As he got closer, Brunson discovered that JJ’s BBQ on Claxton Avenue was on fire. “I thought it was smoke from the barbecue smoker at first," he said. Within a few moments, “I saw flames ...

This is your year to become a barbecue pro with one of these charcoal smokers. There’s one on our list for every budget, from $100 to $2,000.

As I devoured a beef rib from Knox Ave Barbecue — one that rivaled rib eye in texture but with an alluring hint of sweet smoke swirling in the background — I pondered if Chicago was on … ...