The Absolute Best BBQ in Evanston [Updated 2025]

From mouthwatering ribs to perfectly smoked brisket, my quest has taken me to some remarkable spots across the city.

After reviewing 12 different BBQ joints, I've compiled a list that not only highlights the standout dishes but also captures the unique flavors that each place brings to the table.

Whether you're a long-time fan of barbecue or just starting to explore, this guide will help you navigate Evanston's vibrant BBQ scene.

Get ready to fire up your appetite as we dive into the smoky goodness that awaits!

Soul & Smoke Evanston

Highlights
Rib tips are highly praised
Delicious brisket sandwiches
Amazing brisket sliders
Tasty grits and greens
Not crowded for dining

Soul & Smoke Evanston is a hidden gem that elevates the BBQ experience to a whole new level. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the irresistible aroma of smoked meats that instantly set my taste buds alight. Now, let’s talk about the rib tips—they are nothing short of a revelation! Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, they were quickly the star of my meal.

The brisket sandwiches are a must-try. Each bite was a delightful combination of smoky goodness and perfect seasoning, proving that Soul & Smoke knows how to treat their meats right. And if you’re up for something different, don’t overlook the brisket sliders; they were a playful twist that had me reaching for more.

To complement the main attractions, the grits and greens were a phenomenal sidekick, bringing a touch of southern comfort to the meal. I also appreciated that the restaurant wasn't crowded, making for a relaxed dining experience. Overall, Soul & Smoke Evanston is a BBQ haven blending quality and flavor seamlessly, and I can’t wait to return for another round of these mouthwatering delights!

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Hecky's Barbecue

Highlights
Welcoming staff
Meaty rib tips
Delicious hot links
Clean and well-maintained
Amazing caramel cake

Hecky's Barbecue in Evanston truly embodies the spirit of Southern-style pit barbecue, and I couldn’t help but revel in the delightful ambiance from the moment I walked in. The welcoming staff greeted me with warm smiles, setting the tone for what turned out to be a fantastic culinary journey.

As I perused the menu, my eyes landed on the meaty rib tips, and I simply had to try them. Each bite was a flavorful explosion, perfectly seasoned and tender enough to fall off the bone. The delicious hot links added a smoky kick that tantalized my taste buds, leaving me craving for more. It's no wonder that Hecky's has earned its reputation as a local favorite.

The entire place was clean and well-maintained, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal. And let me not forget the showstopper—an amazing caramel cake that made the perfect ending to my feast. If you find yourself in Evanston and you're searching for BBQ that packs a punch, look no further than Hecky's. It’s an experience where flavor meets warmth, and that, my friends, is the heart of great barbecue!

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Firehouse Grill

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!

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Pit & Tap

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).

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Lulu's

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?

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Ali's broast & burgers(zabiha halal)

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!

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Five & Dime

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!

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10Q Chicken

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.

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Koco Table Evanston

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!

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Soban Korea

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!

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Sher-Main Grill

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.

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The Little Island

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!