Soul & Smoke Evanston

Soul & Smoke Evanston is a BBQ and soul food caterer based in Evanston's 5th Ward, founded by Chef D'Andre Carter and Heather Bublick, offering counter service, catering, and food truck options. Soul & Smoke focuses on smoked meats, soul food sides, and scratch-made dishes, with meats sourced from regional farms; catering orders use an 8% service charge in place of traditional gratuity, distributed to all staff. Co-founded in 2012 by D'Andre Carter and Heather Bublick as a pop-up dinner and catering venture, the business grew through the pandemic into a multi-location operation including Evanston, Avondale, West Loop, a Soldier Field spot, and two food trucks, all without external funding. The flagship location is in Evanston's 5th Ward, with additional locations in Avondale and the West Loop, plus a spot at Soldier Field and two food trucks. Reviewers highlight the brisket, mac and cheese, and jalapeño sausage as standouts, and note that staff are knowledgeable and attentive; several reviewers also mention the opportunity to donate to the community fridge.