20 Best Barbeque Restaurants near Wilmette

“Hubs and I came last night for an impromptu date night. The holiday décor was absolutely beautiful, you can tell a lot of effort and attention went into it. The staff were all super friendly and helpful! We arrived during the dinner rush, and given it’s the holiday season, I’m sure there’s an uptick in guests, but we were still seated within about 15–20 minutes, which was impressive. There is a one-hour dining limit during this season, I understand they’re turning tables quickly to accommodate everyone, especially having worked in the industry myself. However, I was really disappointed that every single item we ordered was cold. I don’t usually like to complain, so I didn’t mention it at the time, assuming it was just due to how busy the restaurant was. But after reading other reviews, it seems this may be a recurring issue, which is unfortunate. I’m not sure I would return, but on a positive note, the atmosphere was lovely and the staff were wonderful. Hopefully they can work with the kitchen to make sure the food is served hot, because everything else about the experience was great!“

“Food was delicious & service was great especially the fact that they were really busy.“

“I had a mistake on my order and I called the staff was amazing . I just wanted my food but they went above and beyond and made it all right the food is great You can go there and be assured your getting good food and service“

“Phenomenal food, that’s arguably the best in the north shore.“

“Ya Hala truly lives up to its name — a warm welcome from start to finish. The moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly grilled meats and spices wraps around you like a hug from home. The staff is attentive without hovering, and every dish feels prepared with real care. The hummus is creamy and rich, the shawarma tender and bursting with flavor, and the falafel has that perfect crispy shell with a soft, savory center.

What makes Ya Hala stand out, though, is its atmosphere — relaxed yet vibrant, perfect for both family dinners and casual nights out. Portions are generous, prices fair, and you leave both full and genuinely satisfied. Ya Hala isn’t just another Mediterranean restaurant; it’s a true gem that makes you want to come back again and again.“

“always great pizza, really friendly staff, and good prices for the amount of food! I would go for the specialty slices. my favs are the mac and the chicken and waffles!! place itself is pretty no frills but staff was friendly enough to change TVs to games we were interested in!!“

“Buona qualità del cibo, ambiente accogliente e familiare, manca a mio parere una buona apparecchiatura.“

“Every item on the menu is incredible. They are a staple of... not just Evanston... but of all Chicagoland!“

“The vibe is very chill and relaxing. The sandwich I had was thanksgiving turkey sandwich . Delicious with turkey gravy served on the side. Beer was really tasty . My first beer was a Kriek sour 3.5 out of 5 . The sour taste was very forward but but behind that there was not a good punch of cherry flavor. My second beer was a raspberry jalapeno that was very tasty. It was in the belguin fruit beer style. I give that one 4 out 5. The flavors were bright and playful with a slight hint of sweetness. Enjoyable place and nice servers and people.“

“This place is great--a family fave of ours for special occasions. The food is always a hit, the vibe super cozy--especially when it's otherwise freaking cold 9 months out of the year in these parts--and the staff is seasoned and excellent. Also good for takeout and delivery when you don't feel like cooking.“

“the smoked sweet potato is a gamechanger. Spectacular“

“There is always a high level manager greeting customers at the desk. John is there almost every night and he makes sure reservations are honored and he constantly makes his rounds to all customers making sure they are happy. Always a great meal. Always a great vibe“

“It was my first time dining at this restaurant, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with their delicious BBQ ribs and mouthwatering cornbread. In fact, I would say that their BBQ ribs are the best I’ve ever had in Chicago. I’m already planning to return to try their other BBQ dishes and side dishes as well!“

“Delicious food and the best owners! Friendly and fast service.“

“Bluegrass Restaurant is a wonderful, family-owned restaurant. We have been ordering takeout and eating in since we came to Highland Park three years ago. The owners take pride in managing the restaurant on a daily basis. They prioritize customer service, great food, and a warm, welcoming experience. Last night, they hosted the Highland Park/Highwood Professional Moms group. We had only expected 15 women to attend, but 25 women ended up coming. The owners and the staff were AMAZING. They brought over additional chairs. They provided us with top-notch service, including separate checks. They respected us when we were speaking to the group and quietly took orders in the background. I can't say enough nice things about this restaurant.“

“We took a ride to City Barbecue in Park Ridge.

It's about thirty minutes northwest of Chicago.

I ordered a combination plate with Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket.

The plate came with cole slaw, beans and a piece of bread.

Really delicious and really moist.

The location is very clean and employees are very friendly.“

“Great place for drinks and good music. Friday nights are a blast when line dancing is happening!“

“Phenomenal food, that’s arguably the best in the north shore.“

“Great place to eat some fine tasting bbq, watch some sports, or take in a live concert on intimate stage with superb sound system. Friendly welcoming staff and engaging patrons. I go there alone sometimes to belly up or with my son, who begs me to take him here (he's 11). Go there!“

“Awesome spot. We called ahead and ordered the party platter for our Super Bowl party. Transaction was smooth, confirmed the pick up time and they dropped the food in the car no hassle. Food was amazing! Brisket, two types of ribs, pulled pork, beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw! Awesome food texas smoker style! Gonna come back again for sure soon!“