Carl Johan's review of Chicago Rib Shack

I have a bit of a thing for places like these, with Big Easy in mind. I realise that I won't be treated to a ***-type dinner, but that's obviously not the reason for going here either. With the Rib Shack, I find it's been fun and very buzzy place (unfortunately with its fair share of kids) to go to in the weekend evenings. I was once there for a weekday and we were the only ones in the place, and with a dining room like that, you're almost expecting an echo when you order. So the varying atmosphere would be my first take-away.

The food is very straight forward and being a meat and barbecue fan myself, I have never been disappointed. Sure, it's messy (everyone's offered bibs!), and not very classy, so if that's your aim, there's no reason to visit. But if you're after a fun evening with friends, a lot of beer and meat, then this is the place. The big minus is, compared to Big Easy for instance, that it takes a lot of people to fill the place, but as I mentioned, it usually seems to be full in the weekends.