The name of this South Side smoke shack ain't just some cute nostalgic moniker to draw you in and make you part with your hard-earned cash. Rather, Uncle John is pitmaster Mack Sevier's real uncle. Sevier used to be Hecky's meat supplier and he made his bones at nearby Barbara Ann's, so he knows his way around his huge aquarium-style smoker filled with Elm, Oak, Mulberry and a bit of hickory.

Rip tips and links are the thing here. Tips feature a pink smoke ring, a shiny sauce lacquer and plenty of crunchy skin. The links flecked with red pepper are a spicy delight, maybe some of the best encased meat this side of Hot Doug's. Brisket sandwiches are lean beefy melt-in-your-mouth affairs.

The stark white bulletproof glass lobby offers no seating, so you'll likely be eating in the comforts of your car. You can try bringing your goodies home, but it’s a good bet that the smell wafting from the styrofoam box will have you pulling over and digging in for grub a few miles from Uncle John's.

Average cost: $21-$30

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant