BBQ in Evanston

Hecky’s Barbecue is a long-standing Evanston institution that has been operating from the same street corner since 1983 and was famously featured in Anthony Bourdain’s book *World Travel*. The menu focuses on traditional items like baby back ribs, hot links, sliced brisket, and smoked wings, often accompanied by their signature sauce and sides like collard greens and caramel cake. The restaurant is a staple for local catering and offers take-out and delivery services.

Soul & Smoke’s flagship Evanston location specializes in a combination of high-quality smoked meats, such as prime brisket and country ribs, and scratch-made soul food. The kitchen draws on fine-dining roots to produce bold flavors using high quality ingredients. Distinctive for its community-focused mission, the restaurant also operates a community fridge and food trucks alongside its traditional service.