Chubby Skewers Authentic Chinese BBQ | Chicago
Chicago
At a glance
Chubby Skewers Authentic Chinese BBQ offers a taste of traditional Chinese barbecue right in Chicago. Situated at 2017b S Wells St, this venue specializes in authentic skewered meats and vegetables, bringing a slice of Chinese street food culture to the city. Its cuisine focuses on the perfect balance of flavors and textures that define Chinese BBQ, with careful attention to seasoning and grilling techniques.
The atmosphere at Chubby Skewers is casual and welcoming, ideal for groups and families who want to share a unique dining experience. The interior space is designed to provide a relaxed but engaging environment, making it well-suited for both brief visits and longer, more leisurely meals. This is a place where diners can witness the grilling process, adding a dynamic element to the dining experience as the scents and heat from the barbecue create a sensory-rich atmosphere.
Chubby Skewers caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences within the scope of its authentic offerings, which can also include vegetarian-friendly options. Its integration of traditional Chinese flavors with an accessible dining format offers a unique opportunity to explore a part of China's culinary landscape. Visitors can enjoy different flavors with each bite, as the menu allows them to sample an array of skewers seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Reviews
A wonderful experience all round, Nathan was a great waiter! Good food, good atmosphere, totally recommend
Jocelyn was amazing and friendly!! The food was delicious, the prices were very reasonable, and we had a great time overall. The only small suggestion would be to make the floor less slippery. Other than that, everything was fantastic. We’ll definitely be back!
If you have the patience to wait up to 2 hours, you’ll be rewarded with quite an awesome experience of picking your own skewer with different cuts of meat (wagyu, chicken, pork, shrimp, scallop and some veggies like zucchini, corn, pineapple etc. and then grilling them for as little as 2 minutes (depending on the meat). Service is very attentive without being intrusive nor repetitive. Shrimp has 2 sticks so the price is double, surprisingly more premium than the wagyu lol. It can get chaotic by the fridge but we managed. Prepare for heat or warm interior, can get a bit trying when there’s a heatwave ;)
This was a good time, although a long wait was pretty worth it to be honest. Lots of variety on the their meat selection and vegetable selection, was not aware it was b.y.o.b currently since they're waiting on the liquor license. Highly recommend this place if you want to have a good time.
We visited Chubby Skewers on Saturday, 4/4/26, and although the wait was incredibly long, the overall experience more than made up for it. The food, ambiance, and especially the customer service were all top notch. Our hostess, Emily, took great care of our group from the moment we arrived. Despite how busy and chaotic the lines were, she remained positive, friendly, and attentive. She kept us well informed throughout the wait and made sure everything went smoothly once our table was ready. Our server, Jocelyn, was equally impressive. She checked in on us regularly, made sure we had everything we needed, and did an excellent job explaining the ordering process—especially helpful since my friends Ben and Miles were first-timers. The kitchen was also incredibly efficient. We ordered the Wagyu Fried Rice, Cold Noodles, and Takoyaki, and everything came out quickly and tasted fantastic. The skewers were the highlight—flavorful, generously portioned, and even better with their signature seasoning. The selection was extensive, and even near closing time, there were still plenty of options available. I’ve been to the Manhattan location, and honestly, this new Chicago spot exceeded expectations in every way. Our entire group was impressed. If you’re looking for great food, a fun and interactive dining experience, and something unique in Chicago’s Chinatown, Chubby Skewers is absolutely worth a visit. Final shoutout again to Emily and Jocelyn for making it such a memorable and enjoyable night!