one's watching when you face-plant into this one...

Our Saturday/Sunday Dessert Special will be an incredibly festive Confetti Cake that may literally explode with flavor when you're not expecting it!

Need to feed a group? Check out our award-winning Catering Menus @ chicagoculinarykitchen.com/catering

Please note: we will not be accepting ANY new catering orders for June 6th as it seems like everyone in the world decided to party that day...SORRY!

Also, next week we have a SHLOAD of Food Truck Events! June 3rd: Johnsburg Food Trucks, June 6th: Lake Zurich "Live at the Lake" and June 7th: Buffalo Grove Pride Picnic. The fun simply won't stop!

Any questions? Email [email protected]

Until next time: keep calm & rock on!

XOXO,

Team CCK

05/28/2026

When it comes to our daily specials, we tend to take inspiration from dishes all around the world. Today is no different.

Many of you may not be familiar with “Roast Pork Sandwich” from Brooklyn - but we are - and we’ve put our spin on it using smoked & grilled Pork Loin dipped in a savory Smoked Pork Jus, topped with Broccoli Rabe, melted Provolone Cheese, Pepperoncini’s & a delightful Garlic-Pepperoncini Aioli on a toasted Sub Roll.

It’s delicious & it’s available today (May 28th) only while supplies last!

Come on over & experience it for yourself, or choose any number of culinary delights from our menu! We’re open 11am-8pm & you can order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com (link in bio)

Please note: our patio will be closed tonight between 4-6pm for our BBQ & Bourbon: Al Fresco event. If you snoozed, you losed. Yes, we know that’s the incorrect usage but it rhymes so nah-nah-nah-boo-boo!

When it comes to our daily specials, we tend to take inspiration from dishes all around the world. Today is no different...
05/28/2026

When it comes to our daily specials, we tend to take inspiration from dishes all around the world. Today is no different.

Many of you may not be familiar with "Roast Pork Sandwich" from Brooklyn - but we are - and we've put our spin on it using smoked & grilled Pork Loin dipped in a savory Smoked Pork Jus, topped with Broccoli Rabe, melted Provolone Cheese, Pepperoncini's & a delightful Garlic-Pepperoncini Aioli on a toasted Sub Roll.

It's delicious & it's available today (May 28th) only while supplies last!

Come on over & experience it for yourself, or choose any number of culinary delights from our menu! We're open 11am-8pm & you can order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Please note: our patio will be closed tonight between 4-6pm for our BBQ & Bourbon: Al Fresco event. If you snoozed, you losed. Yes, we know that's the incorrect usage but it rhymes so nah-nah-nah-boo-boo!

If only there was a place where you could get a savory, melty, spicy grilled cheese loaded with Pulled Pork, Fried Cherr...
05/27/2026

If only there was a place where you could get a savory, melty, spicy grilled cheese loaded with Pulled Pork, Fried Cherry Peppers, Pepper Jack Cheese, & our Habanero BBQ Sauce (aka Mouth Punch) smashed between two slices of Grilled Sourdough Bread...

Oh wait...there is! It's Chicago Culinary Kitchen & it's at 2391 N Hicks Rd in Palatine, IL!

We're open 11am-8pm & you can even order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

And don't forget: we'll be at Park Ridge Market After Dark this Saturday from 4:30-9:30pm or sell-out!

See you soon 👀

Park Ridge Market after Dark this Saturday starting @ 4:30, which we know isn’t exactly after dark but “Park Ridge Marke...
05/26/2026

Park Ridge Market after Dark this Saturday starting @ 4:30, which we know isn’t exactly after dark but “Park Ridge Market in the Late Afternoon” just doesn’t hit the same. 😉

If you’re out & about this weekend, you may see this bad boy tearin’ up the streets! Here’s where you can find us this:

Saturday, May 30th from 4:30-9:30pm or sell-out: Park Ridge Market after Dark with plenty of Brisket, Pulled Pork, Burgers, Tacos, Tamales, & more!!!

Come on out to enjoy the weather, community, & our delicious foodstuffs!

Wanna know where we’ll pop-up next? Join the Heads Up List @ cckbbq.com

Wanna book us for your own event? Call 847-701-8243 or email [email protected] to make all your wildest fantasies come true 🛻 ❤️

Happy Memorial Day everyone! While some of us are taking some much-needed R&R after this crazy weekend, the rest of the ...
05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day everyone! While some of us are taking some much-needed R&R after this crazy weekend, the rest of the team is still hard-at-work deep cleaning the kitchen & getting us ready to rock another crazy week of delicious specials & events:

Wednesday: Spicy Pork Grilled Cheese is another iteration of our fan-favorite grilled cheese sandwiches loaded with Pulled Pork, Pepper Jack, Cheddar, & our brand-new Habanero BBQ Sauce (aka Mouth Punch) smashed between two slices of grilled Sourdough Bread.

Thursday: Fedoroff's Knock Off is our take on a Philadelphia classic made with smoked & braised Pork Loin, Broccoli Rabe, Provolone Cheese, Pepperoncini's, & Garlic Aioli on a toasted Sub Roll with a delightfully savory Pork Jus.

Friday: Fuji Shrimp Tacos are a great choice for a fish-friendly Friday made with Sambal-Honey Shrimp & a sweet/spicy Asian Slaw on Corn Tortillas. We'll also have Smoked Salmon, Pastrami, The Super Katz, Tamales, Turkey, & more Fri-Sun while supplies last!

Saturday: Smoke-a-Fried Pickle Wings are back by popular demand (and because our favorite Matt absolutely loves our Pickle Wings). These magically delicious drums & flats are Pickle-brined, smoked, & flash-friend for a crispy, juicy, pickle-y chicken wing that's more of an experience than a meal.

AND you can catch CCK Mobile @ the Park Ridge Market After Dark from 4:30-9:30pm (or sell-out) with all sorts of yum yums for your tum tums like Brisket & Pork Tacos, Oklahoma Onion Cheeseburgers, BBQ Bacon Tips, Tamales, & more! Check out www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com/events for more info & other fun stuff!

Sunday: Chorizo-PoTOTo Burrito is an absolute killer combo of smoked & grilled Mexican Sausage, Tater Tots, Scrambled Eggs, Salsa Verde, Cilantro, & Onion all stuffed into a grilled 14" Flour Tortilla. Just pretend like no one's watching when you face-plant into this one...

Need to feed a group? We can do that! Check out our award-winning Catering Menus @ chicagoculinarykitchen.com/catering

Any questions? Email [email protected]

Until next time: keep calm & rock on!

XOXO,

Team CCK

What? You think we just smoke a pig, plop it on a table & call it a day? No f🥩ckin’ way! We take pride in everything tha...
05/24/2026

What? You think we just smoke a pig, plop it on a table & call it a day? No f🥩ckin’ way! We take pride in everything that comes out of this kitchen because this is CCK.

Like & follow for more fun & delicious things!!!!

Happy   fam! We're sorry for the delayed post but it's been a helluva morning already!We had an absolute blast this morn...
05/24/2026

Happy fam! We're sorry for the delayed post but it's been a helluva morning already!

We had an absolute blast this morning with Shannon Halligan from WGN & we want to thank everyone who showed up early to hang out on the patio during the segment! We also want to send a HUGE shout out to Spunky Dunkers for donating the coffee & donuts & we can't wait to bring back our Maple Bacon Long John collab for Father's Day Weekend so stay tuned!

And in other news, we've got some delicious culinary delights for you to enjoy before the day is out! Our Smoked Corned Beef Hash has been described by multiple people today as, "The Best Hash I've ever had" and we're happy to let you be the judge!

We've also got The Super Katz, Icemochalattechocolatecake, Ribeye Tacos, BBQ Chicken Tamales, Steakhouse Smash Burgers, Ribs, Brisket, Sausage, & a whole lot more!

We're open til 7pm tonight & you can order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Also: we've got TWO spots left for our BBQ & Bourbon: Al Fresco event this Thursday, May 28th from 4-6pm. Come on out to have an afternoon delight with some Brisket, Ribs, & Pulled Pork paired with three delicious Bourbons! Tickets available @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com/events

And with that, we will leave you to make your own choices for the rest of the day ;-)

Don’t eat Icemochalattechocolatecake on Sunday.
05/24/2026

Don’t eat Icemochalattechocolatecake on Sunday.

05/24/2026

Go to sleep little pig, have sweet dreams.
When you wake up tomorrow you’ll have a party to feed. Go to sleep little pig, you look just so sleek.
We know you’ll taste just fine, from your hock to your cheek.

Today at CCK: The Smoked Tavern Burger. It’s a smoked & grilled homemade Brisket Patty covered in Bacon Jam, Garlic & He...
05/23/2026

Today at CCK: The Smoked Tavern Burger. It’s a smoked & grilled homemade Brisket Patty covered in Bacon Jam, Garlic & Herb Boursin, & Tallownaise on a toasted Onion Brioche Bun with a side of TOTS!!!!

You’re gonna like the way it eats. We guarantee it. ✅

Order online @ www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com

Address

2391 N Hicks Road
Palatine, IL
60074

**Driving Directions:**

1. Start by getting onto I-90 W from your location.
2. Continue on I-90 W for approximately 20 miles.
3. Take exit 68B for IL-53 N toward Palatine.
4. Merge onto IL-53 N and continue for about 5 miles.
5. Take the exit toward Dundee Rd/IL-68 E.
6. Turn left onto Dundee Rd/IL-68 E and continue for about 1 mile.
7. Turn right onto N Hicks Rd, and your destination will be on the right.

**Parking:** There is parking available on-site, so you should have no trouble finding a spot.

---

**Public Transport Directions:**

1. Begin at your nearest train station and take the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line towards Crystal Lake.
2. Get off at the Palatine station.
3. From the station, you can either take a local bus (check schedules for routes that service N Hicks Road) or use a rideshare service to reach your destination, which is approximately 2 miles away.

Make sure to check public transport schedules in advance to ensure timely arrival!

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 8pm
Thursday 11am - 8pm
Friday 11am - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 7pm

Telephone

+18477018243

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What people say

At Chicago Culinary Kitchen, guests are treated to an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the art of barbecue and craft beer. The cooking classes offered here are truly exceptional, allowing participants to dive deep into the world of BBQ—from nose to tail, sausage to brisket. Owners Greg and Kristina Gaarbdo share their invaluable pitmaster secrets while guiding you through the intricacies of pairing local beers with various cuts of meat.

The diverse range of classes includes engaging themes like Meat Church and Bitches That Barbeque, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a curious beginner, these classes promise not only education but also delicious samples that will tantalize your taste buds.

Beyond the cooking classes, Chicago Culinary Kitchen excels in customizing private events and hosting exclusive "in the pit" experiences. This makes it an ideal venue for bachelor/ette parties, sports team gatherings, office functions, school fundraisers, alumni events, or even a memorable Super Bowl celebration. With their expertise in BBQ and beer pairing, guests leave feeling well-fed and enriched with knowledge.

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am until sold out, this Texas-style BBQ kitchen invites you to come early and hungry. The culinary team—comprising talented individuals like Kyle Winkler (the SLICER), Al Fleem (master expediter), and Miles Norquist (Bouncer Angry Elf)—ensures that every visit is filled with flavor and fun.

With options for catering, group dining, takeout, and walk-ins available on N Hicks Road in Palatine, Chicago Culinary Kitchen is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in mouthwatering barbecue delights paired perfectly with craft beer.

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