Skip to main content

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern
$ · BBQ

17 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best BBQ Ribs in Loop

Vibe Check this spot

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

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Wilma's Famous BBQ & Tavern 7.7
Loop
Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven Quick Bites Champions Happy Hour Hotspots
A Loop BBQ tavern that leans into rib tips and saucy comfort plates—best when you treat it like a focused ribs-and-sides stop rather than a sprawling order. The payoff is in hot, sticky, craveable bites that pair naturally with a casual, come-as-you-are downtown energy.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ Rib Tips, Hot Links, Soul Food Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Downtown BBQ built around rib tips and bold sauce.
Who should go: Loop lunch breaks craving saucy, filling BBQ.
When to visit: Weekday lunch slightly before peak lines.
What to order: Rib tips; hot links; soul food egg rolls.
Insider tip: Keep it tight—one rib item plus one side stays hottest and crispest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown Loop logistics: paid garages nearby are the most reliable; street parking is limited and can be tough during lunch and after-work hours. If you’re driving, plan for a short walk and budget time for finding a spot.
Dress code: Casual tavern energy—jeans, hoodies, and workday basics all fit. Come as-you-are; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud at peak times—easy conversation at off-hours, but it can get lively during lunch rush and happy hour.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical (can spike longer if a game/event crowd rolls in).
Weekday lunch: 10-20 min during peak lunch; minimal wait if you arrive slightly early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—expect mostly sides and bar-friendly add-ons rather than a true vegetarian BBQ plate.
Vegan options: Very limited—this is not a vegan-forward stop; consider it only if you’re comfortable piecing together sides (and asking what’s cooked with meat-based seasoning).
Gluten-free options: Possible but not guaranteed—BBQ sauces and fried items can contain gluten or cross-contact. Best move: stick to simple proteins and ask about sauce ingredients.
Best For
Better for: Rib tips and sauce-forward comfort BBQ that hits fast and hot—great when you want a downtown tavern vibe with sticky, craveable bites and a simple ribs + sides game plan.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip if you want a quiet sit-down meal, pristine ‘competition-style’ ribs, or strong dietary flexibility. Also not ideal if you’re trying to do a big multi-item spread—this place shines most when you keep it focused.