Welcome

Discover Hillery’s BBQ Heritage and Passion

Our Story

We are a restaurant specializing in

A mouthwatering selection of BBQ ribs, crispy fried chicken, golden fried fish, and authentic Southern-style BBQ sauce. Our passion is bringing the true flavors of the South to your table, using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients. We believe in hearty meals, bold flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere. Established as early as 1974, Hillery’s Bar‑B‑Q originated in North Chicago by Robert Hillery. The current location is at 2021 Lewis Avenue, in Waukegan, IL.
Over the decades, it has built a reputation based on its traditional preparation and family-friendly atmosphere

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing:
 

According to TripAdvisor reviews, customers describe Hillery’s as a “most wonderful barbeque” that delights long-time visitors.
Yelp reviews affirm that Hillery’s has charmed loyal patrons for over the years, with longtime fans continuing to enjoy staples like rib tips and beef rib sandwiches
High-quality food made with fresh ingredients.
A friendly and welcoming carry out experience.
Authentic Southern flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Our passion for Southern cuisine drives us to create unique flavors that keep our community coming back for more.

What We Offer

We serve:


 
Succulent BBQ Ribs, slow-cooked to perfection.
Crispy Fried Chicken, seasoned and fried for maximum flavor.
Golden Fried Fish, light, flaky, and delicious.
Authentic Southern-style BBQ Sauce, made from our unique recipe.
Over its multidecade run, Hillery’s has become known for its consistently flavorful barbecue, especially rib tips coated in hot sauce, as well as hearty sandwich offerings.
The restaurant’s lasting appeal is rooted in nostalgia, quality, and familiarity, making it a fixture of the local barbecue scene since the ’70s.

Milestone

Restaurant Milestones: Southern Taste in Waukegan, IL (Since 1974)

Key Achievements
Serving Southern cuisine in Waukegan, IL, for over 50 years.
Long-standing presence in the local community since 1974.
Future Goals
Continued service of Southern cuisine in Waukegan, IL.
Maintaining tradition since 1974.
Expanding menu options.
Community outreach and engagement.
 

Join Us Today

Taste the Best BBQ in Town!

Visit to experience Hillery’s famous BBQ. Satisfaction guaranteed with every bite!

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