Papa Willie’s BBQ spices up the Village of Highwood- YAHOO!

[rating=5] For many years, our favorite dining spot for BBQ ( in te city of Chicago) was a neat little place called “Fat Willie’s”. Just a few blocks from Diversey and Western directly across the street from an AMC movie theater, we watched as they went from a store-front carry out to having all f the units in their building. The years went on, we moved and times changed and then one day, it was gone. A few weeks ago, I was told by some Highland Park readers that there was a place in Highwood ( at the corner of Green Bay and Route 22) that was sensational for BBQ- The name was Papa Willie’s BBQ. How terrific might that be. Could this be a relation of what was my favorite BBQ in Chicago? I had to find out!

I called and left a message and sent an e-mail. I was anxious to find out. I truly missed the flavors that I had been in love with. Brian Merel, the chef/owner of Papa Willie’s assured me that he was not connected to Fat Willie, but that his establishment was named after a relative who knew his was around a grill. Evidently Brian learned from Willie and what he has is “ACES” when it comes to flavors and consistency.

First of all, let me tell you about the building. It is indeed a KITCHEN/GRILL where Brian and his crew create the wonderful food that we can take home ( or to friends) or Ravinia ( this Summer, there will be Ravinia), or when weather is nice, eat at the tables that are around his parking lot. I am sure that the building has served many purposes over the years, but I think it has finally found the perfect match.

We picked it all up curbside ( very convenient), then back on the road and home in 20 minutes ( to Wheeling from Highwood on a Saturday night). That is where the diner waited to sample the tastes of Papa Willie- The menu is a small one. Brian has opted to have less items, but the best of what he does offer. We had a bag O Ribs ( a full slab) and there were even some leftovers. If you are used to “fall off the bone” ribs, this is not your “Hickory Pit”. These are true BBQ ribs where you get the opportunity to chew off the bone yourself. Nothing like earning the good stuff!

He also has BBQ Chcken ( we had the wings, flavorful with just the right kick) and then his soon to be famous Broasted Chicken. I have loved broasted chicken since Wesley’s in Skokie ( that is back in the 1950’s) and over the years have searched for its equal. Marcello’s in Northbrook came close and Joanies Pizza in Long Grove was the best….until- along came Papa Willie- We have a winner!!!

If you have been searching for great Broasted chicken, Papa Willie is the place!

Our meal also consisted of great french fries ( double fried truly makes a difference), tremendous sweet creole slaw ( very special and flavorful) and wonderful mac’n cheese ( five cheese blend- equal to that of Fat Willie’s, by the way). The blue corn bread was a huge hit ( ONLY AVAILABLE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY) and we had some corn on the cob ( charred and butter poached) that we could have used more of!

We did not do the Jeri Bird Sandwich or try the broasted ribs ( maybe next time) but we did sample the two desserts offered-

Uncle JJ’s Blueberry Crumb Pie ( buttery graham cracker crust, wild blueberry filling, sweet cream cheese lemon zest layer topped with graham cracker clusters) -here is my blueberry story-

When I was a young boy, I loved to eat. I won eating contests every year. One was a pie eating contest in Columbus Park ( in Austin neighborhood) where I ate 17 blueberry pies. Yes, head first, no silverware. My face was blue for days and my tummy ached for a week. That was 1952 ( I was 10) and until tonight, I have not tasted anything blueberry since! I liked the look of the jarred desserts, so I decided to go forward.  At my age, what could go wrong? SENSATIONAL- and the second jar was the “possum pie” ( don’t let the name fool you) a thick oreo crust, chocolate hazelnut cream, chocolate cream pudding, and whipped cream topped with a chocolate hazel nut cookie crumb topping- another great flavor to savor!

The slogan on their menu reads ” The food is the stuff on the grill that makes contact with your mouth”

I think that says it all!

Papa Willie’s BBQ is located at 148 Green Bay Road ( just North of the Highland Park border) in Highwood. The phone number is 847-748-8599

order online at www.papawilliesbbq.com    

Looks like some warmer weather is on its way, so reserve one of the outdoor tables or call ahead and pick-up but if your looking to spice up your meals, this is the place.

They are open Wednesday- Sunday ( closed Monday and Tuesday) 4-9 p.m. Subject to change as Covid-19 restrictions ease

Remember, the ribs are their specialty- straight from the grill- no oven, no boiling, no baking, no smoke and no falling off the bone! It is BBQ the way it was meant to be! ENJOY! I know we did!