And after trying out 12 different restaurants, I'm excited to share my top picks with you! From juicy pulled pork to tender brisket, the flavors and styles of bbq in Evanston are diverse and delicious.

Whether you're a fan of sticky sweet sauces or spicy dry rubs, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab a napkin (or three) and get ready to sink your teeth into some truly amazing bbq.

Without further ado, here are my top contenders for the best bbq in Evanston, IL!


Soul & Smoke Evanston

Soul & Smoke Evanston
🗺️ 1601 Payne St, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-859-2732
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Monday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–9:30 PM
Highlights
Rib tips
Brisket sandwich
Delicious
Phenomenal
Brisket sliders

First of all, let me tell you that their rib tips are out of this world! The meat was so tender and flavorful that I almost forgot to try anything else. But I'm glad I did because their brisket sandwich was just as amazing. It was juicy, smoky, and melted in my mouth.

I'd like to use some advanced vocabulary here and say that the overall experience at Soul & Smoke Evanston was absolutely phenomenal. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the food was nothing short of delicious.

But wait, there's more! Their brisket sliders were a perfect bite-sized version of their famous brisket sandwich. And did I mention how delicious everything tasted? Because it really did.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best bbq in Evanston, look no further than Soul & Smoke Evanston. Their rib tips and brisket sandwich alone are worth a visit but trust me, everything on their menu is just as amazing.

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Hecky's Barbecue

Hecky's Barbecue
🗺️ 1902 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-492-1182
🌐 Website
Sunday: 3–8 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
Highlights
Meaty rib tips
Clean environment
Great sauce
Delicious Carmel cake

As soon as I walked in, I noticed the clean environment that made me feel welcomed. The friendly staff greeted me and helped me choose from their extensive menu. I was recommended to try their signature dish- the meaty rib tips, which were cooked to perfection and had a smoky flavor that melted in my mouth. They were also tender, juicy, and fell right off the bone.

The sauce they served with it was fantastic! It was tangy with a hint of sweetness that complemented the meat perfectly. I even asked for extra sauce to take home!

Though my belly was full after devouring those succulent ribs, I couldn't resist trying Hecky's Barbecue's Carmel cake, which turned out to be a perfect end to an already satisfying meal. The cake was moist and not too sweet with just the right amount of caramel flavor- absolutely delicious!

I highly recommend visiting Hecky's Barbecue if you're looking for some scrumptious bbq in Evanston. Their rib tips are definitely worth trying, and don't forget about their amazing sauce and dessert options too!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Firehouse Grill

Firehouse Grill
🗺️ 750 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
☎️ 847-733-1911
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Monday: 4:30–10 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–11 PM
Highlights
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Clean interior
Reasonable price
Yummy BBQ burger

First off, let me say that the staff at Firehouse Grill are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. They truly make you feel like a welcomed guest, from the moment you step inside to the time you leave.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, it was absolutely delicious! Each bite of their BBQ burger was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The meat was juicy and tender, and the toppings were fresh and tasty.

As for the interior of Firehouse Grill, it's definitely worth mentioning that it is clean and well-maintained. You can tell that they take pride in their establishment and want to provide a top-notch experience for their customers.

And don't even get me started on the price! For such high-quality food, I was pleasantly surprised at how reasonable their prices were. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that provides great value without sacrificing quality.

Overall, I would highly recommend giving Firehouse Grill a try if you're in Evanston looking for some yummy BBQ. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Pit & Tap

Pit & Tap
🗺️ 1168 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091
☎️ 847-920-7227
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Highlights
Outdoor seating
Pulled pork
Homemade sauces
Pork belly

I have to say, the outdoor seating was a pleasant surprise. There's nothing quite like enjoying some delicious BBQ in the fresh air. But let's get to the real highlight of Pit & Tap: the pulled pork. Oh my goodness, it was so tender and juicy! It literally melted in my mouth with every bite. The homemade sauces complemented it perfectly, adding just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness.

But don't stop there! You must try their pork belly as well. It was cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and a succulent center that left me wanting more. I also appreciated how customizable their menu is, allowing me to mix and match different meats with various sauce options.

Overall, Pit & Tap exceeded my expectations with their flavorful and high-quality BBQ offerings. The only downside is that I didn't have room for dessert - maybe next time I'll have to skip an appetizer or two! So if you're looking for some delicious BBQ in Evanston, make sure you stop by Pit & Tap for a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy (and possibly in need of a nap).

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Lulu's

Lulu's
🗺️ 1026 Davis St C, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-869-4343
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Highlights
Exceptional service
Excellent food choices
Nice interior
Fair prices

First off, let me say that Lulu's has some of the most exceptional service I've ever experienced. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile by the hostess who promptly showed me to my table. The waiter was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and made some great recommendations.

Speaking of the menu, Lulu's offers some excellent food choices. From pulled pork to brisket to ribs, they have it all. And let me tell you, their smoked meats are out of this world! The meat was so tender and juicy that it practically melted in my mouth. Their homemade barbecue sauce was also a standout - sweet with just the right amount of tanginess.

The interior at Lulu's is also noteworthy. It has a nice rustic vibe with wooden tables and chairs giving it a cozy feel. It's perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family.

And let's not forget about the prices. At Lulu's, you definitely get your money's worth. The portions are generous and fairly priced.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Lulu's if you're looking for some delicious bbq in Evanston. With exceptional service, excellent food choices, a nice interior, and fair prices - what more could you ask for?

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Ali's broast & burgers(zabiha halal)

Ali's broast & burgers(zabiha halal)
🗺️ 955 W Howard St, Evanston, IL 60202
☎️ 847-859-6330
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10 AM–1 AM
Monday: 10 AM–1 AM
Tuesday: 10 AM–1 AM
Wednesday: 10 AM–1 AM
Thursday: 10 AM–1 AM
Friday: 10 AM–1 AM
Saturday: 10 AM–1 AM
Highlights
Customer service is amazing
Delicious burgers and wings
Masala spice seasoning on fries
Good quality food at affordable prices
Friendly staff and atmosphere

First off, let me just say that the customer service is amazing. The staff was so friendly and welcoming, making me feel like a true VIP. But enough about the staff, let's talk about the real star of the show - the food!

I ordered a burger and wings combo and was blown away by how delicious everything tasted. The juicy patty on my burger was cooked to perfection, and the wings were crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. But what really caught me off guard was the masala spice seasoning on their fries. It added an extra kick of flavor that I never knew I needed in my life.

What impressed me even more is that all of this came at a price that won't break your bank account. Good quality food at affordable prices? Sign me up!

The atmosphere at Ali's broast & burgers(zabiha halal) is also very welcoming and friendly. I felt like I was dining with family rather than in a restaurant.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious bbq in Evanston with great customer service, then Ali's broast & burgers(zabiha halal) is definitely worth checking out!

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

Five & Dime

Five & Dime
🗺️ 1026 Davis St Upstairs, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-869-4343
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5–9:30 PM
Thursday: 5–9:30 PM
Friday: 5–9:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Highlights
Great food and service
Cute rooftop location
Delicious smoked salmon and shrimp dumplings

Upon arriving at the restaurant, I immediately noticed their cute rooftop location which adds a bit of charm to the dining experience. The ambiance was perfect for a summer day with the sun shining and light breeze blowing.

The service was top-notch, with a friendly server who made sure we had everything we needed. But let's get down to the real reason why we're here: the food.

Now, let me tell you about their smoked salmon. Wow, it was absolutely delicious! The smoky flavor perfectly complemented the tender texture of the fish. It was definitely my favorite dish of the day.

But wait, there's more! Their shrimp dumplings were also a hit. The generous amount of filling inside each dumpling made them savory and filling. You could taste every ingredient in there!

Overall, I would highly recommend Five & Dime to anyone looking for some great bbq in Evanston. The food and service were both fantastic and their cute rooftop location made for a lovely dining experience. Don't miss out on their smoked salmon or shrimp dumplings - they're definitely worth trying!

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

10Q Chicken

10Q Chicken
🗺️ 816 Church St, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-859-6100
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Highlights
Best buffalo hot wings
Bacon ranch cheese fries
Friendly owner/manager
Immaculate wings
Good atmosphere

First off, I have to say that the buffalo hot wings at 10Q Chicken are out of this world! They're so good, you'd think they were made by a secret society of wing experts operating in a bunker somewhere in the mountains. The immaculate wings just melt in your mouth and are perfectly coated with a tangy sauce that's not too spicy nor too mild - just right.

But it's not just the wings that make 10Q Chicken stand out. The bacon ranch cheese fries are also a must-try. They're like regular fries, but better - probably because they're covered in crispy bacon bits and gooey cheese smothered in creamy ranch dressing.

The owner/manager is also incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel like you're part of the family. It's always great to see someone who takes pride in their business and truly cares about their customers.

And lastly, the atmosphere is spot on for a casual bbq joint - relaxed yet lively with plenty of seating options for all group sizes.

Overall, if you're looking for some finger-lickin' good wings or some tasty sides to complement your meal, then 10Q Chicken is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to become addicted to their amazing buffalo hot wings.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

Koco Table Evanston

Koco Table Evanston
🗺️ 720 1/2 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-866-7055
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
Monday: 4:30–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:30–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:30–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
Thursday: 4:30–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
Friday: 4:30–9 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–4 PM
Saturday: 5–9 PM
Highlights
Great food
Large portions
Kimchi pancakes
Friendly service
Casual atmosphere

First of all, the food was great. I tried their pulled pork sandwich and it was perfectly cooked with a nice smoky flavor. And let me tell you, the portions were large! I had to take half of my sandwich home because I couldn't finish it.

But what really caught my attention were the kimchi pancakes. They were crispy on the outside and had a delicious tangy flavor on the inside. It was a unique twist on traditional bbq sides and I highly recommend trying them.

The service at Koco Table Evanston was also top-notch. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. They made sure we had everything we needed and even offered suggestions from their menu.

The atmosphere at Koco Table Evanston is casual and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. It's not your typical stuffy bbq joint but rather a fun place to hang out and enjoy great food.

Overall, Koco Table Evanston is definitely a contender for the best bbq in Evanston thanks to its great food, large portions, unique sides, friendly service, and casual atmosphere. Don't miss out on this gem!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

Soban Korea

Soban Korea
🗺️ 819 Noyes St, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-869-4344
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12–9 PM
Wednesday: 12–9 PM
Thursday: 12–9 PM
Friday: 12–9 PM
Saturday: 12–9 PM
Highlights
Stone pot dishes
Delicious bibimbap
Authentic flavors
Great service

First of all, the stone pot dishes were a real game-changer. The sizzling sound and aroma that filled my nose made my mouth water with anticipation. I ordered the dolsot bibimbap and it was quite the experience. The rice was perfectly crispy at the bottom while still fluffy on top, topped with an array of fresh vegetables and a fried egg. It was like a beautiful garden in a pot!

One thing I appreciated about Soban Korea was the authentic flavors they brought to the table. You could taste the love and care put into every dish, as if transported straight from Seoul. The bulgogi was tender and juicy, marinated with just the right amount of sweetness.

To top off my dining experience, I must say that the service here is truly top-notch. Our server made sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive or overbearing.

Overall, Soban Korea is a great option for those looking for authentic Korean barbecue in Evanston. With their delicious stone pot dishes, delectable bibimbap, and attentive service, you can't go wrong here!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Sher-Main Grill

Sher-Main Grill
🗺️ 802 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202
☎️ 847-864-1340
Sunday: 7:30 AM–1 PM
Monday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
Highlights
Affordable
Friendly staff
Fast service
Kid-friendly
Easy parking

First of all, I was impressed by how affordable the menu was. As a BBQ enthusiast, I know that quality meat can be expensive, but at Sher-Main Grill, you get great food without breaking the bank.

But affordability isn't everything! Luckily, the staff at Sher-Main Grill is also incredibly friendly. They were happy to answer any questions I had and even gave me some recommendations on what to try.

Speaking of recommendations, the fast service was incredible! My food arrived in no time and it was still hot and fresh. This is perfect for people who only have a short lunch break or for families with hungry kids.

And speaking of kids, Sher-Main Grill is definitely kid-friendly. They have a separate children's menu with smaller portions and milder flavors. Plus, there's plenty of space for strollers and high chairs.

Finally, let's talk about parking. Finding a spot to park in Evanston can be a nightmare but luckily Sher-Main Grill has easy parking right next to the restaurant.

Overall, I highly recommend Sher-Main Grill for anyone looking for delicious and affordable BBQ in Evanston. The friendly staff, fast service, kid-friendly environment, and easy parking make it a great choice for any occasion.

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

The Little Island

The Little Island
🗺️ 2600 Crawford Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
☎️ 847-866-7670
🌐 Website
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Highlights
Quick bite
Reasonable price
Generous fries
Classic hot dog
Sesame seed bun

First of all, if you're looking for a quick bite that won't break the bank, this is definitely the place to go. Their prices are more than reasonable and won't leave you feeling like you've been robbed.

Now, let's talk about their famous classic hot dog. I have to admit, it's not your typical bbq item but it's definitely worth trying! The hot dog comes in a sesame seed bun and is topped with all the traditional condiments. And let me tell you, it's delicious! The flavors blend together perfectly and will leave you wanting more.

But wait, there's more! The Little Island also serves up some generous portions of fries that will satisfy any craving. Whether you like them crispy or soft, these fries are sure to please.

Overall, I had a great experience at The Little Island. It may not be your typical bbq joint but it definitely deserves a spot on the list for best bbq in Evanston. So next time you're in the area and looking for something different yet delicious, give The Little Island a try - your taste buds will thank you!

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Alex Irvin

Alex enthusiastically explores her hometown of Chicago with an adventurous spirit and a pen in hand. As a freelance writer, Alex specializes in reviewing places in and around the city. From restaurants to theaters, Alex brings attention to interesting finds throughout the area. Along with her reviews, Alex writes articles on Chicago's neighborhoods, engaging events, and her own travel stories. When Alex can't be found behind a computer, you'll find her sampling the newest restaurant, attending a play or strolling around the city.