Take a look inside Piggyback BBQ, a rare barbecue option for Loop denizens. The folks behind suburban Forest Park's Piggyback Tavern announced their intentions to invade the city over the summer, and opening day for their first spot at 176 N. Wells is Monday sometime later in the month.
Inside there's plenty of wood and rustic accents. Metal stools provide the only seats in the compact space that includes a service counter and two tables. It's a very familiar feel for folks who enjoy barbecue, with the menu posted behind the counter. There's an American flag on the wall, a giant spoon and fork, plus the mandatory diagrams of a pig and cow; folks need to know their cuts of meat.
The new Loop spot doesn't share quite the same expansive menu as its suburban sibling. Diners select a plate, sandwich, bowl or salad, then pork, brisket, chicken or chili. Items are then topped with a sauce, and a few varieties are available, even ranch. The ribs and hush puppies are among the casualties which didn't make it from Forest Park.
It's another spot for Rachel Dennis, who opened Jackson Tavern in August. Her group also owns Tapworks in Greektown. A second Piggyback BBQ should open soon at the same address as the Ogilvie Transportation Center at 500 W. Madison St.
Check out the photos above.
[UPDATE: A prior version of this story included a menu that wasn't accurate and has been removed. Piggyback BBQ also pushed back its opening day from this coming Monday to sometime later in the month.]
