Real Urban Barbecue

Real Urban Barbecue’s “Smoke Brook” location is open for lunch and dinner, and specializes in private or corporate catering, and carry out.

Equipped with a “Smoking Room” capable of producing more than 3,000 lbs. per day of “low and slow” smoked items- like St. Louis style and baby back ribs ordered dry, wet or to “perfection”; pulled pork, Texas sausage, turkey, brisket and chicken- Oak Brook’s smoking capacity is more than Real Urban Barbecue’s other two locations combined.

Real Urban Barbecue is also the first restaurant to bring the delicacy of perfectly charred, caramelized burnt ends to Chicago, and now Oak Brook. Top it all off with RUB’s homemade, signature sauces, and pair with comfort sides like mac & cheese, sweet potato soufflé and golden corn bake. Sandwiches and fresh salads are also guest favorites.

Real Urban Barbecue Oak Brook has a dedicated door for carry-out order pick up, plus counter seating, booths and tables for 75 guests; with an additional space for 60 people available to reserve for private and corporate parties. RUB also has a patio area complete with decorative lighting and music throughout that seats an additional 60 people.

Go for the barbecue, stay for the dessert. Under the direction of executive pastry chef Kristi Loucks, the new Oak Brook location features an extended bakery section, named the “Real Urban Bakery”, for all of RUB’s homemade desserts including cupcakes, cake balls, whoopee pies, cakes, and pies.

For more information, seasonal hours, the full menu and catering information visit www.RealUrbanBBQ.com or call the restaurant at 630-908-4380.

Real Urban Barbecue also has locations in Downtown Highland Park (610 Central Ave. #177) and Vernon Hills (1260 S. Milwaukee Ave).

Follow RUB on Twitter and Instagram @RealUrbanBBQ and become a fan on Facebook.

Real Urban Barbecue’s Accolades:
Chicago Magazine’s “Hot List” and Reader’s Choice “Best BBQ”
Chicago Tribune’s “Essential Barbecue Bites” for Burnt Ends
Voted “Best BBQ” by the readers of Make It Better Magazine, Highland Park Patch and Daily Herald
Awards in both Judges Choice and People’s Choice categories at Ribfest Chicago
“Best Service” at Taste of Highland Park
“First Place People’s Choice” at Windy City BBQ Classic at Soldier Field
“Most Creative Item” for BBQ Nachos at Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills
Featured on the Food Network’s Eating America
Favorite among celebrities and athletes

Jeff Shapiro’s Bio & Accolades:
Prior to opening Real Urban Barbecue, Highland Park native Jeff Shapiro worked for Lettuce Entertain You for 14 years at restaurants including Bones, RJ Grunts, Bub City, Pappagus and PJ Clarke’s. He most recently served as director of operations of Carmichael’s Steak House in Chicago for six years. Shapiro has been winning trophies in the BBQ competition circuit for many years under the team name Dr. Deckle and Mr. Hide. Well before “urban barbecue” became the trend it is today, Shapiro’s feverish passion has had him touring the major regional BBQ markets in the U.S.

-2012 Entrepreneur of the Year by the GLMV Chamber of Commerce for heading a new and leading business in Vernon Hills.

-Character Counts Pillar Award from the City of Highland Park Alliance, North Shore School District 112 and Highland Park High School, based on his representation of the Six Pillars of Character within the community.

-Honored for his work with USO of Illinois.