Skip to main content

Booby's
$$ · American, BBQ, Sandwiches

8161 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best American in Niles Best BBQ in Niles Best BBQ Ribs in Niles Best Sandwiches in Niles

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Booby's 8.2
Niles
Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Family Friendly Favorites
A charcoal-grill standby that’s at its best when you order straight down the steak-sandwich-and-burger lane and keep the rest of the table quiet. It’s casual and built for repeatable satisfaction, with a signature sandwich that locals treat as the default move.
Must-Try Dishes: Booby's Famous Steak Sandwich, Big Boob Burger, Skirt Steak Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled sandwiches and burgers anchored by a signature steak sandwich.
Who should go: Sandwich-first diners and burger regulars
When to visit: Lunch for the cleanest, fastest turnaround
What to order: Famous steak sandwich, Big Boob burger, skirt steak sandwich
Insider tip: Order the signature sandwich as-is first—save custom builds for next visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Milwaukee Ave and nearby side streets; generally manageable during lunch, tighter in the evening.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—busy at peak times but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dinner hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly sides like fries or salads; not a vegetarian-focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—no clear vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some grilled meats may work, but buns and cross-contact are likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual hang than a polished first impression—great if you’re bonding over comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in spot, especially easy at lunch and most weeknights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual atmosphere, simple menu, and portions that work well for families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Charcoal-grilled sandwiches and no-frills burgers done consistently well at a solid price point.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a polished dining room, diverse dietary options, or a full sit-down steakhouse experience.