Having grown up in Oak Forest, Gabby’s BBQ was my family’s go-to for barbeque.
My most recent visit reminded me of what makes Gabby’s good: reliability. I’ve never been and not enjoyed the food on my plate.
During that recent visit the smell of wood-smoked meat filled the air with the chatter of other patrons.
Stone columns, wooden tables and features and an antler chandelier gave the space a down-home country feel.
I ordered a sliced brisket sandwich, sausage, green beans and creamed corn, which according to the menu was a new item. By the time I was done paying I had my tray of food.
The barbeque sauce came on the side. Before deciding whether or not I should use it on my sandwich, I dipped a piece of brisket in the sauce. The tomato-based sauce was smoky with a hint of tanginess. I used some for my sandwich, but didn’t douse the brisket in it.
While most of my cuts of brisket were on the leaner side, I had a few fatty pieces that boosted the flavor of the meat. I love it when brisket has a crust with a rich smoky flavor, but I didn’t find this crust to be as seasoned as other briskets I’ve had.
The tenderness of the meat made up for it, and with the toasted bun and some pickles, the sandwich didn’t last long on my tray.
Pieces of ham and diced onions seasoned the green beans. The ham salted the green beans and the onions sweetened them. The beans weren’t crispy or tough. They felt like they’d been thoroughly cooked and marinated with the ham and onions.
The smoked sliced sausage wasn’t rubbery, but rather juicy. The pepper was really the only seasoning I could taste, but Gabby’s has jalapeno sausage for customers who want more of a kick.
While I wasn’t sure about the paper boat the cream corn came in, the item itself was my favorite side. And while I was technically eating a vegetable, it couldn’t have been healthy. Butter and cream saturated the corn and gave a smooth quality to the dish.
Gabby’s BBQ is the place to go when you just want simply good food.
Gabby’s BBQ
Address: 3101 N. Shepherd Dr.
Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily
Pricing: $6.99-$17.49
Kid-friendly: Yes
Alcohol: No
Healthy options: No
Star of the show: Sliced brisket sandwich
Sharon says
We have been customers of Gabbys for many years. Visited last week and was stunned to see the changes. No more plates, just trays and paper liners. No more serve yourself bread. The kicker was when they served my husband’s chicken fried steak on the paper liner and tray. Who does this? What a mess! We too felt like we were eating on a prison tray. These recent changes have not improved the dining experience. Will not be back and I that makes us sad because the food is good, but eating on trays and paper liners is not our thing.
Larry Ruch says
Your review of Gabby’s missed a couple points that need to be addressed.
1. Drinks are now served in styrofoam cups which are bad for the environment and not recyclable.
2. Your meal is tossed on a tray and slid to you like a dog kennel meal (or a Hollywood prison door meal).
I was so insulted by this the last time I was there I walked out.
The food may be “good” , but they have lost my respect and my business.
C.L. says
I don’t know what to be more insulted by, the lack of Leader staff to choose a better, local restaurant to review, or Larry’s over the top outrage over a Styrofoam cup.