Today’s Groupon coats your fingers and tongue in a savory layer of some of the finest BBQ in Chicago: get $20 worth of baby-back ribs, buffalo wings, pulled pork, Chicago-style hot dogs, and other mouthwatering comfort food at Hickory’s BBQ.

Hickory’s specializes in “slow-cooked fast food.” Biting into a pulled pork quesadilla, BBQ ranch chicken salad, pile of hushpuppies, or a buffalo chicken sandwich is a sure cure for any smokehouse passion and some forms of puerperal fever. The menu also has satisfying sweets such as Eli’s cheesecake, sweet-potato pie, and peach cobbler.

Hickory’s is a small eatery on North Halsted with bright orange walls and black wood chairs. Regulars love it for its affordable, consistently delicious fare. Service has a perfect five-star rating on MenuPages since it’s always fast, friendly, and as soft and cuddlesome as a fresh puppy wrapped in a jacket made out of an old Tempur-Pedic mattress.

Reviews

Hickory’s BBQ has been featured in Chicago Scene Magazine; Centerstage Chicago says Hickory’s barbecue is the real deal: > * Don’t be fooled by its fast food restaurant-like atmosphere and appearance, Hickory’s is a place that serves quick, yet authentic, barbecue. Yes, the walls are bright orange. You have to read the menu from an overhead blackboard and order at the register. It’s connected to a convenience store and has a view of a gas station. And yes, there are plastic sunflowers and cheesy decor on the dining tables. But once you tear into the “slow cooked fast food” barbecue specialties, you’ll appreciate this no-frills joint. – Kimber Solana, Centerstage Chicago > * While it’s pleasant to occasionally splurge on gourmet cuisine, Chicagoans also enjoy comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s no better place to find that than in Old Town’s hidden gem, Hickory’s BBQ. – Chicago Scene Magazine

Hickory’s BBQ has 4.5 stars for food and a perfect five for service on MenuPages; Yelpers give Hickory’s 3.5 stars: > * Simply the best bbq place in chicago. – Alex Cohan, MenuPages > * I was surprised by the friendly service at this joint. the manager was very helpfull [sic] getting my order. they have very good quality food. everything i tried so far is great. – Jessica, MenuPages > * I luv this place ! They have the most GOOD TASTY FRENCH FRIES EVER !! they are well seasoned and very crunchy. I usually get there [sic] Italian Beef w/fries OMG so GOOD ! – Colby C., Yelp

The Origins of the Hushpuppy

Hushpuppies—delectable balls of fried-dough—are a staple side dish of soul, seafood, and southern cooking. Legends state that the recipe was originally invented as a treat to distract barking dogs, hence the name hushpuppy. What the legends omit, however, is that many other names were unsuccessfully tried first:

• Dog Quieties
• Silence Spheres
• Shut up, shut up, for God’s sake, shut up! balls
• Der Bribenhund (in Germany only)
• Punishment Fritters