About 30 blocks south of The Full Slab and just west of Western is a whole new breed of BBQ oasis. Loaded with quaint charm outside and what looks like a take-off of an Italian beef franchise inside, Nine One One BBQ Shack in Evergreen Park has tapped into a whole new rule book for running their business. Comfortable seating inside and out, tidy, neat and cozy, you might feel a little disoriented when you walk in and look around. Compared with many barbeque outposts, Nine One One is downright inviting. And the phalanx of young faces manning the counter not only seem genuinely warm in their greetings; they’re more than willing to engage with customers and help them navigate the menu.
Because they looked so “right’, it was hard passing up any of the sides. Spaghetti had recently been added to the choices and, according to the server, has already become very popular. Along with the spaghetti, sweet potatoes, corn bread, and mac and chess join forces with the more typical greens, baked beans and fries to act as culinary supporting players.
If you grew up with more than a little awareness of food preparation below the Mason-Dixon line, you immediately notice some similarities. Like how the pasta for the spaghetti gets mixed into the ground beef flecked sauce giving it the pale orange hue of saffron. You’d think without more sauce the flavor would be washed out or neutralized. Instead, the tang of the tomato remains vibrant and there can often be a slight sweet second note that comes through the way it does here. Delicious.
Neither overly boiled or watery, the greens hold their integrity with the leaves retaining a good bit of their texture and keeping their natural earthy sweetness. Even after years eating and cooking them, it’s hard to say whether any have been as beautifully flavored as the greens that Saturday afternoon. Even the stems were delectable.
Sides at Nine One One can outshine the star attractions. Not only are they delectable, portions are honest attempts to balance and accentuate whatever meat option you choose; which includes chicken. Although at least one side accompanies most standard orders, more is available in either small ($2.99) or large (4,99) servings.
Genuine anybody pleasers, you could taste the care and attention in preparing both the ribs and tips. Succulent, bold and pristine. The tips especially were precisely cut to maximize their meatiness and therefore their value. A good complimentary adornment, the sauce did a fine job highlighting the quality of the main events.
It’s the delivery system the restaurant uses for its hot links that really caught our attention. The top and bottom buns have been completely separated with a moist spice enhanced link squarely lined up between them. The restaurant dunks each of the rich tender brioche like ends in a wonderful sauce that’s full of zest and depth. The dish’s vitality is a complete surprise and the approach turns a delightful entree into a magnificent one. Nine One One’s macaroni and cheese could have benefited from more dimension in its seasoning; but its texture and portion size makes it an ideal complement to any of the main courses.
And there’s even a tasty finisher. Although the one of owners sometimes bakes cakes to broaden the selection of desserts; a cinnamon forward peach cobbler is always a ready and solid go to.
Nine One One BBQ Shack
2734 W. 111th St.
Chicago, IL 60655
773 – 238- 9111
Closed Sundays