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After a lifetime of running Chicago’s finest restaurants, Jeff Shapiro brings his passion to life! Jeff has had a lifelong obsession for the best foods, and ultimately, the best BBQ. This led him to travel the Midwest, the Carolinas, Kansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. He also hit the competitive BBQ circuit, known as Dr. Deckle & Mr. Hide. After winning a few trophies and gaining recognition, it was time to open a real restaurant where everyone could enjoy the flavors. The journey continues right here, where Jeff is sharing his love of the craft with you! It is his commitment every day to bring food lovers all over Chicagoland the best Real Urban Barbecue. Our restaurant is located near Vernon Hills Town Center.
Straight-up counter-serve joint for BBQ ribs, pulled pork & brisket, along with starters & sides.
Hours
| Friday | 10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1260 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone: (847) 613-1227
Website: https://www.realurbanbbq.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Alex Walsh
The moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted by the incredible smell of fresh smoke—enough to make your mouth water before you even see the menu. Ordering is easy with their cafeteria-style setup, letting you walk down the line and see your options.
I went with the brisket, which was tender and flavorful, though I think just a touch more seasoning could take it from good to truly outstanding. I’ll have to come back to try the ribs—if the brisket is any indication, they’re probably fantastic.
For sides, I grabbed the coleslaw and baked beans, both of which I absolutely crushed. The slaw was crisp and creamy, the beans had a nice depth of flavor, and the semi-sweet pickles were the perfect tangy bite to cut through the richness of the meat.
Overall, a great BBQ experience with a fun, casual atmosphere and plenty of tempting menu options for next time.
… moreI went with the brisket, which was tender and flavorful, though I think just a touch more seasoning could take it from good to truly outstanding. I’ll have to come back to try the ribs—if the brisket is any indication, they’re probably fantastic.
For sides, I grabbed the coleslaw and baked beans, both of which I absolutely crushed. The slaw was crisp and creamy, the beans had a nice depth of flavor, and the semi-sweet pickles were the perfect tangy bite to cut through the richness of the meat.
Overall, a great BBQ experience with a fun, casual atmosphere and plenty of tempting menu options for next time.
charisma johnson
Coming here lately it is hit or miss. Today was a miss day. I am extremely disappointed. I ordered a 3 meat combo, I really wish I would’ve checked before I left the restaurant. It looked like someone threw my food in the container. And no, it was not busy so there was no rush. Not only that, I received some of the worst ribs tips I have ever seen. It honestly looks like the pieces that you discard. Rock hard and inedible. I am so disappointed, I think this is my last time eating here. I’d rather pay for food I can eat.
… moreJohn Konrad
This place used to be pretty good, but the last 3 times I have dined in or took my food to go, it was not worth the money and not up to par. The brisket was dry, the burnt ends were not at all what burnt ends should be, and the pulled pork was too fatty. It could be because I have been going during lunch hours and they possibly have the B team working, but in my opinion, this is more of a pitmaster issue. However, the place is always clean, which is a plus.
… moreRichard McRae
Holy crap, so glad we ended up here! First off, everyone is super nice and helpful. They walked us through the menu and let us try different things before we ordered, which was awesome since every bbq place is a little different.
And the food was incredible:
Brisket ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sausage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Turkey ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Burnt ends ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (yes, 8 out of 5 stars)
Sauces ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cornbread muffins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beans ⭐⭐⭐ (an odd mix of beans and the flavor is a bit too vinegary)
Mac & Cheese ⭐⭐ (a bit flavorless and mushy. Tasted more like roux than cheese)
Apple cobbler ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly, highly recommend!
… moreAnd the food was incredible:
Brisket ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sausage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Turkey ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Burnt ends ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (yes, 8 out of 5 stars)
Sauces ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cornbread muffins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beans ⭐⭐⭐ (an odd mix of beans and the flavor is a bit too vinegary)
Mac & Cheese ⭐⭐ (a bit flavorless and mushy. Tasted more like roux than cheese)
Apple cobbler ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly, highly recommend!
Dan G
We ordered the 3 meat meal which includes two sides. The mac and cheese was not fresh like I had at other barbecue places. The corn bread comes in pieces, I am used to a nice square piece couple inches thick and moist this was not good. The chicken was a bit dry and lacked flavor, brisket flavorful but also a bit dry for my liking, very thin pieces, the ribs were also dry but flavorful. This food was probably made this morning so by 4pm it’s not great. Prices have increased as well and are known for their generous portions, not anymore folks you get just enough. The presentation of food and how that pull it out and just toss on the tray, it does not tell me this is a legendary barbecue place. Cost $24 for 3 meats plus xtra $1 if you choose ribs which is supposed to 1/2 slab but its less in my opinion. You get two sides. Chicken wings 10 for $16 and they are small wings but tasty. They need to do better or just stick to catering which seems to be very popular.
… moreSauce First
This has to be one of the most overrated BBQ spots in all of Illinois. Barely any smoke flavor or rings on any of the meats. The ribs were decent, burnt ends werent fork tender, and the barbecue wings were completely covered in sauce almost like the wings weren’t made to order and the sauce was just to warm them up.
… moreAdriana Sanchez
This was a complete disappointment. Definitely not the RUBBQ I remember back in highland park. We went on 12-12-2025 at around 7pm I ordered the 3 meat combo and my husband had the brisket plate my choice of meat was ribs, rib Tips and brisket. His was brisket my husband was completely disappointed with his brisket. Let me start with my 3 meat combo the ribs were totally so dry inedible to the point I couldn’t chew them, Literally tossed that out. The rib tips were even worse so dry couldn’t chew them, way over cooked no amount of sauce could that. Tossed that out now for the brisket way over cooked definitely not moist and not tender but did manage to eat a few bites. For sides I ordered sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Whom was a disappointment as well . Just slop of sides my exact sides I made for thanksgiving dinner was way Tastier than that. I honestly wish I could have gotten a complete refund but I literally was just so embarrassed I couldn’t go up to the counter. The restaurant was a little full on one side. So please be aware of this restaurant not being that great. Perhaps we should have gone earlier in the day and gotten a better pice of meat. I just can’t justify spending that much money for some dry Inedible cuts of meat .
… moreTim Zerbe
Personally to me the BEST BBQ in Lake County hands down !! You have a great selection of meats to choose from and the portions are fulfilling.. The meats here are smoked to perfection with flavor in every bite. You have a variety of sides to choose from, my favorites are the creamy spinach and the Mac and cheese. Nice size portions to go with your meat. Let’s not forget the pickles, THEY ARE A MUST! Sweet but tangy crispy crunch, go hand and hand with your bbq.
Surprisingly today it was not as busy as your would expect for it to be a Saturday afternoon, but that meant no line for me and I was not complaining.
The prices are worth the portions but be prepared to spend if you have the appetite !
… moreSurprisingly today it was not as busy as your would expect for it to be a Saturday afternoon, but that meant no line for me and I was not complaining.
The prices are worth the portions but be prepared to spend if you have the appetite !
Michael Waks
Some winners at this local staple…..bbq sausage and burnt tips 5 stars. The Memphis dry rub ribs……too dry and not served warm. My wife is a fan of the pulled pork. The servers behind the line unsmiling and terse. Check out clerk friendly and helpful. Tabletops did not have all the bbq sauces choices: should be three; sone had one; some had two; sone had none. Easy fix but. It completely on their toes.
… morechevywaldo
Wife and I went there Saturday night
Not Good
We were there about 5 years ago and it wasn’t good then either. Thought we would try it again. Bad idea
Atmosphere and service was fine. Food was pretty bad
We tried a sample of the brisket. Lacked flavor and was very dry.
We both got pulled pork meals. No good. Pork was very fatty and only half of it was meat. Other half was 100% fat. We weren’t happy.
We had mac and cheese (was like school cafeteria food) BBQ beans (sauce tasted like NyQuil) coke slaw (no flavor) and French fries which came out 8 minutes later and were overcooked dark brown and brittle.
Won’t ever be going back.
… moreNot Good
We were there about 5 years ago and it wasn’t good then either. Thought we would try it again. Bad idea
Atmosphere and service was fine. Food was pretty bad
We tried a sample of the brisket. Lacked flavor and was very dry.
We both got pulled pork meals. No good. Pork was very fatty and only half of it was meat. Other half was 100% fat. We weren’t happy.
We had mac and cheese (was like school cafeteria food) BBQ beans (sauce tasted like NyQuil) coke slaw (no flavor) and French fries which came out 8 minutes later and were overcooked dark brown and brittle.
Won’t ever be going back.