6 Best Barbeque Restaurants near Lake Villa

“Exceptionally excellent food and peeps!!!“

“I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! They went above and beyond to take care of my veteran fiancé for Veterans Day, (even though we were a day late in being able to visit), taking care of us like family, from the regional director to all the restaurant staff. The food was terrific and my fiancé loved everything; the food, the staff, and the military/first responders decor, and the respect given to veterans. They even put his picture from his Army service days on their wall, which gave him a huge smile when he saw himself displayed on their wall along with photos of so many other veterans. And even though we don't live nearby, we will make it a point to visit them every time we get the chance to. Thanks again to everyone there!!“

“We’ve dined here a number of times over the years, and it’s always managed to deliver that satisfying, slow-smoked comfort that keeps regulars coming back. But this latest visit stood out—worthy of a fresh review and renewed praise. Service, which in past visits could occasionally feel uneven, hit all the right notes this time. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, moving with a quiet confidence that set the tone for the evening. It’s a small but important improvement that elevated the experience considerably. As for the food—the heart of any smokehouse—the kitchen was clearly in fine form. I opted for both the ribs and smoked turkey, and each showcased why this spot has earned its loyal following. The ribs arrived perfectly glazed, with that balance of bark and tenderness that only comes from skill and patience. The smoked turkey, too often an afterthought at lesser establishments, was moist, flavorful, and subtly infused with smoke—no small feat. Cocktails rounded out the evening, each one thoughtfully mixed and balanced, adding a polished touch to the rustic fare. If there’s one shortcoming, it’s the setting. The restaurant occupies a strip mall space that, while perfectly functional, lacks the atmosphere its food deserves. The interior and seating are serviceable but uninspired—a missed opportunity to extend the warmth and authenticity of the menu into the design. A bit more “smokehouse soul” in the decor would bring the full experience together. Still, those quibbles fade with the first bite of those ribs. BBQ'd Productions remains one of the best spots around for great smoked meats and hearty, satisfying meals—now with service that finally matches the kitchen’s skill.“

“I am from the South but I'm currently living in Wisconsin, and I have been looking for a place that serves fried catfish. I finally found it in Captain Porky's, and they did not disappoint! The staff is so nice, the place is very clean, and the menu is very large so if you can't find anything to eat you must not be hungry. This has now become one of my favorite places to go and eat!“

“The food was great! We had a crispy chicken sandwich-the garlic aioli was so good, the chicken was hot and crispy. A build your own hamburger- again, juicy and so good. A gyro- perfect with fries!
The service was fast and attentive. We will be back.“

“Jeremy and his crew did a great job! Very knowledgeable, professional and really helped us navigate what we wamted/needed for our wedding last June! So neat that they carve some meat on-site so people can watch and enjoy the fun! Highly recommend!“