Chicago (Southern) - FAT Willy's RIB SHACK

Fat Willy’s Rib Shack
2416 West Schubert Avenue, Chicago IL; Phone773-782-1800
Date of Review: October, 2006; updated May, 2008

Fat Willy’s is a hidden gem. While it may not be that easy to find, it is worth looking for because it has some of the best barbecue in Chicago and compares favorably with the likes of Smoke Daddy, Honey One and Twin Anchors.

You walk into Fat Willy’s, which is quaintly tucked behind a movie theater in a somewhat odd location, and might not think much. To be honest, I really don’t think you’d ever find the place unless someone told you about it. In terms of atmosphere, the name of the place is Fat Willy’s rib shack and it is pretty much a shack. However, your eating barbecue and aren’t at a fine dining establishment, although the food might make you think otherwise. It is a basic place with a pickup counter and busy service station to the right and 15 or so tables to the left. It is what I expect when I go to a place to grab some barbecue.

For starters, the macaroni and cheese is rich, has a nice garlic accent and is heart stopping good. Having a scoop of this along with some excellent green onion and cheddar cornbread (served with honey butter) is a great way to start your meal.

The beef brisket sandwich has a pile of wonderful smoked and very tender brisket on a nice grilled baguette with caramelized onions and a fresh horseradish sauce spread across the top of the brisket. These are big sandwiches and you need to be pretty hungry to eat the whole thing. The meat has such a nice smoky flavor that the tastes savor in your mouth long after you decide it is time to swallow the fantastic mouthful of barbeque in your mouth. You owe it to yourself to nibble on a couple pieces of brisket without any sauce to truly appreciate the flavor of the meat. However, the complex and flavorful barbecue sauce definitely adds to the flavor of the meat, instead of overwhelming it. You can’t go wrong with the mild or spicy barbecue sauce that is provided in syrup bottles on the table as both are very good. The flavor of the pulled pork is just as special as that of the brisket and it is served with some vinegar slaw on top. My friend Joel and I ordered one of each and swapped halves so that we could get the best of both worlds. The sandwiches are served with a cup of so-so coleslaw and some fries that are also pretty average. The baby back pork ribs are pricey but full of flavor and the rib tips are tasty but too fatty for my taste (yes, I know rib tips are supposed to be fatty).

Fat Willy’s prices are about average. For 9.95, you get a very good sized sandwich that you will have trouble finishing in one setting. At $16 for a half slab of ribs, this is a bit pricey but isn’t a rip off either. Some people might expect better value given the off beat location but you get what you pay for and at Fat Willy’s you are getting some fantastic meat.

The hallway outside the bathroom is decorated with many different publications and awards from various magazines and newspapers talking about Fat Willy’s excellent barbecue. All of the publications are reputable and Fat Willy’s does a good job of making sure that those who eat here are well aware of the restaurant’s accolades.

Fat Willy’s serves beer and wine but a barbecue spot is synonymous with beer. They do a good job of offering a decent variety of beers but the key is the fact that they offer 40’s. Yes, 40 ounce beers and they serve them in a paper bag. Some people may find this to be “trashy”, for lack of a better word. Personally, I think it’s awesome.