Twenty years ago, Chicago BBQ was boiled or baked. Fat Willy’s Rib Shack owners, Arden and Bo Fowler, changed Chicago BBQ when they introduced smoked meats to the city. After a family trip down South where smoked meats are aplenty, Arden and his Korean-born wife, Chef Bo, knew they needed to bring the dish to Chicago, and they decided to open a BBQ restaurant with Bo’s own creative twist.

In 2001, their Southern Pride smoker was the first of its kind delivered north of Kentucky. Nearly two decades later, Arden and Bo set the standard for new BBQ joints opening in the area. They specialize in baby back ribs that are “tender with a tug”, brisket, and pulled pork or chicken served at their original location in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Though their meats are already moist, you won’t want to miss out on Bo’s special North Carolina-style vinegar sauce which perfectly enhances all the smokey goodness. Everything on the menu is homemade using all fresh ingredients from salad dressings to savory sides and their sweet desserts.

Plan a trip to Fat Willy’s Rib Shack located at 2416 W. Schubert Ave. in Chicago to see the Fowlers and their team seven days a week, Monday through Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 11pm, and Sunday 11:30am to 10pm.