ALL BOTTLED UP: Smoke Shack
The spot: Move over, late-night burrito joints: A new barbecue spot is making its mark in Lincoln Park after dark. The brightly lit, rustic and casual Smoke Shack opened in December and DePaul kids are slowly discovering this affordable counter-service option. A post-bar crowd is already stumbling into the six wooden picnic-style tables nightly. “We have a big crowd between 1 and 3 a.m.,” owner Julio Nepomiachi says. The Argentina-born Nepomiachi adds South American flair to the menu with a spicy grilled chorizo served with chimichurri sauce ($3.75). Traditional smoked meats prepared in a large smoker include half- and full-racks of St. Louis and baby-back ribs ($10.95-$20.95), pulled pork ($5.95) and brisket ($6.95) sandwiches.
The bottle: Nepomiachi also owns Tonic Room across the street. His five-year-old lounge is a destination in its own right, but its proximity to Smoke Shack makes it the perfect place to grab some beer to accompany the slow-smoked meats and hearty sides. Though you can’t carry open beer from Tonic Room across the street, you can purchase a six-pack of Argentina’s Quilmes beer ($8.99) there. Nepomiachi describes the flavor as a bit like a South American version of Harp. Of course, you have another BYOB option: Bring your own barbecue. Nepomiachi says you’re welcome to bring your Smoke Shack ’cue to the Tonic Room. --Emily Hiser Lobdell is a metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com