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    Lillie's Q

    3.5 (1.1k reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Southern
    Open 3:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Lillie's Q Photos

    LILLIE'S Q ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    The chicken sandwich and brisket fries
    Karyn K.

    In town from Atlanta for my cousins wedding, my sister and I decided to venture outside of the mainstream downtown and try something a lil different. And Boy oh Boy This place is a jewel!!! It has all the aesthetics of a an upscale pub with the ambiance of an adult gaming lounge/hangout spot! The concept is self serve! Which was a little confusing it was a new concept for me. But after asking all dem questions, I had an understanding of it. When we walked into the place, we were greeted by two energetic beer enthusiasts that shared information about the process of purchasing the beer. There is a kiosk up the ramp and to the left behind a 1/2 wall where you will place your own order. They will give you a confirmation number and you are free to play games and sample one of a kind beers! You have to purchase a beverage card ( they hold $40 on your personal card) while you sample away. Beer is sold by the oz. Also you will see a sign on the wall pointing to water it is on the opposite side of the wall behind the beer taps. The kitchen closes at 8, so get here in time to get up on this brisket!!! We shared the brisket fries ( THIS WAS THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF MAKING THIS TRIP FOR DINNER TODAY) and they did not disappoint!!! Yum, yum, yum, I brisket! It was so tender and seasoned well! We also shared a chicken sandwich. It was exceptional as well. Wish we had one of these in the ATL, as it would make for a wonderful adult game night spot! Thanks for a wonderful experience. You will see me again.

    Brisket fries
    Iris P.

    Loaded Brisket Crinkle Fries We made a stop here last night before the Suns vs Bulls game and it was honestly D to the E to the L I C I O U S!!! We honestly can say that we will be coming back for future games! Really really really good meat and entrees to choose from! I can't believe we've always just passed this but not anymore! And the service made this so fast and they were really nice!

    Birthday boy celebration at tha bar !!!!
    Miguel O.

    Food was great !!!!! Service was great thanks to Franky !!! Ambiance always great !!!!!

    Smoked chicken wings
    Nolan F.

    I like that the staff is very nice and it's on a non busy street in wicker park but... Ribs AND brisket were so dry I couldn't believe it. They have a variety of sauces to choose from and maybe they're good but I firmly believe meat quality first before sauces. Some chicken wings were dry, some were okay, needs more seasoning. The marshmallow (I think) topping on the banana pudding was insanely sugary, even for me. Banana Pudding's consistency was liquidy and just lacking in flavor. I'd use Magnolia Bakery as a point of reference *hint hint. Follow Instagram - @extranoodles And https://www.yelp.com/collection/8mCXaaKQAQ7hn-PPUG9iXQ?utm_content=Collections&utm_source=ashare

    Close-up: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
    Eva S.

    Lillie's Q is in my neighborhood and we decided to go on a relaxed Friday night. Lillie's Q had been on my mind because I had just returned from vacation in South Carolina. On the flight to Charleston, we were served bbq potato chips made by Lillie's Q. When I checked the label on the back of those mini chip bags it said "Chicago, IL" so I knew on that plane: I wanted to check out that restaurant on North Ave. Fast forward a week later and I'm back in Chicago. When the end of the week rolled around, I found myself in the restaurant, feeling like a self-fulfilled prophecy. Between two people, we shared a few items; fried pickles, a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, a Pulled Pork Sandwich with slaw, and a quarter pound of brisket which came with pickles & onions. He got a whiskey neat and I got an itty bitty 8 oz Hefeweizen. The staff calls fried orders earlier than anything barbecued, so there's time to fry before slicing the brisket. There's a huuuge selection of sauces to choose from. In the back by the end of the bar, there were vinegars, sweet sauces, spicy sauces, you name it. I brought 5 bottles of sauces to our table (and that wasn't even the whole selection). People who know me can picture a scene at Nando's Peri Peri with the spectrum of sauces, bottles lined in a row at the table from spicy to mild. The sauce Lillie's Q is a similar situation. I want to be able to choose from the library of flavors. The vinegary sauces were good on the fried pickles (like the ENC barbecue sauce) and the thicker more classic bbq sauces (like "Hot Smoky" and just "Smoky") were good on the meats. The pulled pork was a little on the dry side for me. And the Nashville Hot Chicken was decent, but not what I'd come back for. Next time, I'd only get the brisket and the brisket is how their barbecue shines. We peacefully shared 1/4 lb of brisket, which means we really only got 1/8 of a pound and barely two bites. But it was so tender we both knew it was our favorite. It was pretty quiet on a winter Friday night, no wait, a few customers at the bar, and a few couples at tables. It's first come first serve, order at the counter, number on the table. Fast casual. I see they have a happy hour from 4-6:30pm on weekdays and if I ever get to chance to stop-in for HH, or any other meal here, I would order at least a pound of brisket all to myself.

    Shack Chicken Sandwich Nashville hot
    Michael B.

    Inside a beer hall on Ashland. Cool setting with nice outdoor seating area. Had a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and Hard Seltzer in the dining room and brought home some ribs and a sausage. Everything was great and the pickle slaw on the Hot Chicken Sandwich was different and really nice. Service was quick and ordering was easy.

    Smoked Chicken Wings Shack Chicken Sandwich Baby Back Ribs Classic Mac and Cheese
    Michaela K.

    Do yourself a favor and get the smoke wings in Nashville hot flavor. You will. It regrets it. Best smoked wings in the city. As good if not better than Nashville.

    Mac N Cheetos
    Crystal N.

    This review is solely based off of the Mac N' Cheetos because hot damn that was absolutely amazing. We ordered two portions and loved what the hot cheetos brought to the mac and cheese. Looking forward to trying more of their other stuff!

    Brisket fries
    Sweetesttaboo S.

    Found this place after leaving Altitude Trampoline Park. The space is spacious, very nice and clean. After all the bouncing around we were a bit discombobulated so figuring out the flow was a bit off but the host Davis was so helpful and PATIENT! He helped explain the beer wall, the beer card and how to order! The food hit the spot and was delicious. Brisket fries - lots of toppings but not soggy. perfect kick of spice without being overpowering. Mac n cheese - saucy but it had a great smoky flavor. Baked beans - a bit runny but lots of flavor Brisket - very tender and had a great rub Tri tip - juicy, good flavor and a great portion for sharing hot link - so good! Juicy and great flavor Pimento sausage - ahmazing! Loved it! The guys loved the beer, they had a summer blend. Cant wait to come back!

    Beer available for delivery! So good!
    Alexandra A.

    This place has been on my to-try list for a while, so I was pretty excited when I saw they were doing delivery! I've heard about their various bbq sauces before, and I'd been craving chicken tenders for a while, so when I saw them on their menu, I knew it was time! I ordered the chicken tenders with the tender sauce, a side of their gold sauce, and a 4-pack of local beer. It was all really fantastic! The chicken tasted very fresh, and the breading was super crispy and it was good amount of chicken given. I wasn't crazy about the tender sauce but I LOVED their gold sauce! I literally went to my grocery store and bought a bottle - it's their Carolina mustard BBQ and it's so tart and smoky and unlike anything else I've had before. I highly recommend it if that sounds good to you. As a note, it costs $1 to get a small amount of a sauce added to your order which is wild considering you can get an entire bottle for $7. So it might be more cost effective to buy the bottle if you think you'll enjoy the sauce as opposed to getting a side of it. I'd also highly recommend the brew I got - Sunday Night Couch Cuddles by Bold Dog Beer Co. It's super drinkable and paired super well with the food. They had lots of interesting options to check out. Personally I enjoyed what I got from here - it's nothing groundbreaking but it's good food and great BBQ sauces.

    PIMIENTO CHEESE HUSH PUPPIES - Cornmeal, Cheddar, Pimiento, Jalapeños, Comeback Sauce
    Christopher V.

    Lillie's Q, huh? For years I've been saying Lillie Q's and not a single friend corrected me. LOL. .. Overall, I enjoyed my meal. The Smoked Wings, Pimento Cheese Hush Puppies and Banana Pudding stood out. The ribs were a little dry, but had a nice rub. I can definitely see the potential in Lillie Q's being a top 5 BBQ pit in Chicago. As with many BBQ joints, they'll have to work on consistency. I appreciated the pulled pork not being overwhelmed with spices. BBQ purist want diners to taste the meat, instead of the pork simply being a vehicle to carry the dry rub. Lillie's Q nailed highlighting the natural pork flavor. We all have a list of foods we hated as kids, but later grew to like as adults. Some things like beets will forever be despised be me. Pimento cheese on the other hand has grown on me. If you've always been a fan, check these puppies out. Great flavor, texture and the Comeback sauce ties it all together. Now for the banana pudding. .. I've only had once, but I think this is the best version not made at home. It's light, not too sweet and kinda reminds me of a whipped mousse. Much much better than the version at Magnolia Bakery so many people seem to like. If Lillie's can iron out the consistency issue with the meats I'll be willing to give a firmer recommendation. Right now they're 3.5, but I rounded up for great service.

    Raul T.

    It is a very beautiful place and the service is what makes others fun and if they have the chance to visit I recommend it to them, it is a beautiful and fun experience to others. A

    Brisket and Baked Beans
    Abbie M.

    Order the brisket now and thank me later, so good! The atmosphere is rustic and cute but casual. The staff was very friend and helpful. Not sure if it was the owner but was asked how everything was several times. You can tell they really want you to love your experience. I ordered the brisket with baked beans. The beans were a little spicy but I'm a baby when it comes to spices. This brisket was so tender and flavorful! The 1/2 lb was definitely filling. They had a great selection of bbq sauces, that were excellent. We also had the fried pickles for an appetizer and they were brought out hot! Everything was delicious, service was quick we had our food less than 10 minutes of arriving. We will be coming back!

    WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THIS TINY ASS CUP?

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    1 year ago

    Nashville hot chicken is my favorite in town. Also, a super cool location at the brew yards.

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    4 years ago

    This was probably the best ribs in my eyes. But recently they changed to counter service, okay no big

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    Smoque BBQ

    Smoque BBQ

    4.3
    (4.9k reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $$

    I've recently started lifting heavy, and on a Friday night was looking for a high protein…read moreindulgence. La Brasa Roja is a go-to, but my friend wasn't in the mood to share and an entire chicken just for me was not happening. In a search for chicken dishes in the area, I came across Smoque and came to Yelp to get a sense of it. Only to discover my own review, from 14 years ago. I did not remember this place and certainly did not remember coming here, at all. But I figured my 4 star review from the Obama years must certainly be 5 stars for 2026, since restaurants are so inconsistent lately. I was right. The half chicken was smoked *perfectly.* It was fatty and crispy, but it was not doused in oil the way so many restaurants do these days. And even if you remove the skin from your chicken, the flesh itself was tender but firm and flavorful - even the breast. Plus, if you have leftovers, it reheats very well and kept its crispiness and moisture. This time they did have St Louis ribs, of which we bought a sampler. I'm not a pork person these days (I don't digest it well) but I had a bit and it was great. Too bad I forgot about this place relatively close to me. I would have purchased a lot of smoked chicken here over the years. But I look forward to making their chicken a staple of mine. The prices are super competitive, too, especially for the quality.

    We flew into Chicago and looked for a good place to stop and grab a bite and we're craving BBQ…read more We saw Smoque was rated very high but also had a lot of reviews so we stopped in and are we glad we did! Mrs.GiGi at the front took our order and Juanita let us know we'd be waiting for a table as we waited for the food - it went pretty quick even though being busy with every table filled and people waiting. It's a smaller restaurant but the staff and team were so welcoming and took such great care of us (the whole team was amazing - some of the best service we've ever received and we stopped in on December 27th later at night)! This is a must try if you haven't - we will defiantly be back!!!

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    Michelin Recommend Smoque BBQ 3800 N Pulaski Rd,Chicago, IL This Place is Smoking Hot! Low and Slow! BBQ Heaven! Brisket is The Best.Cool!
    Michelin Recommend Smoque BBQ 3800 N Pulaski Rd,Chicago, IL This Place is Smoking Hot! Low and Slow! BBQ Heaven! Brisket is The Best.Cool!
    Brisket & pulled pork combination platter
    Brisket & pulled pork combination platter
    Burnt ends yumminess!

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    Burnt ends yumminess!
    Offset BBQ

    Offset BBQ

    4.7
    (302 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    I've been craving some MEAT for a while, and after reading Sam C.'s review, I was sold - I grabbed…read moremy keys and made my way over! When I find myself thinking of a return trip while still there, you know for sure Offset BBQ delivers! I ordered the All Beef Platter, and got the Brisket Chili (upgrade) as my side. The sausage was fantastic! It had a snap which made all the Chicago Hot Dogs within a 20 mile radius jealous. Inside was a maximally savory, salty but not over-salted filling. The kind of meat that needs no sauce. Then comes the brisket! A lovely piece of meat that was so tender, looking at it and licking my lips caused the meat to start falling apart. I also loved that it was a good balance of meaty and fatty bits. However, there is a small 'but' here. For my taste, the brisket needed a very light sprinkle of salt. No matter, with the help of the sauces the brisket leveled up enough to take on any boss battle thrown at it. Speaking of sauces: The KC Style and Hawaiian were both good. Both were sweet, and had some tang, though, it seemed the KC had a slight edge in the bold department between the two. A sauce I loved though was the Chicago White, a fantastic Horseradish and Mustard sauce that was unique, interesting, savory, fresh, and a little spicy. The kind of sauce I want to buy a container of and take home! For my side, I upgraded to the bowl of brisket chili. I loved this so much, I may just order this as a main on a return visit. The chili did not at all skimp on the meat, which was tender and flavorful. The use of beans, corn, and veggies were there to help accent everything else, and were themselves cooked perfectly. Kudos also for the inclusion of a couple pickled jalapeno slices. My heat tolerance may be too high to feel a burn, but the crispness of acid did wonders! The included coleslaw was one thing I did not love. I appreciated that they were not heavy handed on the mayo, and the dressing overall was light in quantity and consistency. However, the cabbage was sliced as if by a sleep deprived stagiaire who has yet to master knife skills. The slicing was terribly inconsistent, with some pieces being way too large. For dessert, I ordered the Blueberry Handpie. This was so much better than expected! The crust was flaky and wonderful, and the filling had plentiful sweet blueberries. This dish also excelled in its execution. The cast iron pan kept the pie warm, and the ice cream was such that didn't melt right away. I also loved that the blueberries weren't screaming hot and exploding with lava. When it comes to the service, the bar-server was fantastic. She was kind, friendly, and attentive. Food came out pretty fast, too, considering how fresh everything was. Finally, while I did not make laps around the entire establishment, the vibe has just the right intersection between BBQ and Rock & Roll, with the music playing at the perfect volume to be appreciated while being not at all intrusive. Final verdict: There are many who sing the praises of Smoque BBQ, which is a great spot. However, between the two, I prefer Offset. Other than a sloppy-chopped Coleslaw, the experience was fantastic not only in the food, but in the execution and the thought put into the experience.

    Alright, I don't usually do this. I'm not a Yelp or Google Review warrior, I'm not out here typing…read moreessays about every decent meal... but gotdamn, this place earned it. I've been meaning to get here for years, and we finally rolled in for lunch - and let me tell you, the hype in my head still wasn't enough. For context, I'm not just some random dude who likes ribs. I run a small side street BBQ pop-up on the South Side and I'm borderline obsessive about properly smoked meat - especially the kind that's gently smoked, where you taste the craft and not just a blast of soot and sauce. That balance is HARD. Most places (even the quote unquote "institutions" we all know) lean heavy on sauce to cover up over-smoked, tired meat. This spot? Absolutely not that. Offset BBQ in Humboldt Park is operating on a whole different level. This is thoughtful, patient, technique-driven barbecue - the kind pitmasters respect and regular people fall in love with without even knowing why it's better. I had the chance to meet Carlo Carani and Doug Pompa, and that alone made the visit special. Doug is the real-deal pitmaster - not flashy, not ego-driven, just a humble craftsman who clearly lives and breathes smoke. Both of them were welcoming, down-to-earth, and generous with their time. Doug even walked me through their smokers and process, which, as someone still climbing the BBQ learning curve, was like getting a backstage pass to a masterclass. No gatekeeping, no attitude - just passion and pride in doing things the right way. And the food backs it all up. The brisket? Tender, beautifully rendered, rich without being heavy. Pulled pork? Juicy, seasoned exactly right, smoke present but never overpowering. The pickled sides? Absolute game-changer - that bright acidity cutting through the richness like a perfect reset button between bites. They're not just doing traditional barbecue either - there's creativity on the menu that actually makes sense, not gimmicks. Add in a serious whiskey and bourbon lineup plus beer that pairs the way it should, and you're looking at a full experience, not just a tray of meat. This isn't just another BBQ joint. This is a Chicago barbecue institution in the making - if it isn't already. Do yourself a favor: run, don't walk. Whether you're a die-hard smoke nerd or just someone who loves good food, this place is the real deal. Maria's service is outstanding and you'd be remissed not to include her hospitality as a bright star to this BBQ institution's success. God bless this joint!

    Photos
    Offset BBQ
    12pc Offset Wings with Chicago White Sauce (side)
    12pc Offset Wings with Chicago White Sauce (side)
    Looking out at California.

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    Looking out at California.
    Chubby Cattle

    Chubby Cattle

    4.5
    (443 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$$

    A lot of the menu items were unavailable during our visit. Out of all the dessert options, only one…read morewas available, and only two soups were being served. Some of the rice bowl options were also unavailable, which further limited the selection. Our favorite item is the Wagyu short rib plate, but we noticed that toward the end of service, it seemed to be mixed with regular beef. The texture was noticeably tougher, and we could definitely tell the difference. It was a bit disappointing since the Wagyu is usually one of the highlights of our visit. That said, our server, Zaid, was great. He was attentive, friendly, and provided excellent service throughout our meal.

    If you're a fan of Japanese BBQ, Chubby Cattle is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk…read morein, the modern atmosphere and energetic vibe set the stage for an incredible meal. The all-you-can-eat menu offers an impressive selection of premium meats, and the Wagyu is the true star of the show. Every cut is beautifully marbled, incredibly tender, and melts in your mouth. Grilling everything tableside makes the experience both interactive and fun. Beyond the BBQ, the fresh sushi, sashimi, appetizers, desserts, and unlimited drink station make it feel like you're getting far more than just a barbecue meal. The service was outstanding--attentive, friendly, and quick to keep the orders coming without ever feeling rushed. Even with the restaurant being busy, the staff made sure our table always had everything we needed. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Chubby Cattle delivers a top-tier dining experience that's worth every penny. Come hungry, pace yourself, and prepare for one of the best all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ experiences you'll have. I can't wait to come back!

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    BYOB
    BYOB
    Chubby Cattle
    Sides (tempura, loaded fries, dumplings)

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    Sides (tempura, loaded fries, dumplings)
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

    4.8
    (28 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    I love going to Hawaiian spots, but they're usually hard to come around; therefore, I gave Aloha…read moreHawaiian BBQ a chance and absolutely loved the food. We got the pork katsu, shrimp, and fried chicken plates. The katsu was very crispy and paired well with a nice tangy sauce. The shrimp was banging and paired so well with the lemon and rice. And lastly, the fried chicken (chicken karaage) was so crispy and juicy but had such good flavor to it. The rice and mac paired so well with the proteins too. The service was nice; they have a kiosk where you order all your food and then a robot brings your food to the table. The ambiance had a nice Hawaiian decor to it and was full of color. Additionally, there's a decent amount of seating if you want to eat there. I'd definitely come back again and give this place a try.

    I am extremely happy to find another Hawaiian restaurant near me and it's not a wannabe like H*B*…read more We came on a weekend during dinner and there was a mild rush in and out of pick up orders and people dining in. We grabbed a menu as we had some time to review their offerings before the last person in our group arrived. When it was time to order, we went for variety and got Kaleb, garlic chicken / lemongrass pork and the Hawaiian breakfast. We ordered enough to receive 2 spam musubis. Everyone was happy with their food and compared it to another well known Hawaiian place in the city - but here with better prices! We had plenty leftover for our party of 3 and pretty much could fill up 1 container! We will definitely be back and look forward to trying other items!

    Photos
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
    Loco Moco
    Loco Moco
    Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

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    Blackwood BBQ

    Blackwood BBQ

    4.1
    (406 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    My meal here was surprisingly tasty for a chain BBQ place…read more The lunch special was great. $12.99 for a pulled pork sandwich, side, and drink. That is essentially unbeatable downtown. The pork was juicy and the KC style bbq sauce was good (other options were Chicago, Memphis, Carolina(?)). The mac and cheese was really tasty, I found myself scraping the bowl for more. It had a really nice crust on top. The service was quick and friendly.

    I've had the full spectrum of BBQ from mind-blowingly incredible to places I send people I don't…read morelike. I am pleased to report that Blackwood BBQ is somewhere between "good" and "very good". It won't knock your socks off, but it is nowhere close to "bad." It's perfect for what it is, that being: a spot for a bite during the lunch hour. On both visits, I ordered the two meat platter, with brisket and sausage. Both were flavorful and savory, with the brisket being balanced in terms of meaty vs fatty (as requested). Now, that said, the prices at Blackwood are on the high side. On the one hand, I know the price of a pound of ground beef is greater than the minimum wage (as of this writing). However, I also can't help but feel the punch to the wallet when two meats and one side, where one of those is brisket, and a soda comes to somewhere between $20-25 (I think it's close to $25, but don't want to misspeak). Half a pound of meat is not a lot, making the wallet punch even worse. Then there comes the service. Most of the folks working here are professional and welcome. There is this one person, though, whose level of gruffness seems a bit high. It wasn't so much a lack of pleasantries for the sake of efficiency as it was annoyance that customers exist? Final verdict: If you're working in the loop, and craving BBQ, Blackwood is a rock-solid spot, but the high prices mean it likely isn't practical for a regular spot. If it's a weekend, there are better options out there.

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    Menu
    Menu
    Salad option
    Salad option
    Half a dozen sauce regions!

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    Half a dozen sauce regions!
    Carson's

    Carson's

    4.1
    (469 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$$

    I had not been to Carson's in over a decade I'm sure because they were located on Ontario & Wells…read more I thought they'd gone out of business and had no idea they'd moved to Illinois Street. I can assure you that my next review won't be ten years from now. I love the new location--it's such a wonderful classic dining experience with an outstanding vibe--family dinner or date night, and the service remains outstanding. The food is exactly as I recall. You hardly expect a "rib joint" to have good seafood but the Shrimp DeJonghe is an outstanding appetizer - white wine, garlic, butter, chives, whipped bread crumbs. The Half Roasted Greek Chicken and Prime Rib are to die for delicious--we shared those entrees and still had leftovers. The Prime Rib will literally melt in your mouth!

    I have been dining at Carson's restaurant for over 30 years, but after my experience last night, I…read morewill be looking for a new barbecue spot. Up until four years ago, I used to visit at least five or six times every single year. Last night was my first time back since then, and I was deeply disappointed by how much the standards have slipped. The entire evening felt incredibly rushed. The person taking our order seemed to be in a massive hurry, acting short and dismissive with us. To make matters worse, an automatic gratuity was added to the bill. While I understand this is becoming a common industry practice, a gratuity should ultimately be an option based on service. The server did mention at the end that we could have it removed if we wanted to, but customers shouldn't be forced into that awkward position in the first place. Unfortunately, the quality of the food has also gone downhill. I always used to order the ribs and frequently took extra food home because it was so good. Last night, the food left a lot to be desired. The barbecue simply isn't what it once was. When my uncle graduated in the 90s we went to your previous downtown location.He loved the restaurant as well; the food, the exceptional service, and the warm atmosphere. I went there year after year. While I respect that they have managed to stay in business for 30 years, there were just too many issues with both the service and the food for me to return.

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    Carson's
    Carson's
    Starters: Mediterranean shrimp 17

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    Starters: Mediterranean shrimp 17

    Lillie's Q - bbq - Updated July 2026

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