With a three-star rating from the Chicago Tribune, Soul & Smoke is one of the best BBQ restaurants in the North Shore neighborhood. Being the brand’s flagship location, Soul & Smoke Evanston is currently under construction to provide you with a refreshed experience and is open daily for counter services and casual indoor and patio dining. The full build-out will introduce new smokers, a beautiful dining room, private event spaces, a full bar, and weekly programming. For now, please come by to enjoy our indoor and outdoor patio seating, place an order to go, or get catering for your next event.
Tucking into a plate piled with barbecue is a messy pleasure. The experience is comforting and complex—not unlike the people sharing in it.
Based on 311 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.1 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
1601 Payne St, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (847) 859-2732
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11 AM–8:30 PM
Holiday hours
|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
Menu
… View more
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Vincent Mañara
I joined my coworkers for lunch and opted for the Rib Tips accompanied by Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens. The meal was incredibly tasty, with the rib tips being juicy and even more flavorful when combined with the original sauce. The service was satisfying, and one of my coworkers praised the deliciousness of the hot links. I’m eager to return and give them a try.
… more
Rye
I have had a lot of BBQ in my life, and man, this place blew me away. To start, the sausage had such a deep, smokey flavor to it. The caramelized onions, sauce, and bun… Wow. The hot link was so tender and juicy. The brisket was also delicious. We ordered lean and it came exactly as expected with little fat yet was still tender, juicy, and flavorful. I did not get the chance to take a picture of the other items I ordered, which were the slaw and cornbread. I have never been a fan of slaw in my life but the apple slaw was GOOD! The mix of cabbage, apples, and cranberries complimented each other perfectly. Last was the cornbread muffin that was delicious and moist with a perfect amount of sweetness. Yes, for anybody who is used to BBQ from the South (where I’m from) or other areas where it’s more common (cheaper), this is a little bit pricey. However, I think the price is for good reasons considering the taste, quality, and portion sizes. Highly recommend!!
… more
Marc Robinson
Came for a quick dinner and the food was incredible. Brisket was perfection and you only/barely needed your fork to eat it as it was so tender.
… more
Chad Agre
The people there are great.. The food though, not on par with expectations.. The brisket sandwich was ordered to be fatty and juicy, it came dry as a bone. The pulled pork sandwich came as expected. The 1/2 pound of ribs were dry and flavorless, they were ordered with zesty sauce on them, and I paid extra for sauce on the side, neither of those sauces were applied or in the bag. We will never go back to this restaurant. The Mac n cheese was great though!!
… more
Brittani Noell
I LOVE Soul and Smoke! I’ve eaten at both locations. This is the first time I’ve been highly disappointed with them. I ordered through DoorDash from the Timeout Market location. I’ve been craving rib tips and greens so that’s what I ordered. Off bat, the smell of the ribs was unappetizing (smelled like bologna). They were chewy and full of fat. So much that I couldn’t even finish them. The cup of greens wasn’t even halfway full. They definitely let me down on this one. 🙁
… more
Jeff M Delgado
Came here for lunch today and came to do some catering recon for my Dad’s 70’s birthday party.
… more
Sarah Tompkins
Ordered last night and the food was mediocre at best. Staff was nice and friendly . I love to try BBQ places and heard positive reviews of this place. Sadly, Soul and Smoke missed its mark. The brisket sandwich was dry and not flavorful. My fiancé got the bbq ribs and said the ribs lacked flavor. Ordered an extra sauce and it was missing from the To Go order. Pulled pork was ok. Mac and cheese was decent. For what we paid, we expected much better quality that what we ordered. Not a place I would recommend or see myself returning to at this time.
… more
Sendak 1
You know, these folks not only have outstanding food (that I’ve enjoyed on several occasions), but they are also some of the nicest people around. Before a neighborhood concert began, I asked the gentleman in charge of the food truck to move it up just a bit so my elderly parent could watch the concert from the house (across the street). He was happy to do it, and because of him, my mother could enjoy the music. It’s heartwarming to see such kindness. Thank you.
… more
Deitra Lawson
I had the link and sausage meal and it was everything! The collard greens were perfectly made. (coming from a southern girl who knows her greens) Definitely will order from them again.
… more
Bennett Oyemade
Ordered Rib Tips when restaurant first opened, and I received what looked like last night’s leftovers. Looks more like pig’s feet. Burnt ends of a burnt end??
… more
… View more