Since this happened, (see below) I have tried ordering via telephone and had to hold-on for more than 15 minutes. With that, I will never again order from Hecky's. The service is inconsistent and t he food is not the best. The rib tips are usually dry and tough. The rib order size is smaller and more expensive than other places. Also, the hickory-smoked flavor is none existent. A bit ago, I ordered rib tips on-line. I telephoned to make sure the order was received since the website was not working properly. My order had not been received electronically. I placed the order and charged it to my credit card, My son-in-law went to pick up the order and was told that it was not paid for. He stated that the order was paid for - the worker insisted that it was not. He paid $ 35 for the order - my order was $19.After charging the incorrect order to his credit card, she stated that there were two orders with the same name; however, she never apologized, When he asked for his money back, he was told that he would have to wait until next week when the charges are reversed. This was upsetting to him. Hecky Powell (the owner) chided in with "have you ever made a mistake" in an unfriendly voice, He ignored my son-in-law and went back to his conversation. In addition, the order was just a bit larger than a "snack pak" - I ordered a large. When I telephoned to complain about the issue I was put on hold and then the call was disconnected. This happened three time. Finally the worker who made the mistake spoke with me - never apologizing and in a very unpleasant tone. I was told that Hecky stepped out-of-the store. Since this happened, I have tried ordering via telephone and had to hold-on for more than 15 minutes. With that, I will never again order from Hecky's. read more

A family favorite for many years. We love the 'tips" and all of the sides. I have tried virtually all of the critically acclaimed barbeque spots in Chicago, which seem to be opening weekly, but I still think that Hecky's food is superior in the quality of the ingredients and the preparation. One needs to acknowledge the slow and gentle hardwood smoking which leaves the meats flavorful and moist. The wonderful eponymous sauce greatly adds to the experience as the perfect flavor enhancer and not as a coverup for poor preparation. Recently we have been ordering the the whole hardwood smoked turkey for holiday celebrations and our guests have become fans of Hecky's, too. If you want to try it out on a very affordable scale, order the smoked turkey leg from the regular menu. It is one of the great dining bargains in Chicago-land. New delicious bargains which I have recently added to my favorites list are Hecky's smoked sausages. The chicken sausage, hardwood smoked, smothered in the famous sauce, and served on a fresh "roll-like" bun is an amazing gastronomic value for only 2 bucks. I highly recommend that you stop at Green Bay and Emerson for great barbecue. If you chose to simply drive by, slow down, open your window, inhale deeply and experience the aromatic delight that my wife and I refer to as the "Hecky Hit"...... You will know immediately what you are missing! read more

Hecky's Barbeque is the THEE BEST BBQ in town!! The seasoning on the fries is awesome!! I think i'm gonna con that guy into making a seasoning for sale. My favorite order: Full Slab Baby Back Ribs, Whole chicken (cut up) with the sauce on the side so my children (picky toddlers) can enjoy the tender yummy chicken too. Add in some sides of peach cobbler-(of course I warmed it up & added ice cream for dessert), baked beans or red beans & rice, greens, cornbread, coleslaw, & mac n cheese. Might want to ask for extra sauce because its not just the meat..."It's the Sauce"!!! Amazing! Can't wait til BBQ night next week! Delish! Fed entire family on that order & had leftovers. Nice! They have rib tips and hot links too but my fav are the ribs & chicken!! Smoked chicken so tender and juicy. YUMMO! No wonder this place has been around for so many years! Was up and running 20+ years ago when I was in high school and the food has just gotten tastier! They're open late, deliver, and can cater your events!! read more

I ordered a smoked duck for Christmas and the process was flawless. The young lady who took the order was professional and super helpful. The pick-up was a treat because I got to see the renovated space which is lovely and so fresh and open, AND I got to see the team AND Floyd, who has been Hecky's right hand man for years, best customer service manager in Evanston. Also, saw Gigi, Heckys youngest, so it was heartwarming to say the least. Okay, the duck. When Floyd brought it out the aroma was luscious. The duck, fat and golden brown, with skin crisp. Still warm, and packaged perfectly to go. This might be the most delicious duck we have ever eaten and we love duck. This version, was juicy, seasoned beautifully not over smoked, really cooked perfectly. I am thrilled for Hecky's family and team, to have shared in a small way this first Christmas without him. So, so proud to experience a class act take out. Mr. Powell, they are doin you proud. read more

As the publisher of Menuzine Radio Magazine for the finer things about dining I feel that I have an advantage on any one who thinks they know good food. Since 1985 I have searched for a better taste. And I always find what I want. So I have tasted thebest many times. Now, when it comes to barbegue ribs, fried chicken, french fries as well as the turkey leg I look for certain things: pleasing flavor; not too sweet barbeque sauce; tender meats; succulent smells; variety of choices; consistant presentations; and an owner that believes in his product, his staff and his business purpose. I found all of those things at Hecky's. And what is more appealing to the Hecky experience his staff are almost as eager to serve the customer as the owner and his family. To top it all: I liked the food that bosts about it's Creo roots from New Orleans! If I have said it once! I will say it again, "Hecky! Hit me with two slabs and some of that good ole sauce!" read more

Hecky's Barbecue is a rib tip paradise, and you can feel the passion they put into every smoky, tender bite. I grabbed the regular rib tip order, and it's clear why these are the runaway stars here--meaty, juicy, and just the right amount of chew with that signature Chicago-style cartilage heart. The smoke flavor shines through, and pairing them with Hecky's tangy Creole sauce (on the side for me) takes it to another level--spicy, zesty, and downright addictive. The fries and white bread underneath soak up all that goodness, keeping it classic. The crew behind the counter was quick and friendly, even during a busy evening rush. It's takeout only, so parking can be a hassle on Green Bay Rd, but those rib tips are worth the effort. A true Evanston gem that lives up to its 'It's the sauce' motto--though the tips alone could steal the show! read more

You dont know what BBQ is until you have tried Heckys. I grew up eating heckys for 15 years and let me tell you there isnt a better place than them. I've had almost everything on the menu before and its all delicious. Ive grown out of eating red meat but i still come for the shrimp. It's a little expensive but i love it. Eating the shrimp and fries with the mild sauce is amazing. I like the hot sauce only when its thick. Sometimes it can be a little watery but its so good. Floyd always makes sure my order is right. I've never had a problem with them. Sometimes it can get packed but they still make sure they deliver the food in a timely fashion. read more

This place has been my go to spot for rib tips for years. However, the tips I ordered Christmas Eve were so tough it will take some time for me to get my bad experience out of my head. I shared the order with two other people each starting out with three rib tips and each declining a second helping stating the tips were just to tough and took forever to chew. What a disappointing and costly (close to $30 order) start to our Christmas Eve festivities. One would think most restaurants would anticipate an increase in business during holidays and be on point with their food...and in this case, particularly their ribs. What a waste. read more

Best ribs in the Chicagoland area. My wife and I have been going to Hecky's and ordering from Hecky's for years. Our regular order is three slabs of lean spare ribs, (no sauce on the ribs, sauce on the side, one hot, two mild), with french fries, collard greens, cole slaw, and black-eyed peas. Delicious! The first night, we share one slab and freeze the other two for a later feast. Hecky and his manager Floyd have always been customer-friendly. If there is anything amiss in our order, they bend over backwards to make it right. For barbeque, there is no doubt: Hecky's is our place. Forrest Ingram read more

Graham R. As a Scotsman I won't claim to know all that much about BBQ, but I do know that the chicken tenders from this place sometimes make me make a 10-mile round trip to get them. The BBQ sauce is absolutely great, tangy and sweet and mouthwaterlicious, and the French fries are great. The staff are always friendly, Hecky is cool in person and there is a great picture of him on the wall shaking hands with Muhammed Ali, an event he called one of the greatest events of his life. Go in here and try it out, you won't regret it. read more

I came to Hecky's one day looking for some really good barbecue to eat. When I tell you this is the best barbecue I've had hands down I am not kidding you! I ordered the Original Mutt because I had a taste for a little bit of everything. The rib tips were so tender, the smoked chicken moist, the hot link was nice and spicy, and the fries at the bottom had the perfect crunch to top it off. The staff there was great. They were welcoming, kind, and fast with my order. I have finally found my barbecue home. THANK YOU HECKYS! read more

I bought a half slab rib special today and that was some of nastiest food I have ever attempt to eat....it was tuff dry and didn't have any flavor....I had 4 bones with very little meat.....they always over do it with that thick Nasty sauce so I had to get it on the side ..my boyfriend talk me into buying that and the food was so disgusting it almost ended my relationship because we fought about my wasted $10.00...... I will never eat from there again....the smell of the meat made my stomach hurt read more

I have been a longtime customer of Hecky's BarBQ. Missed the place when it closed temporarily for renovations last Fall. Finally went back a few days ago and was delighted to discover that the ribs, tips, and beef brisket were even better than before - and that's saying a lot. Everything super tender and flavorful, (the sauce is still the BEST!!) and the family and I could not have been happier! Bought a pint of their new menu addition - Hecky's chili, too. It hit the spot on a cold evening. read more

I've been a Hecky's customer for years and have always enjoyed the tasty entrees. I recently started ordering online and made a mistake in choosing delivery instead of pickup. The online company refunded the delivery charge after I recieved a refund at the pickup. Later I tried to return the refund Hecky's told me to keep it or put it in the tip jar. I've always enjoyed the food and his kind gesture made the food even more enjoyable! Five stars!!!! read more

best BBQ food in the us I have been going to heckys for over 20 years never had any bad food best ribs,rib tips,pull pork sanwiches,fried chicken nuggets and fries all made to order allways fresh and hot food . Best BBQ sauce you will ever taste me and my entire family and friends love his food and sauce,We travel over 70 miles from marengo,il to go there for their food and sauce.The BBQ sauce can be ordered online we do all the time. read more

Hecky's is my go to place for several decades for ribs and we have made it a Super Bowl tradition at my house. I definitely recommend the baby backs and baked beans and cole slaw. And, their sauce is awesome. The corned bread and peach cobbler for dessert are great also. If you are doing a large group you can buy everything in trays which is more convenient and saves you some money. A must try for anyone near Evanston. read more

Hecky's is one of my favorite restaurants and I have been visiting this friendly take out place for at least ten years. Ribs, turkey legs, and wings are exceptional,with memorable sauce. The food is cooked to perfection and it is hard to purchase only one entree. Rib tips are exceptional as well. Staff is friendly, service is fast, and Hecky is a fine host. Love me some Heckys. read more

I really don't understand the bad reviews here. In my opinion Hecky's is the STANDARD of the industry. I've had Lem's Leon's Argia "B"'s Farmer Brown's, and Merle's and Hecky's beats them all! I HAVE had them get delivery orders wrong but Hecky is VERY accessible and will do his best to fix a problem. A note to those who had a less than favorable review: Was ANYTHING Okay????? read more

Okay, is it possible to make barbecue better... YES. My favorite dish at hacky's has always been the mutt. I don't know what they're doing differently but the meat was tender non-greasy and drifting sauce. The renovation has taken it to hecky's 2.0. I highly recommend you visit the new Hecky's. I know he is smiling down on the family as a proud father, brother and husband. read more