Sweet Baby Ray's Opening Chicago's First Location in Lake View

First there was Wrigley BBQ, followed by Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed, and now Sweet Baby Ray’s is joining the ever-growing ranks of barbeque joints in Lake View.

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) leaked that the new restaurant is coming to the community in his most recent newsletter, saying "We are proud to welcome these new businesses to the 44th Ward!" Slade's Barbershop Inc. at 3314 N. Halsted St. was also welcomed in the shout-out.

Slated for the former Uberstein bar at 3478 N. Clark St., Sweet Baby Ray’s is planning to take Wrigleyville by storm.

While the restaurant already has two other locations in Wood Dale and Elk Grove, Dylan Lipe, the director of food and beverage, told DNAinfo Chicago the menu will be different from its suburban locations. In addition, the experience will be different than Wrigley BBQ and Milt’s because Sweet Baby Ray’s focuses on competition barbeque, with styles from around the nation.

The space is expected to be open before the Cubs’ opening day at Wrigley Field, according to Eater Chicago, a sentiment shared by its neighbor Flaco’s Tacos. The Mexican restaurant is also under construction on Clark Street, transforming the former Wild Hare reggae club into their largest storefront yet.

Although the menu at Sweet Baby Ray’s is expected to be a little different, a few of the menu items at its suburban locations include St. Louis Ribs, BBQ by the Pound and Kansas City-style BBQ.

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