Most places, the rib tips are the cartilage-ridden parts of spare ribs that are often discarded. But in Chicago, the rib tips are many people’s favorites, with a crispy exterior and tender inside. They’re messy, hard to eat, and often paired with a hot link — that’s the cream of the crop, the combo. From North to South, here are the best places for rib tips in Chicago.
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Where to Eat Rib Tips In Chicago
Chicago’s most-famous barbecue contribution

1. Fat Willy's Rib Shack
Chicago, IL 60647
Most barbecue places on the North Side don’t serve rib tips, but Fat Willy’s is the place to go for anyone up north. Fat Willy’s serves theirs slathered in barbecue sauce with a wide variety of sides.
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2. Honey 1 BBQ
Chicago, IL 60653
This takeout spot is cash only — but everything about Honey 1 BBQ is worth it. The no-frills spot serves top of the line rib tip and link combos, with a crunchy outside while still being tender. Whatever size looks best, up it one so there’s extras.
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3. Leon's Barbecue
Chicago, IL 60632
There aren’t many places to order an entire bucket of rib tips, but at Leon’s it’s possible. There’s also a variety of tip/link combos (or wings), but this is the place to bring a few friends and chow down on a bucket of tips.
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4. Uncle J's B.B.Q
Chicago, IL 60615
With a former pitmaster from Uncle John’s, Bronzeville gets recipes that Uncle John’s regulars had come to love. These rib tips are meaty and crunchy, and the links have a nice bite and spice. Going hungry is not a problem at Uncle J’s. And for those who don’t dine on swine, the turkey tips are impressive.
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5. I 57 Rib House
Chicago, IL 60636
There are a few locations of I 57 Rib House, and this is one where the amount of rib tips desired has no limits. These are covered in sauce, come in all sizes, from a small one person meal to catering sizes, paired with fries and a hot link if desired.
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6. Lem's Bar-B-Q
Chicago, IL 60619
Lem’s is a favorite for rib tips — crunchy, juicy tips with a tangy sauce. They’ve been serving tip and link combos since 1954. Each order comes with a slice of Wonder Bread to sop up any leftover sauce.
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7. Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
Burbank, IL 60459
For rib tips with a side of pretty much any southern dish imaginable, Chuck’s Southern Comforts is the place to go. There’s something for everyone on the menu, including their slow smoked rib tips with a choice of hot to mild barbecue sauce, or tangy North Carolina sauce.
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8. Uncle John's BBQ
Chicago, IL 60619
Tucked next to Dat Donut, Uncle John’s BBQ packs a punch when sweets and barbecue are both within reach. Grab a tip/link combo for an excellent balance of sauce and meatiness, with fries and bread on the side.
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