Heffer BBQ

“Amazing bbq! One of the best in the city! Definitely recommend!”

Kevin Austin

Dec 2025

“Let me tell you about Heffer BBQ – it's pure magic.”

Let me tell you about Heffer BBQ – it's pure magic! Leonor and Shawn (the super passionate couple behind it) create the most incredible, high-quality BBQ in Chicago. Seriously the best. Tracking them down is no problem; just follow their IG updates for pop-up spots. Make it a priority – you won't regret it! And if you're visiting from out of town? Heffer is 100% worth the detour. A must-eat!!

Jose Salinas

Jul 2025

“BEST BRISKET OF MY LIFE.”

BEST BRISKET OF MY LIFE! 🤤 Shawn and Leonor are killing it! It’s a must have when in Chicago!

Sab Rina

Jul 2025

“best bbq spot in the city.”

best bbq spot in the city. have been a fan of them since their days at lo rez brewery, and even throughout the different location changes/pop ups the quality has never changed. personal favorites are the wings, brisket, and the crunchwrap! the owners are also super kind people which is a major plus!

Lorraine Luna

Jul 2025

“We were lucky enough to catch Heffer when the base was still at Whiner, & the food blew us away.”

We were lucky enough to catch Heffer when the base was still at Whiner, & the food blew us away. Every time we order from them the food is high quality and the service is so warm and wonderful. Truly the best bbq in Chicago and it’s not close. Don’t sleep on the chopped cheese, crunchwraps, wings… always worth visiting their popups and supporting local!

Kathleen Leahy

Jul 2025

“The absolute best Texas style BBQ I’ve had in the Midwest.”

The absolute best Texas style BBQ I’ve had in the Midwest. Worth the wait when they’re slammed. Crunchwrap rips!

Jordan Moreno

Jul 2025

“Heffer BBQ is the best, no doubt.”

Heffer BBQ is the best, no doubt! This spot is one of the best BBQ pop-ups in the Midwest. I waited a solid 2.5 hours, but trust me, it was all good. I was hanging with my fam, laughing and enjoying the time while we waited. Some people were mad and saying they should cook more food, but it’s just one cook and one server hustling back there. If they get slammed with 20+ orders in no time, of course things going to slow down. You can’t just cook up brisket in a hour, it takes at least 16 hours for brisket. People complaining about them closed early or running out before closing time it clearly says 2-8 or sold out. They are trying their best! When the food finally hit the table, it was all worth it. The flavors were on point, and you could tell they really cared about what they were serving. If you ain’t got the time to wait, then hit up McDonald's or something. But if you want that real BBQ experience that’s packed with love, Heffer BBQ is where it's at! If you never been in a kitchen please don’t put your two cents in. Specially with the hot weather.

Enrique Huizar

Jul 2025

“I love Heffer BBQ.”

I love Heffer BBQ. The people are awesome and the food reflects their awesomeness, attention to detail, and care for creating flavorful menu items of the highest quality. My go-to is the crunchwrap; you can get it with just brisket or a magical tres carnes combination. Either way you can’t go wrong, as the crunchwrap is delicious. The brisket chopped cheese is top notch; I devoured it quickly because of how good it is. I finally tried the brisket sandwich and it’s packed with delicious brisket on a nicely-cooked bun. I’ve also had a brunch meal there when they collaborated with Butterheel Biscuits and of course everything was amazing. They serve a deviled egg potato salad that is incredible. I’m on a mission to try their burgers; your best chance to get those is on the weekends. Their residency at Whiner Beer Co. concludes at the end of August 2024, but they have some cool things on the horizon after that. Check them out at Whiner Beer in the Back of the Yards, and follow them on social media (they are great at updating the menu on Instagram!) to find out when and where you can try Heffer BBQ’s amazing food.

John Jaramillo

Aug 2024

“The place is lowkey and is music is dead on.”

The place is lowkey and is music is dead on. Food is delicious. I only tried a few things but definitely coming back. Nice selection of beers.

Jose Avalos

Jul 2024

“Tucked away in a brewery, open area and good vibe to grab a burger and a beer.”

Tucked away in a brewery, open area and good vibe to grab a burger and a beer. The ground brisket is a different twist on a burger and I enjoyed it. The overall flavors of the brisket and the simplicity of the the rest of the burger allows the burger to be the star. Definitely interested in trying more options on their menu. Doesn’t come with a side, so I got the Elotes which were good as well

Josh Armstrong

May 2024

“We started with the queso & chips.”

We started with the queso & chips. The flavorful queso has the perfect consistency, not too runny and not too thick. They get their corn tortillas locally and cut and fry them for their chips. PERFECT chips & queso. We moved on to the smoked esquites, which is everything you get in traditional Mexican street corn just without the cob. The lime and smoke flavors come through perfectly. Really a perfect corn side dish. The smoked wings are truly special. These guys are MEATY! They smoke them first and fry them to order and toss in a magical rub and sauce combo. If you love wings then you’ll LOVE these! We were lucky enough to snag one of the last 4 smoked brisket burgers. And boy were we LUCKY! They grind their quality brisket to make this thick burger patty. It’s topped with cheese and house pickled red onions. Really a special standout thick burger in the sea of smash burgers. THE BRISKET. This is how I personally judge bbq and this brisket was EVERYTHING you want it to be. You can really taste the smoke from the oak wood they use. The fatty parts are perfectly soft like bone marrow. The meat is super tender. And the bark is so flavorful and extra smokey. You don’t even need sauce but they give you a side of this magical sweet sauce. This is the best brisket in Chicago!

Steve Kaplan

Feb 2024

“Food was amazing and service was also.”

Food was amazing and service was also. Best things on the menu to me was the ribs and baked beans. One of my go-to spots for bbq and beer.

Terence W

Jan 2024