I tell you, my first experience with Hecky's was simply amazing! Coming from the southside, I must say it was refreshing to have friendly service! The food was amazing, especially the BRISKET which is hard to find in Chicago! The FRIES are very unique and seasoned, somewhat of a different texture, flavor and seasoning than regular French fries so I was very pleased. I also had the greens and Mac and cheese. The greens could use some smoked turkey or flavoring. You won't be disappointed! I also want to say that after my first visit, I came back two (2) days in a row! I am appreciative of the staff, CONSISTENT smoked/barbecue food selections, which is a rarity, and great prices, especially the Specials. read more

I ordered for delivery recently. The food arrived surprisingly fast. I had the brisket sandwich with spicy bbq. They pour a very generous amount of bbq sauces which I was very thankful for because it's delicious! I also had a potato salad on the side and a corn muffin. Definitely order the potato salad. My husband had 2lbs of rib tips which he seemed to enjoy. read more

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In B trying to understand why it's..."legendary"? The sauce was not saucing.... The food really wasn't quite seasoned... I ordered some potato salad and it tasted store bought. The cake wasn't really caking.... Maybe when the old man was alive it was good, but....Issa "no" for me. Not good AT ALL! read more

I ordered a small tip. The tips were cut perfectly as I always ask the guy behind the counter to do. I got home and ate my tips and found they were super tender and delicious. I love hickeys tips. read more

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Awesome spot - ribs tips were FRESH. Food portions were great as well. Will definitely be back

Great ribs Friendly service Inexpensive Quick Easy access An Evanston treasure And Hevkys has always helped Evanston children read more

I was greeted by a really nice person behind the counter. They quickly took my order of small rib tips and small fries. They have a super small patio for 2 people. There isn't a dining area so once, I received my order and I took it home. (15 minutes drive). It was plenty warm when I got home. As I sat down to eat the small is actual filling. The tips were meaty and tender, I asked for the hot bbq sauce, even though it not super spicy, it has some nice heat. The fries were good dipped in the bbq sauce. I wish the bbq sauce was spicier. read more

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Hecky's was a phenomenal place to choose for our Black History Month celebration! From beginning to end Cheryl was a gem to work with! She was able to provide recommendations and help me with a menu! The food arrived timely, it's was enough for the staff and they all wanted seconds! Thank you Heckys for providing such a great experience! Look forward to working with Cheryl in the future! Brandi - Encompass Health read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Heckys Food Items - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love the idea of a place like this that's been in business so long and it's an institution. But there were a few glaring things that irked me. The brisket was very nicely crusted. The fatty side was much better than the underside but without adding sauce, it was quite dry. The sauce was delicious. Both regular and spicy versions were excellent. Slaw was good. Didn't taste homemade but worth it. No pickles available. The corn muffins- OMG- DON'T order these! Dry and like powder. These were beyond disappointing and we threw them away after one bite. I almost couldn't swallow the small piece even with butter on it. Sad. Chicken hot link- mostly hot, not flavorful. Very dry. I'd take a pass. I've had the pork ones and they are good. I wanted beef ribs but not available today. Pork ribs must be the thing here but my wife doesn't eat them so we had other things. Next time I'll eat pork ribs in the car. Although this is an icon in the Chicago area, I really think it's my last visit. read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Bone dry chalky corn muffin - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

So delicious! I haven't eaten around Evanston in a while, but I'm so glad I stopped by this local BBQ gem. This Black-owned business has a great selection of barbecue, and their sauce is top-notch. I ordered The Mutt combination and the brisket sandwich, both of which came in generous portions. My personal favorite was the rib tips. They were tender and paired perfectly with the sauce. The combination plate alone was packed, including rib tips, half a sausage, two chicken wings, and fries. This was a great choice for anyone wanting to try a little bit of everything. One thing to note is that this spot is takeout only, which I didn't realize before arriving. Since it was snowing and took a while to get there, I wish I had planned ahead, but honestly, the food was great and satisfied my craving for bbq! read more

The food is always good and if there is ever a problem they always make it right! I always get the Chicago combo with mixed sauce So So good! read more

This restaurant is the best spot to go to when you're looking for ribs and Mac and cheese. The service was amazing very polite workers and food came very quickly . When me and my family left the restaurant to go sit at the pier people came up to us asking where we got our food because it smelled delicious ! 10/10 recommend coming here if your in Chicago! read more

I had driven to Evanston to try a restaurant only to find out that it was closed permanently. Plan B also turned out to be closed permanently. So, I Googled for other options, and Hecky's was it since I was nearby. I ordered a half slab of St. Louis ribs, greens, potato salad, baked beans, and peach cobbler. The flavor of the ribs was good enough, but they were not quite tender. So I did a low heat, long bake in the oven. Meat fell off the bone. If I go back, I'd request to have the sauce on the side. The greens tasted like no seasoning had been added. I diced a small onion, cut up a garlic clove, and cut up a habanero to put in with some bouillon and pepper, after which I did a slow cook stovetop. That kicked them up. The potato salad and the baked beans were right on. I ordered everything on a Saturday and ate it the next day after letting the seasoning set in the greens. As to the peach cobbler, there was no flavor. I worked in a little cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg and then baked on low for a few minutes to heat it while keeping the juice. I added a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, and that seemed to work. I think my timing may have been off. It happens. Perhaps the outcome will be differently whenever the next time I go for an order. read more

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Outstanding food. They helped us cater a community back to school barbecue for 500 people. They were quick, the food was delicious and reasonably priced. And the staff helped us load and unload. I could not recommend a restaurant more. read more

I love Hecky's I order from there all the time. My dad flew in from out of town and said Hecky's was the best BBQ he has ever had

Another outstanding meal from my favorite BBQ spot! The brisket is the bomb! And the Mac & Cheese as good as my mother's was. Highly recommend read more

Counter service was great. Unfortunately, the rib tips were not my jam. Disappointed.

I been having Hecky's since I was a baby. This is the best BBQ in the world to me. I tried BBQ all over the city all over the south suburbs, Illinois, everywhere. Nothing ever compared to Hecky's. I moved to the south side and I miss that BBQ. Please take advantage of your in the area of Hecky's. They will make you say I Love you for no reason. Take advantage. read more

Great service and food was ready in a timely manner despite the line. I had the brisket sandwich and fries. I thought the meat was decent, but a little dry. The seasoned fries were very good. Far better than the actual bbq. The only downside is it's more of a to-go place. There's one table outside, but nowhere else to sit other than that. read more

Left the City and couldn't find any decent bbq in the area but noticed Hecky's on the drive home from doggy daycare in downtown Evanston and thought we'd give it a try. I'm so glad we did - this place is a hidden gem!!! We've now been a dozen+ times and just placed our first catering order. The staff are beyond gracious and helpful, and the food is delicious. Highly recommend! read more

I was a little torn on Hecky's, but decided to give it a 4 because the food is pretty good and plentiful. Started a new job and was looking for a place to eat. I saw that I can pick up from Hecky's so I placed an order. It seemed a bit expensive, but "when in Rome". When I went to pick it up, it took a little longer than I expected. It took awhile before anybody acknowledged me. Anyway, they had it packed up and I was on my way. Once I got back to my office, I found out that they didn't give me any napkins or utensils. Huh? The good news is that the pulled pork sandwich was gigantic and good. Hecky's is known for its BBQ sauce and it shows! Will I be back? Maybe. I am glad that I got to try this place, but I felt that it was a bit too expensive for an office lunch. I also felt that I needed to take a nap afterwards. I guess that's good.... read more

Not the same since Hecky died, and I don't mean that it's better. And, wayyyy expensive, too. So, I never go here anymore. Consequently, have no source for BBQ near my home. read more

Got the rib tip with sauce on the side . They were great. Very tender, well seasoned, good balance of meat and fat. Equally good with and without sauce. read more

Hecky's Barbecue (7.3/10) The Mutt (pictured above) included 1/2 pork hot link, 2 smoked chicken wings, and 1/2 lb of rib tips. The meat was served on a bed of fries and comes with a slice of bread. The fries and bread pair well with the bbq sauce from the meat. The meat was moist and had a slight smoky flavor. There's a lot of food. I would recommend Hecky's if you're hungry for flavorful barbecue. read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Original Mutt - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Great service, ordered the Mutt which can really serve two but I was hungry so it did me well. The pork hot link was so good and easy to eat, plus the sauce made it way better. read more

Meat is not as tender as it should be.There are items that are pricey but there are items that are a great deal

There are a few people I follow religiously for their fabulous & honest reviews and mouthwatering pictures. Thanks to Gerry T, I can finally say, "Yes! I made it!". I love the history of the "MUTT". I love it so much I ordered it. While waiting for my order, I learned Mr. Powell started the business in 1983 with $100 in his pocket and had recently passed. I'd loved to have met him in person. My order consists of a bed of fries, topped with rib tips, hot links, 2 wings, and a slice of bread. The meat had a lot of flavors (without the sauce) and cooked to perfection. The waiting area was simply decorated with pictures. They offer takeout, delivery, express, and catering. There is plenty of street parking along Green Bay Road and Emerson. I hope they continue to honor Mr. Powell by making delicious BBQ. I will definitely return. read more

Came back for the rib tips and those tips were succulent, moist, not too fatty, not too dry - and it went perfectly with my white bread and French fries. I chose to have these with the sauce on the side and this allows me to really taste the pork, smoke and natural flavor. The BBQ sauce is like the icing on the cake - as they say. I believe they also have a spicy sauce - which I'll try next time. The whole chicken is a better deal than the half chicken and it was also very tender and moist. I'm a white meat/breast person so I really enjoyed that portion for my meal. I believe they use the same yummy sauce for both the ribs and the chicken, which is just fine with me. Thank you Hecky's for this satisfying meal!! I feel like I have at least 3 or 4 more meals with the leftovers. :) read more

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I miss Hecky Powell, but his family is keeping the food and service up to par! The BBQ is one of the best in town. The bread pudding, peach cobbler and sweet potato pie are excellent. I prefer rib tips, the big turkey drumstick and of course the fries. When it comes Down to it, though, with BBQ, it is the tenderness of the meat and the sauce! The only sauce that comes close is "Baby Rays" and the Evanston Chicken Shack. Hecky's squeaks past both of these as you will see! read more

Ordered delivery from this place and the food was mediocre at best. Rather dry and hard to chew, and it also wasn't that flavorful. It may have been due to the delivery, but I don't think I would want to go again to find out. read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Beef Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Food was trash. Bug on food and they drenched the whole meal with hot sauce including the fries. Rib tips was nothing but fat. Save your money! read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Chicago Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Good old school barbecue joint at the corner. His exhaust fan makes the neighborhood smell great. Everything is good here. Ribs chicken pork. All good. Usually pretty quick service. Depends on how busy they are. Each meal is made fresh. Give them a try. Great sauces. Your stomach will thank you. Heckys is excellent. read more

We spent almost $130 on chicken, brisket sandwich, rip tips, so much food! My family was so happy to finally get to eat Hecky's barbecue after 20 years of not having it. Back in the day the food was good. When they fell off I don't know. But today was not a good day! I wish I had pictures to post. Instead I threw the food away in the garbage. Because that's where it belonged! Traveling almost an hour and a half from where I live to visit family and to go to heck is a waste of time! read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Receipts of the money we spent for this food - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Ordered the brisket sandwich and a side of mac n cheese. The brisket flavor was pretty good and had some smoke flavor to it. The sauce was good, although I've had better. The portion size for the brisket was good, with big chunks of meat. The mac 'n cheese was creamy and good. The pricing seems a bit high. It was $25.63, including a can of Coke. The person taking the order was friendly. This is mainly a take out location. There are two tables of two outside the business. No seating inside. I would definitely go back again. read more

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I stopped by Heck's Barbecue just to get a Chicken Hot Link. The Chicken Hot Link was absolutely delicious. read more

Yesterday my wife and I loaded up the kids and dog into the car in the late afternoon to try and catch some sunshine at the beach on the 4th of July. We drove to Montrose Harbor from TriTaylor where we live only to find the lake front essentially shut down by CPD due to over congestion. We decided to press on North into Evanston, as we were planning to catch the fireworks there that evening anyways. When we got there we unloaded our gear and walked to the beach only to be told we needed a beach pass. Disappointed, I thought at lease we can hang out in the park... but then suddenly the skies opened and we were soaked by the rain, so we lugged everything back to the car only to have the rain stop and sun re-emerge right as we got everything loaded up again. At that point I was feeling a little defeated, so my wife (who knows I love bbq), started looking up local spots. She found Hecky's and we went because it was listed as dog friendly but I was a bit skeptical that it would actually be open on the 4th of July... To my excitement it was open when we arrived and we were greeted by Cheryl, one of the owners, with a welcoming smile and friendly hello. She could see that it had been a long afternoon and offered us a free round of Juneteenth, the restaurant's signature special Strawberry Soda on the house - it was so delicious and refreshing that we picked some more up for the road when we were done eating. Cheryl helped us wipe off the rain soaked outdoor table and chairs so we could sit down and brought a little bowl for our dog to have some water. She was one of the most generous and kind people I have ever met. She told us the history of Heckys and the soda (made in honor of Forest E. White, a freed slave and Cheryl's husband's paternal great grandfather) and we felt right at home. The ribs and chicken were out of this world. As a bbq enthusiast who dabbled in smoked meats - these were truly one of the best I'd ever tasted. Their homemade bbq sauce was tangy and sweet and complimented the smoked meats beautifully. Our sons gave the food 10 stars (out of 3 haha). Best of all, the food was fresh and quickly prepared and very reasonably priced. Cheryl and Heckys really made our entire 4th! Thank you so much, we will definitely be back! The Cieslaks read more

Hecky's Barbecue - Heckys outdoor dining with Juneteenth Strawberry soda! - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

At halftime of an NFL playoff game this evening I went over to pick up Hecky's "Chicago Combo" -- 1 pork hot link with1 pound of rib tips and fries. For $20 bucks the ribs and link, smothered in their sauce, was damn tasty. And there was more than enough for 2 people -- such a deal. I'll eat the leftovers tomorrow during another playoff game. read more

Hecky's Barbecue - "Chicago Combo" - Barbeque Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

For one thing I was overcharged it went from 28 to 41 dollars plus 19 dollars I gave driver but tips were not tender tough and lots of fat sauce was good read more

The staff here are great. Friendly and efficient. 5 stars We dropped in and picked up a full slab of baby back ribs a hot link beans and slaw. We brought it home and didn't get to it for three hours. So our experience might be different if we had eaten it right away. The slaw is outstanding. Would order again. The beans were okay. It needed more brown sugar or molasses. There was no rich flavor. They should have tasted it beforehand. The link was meaty but I like mine with a little more fat The baby backs were well cooked. It was good reheated. The sauce is good. read more

We had Hecky's for lunch on a student film I worked on last quarter and it blew us away! The pulled chicken was obviously a staple, and I'm a sucker for baked beans so that was my fav, but I think everyone agreed that the corn muffins were what really stood out-- nobody could get enough! Not to mention that the coleslaw was the perfect way to balance everything out. As a native Texan myself I wasn't sure if I'd be able to find quality bbq up in Evanston, and let me say it certainly scratched the itch! I'll be coming back to Hecky's for sure! Thank you Hecky's from the whole Mixed Signals team!! read more