Lillie's Q

"After nine years in business, Charlie McKenna’s popular Wicker Park restaurant has made some changes. The menu has expanded to include new items like Texas brisket and pimento cheese sausage while the service is now counter. Old favorites — fried pickles, tri tips — remain, as do Lillie’s Q’s lineup of bottled sauces, which range from tangy Carolina Gold to a mayonnaise-based Alabama white barbecue sauce. McKenna relocated to a new space inside West Town brewery District Brew Yards in 2020." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"While plenty of fried chicken on this list is covered in fried batter formations, most of the surface of the chicken from Lillie’s Q is more like Chicago’s terrain—flat. But there’s nothing flat about its taste. Each bite into the smooth, delicately crispy skin is full of peppery flavor complemented by incredibly moist meat. And since this West Town spot is located inside District Brew Yards, it’s perfect for devout believers of the chicken-beer combo." - john ringor, adrian kane

"The beer at District Brew Yards in West Town is good, but it’s even better when paired with the food and games at their in-house BBQ spot, Lillie’s Q. The shareables and side dishes like crispy fried pickles or creamy mac and cheese make great drinking snacks. They can also help fuel an intense tournament of Connect Four or whatever board game you take from their collection. And if you want a full-on meal, their tender brisket, juicy fried chicken, or pulled pork are all excellent. It’s usually pretty easy to find a spot in the taproom, but when we can, we like taking our BBQ, crisp lager, and Battleship to the large patio." - John Ringor

"Head a few blocks south to North Ave where you have some easy eats. Lilie’s Q is a casual barbecue spot with all of the Southern favorites, and our suggestion is to save it for after a long walk. Ever try to move after you eat BBQ? It's physically and mentally impossible. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"Lillie’s Q pitmaster Charlie McKenna relocated his business from Bucktown to District Brew Yards, the beer loves pour-it-yourself paradise. McKenna’s Memphis-style meats pair well with the beer. Find ribs, brisket, and fried chicken. McKenna has found success peddling his sauces to retailers. Don’t forget to grab a bottle." - Eater Staff