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!“

“Stopped by for dinner before heading out for the night and grabbed one of Dimo’s creative slices plus an order of fries. The pizza had a really good balance of crispy and chewy, and the toppings didn’t feel skimpy. The vibe was casual and very Wrigleyville, which fit the night perfectly. Service was quick and easy, too.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“No better time than a Thursday night at Carson's with Sherm! The prime rib sandwich was delicious! The people around the bar were fun as hell! Our bartender, David, keeps us all laughing as he mixes and serves outstanding drinks and was constantly making sure all was good! Can't wait till next week!“

“Super cool space with gigantic beer garden!! Highly recommend this local NW side brewery for a quick beer or an afternoon or evening of drinking and maybe even brawling! Industrial-hip interior with large outdoor beer garden, where dogs are welcome. I have posted the beer and food menus from 9/17/26. Humongous beer selection. Though there are many breweries with better beer, the cool atmosphere is worth checking this one out!! We normally sit at the bar, so can’t comment on the service which, from reviews can be good to poor. Bathroom were clean.

For a brewery, the staff was remarkably normal! Few weirdos, beer snobs, and general punks.“

“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!!!!“

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

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

“Best food ever and service love“

“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.“

“Went in today aug 9 2026 ordered a 2. Meat plate sausage and brisket with Mac and cheese and potato salad
Was so good went back for a half pound of brisket
I had left a review about a year ago saying food was only ok
When I was there last I talked with the owner and asked if they had made any changes he said they did because they read their reviews
The changes were well received by me everything was really good
I'd say if you want barbecue give them a try“

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

“the smoked sweet potato is a gamechanger. Spectacular“

“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!!!!“

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

“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.“

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

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

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

“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.“

“Such a chill cozy spot for some kbbq. We came here for some grilled gopchang and daechang and it did NOT disappoint. The intestines came out so crispy and delicious! They also did not skimp on the banchan, this is one of the best banchan spreads I’ve seen. The hubby’s fave of the night is the Wagyu boneless short rib 😋“

“Great place to eat and excellent service .“

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

“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. ♥️🙏“

“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“

“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!“

“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.“

“I had the burger at LongHorn Steakhouse, and it was okay. The patty was cooked well, but the overall flavor was pretty average and didn't really stand out. The fries were decent, and the service was friendly, but I was expecting a little more considering LongHorn's reputation. It wasn't a bad meal, but it also wasn't anything I'd go out of my way to order again.“

“Returned for the first time since 1985! Owner established that they’ve been there since 1978. Didn’t recognize anything but just wanted to bring home a Gyros and I did. Highly recommend it. Pita was perfect. Was still warm when I got home. Huge sandwich with an incredible amount of gyros and an awesome tzatziki sauce. Fresh tomatoes and onions—my mouth is watering 5 hours later writing this review. They’re still going strong after almost 50 years cause they’re friendly, consistent and serve great food!“

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

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“A casual Korean fried chicken spot known for crispy, flavorful wings with a variety of sauces. The food is fresh and popular for takeout or quick dining. Very convenient, located near a train station—especially helpful for those without a car. We especially like the galbi boneless chicken and cheesy fries.“

“The new owners have really made this place lively. Came for Halloween and was NOT disappointed!

EDIT: Jamie professionally handled a patron who was belligerently drunk and being rude to others and got him to leave without a scene, this is why I continue to come back“

“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“