On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Category: Barbeque
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River NorthMerchandise Mart (Purple Express, Brown)
Grand (Red)
Loading...
Perfect sauce, meaty ribs, huge portions, comfy seats. If I could bulldoze a path through the hungry tourists, it would be the perfect place. I just went to Memphis for the first time this summer, and these ribs still top my chart.
Fall-off-the-boners can go overcook their meat elsewhere. I don't care if it's a chain, the double-baked potatoes are off the hook. I'm a rib rebel...a "rib-el." Eat it.
You get a rat pack kinda vibe here - yeah like many other Chicago establishments. Oh, except for the sweet and beautiful eastern European hostess.
I brought a friend who was visiting me from out of town. We were pretty much the only ones in the restaurant since it was mid day on a Saturday. Our waiter was an elder man who didn't say much but was accommodating. We each ordered the ribs and pork chop. The ribs were tender but not fall-off-the-bone tender. The pork chop was almost 2" thick but was dry. The portions are a good size so you get some value.
Carson's is near me so I'd go back for the ribs.
The slabs of ribs are HUGE here. You can probably split a dish. Carson's the official bbq for the President and his crew (listed on the menu). I'm not sure if these are the best ribs I've had, but they are better than most places. If you are hungry, come here.
Great coleslaw and au gratin potatoes. Service is great here. Our waiter gave us hot towels at "half time" and at the end.
Once again, I wish there were half stars. This would be 3.5 if there were.
We were in town for the weekend for the U2 show (I know you're jealous) and asked everyone we knew where to go for dinner. Carson's came up in a few emails, so that's where we went late that Friday night. We were seated right away, so we had that going for us, and in the bar area so there was sports to watch (a big plus for hubby).
We took a look at the menu and saw the Shrimp DeJonghe, which is my hubby's all time favorite at Don and Charlie's in Phoenix. It's the first time I'd ever seen that anywhere else. Then we saw the chopped liver, and for a moment we thought it was a rip off of the restaurant in Phoenix, but eventually found out that the owners are brothers. Very similar restaurants. FYI, the shrimp at Don and Charlie's is much better, but hubby still liked this one. Me...eh.
Prime rib was great. I had the salmon and it was cooked perfectly.
Oh, that coleslaw. I could go just for the coleslaw. And the chopped liver. Mmmmm....
Our server/bartender was super friendly. He was having a rough night, but made sure we got everything we needed and wanted, and we never had to ask for refills. He really took care of us.
Good stuff all around!
Great ribs for Chicago. From the outside, the place looks a little sketchy, but once inside, it is very clean and well appointed.
They start you off with a massive bowl of coleslaw. Coleslaw is one of my least favorite foods so I was a little revolted by the huge bowl of coleslaw sitting before me, but it turned out to be moderately decent.
I had ribs and a twice-baked potato which were excellent. No complaints there whatsoever.
Our server was very attentive. She took our order by memory, kept all of our drink glasses full and saw to our every need.
The only complaint I have would be relative to our reservations. Being a Saturday night, I called ahead to make reservations for our party of 5. They offered us a "get over here right now and we can seat you" opportunity -or- the "it's gonna be real late before we can get you in..." option. We hopped in a taxi and flew across town to get there for the first option. The whole time we were there, TONS of tables remained open. If reservations are not needed, then they should tell the customer that. We could have enjoyed a leisurely walk over to the restaurant, but instead, had to make a panic rush to get there, only to be seated in a next-to-empty restaurant. If it were not for that little faux pas, I'd proffer 5-stars their way.
Still great. Not the city's best meat, but the city's best price for a great rib meal.
My November review stands. The au gratin potatoes alone justify the trip. Good service, great BBQ sauce, decent meat. We still love the place.
Great ribs. Don't come here for anything else.
Carson's is THE place for ribs in Chicago, THE city…
Read more »
Coming from the South and have eaten some of the best BBQ ever, I didn't know what to expect-
Upon walking in I felt like I had been transported back to 1985, the decor and environment felt similar to places I've been as a kid-
I love beef brisket, so I ordered the beef brisket sandwich and a side of au gratin potatoes-When I took a bite of the brisket I wasn't happy, the BBQ sauce tasted like ketchup and brisket itself wasn't that good, it was chewy and tough-I decided to see if the potatoes would win me over, not so much-I think I could have made the same thing when I was in 3rd grade-Just potatoes cut up and a ton of cheddar cheese baked into them-I was seriously bummed, I love BBQ but this place didn't have what I needed-
Now maybe it's b/c I'm from the South and I'm used to sweeter sauces, but I've had MUCH better and *true* BBQ at Sonny's and Fat Boys (Southern chains)-A good piece of brisket should look like this: http://farm4.static.fl...
Mine did not and it was covered in this horrible ketchup sauce, the best au gratin potatoes I've had up here are at Wildfire, now those are freaking awesome, these were cheap and not good, I honestly took 3 small bites and pushed it aside-
My husband got the ribs and said that he is glad that he read what it said on the menu about them, "they will not fall from the bone" he had to break them apart, and at times it looked a little difficult ;0 I know for sure I will never go back-
Having never been to Chicago before, I had no preconceived notions or expectations. If I did, I would say that my expectations would have been met. The ribs were amazing, the sides were delicious. I would definitely come back the next time I'm in town.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no. This is a fine establishment and a Chicago institution but to call this a BBQ joint is an insult to good bbq everywhere. Go here and get the Shrimp de jonghe, a Caesar or Garbage salad, or a steak, but please do not let this "bbq" pass your lips.
If you like some meat with your sauce and hate the flavor of pork, then disregard my previous advice and order away. Cloying, heavy, sweet, wet, sticky, this is northern style bbq at it's worst. Back when there weren't as many bbq places to chose from (many people being unwilling to drive to the good joints hidden on the South Side) this place built it's reputation on a total and complete lack of competition. The only good thing about getting bbq here is the coleslaw, which is actually quite nice. That being said, I utterly, thoroughly, and completely disapprove of the bbq here. Chicago has many fine bbq establishments now, so there is absolutely no excuse to eat this sorry ass "bbq."
That being said, it's a nice restaurant, great service and, outside of the loathsome barbeque, has excellent food. Go for the classics but, for the love of Homer Simpson and all things porky, please, please, please avoid the wretched excuse for smoked meats at this place.
The ribs at Carsons are better than say Chilli's but not the best I've ever had. Ribs are wet , meaning they are sauced before served. I saw this place on the food channel and they actually sauce their ribs before they cook them. Thats the first time I've ever seen that technique.
The sauce is usual KC style, sweet ketchup.
I'm not knocking the ribs in any way . I cook in BBQ competitions across the states and have trophies for all manner of food including ribs.
Are my ribs better ? Yes.
With that said these are solid ribs and are as good as you are going to find.
They are not fall off the bone and ribs that do fall off the bone are overcooked. If thats the way you like them , each to his own but these at least are not overcooked.
I will say its worth the trip for the au gratin potatoes. They rock. Plain and simple.
Its said Sinatra used to hit this spot when in Chicago.
My advice , Hit the bar for a proper drink ( vodka+tonic?) . Chat the bartender up. Make your way to dinning room and switch to beer. Order up a half rack ,if your feeling frisky get the whole slab , get some slaw and make sure you get those au gratin spuds. When the food comes out take a minute and remember the chairman of the board had the same meal.....Enjoy.
PS Skip the brisket baby , stay with the ribs..
I love meat. I love beef. I love pork. I love chicken. I love lamb. I'm a carnivore down to the smallest, teeniest part of my being. So why I haven't made the trip to Carson's before now will remain one of the world's most confusing mysteries. I've had Carson's catering at events, but the chafing dish warmed take out doesn't nearly do the in restaurant experience justice.
After a matinee basketball game at the United Center, my parents, boyfriend, aunt, and I made our way over on a snowy late December afternoon. We were driving 3 cars, and the valet swooped in and took all 3 arriving vehicles with impressive speed considering that we arrived simultaneously.Once inside, we were seated in a large circular booth just off of the bar area and told that there was a complimentary spread bar including different gourmet spreadable cheeses and pâté. As appetizing as it sounded, we took a pass as we were eager to survey the menu.
Upon inspection I found it almost impossible to choose between the BBQ baby back ribs, BBQ pork chop, BBQ shrimp, and BBQ chicken. Wait, what's this I see? Samplers? Mix and Match? Thank you sweet little baby Jesus! My fellow diners were a bit more ambitious than I and tackled the baby back rib, pork chop, and 1/4 chicken sampler while I stuck to the 1/2 rack of ribs and shrimp.
Each dinner came with a side of their "award winning" (they DO emphasize this achievement) coleslaw and a side. One thing I thought to be a bit odd is that the coleslaw came out before the meal as a traditional salad would and the portion was heaping. It WAS pretty good (my non cole slaw liking boyfriend did find it mildly tasty) however I couldn't bring myself to eat that quantity of coleslaw as a stand alone dish. Luckily, coleslaw wasn't what brought me to Carson's. NEXT!
Those ribs were the most heavenly pieces of bone-in meat I have tasted in my entire life. I tried to rewrite that sentence several times so as to not sound sexual, but there was just no way. It was like food porn and will be described as such. I usually prefer tips to rack of ribs, but these things were meaty and juicy and I loved every bit. The jumbo shrimp were less noteworthy, and tasted above average likely from the heavenly BBQ sauce that was brushed on in the perfect quantity. I spied the fist sized pork chops on the plates of the others and managed to steal a bite from my boyfriend's plate. It was surprisingly leaner than expected, and the grill seasoning combined with the BBQ sauce made for an good flavor combo on the meat. We all had sides of potatoes that went virtually untouched in favor of the juicy hunks of broiled meat.
Aside from our food, our service was great. Our waiter was attentive, yet not intrusive. We were given fresh hot towels to wipe our hands periodically, and there was not so much as a minor hiccup. We left stuffed and I pitied my poor parents with such a long drive ahead as I could think of nothing other than the couch that was a short ride away. The Itis had taken over and a damn good nap ensued.
About some of the best ribs you will find in the midwest. Carsons ribs remind me so much of Tona Roma's ribs. The sauce on these ribs never disappoints. Went here tonight and stuffed out on ribs, chicken, slaw and baked potatoe. Sho' nuff good eating! Hey what is it about those corn muffin appetizers, they are quite addictive.
I first tried their ribs back a long time ago when they were at the 'Taste of Chicago' being cooked at the charcoal grill. The meat was so tasty with the combination of rich BBQ sauce and smoky flavor. Years later, (about 5 years ago, yes, still back then), I had hankering for BBQ so I ventured to the eatery and got me some ribs to go. When I got home, opened the container, I was surprised to see the dripping sauce what appeared to be brushed on after it was cooked, not like what I remembered. After one bite, there wasn't that good grilled flavor I expected like at the 'Taste'. What a disappointment!
BBQ sauce are supposed to be applied to the meat BEFORE cooking it, NOT afterward!
I must admit, I was a bit leery of this place due to the fact there are no visible windows on the building. Normally, for me that is a strong signal that I should stay away! Luckily, this place proved my theory wrong.
The ribs here are really good, nice and tender. I don't care for coleslaw, but everyone I was with raved about it. I ordered the half rack of ribs and chose the sweet potato fries as my side. The fries were really yummy as well. They were seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar, de li cious! My husband ordered the au gratin potatoes, which were really tasty as well. The other couple we were with both ordered the stuffed baked potato as their side. We all agreed that it was lacking. But all in all a great meal, with attentive service, what more do you need?
Carson's is an absolute must if visiting the great city of Chicago.
After trying the barbequed chicken, ribs and steak all in one sitting, I decided that every time I'm in the windy city, Carson's will be a staple.
Amazing food. Steaks are cooked to perfection. Ribs slip right of the bone and the chicken is very tasty and tender.
Prices are a little steep, but well worth it. Service gets an A+ too!
Carson's will not disappoint!
My second visit to Carson's and I was very underwhelmed and I really wanted to like it too. My first visit a few years ago was great - but maybe that was just do to the company of friends that I was with at the time. Anyway... the rib meat just wasn't very good at all and the sauce was unoriginal. No beer on draught, just bottles (sigh)
BBQ here is amazing. Boyfriend had the pork chop, which was the thickest piece of pork I've ever seen. The ribs were amazing. And the price is just right.
carsons has some pretty good food...i think its a little over-rated..but good bbq is tough to find in chicago...unless youre at my house...its actually pretty good size inside and they have decent menu...the times ive been there i have tried the ribs, chicken and pork chops...i think the pork chops were actually the best out of everything...the ribs werent as meaty as i expected...but the sauce is good..they give you a ton of stuff with your meal to from the bread, to soup and salad, and if you are getting apps its a lot of food..the au gratin potatoes were pretty good too..and its really not that expense for bbq..
i think the valet parking is insane...i get that they want to make money...but its right in front of the door..its not like they are taking your car to a garage for you..why cant i park myself...
3 stars might be a little rough on them..but i have had better bbq in my life..i would go here again..but i enjoy a more lively atmosphere..the old digs just aint kickin it for me here
Delicious!!!
They are all around excellent. When you come to Carson's you make sure you have a FULL course, it's well worth it! Salads (fresh, light and refreshing), but.....my favorite comes down to the shrimp Dijon!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soooooo amazing and lemony! OMG!!!!
And, my aunt works here and is one of the bartnders/managers and she's WONDERFUL!!!!! Pretty much the whole staff are sweet and lively people, enjoy!!!!!!
I've been coming to Carson's since I was really young. The decor has been amped up a bit, which is nice, and the food is just as good as it was 20 or so years ago.
I went again yesterday for the first time in a while. We had great service, tons of leftovers, etc. I had the ribs and chicken combo which was great, as always, along with the au gratin potatoes. I didn't even eat half of my food. The combo was about $20, btw.
I tasted some of Don's Fav Salad, too, and wasn't into it myself, but I can see it's appeal: creamy Italian dressing, beets, candied walnuts. Just not my thing, but good, nonetheless. Carson's coleslaw is the best and always has been to me. I think I secretly compare all other coleslaw to Carson's, actually...
This is a Chicago staple, in my opinion, and I'll be back many times to come -- hopefully with my own kids someday!
PS: Make sure to take advantage of the serve-yourself appetizers in the bar area. There is chopped liver, an amazing cheese spread, crackers and rye bread. The waiters never tell us about it, but it's there for patrons to enjoy!
I used to live 5 minutes away from a Carson's location. But, sadly, that was when I wasn't yet into ribs. Now, the only good that comes from not living near one is being unable to spend all my money on take-out.
My first experience having Carson's was about two months ago-- we ordered a full tray of rib tips and a tray of au gratin potatoes from this location for a birthday party. Maybe I was overly hungry . . . or maybe I was in a particularly good mood . . . but all I know is that the combination of sweet, tender rib meat with cheesy, creamy potatoes was one of the most delicious and complementary meals I've ever had.
I must go back to make sure . . .
I miss the Carson's around the corner from my house but was downtown roaming the hood for a good bite to eat when I stumbled upon this location. As a child anytime we were in Chicago visiting Grandma's house we would always have to wander around the alley to Carson's ribs. Get the big to go box/boxes of warm midwestern ribs goodness. I love their steak fries dipped in their sweet yet slightly tangy BBQ sauce. My grandma always chose the pork chops while I preferred the ribs. I love their Shrimp DeJonghe and their ribs. Instead of ribs I got the pulled pork sandwich with their amazing Potato's AuGratan. The service was spot on and the food was yummy. the bread on the table was extremely good as well. If in the area and want a good BBQ or Steak dinner. This is the place to go!
Remember that scene in "The Empire Strikes Back" where Luke is suspended upside down in the wampa's ice cave? And the camera cuts to the woolly white beast gnawing on a tauntaun carcass?
That's Carson's. It's a carnivore cave.
The lights are dim, the portions are large and you will spend a significant amount of time performing surgery on your meal to extract the morsels of meat. Service was flawless. A team of waiters zipped to and fro, refilling drinks, removing plates and bringing the next course. If I rated a restaurant solely on service, Carson's would be tops.
I had a half rack of ribs and a half-chicken. I preferred the chicken. It was moist and tender. As for the ribs, they weren't terribly meaty and the meat that was left clung to the bone. Maybe they were overcooked. Several parts of my meal featured carbon scoring from excessive time in the flames.
The container of barbecue sauce placed on the table was an awesome touch, since I'm a big sauce guy. But the sauce is very, very sweet and I prefer a spicier, hotter variety. I did like the fries, but the portion was quite small, compared to the enormous slab of meat I received.
Had they done a better job with the ribs and were the prices a little more reasonable (expect at least $20 for any entree), Carson's would have scored better with me. For now, I'll just save my pennies and wait until I have an uncontrollable urge to visit a dark meat cave. When that happens, Carson's will see me again.
I only get carry-out from here and never eaten here.
We always get the bucket of rib tips. Surely can feed 3-5 people.
Fries are nothing to be excited about!
The sauce is awesome though!
One thing is I miss is the hot chicken wings appetizers! Why did you taken them out Carson's???
Also, they took out the large bucket of rib tips and only have the one size now! Boo!
When I was little, you could bank on two things happening each time our family would go to Chicago:
(1) My dad would get lost driving us home from a cubs game and we'd end up in Cabrini-Green at which point my dad would make us all duck our heads below the car windows to avoid any stray bullets; and
(2) We had to stop at Carson's to get some ribs. No matter how old I get and how many years go by between my visits back to the midwest where I can get to Carson's, I will never forget the taste of bbq ribs all over my hands and face.
Carson's ribs bring me back to restaurant just about every time I get back to Chicago and are the benchmark for every single other rib I've ever had.
My parents lived in Chicago for a while, and as I was growing up every plate of ribs we ever ordered was compared in some way, shape, or form with Carson's. And I have to say, this is for good reason. They have some pretty good ribs.
Its tough to judge ribs on the basis of any one thing. Frankly, I don't mind that they're not falling off the bone (why is that the singular measure of rib greatness, again?), they're certainly tender, not overcooked, and have good meaty flavor. I really like their coleslaw too, in addition to their bread (i like places that serve several kinds of bread) and I LOVE their sweet and smoky sauce! They give extra sauce so you can really slather it on everything MMMMM usually i dont like tons of sauce but, man, I would eat it with strawberries. No wonder they give out bibs :)
Service is super nice and friendly, atmosphere is typical for a meat place (sunlight-free). I can see why people would want to order to-go though...do they ship to LA?
BEST ribs on the planet!
When I was a kid, Carson's was a frequent dining and carryout destination in my family. Now, I work in the immediate area, which means that I am sometimes overwhelmed by the aroma that comes wafting in our windows and am compelled to order from Carson's carryout.
All their dishes are very traditional. And also, for the most part, very good.
Their burgers are HUGE and juicy and come with your choice of potato (I prefer the au gratin but the steak fries are a big hit at my work) and cole slaw. If you eat in you also get bread and soup. So much food!
The chicken and rib tips are also really good, although at times the tips can be a little too fatty for my taste. The chicken is lightly spiced and moist. The filet mignon is fine, but in all honesty you can find a much better steak at Wildfire or Tango Sur.
The garbage salad with house dressing is awesome, pretty huge and the dressing is a sour cream/anchovy concoction (tastes much better than it sounds).
I highly recommend their bbq sauce - it's tangy and just the right consistency, and you can now buy bottles of it.
Service is always pleasant there. It has a very old school family run feel to it. I hope they'll be around long enough to see me come and eat there in my old fogie days.
Yay! I'm a fan.
I sit here and ponder whether one visit to a restaurant is enough to actually give it a single star, so I give this establishment the benefit of the doubt, and add one star for good measure.
Lack of windows make me think that at one point in time this was a strip club, or a mob hang out...maybe both at the same time. The service left a lot to be desired, and the ribs, weren't what what people advised they would be. I hear that Chicago BBQ is more of a crispy style, but I have had ribs from some of the top BBQ joints in the country and this was so far from the beaten path of BBQ it was ridiculous.
If only I had had the pleasure of a naughty looking hostess like our friend Alexa, it would have doubled, maybe tripled the pleasure I received from Dining at Carson's.
FYI, I live practically next door, and still order from another BBQ joint, to me, that says a lot. I do know that the valet's are some of the laziest in the city, because they split there time between Carson's and Blackies on Grand...they charge you when they don't even move your car from where you left it. $4.99 for valet, if that is the service, I want my $0.01 change back!
I've never actually eaten at the restaurant but I am a big fan of their rib tips. Mmm, meaty, greasy, saucy goodness. I get a medium bucket of tips and that comes along with fries and extra sauce...so good! Ooo another thing on their menu that is good is their mac and cheese. Just slightly burned on top so you get that crunchiness...mmm!
It's a toss up every year when we head to the inlaws family xmas party in Wisconsin as to whether we'll be bringing a couple of buckets of rib tips or a couple of stuffed pizzas from Lou's. They're both a crowd favorite.
Nothing beats a full slab of Carson's baby back ribs. I just love this place whenever I am in Chicago. Also, their bbq chicken is great as well and their side of cole slaw is very unique.
The only gripe I have is that they seem to have cut down on the locations. Looks like there is only one in downtown. When I use to live in Chicago, I recall they had several in the suburbs.
It's a bit pricey but worth every penny!
Just to warn you, I may be a little biased. Had my rehearsal dinner here before my wedding and honestly...nothing could take me off cloud nine.
But I'll try to keep my lovey dovey judgements out of this review...
I like the atmosphere of Carsons, their food isn't the best (which is why I took off a star), but it's still very delicious and such fun for groups and families. Gotta love the Carson's bibs and the BBQ...everything. Now everyone has their own opinions about sauces, so I won't get into that debate, but whether you're a tourist or local, patronize Carsons because it really has been around for a while. And even though the Sears Tower and Marshall Fields buildings are still standing....part of the history was stripped away with their names. Carsons has been a great local BBQ joint for years and I hope for many more years to come.
Also, private party events are just wonderful. The staff were very helpful in making all accommodations for your event and also trying to keep you within a budget....kudos for that!
I eat here once in a while when I am craving rib tips :) My parents and I used to eat at Carsons in the burbs growing up, so I have fond memories of this place.
I have never eaten dine-in at this location, we always order to go. I always get the rib tips with fries and my boyfriend gets 1/2 slab with au gratin potatoes.
I know rib tips are worse for you than ribs but they are SO GOOD! The portions are HUUUUUUUGE, I swear they can make 3-4 meals easily! And it's only ~$15/order. I always use extra bbq sauce and it is so tasty. YUM! I am drooling right now ; )
I love the fries, they are the thicker kind and are always fresh and hot. My boyfriend likes the ribs and loves the au gratin potatoes. He is very picky with what he likes, so that is a big deal when he really likes something!
I don't know if this is typical, but when you ask for au gratin potatoes, they ask if you want them baked or not. I am guessing that if you say no, they come frozen?! I have no idea and always found that a little odd.
I really like this place because ordering pick-up is fast and dependable. I never wait more than a couple minutes to get my order and the server opens the box and goes through everything with you to make sure everything is there. And they ask if you need plates/utensils too, which is nice.
I know people are not giving good reviews because of the atmosphere but I really like Carsons and their food. I think you should try it out and see if you like it!
The owner/manager is a complete DARLING. He didn't charge my dad for his meal because my dad commented that 'the rib tips were too tough...' My dad just likes to complain about his meals EVERYWHERE, so he didn't necessarily want them to take it off the bill. But, he was so nice to my dad. I would definitely come back here just because of the great service.
However, if you come here during lunch or pre-dinner, look for meters on Franklin because there's a $6 valet...and they park your car in the parking lot....Totally not worth it.
It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right; With your hands on your hips, you bring your knees in tight; But it's the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane; Let's do the Time Warp again!
Walking into this place really is like doing a Time Warp... The decor probably hasn't changed since they opened (for those not adventurous enough to do so, the outside decor is a good indicator).
Home of the "sophisticated carry out packaging!" They advertise this on their sign on the outside... It gave me a chuckle every time I walked by so one day I finally took a picture, see photos!).. I guess you could say curiousity of their "sophisticated carry out packaging" is what got me in.
The food is.. "OK" ... Not the best ribs I've had by any means.. Not even in the top 10 of Chicago as far as I'm concerned...! Their "famous" Garbage Salad was nothing spectacular, and I didn't like their house dressing. The sides were average.
Step 1: Call Carson's
Step 2: Order Full Slab of Ribs and Potatoe's Au Gratin
Step 3: Drive to Carson's and pick up food
Step 4: Experience the best ribs in the nation properly
Sorry to the Yelpers who've given Carson's less than 3 stars - here's my advice:
Get the ribs TO GO. That's what Carson's is known for!
Their website is http://ribs.com/ , how perfect is that?!
Full slab, with cole slaw and extra sauce. Killer combo in my book.
I went there for the Ribs once and the food was OK. I do like the variety of their free bread, which contains corn muffins, black wheat with dried grapes as well as traditional French bread. The BBQ Rib was OK but wasn't as good as I expected, maybe because I've never been a big fan of western BBQ sauce. and the baked potato was a little bit under cooked. The service was good but I did wait for quite some time for my order, also there are things they can do to improve the deco as well: the interior lighting is not enough, I found it too dark.
Overall you do get what you pay for. But if you are not a huge fan of BBQ Ribs, don't expect the visit will change you.
This review is for the food in general , I've only been to several of their now closed locations, never to the Downtown spot.
Carson's proves you can be both hugely overrated and still really good. I have several friends that will only eat ribs at Carson's , no matter how much I try to sell them on other places I think are better. To start , the ribs are really good , alot of which is attributed by me to the sauce . It is one of the best bbq sauces I've tasted. I have eaten the rib tips from here more than the ribs themselves , they are phenomenal , perfect for World Series and Superbowl parties. The cheesy potato's are great , and the slaw just as great. Had leftovers of the pork chops , pretty good. They do sell ribs on line , and I plan on hooking a buddy of mine up this Christmas from there. Nothing like the gift of meat.
Deerfield, IL
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Barbeque
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Pizza
This was my trip to Chi-town, better luck next…
Whether they be ignorant, pretentious, rude or…
Sending some special love toward my fave…
I'm of the firm opinion that truly great bbq…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
These are some of my favorite ribs .I don't…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
