Welcome to the Farm crops up in the city

Welcome to the Farm has planted itself in the River North area of Chicago at 15 West Illinois Street. Survivor: Nicaragua contestant and country singer Chase Rice has teamed up with Forward Hospitality Group to bring his vision to life. Known for other successful ventures such as Good Night John Boy, this crew continues to expand and grow while maintaining high standards.

Guests enter into a massive space that seats up to 300 people surrounded by televisions and country tunes in the background. Patrons can pig out on mouth-watering treats provided by chef Raheem Sealey found in the Drinking Pig BBQ menu.

Start off with chicken tenders and smoked wings then dive into a salmon rice bowl. Handhelds include an Ohio grass-fed smash burger with creamy comeback sauce and a shaved ribeye cheesesteak sandwich among other options.

Don't sleep on the house-smoked meats served in half or full-pound options on a chuckwagon metal tray. The USDA Prime brisket falls apart it's so tender from being smoked for 16 hours. While it has a flavorful taste on its own the house barbecue sauce takes the brisket to a whole new level thanks to unusual Asian ingredients mixed in. The Gold sauce was also unique with a mustard base that was a bit tangy and rich. The spare ribs also took a big swing and knocked the dish out of the park in terms of execution.

The secret is in the sides so try the dense, made-from-scratch, honey-tinged cornbread and the savory Mac N Cheese before you leave.

To wash it down take advantage of the happy hour times from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Onda Tequila Seltzer cocktails and buckets of beers. No dessert is offered yet, but some pie and coffee would have hit the spot to battle off the meat sweats.

After dinner head upstairs for live music in a large space topped with a retractable roof and a fully decked-out entertainment area. Singers, bands and DJs rotate sets throughout monthly programming which is curated by the team each month.

Saturday and Sunday's hours begin at 11 a.m. with a brunch menu slated for the future. Weekend hours fluctuate depending on business and activities currently described as “late” on the website. To plan your adventure into pork click on welcometothefarm.com.

This 1,000-square-foot food and entertainment venue has so much potential that it's busting at the seams. Diners may feel the same way and have to loosen their belts after partaking in Chicago's new hot spot for barbecue!