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Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern, Chicago, IL

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern

4.2
4.2
177 Reviews
$30 and under
Barbecue

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
  • Great for happy hour
  • Good for groups
  • Neighborhood gem
Wilma’s Famous BBQ & Tavern is here for Chicago’s BBQ needs. Located on the second floor of 17th n. Wabash, you can feast on traditional bbq made from scratch while enjoying one of our signature drinks served to you by our friendly staff members.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    We are just south of the intersection of Washington and wabash
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    We are on the second floor of 17 n. Wabash, right off the Washington and Wabash transit platform.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 177 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.1Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern offers a vibrant dining experience with "great food, friendly staff, and wonderful drinks." While the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, some guests mention service inconsistencies. Standout dishes include ribs and soul rolls, praised for their flavor and tenderness. "Definitely a spot to revisit" for barbecue enthusiasts.

177 Reviews
  1. Irene

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    This is a great casual setting with good food and very comfortable space. I’d recommend and I would definitely return.

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  2. Charles

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was great. Very large space. Definitely go back for lunch and game day promotions.

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  3. Melodye

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Ya-ya was my server. awesome! even gave me shopping suggestions.

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  4. Brandon

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was met the standard of hype and service was nice even security was too

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  5. Shamara

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Nothing special but good time. Rib tips and catfish and shrimp...yeah it's that.

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  6. Matt

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    We had a terrible experience here and will not return. We waited 20 minutes for a table even though we had a reservation. The service was terrible. Our server disappeared for 30 minutes after we ordered. We went to the bar to order our own drinks. The food took forever and was subpar when it came out. The restaurant is incredibly loud. Our server also spilled Coke on me and didn’t apologize. I’ve never had such a negative experience in a restaurant.

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  7. Melvin

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very professional food was great offered a recommendation on the food I can’t complain!

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  8. Melissa

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Since I do not eat pork, I order the turkey tips. They are extremely tender and delicious! 

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  9. Ken

    VIP

    Chicago

    38 reviews

    3.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Not sure what changed, but plate presentation is now all in paper/cardboard. Sauces in plastic ramekins. A step down for an establishment that appeared to be doing well. Next is plastic utensils. Food is decent but cold use some work on greens, Mac, and cold cornbread. Bartenders seem to think they’re better than the rest of the staff and had an attitude. Asked for plates for our platter since server was busy, looked at me like I had shh on my face. Teamwork makes business as well as the team success. Planned on leaving the table and to the bar later and leave gratuitu there as well, but didn’t order and didn’t go there because of the attitude. Also, if customers are walking, your bartender cut me off as well as two other patrons. Let the customer go first. Your carry out bid isn’t that important than setting the perceived culture.

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  10. Tracy

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and our server Lex McKee amazing. He made sure our glasses were refilled without use asking.He took his time to explained any and all questions about the menu as well as pricing. He was very knowledgeable about everyone meal as well as giving us excellent suggestions. Thanks for the amazing service. Thanks for accommodating our large group. Lex went above and beyond.

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FAQs

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 269-5580.

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern is rated 4.2 stars by 177 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern

17 N Wabash Ave fl 2, Chicago, IL 60602-4704

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    We are just south of the intersection of Washington and wabash
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Soul food, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    We are on the second floor of 17 n. Wabash, right off the Washington and Wabash transit platform.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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