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We’re a no-nonsense barbecue restaurant with consistently delicious food, owned and operated by former Hell’s Kitchen contestant and local Highwood-ian Chef Brian Merel. Unlike most BBQ joints, we’re not trying to make everything under the sun. We focus on giving you the best of barbecue without overwhelming your brain or belly. Our specialty? Ribs. No slabs though, just a bag of bones. Straight from the grill. No oven, no boiling, no baking, no smoke and no falling off the bone. It’s barbecue in its truest fashion. Cause like Papa Willie always said, The food is the stuff on the grill that makes contact with your mouth.
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Blaming inflation, Papa Willies BBQ in Highwood set to close …
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Papa Willie’s BBQ | Highwood IL – Facebook
Papa Willie’s BBQ, Highwood, Illinois. 1318 likes · 150 were here. BBQ. Highwood, IL.
Papa Willie’s BBQ on Instagram: “This has all been wonderful …
102 likes, 12 comments – papawilliesbbq on June 15, 2022: “This has all been wonderful, but now I’m on my way. It is with great sadness to announce that .
Reviews
Burton Fleisher
Delicious!! Great owner, really nice to talk with, ribs & wings were outstanding. The blue cornbread is like a wonderful corncake and the Mac & cheese was on point.
… moreChristine Quinn
I ordered the Thanksgiving “All Done” package and it did not disappoint! My entire family enjoyed the meal (which heated up very nicely) and my mom said it was the best Thanksgiving dinner she’s ever had- and she was the one in charge of cooking for so many years. My son had a third helping of everything and there really wasn’t much leftover. I will absolutely order this again and I look forward to the next holiday menu!
… moreshirley floyd
Well my first mind was not to stop, I wasn’t going to stop….. I did ….. the service was very nice the package was too ,
… moreIsaac Veldman
Absolutely amazing flavors and cuisine. I even went back for seconds. Coming here was totally worth the trip. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to locals and outsiders alike. Brian, the owner lives up to his charismatic character as displayed on Hells Kitchen, and it was an absolute pleasure too meet him in person. Definitely my new favorite eatery on the North Shore
… moreGigi Leonard
People, this place is special! If you’ve passed by the crisply painted, friendly little black and white storefront in in Highwood, but you haven’t tried the food yet, this is a public service announcement: pull into the parking lot and grab some deliciousness! It’s the best barbecue place in town, perhaps in Lake County. Yeah, I said it. The chef/owner (a tremendous dude with a good vibe) begins with high quality ingredients and riffs from there with great flavors, solid and consistent cooking techniques, and thoughtful packaging – ribs are served in a bag, so no messy or slippery tearing-the-flesh-off a rack of bones like at Medieval Times; the possum pie is presented in a sweet little glass jar. Is your mouth watering now? If you’re down for lunch, dinner or even a special
… moreRich Stern
Just found out about Papa Willie’s and we picked up ribs, fries and slaw for dinner. We asked for the ribs well done and they were perfectly cooked and some of the best we ever had. The sauce was great as well. We will be back.
… moreNikki P
Food was outstanding! Our favorite items were the BBQ full chicken and Blue Corn bread. The chicken was cooked perfectly and coated in delicious sweet-BBQ sauce and the corn bread had a great flavor. You could tell the owner puts his heart into this restaurant. Him and his staff carry such a fun vibe. I pulled up to an active staff jamming to music and just having a blast! We will be back!
… moreKrista Grund-Wickramasekera
Ribs were very nice, could have been more bang for your buck though. Very filling. Great mac and cheese. Great service, very personable. Love the open floor plan of the kitchen so you really see what’s cooking. Prices could definitely be more competitive or portions could be increased to accurately meet the price. Worth a try for sure.
… moreEric Schreiber
Love this place. Fantastic food & excellent staff. The BBQ Sauce was awesome. We took home a bottle.
… moreCarol Griffin
Great food! First time ordering here. They are very careful with Covid guidelines. No one allowed in, just take out. Ribs were so good! We got Mac and cheese, corn on cob, coleslaw, cornbread, dessert. We traveled 45minutes and the way they packed all was still very warm when we got home to eat! Would highly recommend!
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