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Recommendations for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

Chicago Culinary Kitchen in Palatine, IL

Chicago Culinary Kitchen is THE BEST place for Texas BBQ outside of Texas (and is probably better than a lot of places there). They run a smoker out of a small (like 30 seat) restaurant in an unassuming strip mall. They are only open weekends for lunch because they sell out of food so fast. Their rub is so unique and creates a great bark. The weekend specials are fun and, as Guy would say, off the chain. If a strip mall isn't a dive, I don't know what is. They are about three things: meat, beer, and rock n roll.

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Comments (3)

  • FlavortownUSA Logo
    Jim September 09, 2026

    This place is unique. It's not what you expect when you hear culinary kitchen in the name. It looks more like it could be a biker bar but it's not. Although sometimes a few bikers show. I come mostly for their specials, which aren't the same every week. They are really specials. Mostly the specials are really good but one recently in August was impeccable, they called Hatch chili burger. The flavors were exquisite and cooked perfect medium rare. Today I just spoke to some people from Cincinnati and they were impressed with the food from their regular menu as on occasion I order from time to time. On the weekends they have surprise desserts which usually are amazing also.

  • FlavortownUSA Logo
    Samantha October 26, 2025

    This place has it all—great food, fantastic beer menu, and a unique atmosphere all in a suburban strip mall location. The food is bbq with a twist always featuring some amazing new way to feature the food.

  • FlavortownUSA Logo
    David July 01, 2023

    Chicago Culinary Kitchen is amazing combination of barbecue and heavy metal music. They keep the base menu small but with amazing flavor. They changed their specials daily. From brisket pastrami salmon and sausage links this food is worthy of representing flavor town.

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