Over the years I've often heard mention of Hecky's in Evanston and finally got around to trying it. I had somehow doubted that Evanston would be capable of producing good barbecue and feared that it would just be a suburban version of Brother Jimmy's. I am happy to report that I was completely wrong; Hecky's is the real deal and ranks with the very best in Chicago. Hecky's is takeout only (delivery in Evanston, I believe). Pork and beef sandwiches (both $4.05) both consist of a fairly generous portion of chopped (not pulled) meat thoroughly mixed with sauce and served on a fairly large soft Kaiser roll (no fries, no pickle, no nothing). Both were very good. It really makes you wonder why this stuff is so rare in these parts. I also sampled the combo (a generous tub of rib tips, hot links, and fries for $7.50). The rib tips (something I am not usually fond of; mostly fat and gristle at a lot of places) were probably the best I've had and the hot links were exemplary (and truly hot). The fries were okay but nothing to write home about. Of course white bread (only a single slice!) came with. They have a decent cole slaw (finely chopped, sweet and creamy) and so-so baked beans. I'd imagine the greens and cornbread would be worth a try. Hecky's has two sauces, regular and hot. The regular is a somewhat sweet tomato-based sauce that is much better than what is usually found. The hot is truly excellent, not excruciatingly hot, but complex and well balanced. These guys really seem to know what they're doing. Hecky's Barbecue corner of Green Bay Rd and Emerson Evanston 847-492-1182
Chicago, IL
Non-rib BBQ 3 Hecky's
Rene G. wrote: >Chicago. Hecky's is takeout only (delivery in Evanston, I believe). Pork >and beef sandwiches (both $4.05) both consist of a fairly generous portion of >chopped (not pulled) meat thoroughly mixed with sauce A little too thoroughly to my taste--imho, the sauce should be put on the meat just before serving, and not over done. Still, you can do much worse than Hecky's.