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Business & Tech

Dads Drool For BBQ: Bites Nearby

Patch picks five restaurants that are sure to be dad-pleasers this Father's Day.

The road to Dad’s heart is paved with barbeque sauce- and meat too. Here are some BBQ destinations to give the grill-master a break on his special day.

Baby Back Blues in Plainfield is known for its ribs, but the pulled pork sandwich is a really close second favorite. Pair an entree with sides of fresh-cut fries, marinated cucumbers, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese. It was featured in 2010 on WGN’s “Chicago’s Finest.” The atmosphere at Baby Back Blues is very casual, and each table is equipped with a roll of paper towels to handle the messiest eaters.

Gemato's Wood Pit  BBQ  in Naperville has a loyal following with its casual, eclectic Southwest décor, and BBQ ribs, chicken, brisket and pulled pork that are cooked over a real wood-burning grill. Traditional sides such as coleslaw, beans and fries are available. There’s an element of the unexpected on the menu—Gemato’s also serves gyros too.

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Uncle Bub’s BBQ in Westmont has been perfecting its recipes since 1997 and just won second place out of 30 competitors for its pulled pork at the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Inaugural Sam's Club National BBQ Tour. With honors like that, their ribs, chicken, pulled pork and beef are sure to please. Try sides of fried macaroni and cheese and cornbread. Portions are generous too.

The Patio in Darien is a great local restaurant that boasts award-winning ribs that stand alone or can be combined with chicken, shrimp or pulled pork. The menu also includes sandwiches, chopped salad, fish, pasta and burgers, so everyone in the family can find something they like. It’s casual like the other BBQ places. After ordering, have a seat and the staff will serve the food.

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Ooga Booga Bar-Ba-Q in Lockport is a favorite among many locals who are regular patrons. Choose spare ribs, baby back or try one of their “samiches”— pulled pork, corned beef or beef brisket. Can’t make up your mind? Then order the CC #3 (all three meats). The Brisket Burnt Ends (when available) routinely receive rave reviews as do the sides—sweet potato fries, deep fried sweet corn, Ooga Booga Beans and Ooga Booga Cabbage and Kraut. The kids will want to take dad here just so they can say the name over and over.

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