A must try, but go early because the food will run out. That's how good it is. There was no chicken products when we got there. They do announce it. The line was near the door, not too bad for a rainy day. The line moved pretty fast, about 15 minutes or less from the door entryway. I purchased the Texas Trio which is: beef brisket, 4-5 rib bones with meat of course, sausage, and bread. I don't know why I didn't get the pickles and the pickled onions. I love that. They show that in the picture. Maybe you have to ask for it. Also I think you have to ask for a site of sauce because I didn't have any in the bag. I took mine to go. My husband got the whole slab, baked beans, and fries. I got the corn elote, and the sweet potato cornbread, deliciousness! The meat was tender. The taste was delicious. I love the brisket. The very best. The sausage was a little spicy but delicious. The corn, great tasting, and the sweet potato cornbread oh my God it's delicious and goes really good with your food. If you want to eat there, there's an inside and the outside area. I forgot yesterday was Sweetest Day so that's probably why they ran out of food yesterday. Also, they probably ran out because it's so delicious. You definitely have to try it. Be prepared to pay a little bit more than you would at your local barbecue joint.
Overview
Walking into Sanders Bbq Supply Co for the first time at 1742 W 99th St, Chicago, IL 60643, United States, feels less like entering a business and more like stepping into a neighborhood tradition. I remember stopping by on a cold South Side afternoon, drawn in by the smell of slow-smoked meat drifting into the street. That aroma alone tells you this place understands barbecue at a deep, almost personal level, the kind that comes from years of hands-on experience rather than trend-chasing.
What sets this spot apart is how closely it connects supply, technique, and taste. The menu reflects a deep respect for classic barbecue methods. Smoking times are long and patient, which aligns with what the National Barbecue Association often emphasizes: low-and-slow cooking allows collagen in tougher cuts to break down, improving both tenderness and flavor. You can taste that science-backed approach in every bite. Ribs come out juicy without falling apart too quickly, a sign they’ve been cooked with precision rather than rushed for volume.
From a practical standpoint, this place doubles as a resource for anyone serious about grilling or smoking at home. I once chatted with a staff member about wood selection, and they explained how hickory delivers a stronger, bacon-like profile while applewood stays mild and slightly sweet. That advice mirrors findings from Kansas State University food science research, which notes that different woods release distinct phenolic compounds affecting aroma and taste. It’s rare to get that level of guidance so casually while waiting for your order.
Reviews from locals often mention consistency, and that’s something I noticed over multiple visits. Whether it’s a weekday lunch or a busy weekend pickup, the food quality stays steady. In restaurant operations, consistency is often harder to maintain than creativity, especially for barbecue, where temperature control and timing are everything. According to data shared by the James Beard Foundation, restaurants that standardize their cooking processes while allowing small adjustments tend to earn higher long-term customer trust. That philosophy seems baked into how this place runs.
The atmosphere is straightforward and unpretentious. No flashy décor, just the quiet confidence of a business that knows its craft. The location itself plays a role in its charm, firmly rooted in Chicago’s South Side food culture. Many customers treat it as a regular stop, and conversations inside often turn into shared tips about sauces, rubs, and weekend cookouts. That sense of community adds real value, something you can’t measure with star ratings alone.
One thing worth noting is that if you’re looking for experimental flavors or trendy fusion dishes, this may not be your spot. The focus stays firmly on traditional barbecue and the tools that make it possible. That limitation is also its strength. By narrowing the scope, they maintain a high standard across the menu and products they offer.
Overall, the experience feels grounded and trustworthy. The food reflects proven techniques, the advice aligns with established culinary research, and the steady stream of positive reviews backs up what you taste firsthand. For anyone who appreciates well-executed barbecue and values learning from people who live the craft daily, this place delivers exactly what it promises without trying to be anything else.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Black-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I'm a New Englander and spent my birthday visiting my son in Chicago. He and his fiance told me they had to take me to the best BBQ place in Chicago. We had ribs, catfish and the peach tea wings with collards, mac n cheese and sweet potato cornbread! OMG! They were right. That was the best BBQ ribs and (fried perfectly) catfish I've ever had in a restaurant. And the sweet potato cornbread was off the hizzy! The wings were tasty and enjoyably tender, so were the ribs. I was very pleased. I told friends and family that if they're ever in the Chicago area to be sure to check out Sanders. The only downfall is you may have to endure a long line, but trust me, it'll be worth it. Happy eating
I came in today around 11:45 am and it was crowded. But the line went fast and they were very efficient !!! My mom will be 80 years old in January....With family roots from Crystal Springs, Mississippi and she said these were the best pork ribs she's ever had! I agree! We each got a half a slab! They were sooooo good I forgot to take a picture of them! Mannnnnnn soooo sooo tender! Amazing Sanders! We loved it. We also got Mac and Cheese, and Collard Greens which were delicious! Mac and cheese and collards for $6 for a small side and $10 for a large. Very reasonably priced! The large is massive and can feed 3-4 people. Now the sweet potato cornbread looked amazing visually but fell flat for my mom and I. You have the sugar and the cinnamon, and the butter covering the top of the cornbread and then the sweet potato is kind of layered in the cornbread mix. I think it would taste better if you took some of that topping and put it actually in the cornbread not just on top. Also try roasting the sweet potatoes to kinda give it more flavor. Well at least for my taste lolllllll! However, my son LOVED it! Customer service was amazing, washrooms were clean and for you guys to be busy, the food came out pretty fast!!! You guys deserve five stars!!!! I can't wait to try the other things on the menu. Great job Sanders BBQ! Ya'll better workkkk! ***** Sorry I didn't get a picture of my own ribs, they were so good I smashed them before I could! But as they were making someone's plate, I took a picture of a sampler of some sort because it had sausage and ribs on the plate too! *****Oh and they are cashless!
The wait was long but the line did move quickly. They have a app and no wait on order pick up. I got a platter for 135 because I wanted to sample the bulk of the menu. Everything was very good. My fave were Mac&cheese and ribs were super tender. Brisket was ok. It looked better than the taste.still good though. Greens were ok as well but not one of my favs. Overall very good I did still enjoy my meal very much.oh the sweet potato cornbread was basically cake on top and cornbread below. Very good
The brisket was truly fantastic, and the pulled pork was marvelous. The wings were acceptable. The restaurant was quite busy, and we did have to wait for our food, but it was worth it because of all the wonderful flavors we experienced today. We concluded our meal with some spectacular desserts, including sweet potato cornbread.