Culture

See the Barbecue, Beer, and Music From Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout

What happens when some of the country’s top pitmasters converge on the Midwest for three days of smoked meat

By SAVEUR Editors

Published on July 19, 2016

The Smokeout's proud flag.

For four years now, pitmasters from some the country's best barbecue joints converge in Chicago for the Windy City Smokeout, a celebration of bands, beer, and the most smoky, bone-gnawing barbecue you can get your hands on. We were on the ground last week to take a taste ourselves; check out scenes from this year's event below.

A beautiful barbecue-topped-burger from Windy City's Burger and Bourbon party, hosted by Saveur and Jefferson's bourbon.
Barry Sorkin, the pitmaster of Smoque in Chicago, cuts brisket. Sorkin is one of the pitmasters bringing the aquarium smoker—a unique glass enclosure over a firebox that's specific to Chicago-style barbecue—back to the forefront of the city.
Lillie's Q of Chicago makes pimento cheese-flavored chips to go in their pulled pork Frito pie.
Pitmaster Sam Jones reacts to seeing his article in Saveur's summer issue for the first time—catch it online soon.
Smoked Brisket from Smoque, Chicago.
Editor-in-Chief Adam Sachs and Eat Travel Rock's Kelly Rizzo judge "Ready Set Grill" hosted by Weber and TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
The best way to enjoy nachos—smothered in pulled pork. This batch is from 17th Street BBQ.
A whole hog pulled pork sandwich from Skylight Inn BBQ in North Carolina.
Moët sponsors Bubbles and Brine with Saveur and Drago's.
Even oysters get some heat. These beauties come from Drago's.
Miriam Wilson of Saltlick in Driftwood, Texas, holding up a brisket.
Mike Mills of 17th St BBQ poses with his famous ribs.
Sam Jones from Skylight Inn smokes whole hog at the Smokeout.
The sun sets on festival-goers at the Smokeout.

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