50 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!“

“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!!“

“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“

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

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

“Loved briny swine for Thursday night trivia! The perfect BBQ comfort food & light, fresh seafood for pairing. Their draft beers are rotational & so refreshing. Can’t wait to go back this summer when they open up the window walls!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“I haven’t been to this location before, but I decided to drop by with my family and I absolutely loved it! The ceder plank salmon was cooked perfectly and was very delicious. I will definitely keep this place in mind next time we dine out as a family. Sophia provided excellent service and was very kind and attentive. Will definitely be requesting her again!“

“Amazing Enchiladas at Wilmette location! Beautiful outdoor seating. 👍🏻“

“This is our favorite brewery of all time. Truly a destination worth driving to - even from Washington, DC. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, and generous. The food is delicious and comes out faster than seems possible. They have the best sour beers ever, and really all of the beers are delicious. The atmosphere is perfect for friends, families, or lovers. I just wish we lived closer.“

“If you are looking for a really special food experience with a cozy casual atmosphere, this is an awesome place to visit. The chef, Ms Dani Kaplan, is the daughter of one of my closest bff. OMG! Each bite is a tastebud delight! And the bar - so special! If you want a true, high-quality, Chicago, eating experience don’t miss this place!!!!“

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

“the smoked sweet potato is a gamechanger. Spectacular“

“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.“

“Authentic cuisine from Hawaii. Loved the Pork Katsu with curry. I've looked for these tastes for more than a decade. I've found my new hangout. Musubi was also awesome.“

“We had a fabulous dinner last night at Chicago Kalbi with Cummins Peru, Komat'su, and the VPs from Antimina copper mine.

Such a great place, where you cook the wagyu & kobe beef at your table. The food was delicious ?

Isao Tozuka, the chef and his wife Chiyo-san, are fabulous hosts, very friendly, and really happy to help and show you how things are do e.

I would definitely recommend coming here. It's a unique place. Make sure you book though ad it can be busy.“

“Best food ever and service love“

“This is my mom's favorite BBQ place in Chicago and she took me today! I was blown away by the brisket salad I had, along their honey mustard, Chipotle ranch, and ESPECIALLY the homemade Chipotle peach BBQ sauce. The staff is also very friendly and helpful, overall we had a great time with amazing food!!“

“Amazing food and fast!! My friends and I really enjoyed dinner at Sun Wah!!“

“I've been to many Korean BBQ's within the states and I have to say this was the best customer service we received. This place is pricey for the small portions you get. I'd definitely come back for the service tho.“

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

“Everything is absolutely delicious, tender and full of flavor. This place legit has the best Cornbread Muffins with Cinnamon Butter that I have ever had from a restaurant. It was super moist and not overly sweet. Definitely my family's new go to for BBQ when we don't feel like making it ourselves.“

“I had a brisket burrito and Mac & cheese . Very Delicious ! I will be back.“

“Omg!! I can't say enough nice things!! I was working the Southport Art Fest this weekend as a Brand Ambassador and it's always hard to find great food, at a reasonable price, that's ready fast enough. They hit it outta the park!!! The burgers are fire and as big as your head!! The staff is super friendly and took great care of all of us!! Thank you guys SO much for your hospitality, fast service and awesome food!!!!“

“Craft beer, Great Atmosphere & Location, staff is awesome and Kyle just makes you feel like you have been going there for years. A must before any Cubs Game!“

“Definitely one of the best burgers I’ve had!“

“Good was delicious!!! Ok finger licking good I tried them at the taste fest!!! They ARE GOOD!!!“

“Chicken is excellent and tasty 😋 We always order here for so many years. Highly recommended to all my family members and friends. ☺️😋😍“

“the best place in this area; especially the cheeseburger, hot dog, and grilled tuna sandwich“

“They catered a lunch for 15. The food was excellent and they’re great to work with. #iraeats.“

“Thank you so much to everyone at Firewater for doing the best job at honoring Michael Altman and his family. The love and support was felt by the hundreds and hundreds of people who attended. Inside and outside were packed. Thank you to the people selling the T- shirts outside so I was finally able to get mine. It was truly a heartwarming day. Please keep The Altman family in your thoughts and prayer's and continue to reach out and love them. ♥️🙏“

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

“Had their bbq duck, bbq pork and roast pork.
Their roast duck and roast pork was good. Their bbq pork leans more salty then sweet. It's more of a preference thing, I prefer more sweeter bbq pork. Their prices are pretty good as well.“

“Not a bad item on their entire menu! By far one of the best places in the Sauganash/Edgebrook neighborhood.“

“Very good for quick quality service. The portions are extremely abundant, you definitely won’t be hungry. I like how they specify on their menu which type of oil that is used. The gyros meat tends to be a bit too salty, but this is probably how it just is.“

“Excellent brisket that was perfectly cooked, tender enough to cut with a fork and a mild smoked flavor. Loaded waffle fries that are light, crispy and a heaping canvas for BBQ sauce slathered smoked brisket with a sprinkling of jalapeno peppers. Burnt ends with unending flavor. Baked beans that included chunks of sausage and brisket. Delicious food, generous portions, old school vibe with the blues playing in the background and a staff that aims to please -we have a winner here, folks.“

“Ms. Mayela was so wonderful food was delicious. Our server was very patient and very nice. We celebrated my boyfriends birthday and she made sure he was celebrated it too. We’ll be back again soon. Thanks for everything. Keep up the good energy.“

“Wow1 This meat and grill business has the best kabobs! They also are generous to charities and very community spirited. Stop in. You will be happy you did!“

“This is our second time dining at Hwang Soh Grill, and everything is just as amazing as we remembered. The food is absolutely phenomenal—fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious. The service is outstanding as well. The staff is attentive, friendly, and always makes us feel welcome. It’s rare to find a place that maintains such high quality every visit. We’ll definitely be coming back every time we are in Chicago!“

“Every meal at Great Chicago is a great meal!“

“Great place to eat and excellent service .“

“Tasty food! Fried calamari was just perfect! & Shrimp tacos were very authentic! Our waitress Ana was so friendly and welcoming . My family and I will be back!“

“Edit: I was able to call the restaurant about 9 days later. They opened late the day I ordered online, but the online system did not have the updated hours. I was able to get the refund from the restaurant. (Be aware that the restaurant does not always pick up the phone… might be better to visit them in person if you want to ask them a question.)

Ordered online on Thursday around 4pm. Restaurant was closed, and no one picked up the phone. Same thing today (Friday) at 2:30pm. I will be calling my credit card company to cancel the transaction.“

“It's so nice to be out at a restaurant! This location is poppen so be prepared to wait a lil bit. We always sit at the bar and Angela was busy! She was friendly and never stopped moving! Our shrimp was salty to me but my husband at it all.“

“I’ve worked in the food industry so I understand when things get busy and service is a little slow. This was different. The outdoor bar at Sheffield’s was a mess. My friends and I waited over 30 minutes and I talked with other groups, including a dad and son and a husband and wife, who eventually just gave up and said they were leaving to go somewhere they could actually get served. What really bothered me wasn’t even the slow bartender, it was his girlfriend. She was hanging out at the edge of the bar and snapped at me, “watch your mouth, that’s my boyfriend,” when I made a casual comment about the wait. She even mouthed off to other paying customers who were just as frustrated. Later, that same bartender who had been dragging with everyone else suddenly perked up to pour shots for her and her friend. I even have a photo. Slow service happens and I get that. Letting your girlfriend sit at the bar, confront customers, and then get special treatment is unprofessional.“

“Got some skirt steaks, a couple NY strips, chicken and prepared soups. Everything was fantastic and way beyond our expectations! I would (and have) highly recommend Hofherr’s to anybody! They’re great!“

“Good and highly recommend“