CLOSED - Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse: I've Got (Tacos) in Low Places
Texas tacos @ Rub’s Backcountry Smokehouse
[this is an archived post from my old blog. I will be slowly migrating, and editing, these posts]
EDIT 7/31/19: It seems that in March 2017, Rub’s rebranded to BBQ Supply Co, which closed in November 2018, owner Jared Leonard had another location in Hyde Park (however that rebranded to a friend chicken joint called The Budlong in May 2019) and Denver, CO (however that rebranded to AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q in January 2019). Feel free to check out The Budlong or AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, if you wish, but Rub’s is officially dead. RIP.
Rub’s Backcountry Smokehouse
Recommended by: Thrillist
Location:6954 N. Western
Neighborhood: Roger's Park
Category: Hybrid
Okay, first off, I know it's quite the trek to Rogers Park from say.... ANYWHERE in the city. I say that having lived there for 5 years and Rub's isn't even off the Red Line. It's WEST of the Rogers Park Metra station - like at least a 10 minute walk west.
However, once you're there, I honestly felt like I was transported to Nashville. What an eclectic barbecue joint! The menus are made of old records and they have a plethora of their own barbecue sauces. There was outdoor seating as well and it's BYOB with a liquor store across the street. Um. Yes.
On to the food: these are barbecue tacos. So not quite trendy, but not quite traditional. I was expecting a slightly different taste than what we've been having lately, but I should be up front with ya'll - I am not the biggest barbecue fan. Blasphemy! I know. But, what can I tell you - it's never been my thing, That said, I can appreciate and enjoy barbecue, I'd just rather not seek it out. So, I let fellow taco connoisseur and ride or die babe, Sara Seibt, and guest judge and my dear brother, Ben Perkins, take the reins on this one.
And, boy, did they like their food!
We ordered the Texas Tacos which were made of brisket with chihuahua cheese and "Texas caviar" (some sort of bean and corn combo salsa thing).
They were well seasoned and not at all too salty. It was also fun trying all the different sauces. Sara gave the Tacos a 4. Ben gave them a 4.5. Round that out to a 4.25.
Recommend: Hell yeah.