Carson's

03/24/08

unbelievable ribs!!!

by jbvv at Citysearch

when in Chicago, I asked some locals where to get good ribs/steak. They suggested Carson's, and I couldn't be more grateful!!!

We got ribs, that comes with a bread basket of unusual and fun selections, coleslaw (definitely a must get) and a potato side. I got the sweet potato fries (they were OK), and my boyfriend got the potatoes au gratin (so wonderful). The prices were reasonable, the people watching was great, and the ambiance was relaxed and fun (they give you bibs when you order ribs...). So worth it!!!

We also got the tiramisu for dessert, and it was fantastic. A large, LARGE piece that was full of flavor and cream.... yummy....

04/12/07

What happened to Service?

by dinneranyone at Citysearch

What used to be an istitution in Chicago for BBQ has with out a doubt taken 10 steps back. After a long week I was in the mood for some good BBQ. The food was mediocre and the service was bad. 15-20 minutes to place a drink order is a bit obsessive, the server then told us that she was busy and all her tables are getting up at once and she will be back after she has collected payment. Having dinner with my girlfriend and her mother I did not want to make a big deal about how the server told us that we are less important than the other customers. Unless you have hours to waste and and don't hold service as a high priority, I would suggest that you avoid this place at all costs.

• Pros: Old Chicago Icon
• Cons: Service is old and tired

02/21/06

it si gooood

by angelmir0420 at Citysearch

i think who has written a review and didn't like the food, is crazy. Carson's has incredible ribs, bread, potatoes and coleslaw. And its not pricey at all for ribs. The only thing is the host was rude.

02/15/06

Non-authentic food and experience

by abercrombi at Citysearch

Take it from a Memphis family of professional BBQ tasters, this place had poor, unfriendly service, they don't take reservations from groups less than six so the wait can be long for a less than mediocre product, and the BBQ is not authentic. You would be better served to order BBQ on-line from a Memphis restaurant and have it shipped to you.

• Pros: None
• Cons: sauce, BBQ, service

06/06/05

Roll up your sleeves and dig in at this Chicago barbecue institution.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Weekend crowds at this old-school favorite haven't waned over the years, and the restaurant's conservative style remains unchanged. Wood-trimmed, forest-green walls and booths, low lighting, and no-nonsense service effectively focus your attention on what's important--the barbecue.

The Food
Carson's has remained true to its barbecue focus since the first Mayor Daley ate here more than two decades ago. Meaty baby back ribs, juicy chicken and jumbo pork chops make it a carnivore's dream. Brushed on generously, the thick, tomato-based sauce marries the sweetness of molasses with pleasant hints of tangy spice. Plenty more is brought warm to your table in a small jar. Dessert offerings include the gold brick sundae and another Chicago classic, Eli's cheesecake.

• Pros: Chicago classic
• Cons: bland d?cor

05/18/05

It rocks for ribs

by sigprn at Citysearch

I have always considered carsons to have to best ribs in the Loop. I have been there many times for several years. Ribs are always outstanding. If you want to it ribs you will not be disappointed

• Pros: everthing
• Cons: non

11/05/03

Tough Ribs!

by rudetrout at Citysearch

I have eaten at Carsons for over 15 years, and it was formerly GREAT! Now the ribs are tough, and the usually outstanding giant NY Strip steak was overcooked and grissly. BIG dissappointment. The only saving graces here are the BBQ chicken, Pork Chops, and the Liver Pate' on the lounge happy hour table. Don't miss that on a cracker w/ some diced onions. Service has been slow and inaccurate lately, I probably will never return. BTW, saw a big empty plastic pail of Open Pit BBQ sauce sitting out in back of the restaurant. So much for their "secret" sauce! ;-)

• Pros: BBQ Chicken, Pork Chop, Liver Pate'
• Cons: SLOW service, Steak overcooked, Ribs tough

08/11/03

GOOD RIBS!!

by naryb69 at Citysearch

After nearly 18 years in Chicago Carson's is still my "go to" place for ribs if I'm not making them myself. Went there on my first visit to Chicago in 1984 when I was looking for an apartment for a new job. Now I go but take the wife and 3 kids.

• Pros: Good Ribs, Kid Tolerant

08/11/03

Dry

by chicagobob815 at Citysearch

Ribs were dry, sauce was wet. The ribs were very ordinary and unimpressive. The sweet sauce is not my taste but would have been ok except it couldn't salvage the ribs.

Other stuff on the menu in our party was good but not unique.

08/11/03

Tough

by david_maxwell at Citysearch

The ribs at Carson's could use a good boiling to tenderize them and remove some fat. The red coating that is applied causes the fat to congeal and the ribs to appear uncooked to most people.

Simply broiling the ribs makes them tough and hard. Barbacue sauce is not supposed to look like jello.

• Cons: Tough, high fat content, high cost