1. The Publican
8.9
837 W Fulton Market (at N Green St), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · Fulton Market · 358 tips and reviews
Epicurious: This self-avowed "beer focused restaurant" combines European beer-hall decor with fresh farmhouse fare. Their small plates are a must, from hearty pork rillettes to juicy yellow beets.
Jeff Weinstein: Great oysters, pork belly, steak, and other meats. Beer list and service are top notch. Can be loud and crowded. Sneak a drink in at aviary before or after.
Adam Stevens: Had the oysters, pork rinds, ham sampler, pork belly, porchetta, half chicken and pain perdu. Memorable by far was the pork "crunchtastic" rinds, pork belly is incredible and the porchetta is unreal.
Cody M.: Everything was delicious. Really liked the brisket, pork belly, vinegar BBQ, spicy pickles, and potato salad.
Erika Davis: Pulled pork sandwich was delicious. Neat place to come with your friends or coworkers after work.
Whit Maull: Grab a drink while you wait in line, and make the tough choice between some of the best pork belly and brisket around. Don't forget the slaw.
3. Smoque BBQ
9.2
3800 N Pulaski Rd (at Grace St), Chicago, IL
BBQ Joint · Old Irving Park · 232 tips and reviews
Chicago magazine: The brisket sandwich, the pulled pork, the St. Louis ribs, and even the yummy sides live up to the hype. BYO and get in line. Read more.
Jake Smith: A pulled pork sandwich truly done right - huge hunks of meat on a delicious bun. A nearly perfect sauce. Points deducted for the coleslaw though, it's more like an onion salad.
Marc: Thrillist Top BBQ List: Any doubts about their attention to detail will be put to rest in their epic BBQ Manifesto, and by a peppery, tender bite of brisket followed up with a meaty pork spare rib.
5. Big Star
9.0
1531 N Damen Ave (at N Wicker Park Ave), Chicago, IL
Taco Restaurant · Wicker Park · 571 tips and reviews
Megan Lally: Pork belly tacos were my favorite, but the pork shoulder tacos (w/pineapple) are a close runner-up.
Serious Eats: Tacos al pastor, which is spit-roasted pork cooked with pineapple and onion; a crunchy fried fish taco; and best of all, pork belly with tomato guajillo sauce, queso fresco, onion, and cilantro. Read more.
Ian Beacraft: Amazing pork bellies. The fish tacos are also really good. If you enjoy extremely spicy foods the chicken tacos can't be beat. Oh yeah, and their whisky selection rocks Read more.
7. Girl & The Goat
9.0
809 W Randolph St (at Halsted St), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · West Town · 552 tips and reviews
Eater: Sure it's tough to get in, but Stephanie Izard's hamachi crudo with crisp pork belly; pappardelle with goat, pork and veal sugo; and intricate veggie dishes make it worth the wait. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Amanda Cooper: Girl & the Goat is one of my top restaurants in Chicago! Prezel bread, cod cheeks, sugo, pork ribs and of course dessert = amazing! Wine selection is reasonable and not too pricey.
Scherjang Singh: Eat everything ... you simply cannot go wrong. The pulled pork sandwich is outstanding.
8. Avec
9.2
615 W Randolph St (at N Jefferson St), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · West Loop · 214 tips and reviews
Emily Jurlina: The dates, pork shoulder and especially those sausages on top of the paella are fantastic. The sangria is a great deal for a group-- $19 for a carafe.
Steven Y: You must order the chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates - it's a really interesting taste of spicy, salty and sweet all in sequence; the braised pork shoulder is also really good
Phil Watson: The space itself is uncomfortably cramped. Take comfort in the massive, well-curated wine selection. Go for the stuffed dates, focaccia, and pork shoulder; they are delicious and worth it.
9. Ba Le
8.9
5014 N Broadway St (at W Argyle St), Chicago, IL
Vietnamese Restaurant · Uptown · 86 tips and reviews
Sheena: BBQ pork and ba le special are my favs, but I've never been disappointed with any of the sandwiches. Great spring rolls too. All at a great price!
AFAR Media: You can’t go wrong with the Bun Thit Nuong—piping-hot grilled pork, cold rice vermicelli, veggies and a housemade lemon fish sauce. Read more.
Laura Pearce: BBQ pork is my go to, but all of their sandwiches are really flavorful on delicious crusty bread.
10. Longman & Eagle
9.2
2657 N Kedzie Ave (at W Schubert Ave), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · Logan Square · 352 tips and reviews
david ballard: The homemade pork sausage is fantastic - the sweetbreads are great, but its a small portion so don't expect it to be dinner. Get the chocolate banana bread pudding for dessert. Whiskey!
Sara Endres: Get the wild boar sloppy joe and pork belly blt. While the fries are awesome these sandwiches are so rich you will feel slightly better if you get the salad.
Brad C: You can't go wrong with the pork belly entree... Try a few entrees and share with a group. This place is a nice surprise!
11. Smoke Daddy
8.7
1804 W Division St (btwn Wood St & Honore St), Chicago, IL
BBQ Joint · Wicker Park · 147 tips and reviews
Elizabeth Blanco: love the ribs, brisket, and pulled pork...always with mac n cheese and slaw. Texan approved!
Staci Starks: The pulled pork sandwich with a mixture of the KC & Chicago sauce is bbq heaven. The mac is also amazing.
DailyCandy: The Daddy is a Wicker Park standby. Go for the pulled pork and indulgent weekend brunch (the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich is a must); stay for the giant patio and live music.
12. Xoco
8.8
449 N Clark St (at W Illinois St), Chicago, IL
Mexican Restaurant · Near North Side · 360 tips and reviews
Lin Lin: Try the Pork Belly And Vermicelli Noodles - This dish was an exquisite blend of perfectly fried pork belly, veggies and noodles in spicy broth. Make sure you try this!
Lucero De La Tierra: The cocinita pibil torta is my fave with succulent, spicy pork. Easy with the habanero sauce though. The Saturday roast goat special torta is so yum - yum - yummy, too.
Paul Farrell: Great breakfast. Pork belly chilaquiles super filling and super good
14. Antique Taco
8.6
1360 N Milwaukee Ave (at N Wood St), Chicago, IL
Taco Restaurant · Wicker Park · 161 tips and reviews
Sabina Kajtezovic: Carnitas tacos are to die for. Margarita strong and served in a glass pitcher with fresh rosemary. More pricey, but worth it.
Melissa E: One order has two tacos and is enough for a meal. Split between friends if you can't decide. I loved the carnitas. Chips and guacamole was on point too
Brittany Towers: Agua Frescas are amazing here! Also the carnitas and steak tacos are delicious.
Mark Peacock: Try the Charcuterie plate - #pork more than enough for 2 people
Renaissance Hotels: The delicious pork belly sandwich, topped with shaved apple, watercress, purple onions, yogurt and fresh mint, challenges you to find a better lunch in Chicago.
Rex F: Amazing free samples while you wait. Can't go wrong with the Porchetta sandwich or pork belly "gyro" sandwich