Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. River North (Chicago)
Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern, Chicago, IL

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern

4.4
4.4
211 Reviews
$30 and under
Barbecue

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 10 times today
  • Great for happy hour
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
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

  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 211 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern offers a delightful mix of flavors with standout dishes like "soul rolls" and "hot links." Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "superior service," appreciating the "friendly staff" and "great atmosphere." While some mention long waits, most agree the food makes it worth the visit.
211 Reviews
  1. Kay

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    First visit to Chicago and this spot. Goggled BBQ places and based on TikTok decided to try this out. It was just ok! Lemon drop over priced for bottom shelf vodka and size compared to other restaurants I visited river north where I was stayed. They had a Jamaican inspired menu but not a variety of rum, no captain just Meyers. I got the jerk catfish ( ok) and rice and peas ( bland and but Americanized) , I wasted my plate. I had to ask for a metal fork after struggling to eat with the food with plastic fork I was given. Boyfriend order wings and said they were not good also ordered a side of Mac and never received it until asking for check,

    Is this helpful?

  2. Dave

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was elite, food was amazing - ambiance was great, staff was friendly. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  3. Robin

    VIP

    Chicago

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Super great spot Good for friend gatherings date night or family dining Food was delicious there was a little wait but well worth it because food came out hot and fresh Staff was accommodating friendly and on point Definitely going back HIGHLY recommend

    Is this helpful?

  4. Niah

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The staff were very apologetic that our food took 2.5/3hrs to come for half a large party. But it was not okay. Place would be great for small groups seeing as it took so long for food to arrive due to being made fresh.. our server, he was top notch and worked hard! The food was okay.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Charles

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent love the service and food place is very nice , staff was was awesome

    Is this helpful?

  6. Erika

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Wouldn’t recommend going on the weekends unless you’re okay with long waits. We waited an hour to be seated and another hour and a half for our food. The appetizers seemed reheated and overcooked, and some of the BBQ was too tough to chew. Our waiter had a bad attitude and even marked us as a no-show for our reservation. The music was so loud we could barely have a conversation. On the plus side, the drinks were pretty good.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Shautaundria

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    I had a reservation for 7:00 PM. We did not get seated until 7:30 PM. They had set us in a section that was reserved for a party. They had remove us somewhere else. We ordered our food and then the waitress told us it was gonna be an hour to a hour and 30 wait. It took 45 minutes for appetizers to come out and when they did come out, there was cold. long story short we left at 9:30 and we still have not eaten . Worst experience ever.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kela

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was good but they need to rework the kitchen staff to get orders out in a timely manner it took us 3hrs for our main course to that’s ridiculous and the wait time was ridiculous especially if you make a reservation period. Definitely was happy to support but maybe during the week but not anytime soon.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kissha

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Waited 1hr 1/2 for the food the waiter was not good she didn’t bring utensils or napkins or cups to the table until we ask. the ribs was good the chicken was ok we ask for the rest of our food that came with it 1st time there and it was a good look When receiving the bill it took along period of time. 

    Is this helpful?

  10. Timiko

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 28 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was amazing, it was my first time going and I definitely enjoyed myself. I will be going back. We went for my birthday a party of 9 and we all enjoyed ourselves!! Food was amazing!!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.4 stars by 211 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 10 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo