Fat Willy's Rib Shack: User Reviews

Do NOT do delivery!!! ...
By Nikki from Chicago, IL, June 5, 2007

Overall rating:

Do NOT do delivery!!! We ordered at 5:30 and they said 45-60 minutes. After an hour and a half we called and they said it was on the way. 30 minutes later we called again and they couldn't find our order. After being on hold for 5 minutes they said there was a mixup and the order was lost on the road somewhere. They said they'd take it off our credit card and it would arrive, but it would be cold. If this site would let me give a zero rating I would, because the service was horrible!

We went to Fat Willy's...
By Kellie from Chicago, IL, June 2, 2007

Overall rating:

We went to Fat Willy's for the first time tonight, and the food was AMAZING! The rib tips were so tender -- a half order is the perfect portion. The service was great, and the prices were decent. Will definitely return!

I would have to agree...
By Sammy from chicago , il, May 28, 2007

Overall rating:

I would have to agree with the last reviewer. This place has the best brisket in the city. I went to Smoque Bbq to try it out, and it wasn't in the same league as Fat Willy's. I will be returning.

I am not sure what...
By BBQ Master D from chicago, IL, May 21, 2007

Overall rating:

I am not sure what happend to other people. My wife & I alway like Fat Willys. They now have outside dining. The Brisket sandwich is out of this world, only the Goode Co in Houston does it better. We never spend more that $30 for 2 people, so I don't understand how this is expensive. I will say it again, the BEST Brisket in Chicago.

I've been to Fat Willy's...
By mike from Chicago, IL, May 3, 2007

Overall rating:

I've been to Fat Willy's about three times now, thinking the next time will be better. Last night, I had my last visit to Fat Willy's.

Maybe it's because they ended up on "Check Please!" that they feel they no longer have to provide decent service.

When you ask for a refill on your drink, the waitress ignores you--literally does not acknowledge. Why does it take an hour to get a dried-out pulled pork sandwich and then get charged $11 for it?

Do yourself a favor, go to a restaurant where they provide you with courteous service, rather than treating you like your a burden on their time, like the Burger King across the street.

Boy where do I start....
By David from Chicago, IL, March 15, 2007

Overall rating:

Boy where do I start. I guess first agreeing with many of the comments already posted. Secondly, I've been to most of the popular bbq places in Kansas City and Memphis so I'm quite biased. I don't expect much for bbq here in Chicago but at least a place could try. Upon ordering I was told they were out of brisket (that can only be ordered after 5:00 pm, what's up with that?) but could serve it on sandwich, not dinner. I then asked if they could make a pulled pork plate vs. a sandwich--NO. I ordered the sandwich and asked for something besides fries--NO Again! Then got the sandwich that was on a hoagie bun! BBQ sandwiches should only be on cheap white buns or bread. Cole slaw was pretty good though. Just coming back from Memphis 2 weeks ago and eating at Rendezvous and Neely's Interstate I was naturally disappointed.

OK, for years I've put...
By R. Hart from Chicago, IL, February 11, 2007

Overall rating:

OK, for years I've put up with the downside of this place because the food was so good. NOW THE FOOD ISN'T EVEN GOOD. Our ribtips were so dried out they were inedible. They were literally black. And the service is not only still slow, but now disinterested and sometimes surly. That includes the manager I complained to who would not rectify the problem. There are many great bbq places in Chicago - I suggest you go to one of those.

When I want to splurge...
By Nester from Chicago, IL, December 3, 2006

Overall rating:

When I want to splurge and order myself a slab, THIS is where I go. Pricey? Yes. Slow? Definitely. But when the food is this good, the wait and cost are both well worth it. Sure, the prices are fairly high, but so is the value - you get a LOT of food for your money. Bottom line: this is the best BBQ I've ever had. Great salads for the non-BBQ lover...so I'm told, anyway.

My husband and I enjoyed...
By MMR from Chicago, IL, September 14, 2006

Overall rating:

My husband and I enjoyed Fat Willy's Rib Shack. We each ordered a full slab of ribs. Boy that's a lot of meat! It was so much, that we had more than enough left-overs, which tasted even better the next day! As a side, I ordered the baked sweet potato with brown sugar butter. The entire meal was so over-whelming but absolutely delicious. I enjoyed the spicy barbeque sauce more than the mild, but thought both are a bit "tomatoey" for my tastes. For dessert, we had the Chocolate Pecan Pie. It is sooooo good, a must try! With an appetizer, dinner, drinks and dessert, the bill came to $88 after tax and tip. Not a cheap date! Overall, we will definitely be back!!!

I ate dinner here on...
By Pork Ch0p Inc from Chicago, IL, September 7, 2006

Overall rating:

I ate dinner here on a Saturday, but it was early, like 5 ish. I would recommend going at this time. I'm sure the service isn't all that great during peak dinner hours. The BBQ here is excellent though, but the full dinners are a little bit expensive- try the "basket" options at the bottom of the menu. They still come with Texas Toast and fries. The half order option was more than enough for me. I've had the take out also, and I though everything tasted much better when I dined in.