Eater Inside

Tour Rylon's Smokehouse, Batter & Berries Owner's New Barbecue Refuge

Devour smoked meats in a roadhouse atmospshere in the South Loop

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Oct 12, 2016, 11:34am CDT

Photography by Nick Fochtman

Rylon’s Smokehouse should open next week in The South Loop.

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

While most know chef Derek Rylon for his sweet side at Batter & Berries, his French toast mecca in Lincoln Park, Rylon is about to unveil a meatier, savory side over in the South Loop. Rylon doesn't want smoke to overwhelm the seasonings and meats over at Rylon's Smokehouse, now slated for an Oct. 19 opening at 67 E. Cermak Road. He and his crew have created a family-friendly space that also includes a whisky bar.

Take a tour around and see the type of staples barbecue connoisseurs have come to expect. License plates and roadside signage hang on the wall. They're joined by pots and pans and more. Unlike Batter & Berries, Rylon's Smokehouse has a bar and the fun should stretch until 11 p.m., well after brunch has had time to digest. There's also a TV to support sport fans' habits.

Check out the photos below.