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The Tonk
Restaurant information
Established	2007 (2007)
Owner(s)	Willie Wagner
Street address	1800 S Racine Ave
City	Chicago
State	Illinois
Country	United States
Website	https://thetonkchicago.com

The Tonk is a barbecue restaurant located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The establishment is known for serving Memphis-style barbecue and for hosting live music events.^[1]

The Tonk was founded in 2007 by Willie Wagner. The restaurant has been recognized for its approach to barbecue and has participated in music-related events since its opening.^[2]

The restaurant's menu includes a selection of smoked meats such as brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, as well as a variety of side dishes.^[3]

The Tonk hosts live music events, featuring various genres such as jazz, blues, country, and rockabilly. The restaurant has been noted as a venue for local and touring musicians.^[4] It has contributed to the local music scene by providing a platform for artists to perform.^[5]

Over the years, The Tonk has hosted performances by a variety of notable musicians and bands, contributing to its reputation as a key music venue in Chicago. Some of the artists who have appeared on its stage include:

• John Doe and the Bluegrass Bandits – Known for their energetic performances, they played a memorable show in July 2018 that was highlighted in Chicago Music Magazine.^[6]
• The Delta Blues Experience – This acclaimed blues ensemble performed a series of shows in 2019, drawing attention from The Chicago Tribune for their deep roots in traditional blues.^[7]
• Ella Fitzgerald Tribute Band – In 2020, this tribute band captivated audiences with renditions of Fitzgerald's classics, earning a feature in Time Out Chicago.^[8]

• The Tonk Chicago – Official Website