Smoque was presented with a coveted Great Neighborhood Restaurant (GNR) Award by the members of LTHFORUM.com, Chicago’s leading food and culinary chat and discussion forum. Smoque was nominated for the award by Louisa Chu, chef, correspondent for Gourmet Magazine, and host of the PBS series Gourmet’s Diary of a Foodie. Fall 2007 GNR Winners.

Smoque was the subject of a review by WBBM Radio’s news anchor and restaurant critic, Sherman Kaplan. WBBM review of Smoque.

Smoque’s Brisket Sandwich was selected as one of the best sandwiches in Chicago. Time Out Chicago -- The 'Wich is Back.

Smoque was the focus of a piece by Jodi Robbins on wine and beer selection and pairing at BYO restaurants in May’s UR Chicago Magazine. Robbins was joined at the tasting by Belinda Chang, sommelier and corporate director of wine and spirits for Cenitare Restaurant Development and Management Company, and Justin Leone, sommelier at Alinea (Number 1 in Gourmet’s Top 50 Restaurants in the US for 2006). UR Chicago -- Tasting Notes.

Smoque was extensively profiled in the Pioneer Press Newspaper. May 2007.

Smoque was profiled in a BBQ feature in the May issue of Today’s Chicago Woman, and the recipe for Smoque’s vinegar-based cole slaw was divulged. May 2007.

Chicago Magazine’s Michael Nagrant interviewed Smoque partner Barry Sorkin. Highlights, as well as access to the full podcast: Chicago Magazine -- Chefs on the Grill with Michael Nagrant & Barry Sorkin.

In the endorsements we’ll gladly take category: Homaru Cantu, chef/owner of the celebrated Moto and recent winner of Food Network’s Iron Chef, concluded a recent interview with Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) magazine with a plug for Smoque as his go-to place for cheap eats. Check out the last question in the interview. QSR -- The Cook.

Smoque was one of five restaurants worldwide to be highlighted in the April issue of Gourmet. Readers have been calling for “Reservations” ever since. April 2007.

Smoque was the winner of a Critic’s Choice Award at the first annual TimeOut Chicago Eat Out Awards. Time Out Chicago -- Best Butt in Town

Chicago Magazine named Smoque the third hottest restaurant in Chicago. For April, they upped Smoque to second! April 2007.

Smoque was the restaurant chosen for the Weekend “Where 2 Go” segment on the CBS 2 Chicago Weekend News on April 21. CBS2 Chicago -- Where 2 Go.

Smoque was reviewed by Robin Mather Jenkins of the Chicago Tribune. March 2007.

Smoque was the subject of Steve Dolinsky’s "Hungry Hound" segment on the WLS-7 TV 10PM News. The turnout as a result of this piece (with its gorgeous close-ups on our ribs, brisket, mac and cheese and BBQ beans) was unprecedented. Smoque sold out of food every day for two weeks running! Steve Dolinsky's Hungry Hound -- Finding Authentic BBQ in Chicago Just Got Easier.

Leah Zeldes reviewed Smoque for the Chicago/Suburban Daily Herald, and even compared Smoque’s ownership to Martin Luther! Daily Herald -- Smoque Sets Out to Reform the Local BBQ Scene [PDF].

Smoque was briefly profiled as one of 5 Chicago BBQ spots to try by Pat Bruno, longtime food critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. January 2007.

Nice review by the Chicago Reader’s Mike Sula. Chicago Reader -- Down-Home BBQ.

Review in TimeOut Chicago -- Northwest Side finally gets its meat hooks on some good barbecue.