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Merle's Barbeque - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Barbeque Barbeque [Edit]
1727 Benson Ave(between Church St & Clark St)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-7766
- Nearest Transit:
-
Davis (Purple Line)
Foster (Purple Line)
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
126 reviews for Merle's Barbeque
Review Highlights
"This place has some of the best ribs in the area."
(in 65 reviews)
"The mac and cheese was really really good."
(in 24 reviews)
"...cooked so that it was just about to fall off the bone."
(in 4 reviews)
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126 reviews in English
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Review from Kasey and ryan L.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2012
We love Merle's and can't believe it closed. Please come back? This rating is based solely on their pulled pork sandwiches, barbeque sauce, and delicious sides.
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Review from Heather P.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 12/4/2011
It skewers me to write this update. I'm so burned. I hope they don't consider this a roast.
Okay, bbq puns time is over. Time to get serious.
The long and short of it is that Merle's took everything wonderful off their menu and I don't know why. The menu has been shrunken and everything I loved -- including the WORLD'S BEST WINGS -- have either been obliterated or "scaled back". That means there are no side salads - no wedge, no caesar, nothing. They don't even have fries anymore, much less fries to serve as a crispy delicious bed for the WORLD'S BEST WINGS.
So, you get less food, but the price is the same. Plus, you can't get the wings "dressed" anymore (smoked, then fried), just smoked. I am so heartbroken. I may never love [wings] again.
The menu is now: four different smoked meat platters, sides, a single sandwich, a single salad, disappointing wings and a couple token appetizers. Service was friendly, but our waiter was SUPER confused and I'm pretty sure he was wrong about a couple things.
When it came down to it, literally the only thing on the menu I was interested in was the one salad (chopped), and with added chicken it was a freaking $15 salad. Boyfriend's pulled pork platter was in the area of $18. Sorry, but that's ridiculous even if the food is tasty. It ain't THAT tasty. Although, props to the meat/veg ratio of my salad. You know it's a bbq place when you have about as much meat as you do lettuce. (Still, my assessment of the price stands.)
Drinks: mine was too sweet, BF's was too strong.
I don't think I'll be going back. I'm just too betrayed and disappointed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2010
I'm a huge Food Network buff, and if you are, too, you know about the show The Best Thing I Ever… Read more »
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Review from Erika G.
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to go here back in the day, and went back recently. Was with two companions who were ravenous, and looked at ME for a lunch recommendation.
Well . . . BBQ is always a hit. They basically serve big plates of meat here. BIG PLATES OF MEAT. And great sides . . . corn cobs, collard greens, cole slaw.
I invoked the "peer pressure" rule to get a round of Schlitz Tall Boys for all of us. And then another. Any place that has Schlitz. Good thing.
I got the rib tips, and it was a giant amount of MEAT for a standard lunch price. The sauce was quite good, but I thought the meat was a bit overdone. Too well done, and a bit too chewy. I took the other half of my meal home, and by the next day, it was very dried out and sort of tired.
It was not that crowded. Actually, I've never been in this place when it's been crowded - on the day I was there, or 9 years ago. SO if you are in the area, it's a good BBQ option.
But, if you have time, go to Hecky's instead. -
Review from Samuel M.
8/30/2011
Merle's serves solid barbecue. Ribs are smoked well, and the St. Louis ribs are appropriately meaty - a solid option, provided you order them Southern style, as the Chicago style is way too cloying. Pulled pork and beef are both good, whereas chicken is so-so (but it kind of always is). They serve really interesting wings - they are meaty, almost like mini turkey legs, and are smoked rather than fried. The sauces served with them are just okay, and when I want true buffalo wings there's a far better option around the corner on Clark, but they are definitely worth ordering. Side dishes are all pretty good; corn bread and baked beans are my standbies, although the fries and baked potato are both pretty good as well.
Pricing is generally fair, although the deals are great. The $15 AYCE rib deal on Mondays is one of the best-kept secrets in Evanston, as the AYCE wing deal on Wednesdays was before it. The lone problem with these is that they tend to run out of stuff, so get there early!
I should also mention that they deliver, which is unbeknownst to most people. This is a HUGE plus in my book. -
Review from Tom H.
Evanston, IL
1/3/2012
According to their web site, Merle's closed its doors for the last time New Years Eve, December 31, 2011. Their ribs, barbecued chicken, pulled pork and brisket will be missed.
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Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2011
We came with our groupon for 2 people special, which included 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 sides, and 2 desserts. It's a great deal! We ordered
chips and guac - ok chips, good guacamole
caesar salad - too much dressing!
chicken wings - too vinegary
pulled pork - good, need more flavor
ribs - ok, not tender enough
pulled chicken - really needs seasoning
texas brisket - good, wish there were more
key lime pie - ok, need to be more tangy.
the food was ok very all, great deal for the HUGE amount of food we got, but not enough flavor. -
Review from Steve G.
Evanston, IL
6/15/2011
Merle's is a constant source of barbecue disappointment.
They're dressed up like a barbecue place, sure enough. They're all, "Whoopy for Texas!" and "Everything's big in Texas!" and "Humorously large Texas belt buckles!" and "Texas Texas Texas!"
But hey, give me a pile of steamy poody and I can dress it up to look just like chocolate pudding. You know what, though? It ain't chocolate pudding. It's poody, like I said.
To be fair, I don't think I've ever ordered their ribs. I have ordered their pulled pork sandwich, and their brisket. I will write home to my mother about neither. Or maybe I will. That will definitely confuse my mother, and that would be kind of fun.
Dear Mother,
Last night I had a pulled pork sandwich and brisket from Merle's BBQ in Evanston.
The pulled pork sandwich came without any barbecue sauce on it. I think. Maybe there was barbecue sauce on it. Or maybe it wasn't supposed to come with any barbecue sauce on it. I was too embarrassed to ask my server. It seemed obvious to me that a pulled pork sandwich at a place with the letters "BBQ" in its title would come with a little sauce on it, but maybe I'm just dumb in the ways of pulled pork. The ArbyQ always comes with barbecue sauce on it, and that's sort of like pulled pork.
Anyway, it was bland without the sauce, and the bun kept falling apart. I added some sauce myself, but it didn't do much to help the yawn-worthy sandwich.
I also had some brisket. The Food Network does a great job of making brisket look amazing. They must be using TV magic, because the brisket at Merle's was dry and shitty. They were kind enough to squirt a little bit of barbecue sauce on the brisket, but like I always say, Mom, it takes more than a squirt of sauce to make dry shitty brisket go down easy.
Send love to Dad. I'll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Your Son Steve -
Review from Angela C.
Evanston, IL
7/5/2011
Six other friends and I came for their Monday night ribs special -- all you can eat ribs for $15 pp. They offer ribs in spicy/mild dry/wet rubs, and you get to pick 2 sides on top of that. The spicy rub wasn't even hot, it just had a slight kick. The ribs were very tasty, and because it was a slow night, we didn't have to worry about them running out of ribs.
As for the side dishes, the mac 'n' cheese and tater tots were unimpressive, although my friends vouched for the cornbread and steamed vegetables.
Overall, good food, good service, decent prices (for BBQ), and a chill atmosphere that was perfect for a low-key dinner with some friends. -
Review from Eduardo M.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't usually find myself in Evanston and thinking outloud, "you know what this day needs? Ribs." Yet, that's exactly what happened recently when no one knew where to grab dinner before going to the movies.
See, that's one of the things that makes this place good - location, location, location. This place is a few short blocks from the movies, the service is always fast and friendly, and when you do have to wait for a table, it's never too long of a wait.
While everyone seems to have their own definition of what MAKES 'cue, I find this place to be more than acceptable, and just quite tasty all around. -
Review from Donna C.
Chicago, IL
6/9/2011
Totally blah.
We ordered:
sweet onion = greasy
Mac & cheese = eh
Beef brisket = nothing to call home about
Pulled pork = sad & dry
Service : good and pleasant
Unfortunately a bad experience -
Review from Vlad A.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
This used to be our "fave" bbq joint when we lived close by in Skokie.
Since we made the move to Vernon Hills, we probably have only been back once or twice in the past 11 years.
A great Groupon deal brought the four of us back here on a late eve Memorial Day Monday. We waited for a short time, as the kitchen was backed up (supposedly due to take out orders), so we waited by the bar even though plenty of empty tables in the dining room.
Food: We had the Groupon deal for two, which is basically their $22.95 3 course menu. My son had the kids ribs, while my daughter had the full order chicken tenders. The tenders were very good and the portion was large, but then again you are paying $15 for a platter of tenders and fries
The potatoes that came with my son's ribs were basically sliced bakers that were fried? The waitress should have said something, as they are not a kid friendly option.
My wife had the brisket which was good and I had the 1/2 slab, which was good, but it was the lower portion of the baby back slab. It really irritates me when they serve the lower portion on a 1/2 slab order, as that should be reserved for kid orders or apps.
The starter was a Caesar salad and chili, both very good.
Service: Acceptable, but not great. Kids' meals, even though my daughter had an adult meal came out together and ours did not show up until 10 minutes later. That is really unacceptable, especially if you assume that in a well run bbq joint, the ribs and brisket are in the smoker or warming tray ready to go out.
Overall I would come back here, but keep in mind that parking in the area is tight and you are feeding the meters: so bring plenty of quarters! -
Review from Wombats C.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This bills itself as a BBQ place. We had the baby back ribs and the BBQ chicken. The chicken was mostly dried out. The ribs were okay. If you've been to a RibFest you know that there is an impressive spectrum of tastes a BBQ joint could shoot for. But Merle's doesn't seek this kind of artistry. It just tastes like the BBQ ribs you might buy at a bar or diner that doesn't specialize in BBQ.
On the positive side, the place was packed the Friday we went. It has a nice ambiance. Loud but we could hear each other fine. It is pretty kid-friendly insofar as it has that "family restaurant vibe," but it is enough of a bar to attract the kid-less on dates. -
Review from Richard H.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've only been here once. I was very disappointed in the food -- and it was pricey to boot! Perhaps I was there on an off-night. Alas, I will not be giving them a second chance.
On the bright side, cute, friendly waiters. -
Review from Jim K.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2011
Be careful! This is not the Merle's we've all known for so long. They've changed the menu, recipes and the way the food is served. This is no longer the positive experience that it's always been.
For some context, my family has been going to Merle's for years and enjoying every minute of it. I've attended Northwestern group events for years. While visiting from out-of-town last night, I thought I would stop in for some good BBQ.
My first encounter is the server apologizing to another customer for the "new" menu. I open the menu and most of the choices are gone. No more "half & half" orders. Fewer main courses. Fewer side dishes. Very disappointing.
I ordered a half portion of the brisket that was allegedly smoked for 16 hours. The new plating serves you food on white, institutional plates, resting on an aluminum tray. I wondered if I was in a hospital or a prison. The smoked brisket had a 3/8" layer of fat. How do you cook something for 16 hours and not cook off the fat???? The sauce was runny and clear on the brisket. How do you serve clear BBQ sauce?
I asked the server if the ownership had changed. She reflexively apologized and said there "was new management in place". She seemed to be apologizing to every table.
I'm disappointed to say I won't be going back to Merle's. This is a classic case of someone fixing something that wasn't broken. If you want great BBQ, go to Smoque or Chicago Q in Chicago. Merle's is longer worth a trip. -
Review from Scotter D.
Wheaton, IL
12/6/2011
I had the brisket and the pulled pork. The pulled pork was great and the sauce options were nice. The brisket was not that good - too chewy indicating under slow cooking. Not that it was not cooked - just not the proper brisket texture. The fried potato chunk thing is odd. Tasty but just an odd side.
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Review from Lois A.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2011
My friend wanted to meet here after work for a quick dinner. The coffee was not good at all. The burger I had was one of the worst burgers I have had in a long time. I tasted her ribs and wasn't impressed. Sevice was good because the staff were friendly but I have no desire to return to this place. I would much rather get an amazing sandwich from Bat 17 right down the block.
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Review from Scott B.
Evanston, IL
3/26/2011
My fiancee and I have been here twice.
Love it for the most part. One time was great service, the other was mediocre. Haven't had the ribs but had the triple bbq sandwich and it was awesome.
2.00 schlitz are epic, but the mixed drinks are 6 bucks a pop and not that strong.
Good character in the place, and overall it's great! We'll be coming back for sure. -
Review from Jenny P.
Elmhurst, IL
3/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went to Merle's on a Friday night and to be honest I wasn't expecting much based on previous reviews. Ok so let's review.
Vibe-Casual it did not offend me
Service-Acceptable noticed that the server had to bus his own table(wonder if that's the policy of the restaurant)
Food-hits/misses; St Louis Ribs ala dry was good, it was moist and tender and had a very good flavor. Chicken was also a hit succulent and moist no need to add any sauce to it. Mac/Cheese a hit (thank goodness).
Now for the bad. Brisket -that offended me.. It was mealy and and slimey at the same time was most disappointed.
I know there are many choices when it comes to BBQ in Chicago area and when I want BBQ Merle's will not be my top choice, so if you happen to be in Evanston sure check out Merle's for $2 beer and St. Louis rib (dry) otherwise skip it there are waaayy too many good BBQ joints in Chicago to explore. -
Review from TC S.
Evanston, IL
11/23/2011
4 stars for homemade shortcake, best cornbread of my life and mac and cheese heart attack. Other stuff ok. Seat taped together and host disinterested on seating us. Bbq good, but not great. St. louis ribs with chicago sauce is best choice.
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Review from William L.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2011
Merle's used to be a go-to for my family when we had a hankering for great BBQ on the north side. But over the past few years, it has really slid in many aspects.
The ribs used to be outstanding, whether you had them St. Louis style (dry rub) or baby back style (wet). Now, they have confused the options so that you can get any of the ribs dry or wet. Huh? The last few times we went, the ribs were really tough and quite a chore to eat. The mac & cheese isn't what it used to be either.
Also, it always seems like they are understaffed. The last several times, we were told that they weren't fully staffed and there would be some delay in getting the food. I totally understand that, but not when it happens all the time. The staff is real nice about it, but I guess management has a hard time making a schedule.
Bottom line, I wouldn't avoid Merle's, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there either. -
Review from Vincent C.
Evanston, IL
7/13/2011
I love BBQ, I even just like writing the letters out. Give me a pile of smokey, tender meat that's been slathered with a sweet/tangy/spicy sauce and chances are I'll really like it. Well, Merle's handled part one, but not so much the latter, so you can only imagine my disappointment.
I thought divide and conquer, so I ordered a combo. Oh boy was I disappointed when my plate came out and it looked like the diet version. I don't need to eat that much meat, but I want to, so give me the option of packing a doggy bag. I had the brisket, which was juicy and tender, though the fact that it was half fat may have had something to do with it. Really? If you're only going to give me 4 slices of brisket, the least you could do is give me some meat to chew on. The St Louis Ribs were fine, but there's not a lot I have to say about them. The Merle's spicy sauce would maybe be spicy in opposite world. (If you can't tell, I'm getting angrier as I write this review.) The mac and cheese was ho hum. There was a piece of foil embedded in my brownie sundae. Nearly complete fail. The only redeeming factor in all of this was the service; we had a great server, but that's not why I came here for dinner. -
Review from Stanton M.
Evanston, IL
11/23/2011
Twelve minutes late for all you can eat wings so waiter wouldn't put order in though another waiter a couple of weeks ago did. But my problem is not with the wings which are very good. It is with the Ketel martini for $12. Really, Merle's, come on.
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Review from Joan H.
Boca Raton, FL
9/3/2011
My husband and I decided to go to Merle's on a Friday night around 6:30 for a beer and some appetizers. There were 2 other people at the bar, but no bartender. We sat for several minutes looking at the beers on tap and wondering about one or 2. The host, at the stand behind us, overheard our conversation and offered explanations about the beer. So far so good. Several minutes later, we see more service people gathered around the hostess stand....oh good..."maybe one of them is a bartender" we commented loud enough for them to hear. No response. During our whole time there no one offered any clues about where the bartender might be or when we could expect him/her to show up. After several more minutes we decided to leave and go to the Globe, where the service and food are always good.
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Review from Melissa F.
Providence, RI
10/24/2010
Most reviews I've seen on here treat Merle's as an average restaurant, and while I'd hasten to label it as amazing or the best ever, it was decently above average.
SERVICE: Not great. The hostess apologized for it being understaffed. Tonight, I went with a good friend and we passed the five-minute wait and the long between-waiter-visits time quite easily. The service is friendly but slightly inattentive. Also, they were out of two beers that my friend ordered, so she finally got a Corona.
FOOD: I went before once and was overwhelmed. The pulled chicken was slightly on the dry side, but it's not as fatty as pork, so it makes sense. The smashed potatoes on the side were DELICIOUS and rich, and the "mustard greens" were enough to make my previous skepticism unwarranted. Our waiter described it as a "soup," and it was really just a thin sauce drenching greens and bacon. It tastes way better than it sounds. Also, the pinot grigio they gave me was enormous! I felt like I was drinking from some sort of medieval goblet.
Overall, I had a great experience at Merle's. The atmosphere, though not incredibly attentive (or, at times, knowledgeable), was friendly and relaxed. The food was delicious and had a nice amount of flavor. (It's too bad they gave me pulled pork before realizing I ordered pulled chicken, but as I said before, I was in no rush.) I'd go back! -
Review from Tricia L.
6/1/2010 1 photo
3 reasons I'm not coming back to Merle's:
1. Service was horribly slow. Taking 10 minutes to come over and greet us is unacceptable. Taking 20 minutes to bring water over is unacceptable. Even if the bartender is behind, I think a 25 minute wait for 2 mixed drinks is unacceptable. We told the waiter that our movie was starting in 15 minutes and requested the bill, and 15 minutes later, no one was to be found.
2. The food was subpar. While the slow smoked combo for $9 sounds like a good bet, it delivered pretty bland pulled pork, beef briskey, and bbq chicken. The mac 'n cheese was just a notch above instant mac 'n cheese. My friend's pulled bbq chicken that was supposed to come spicy was as unspicy as you could get.
3. And service was extremely slow. Deja vu? I have more to add. You know it's bad when the handful of tables around you doesn't have any food in front of them. Waiter came over to explain to us that there were only 4 servers there tonight, but it didn't look like any of them were moving particularly fast.
I can't believe I paid for that experience. It was like I was living a segment out of Kitchen Nightmares. -
Review from steve b.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2011
We went here after the Ohio State / Northwestern Basketball game.
Parking was easy - we found a metered spot around the corner from the restaurant.
I like the vibe inside of this place - $2 Schlitz is a nice touch - the wait staff was friendly, etc.
It's just that the food wasn't great - it really disappointed me.
I'm not a BBQ fanatic - just a guy who likes it once in a while, and while the nachos appetizer was good, and the pulled pork I tried was OK - the Baby Back Chicago Style ribs were completely awful.
They were rubbery, tough, and largely tasteless. I'm not even sure I got what I ordered - because it sure didn't seem like it - but wow, these were not good.
I hate giving somewhere a 2 star rating, and would try this place again, but first impressions - not great. -
Review from Len L.
Chicago, IL
10/12/2010
I was pumped up on going to another BBQ place. There was a large bar area upon entering Merle, but decided on eating my food in one of the booths. The waitress was very friendly and courteous which is usually a good sign for a exciting food experience. I choose the half slab of St. Louis, which I like because it's a little more meaty. My friend picked the BBQ chicken.
The ribs came on a round platter and the weird thing was the ribs did not smell smokey as I would expect it to be, The bone fell off but the skin/crust was hard and tough like nails.
The chicken had a strong smokey flavor and was pretty tasty on it's own without any sauce.
Overall, the ribs was a disappointment, but enjoyed the chicken. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Houston, TX
9/14/2010
FOOD:
One of the few legit places in Evanston. And I'm from Texas, so I love my BBQ. And plus they have a huge Texas flag in the front when you walk in, which is what won my heart (besides the food of course).
I went here pretty often - generous portions. Their wings are delicious. And huge. I tried a few burgers, ribs, and pulled pork. Not Texas-good, but still pretty satisfying. Pretty solid place, good sides as well.
ATMOSPHERE:
Atmosphere is very pub-like fused with Texan honkytonk. -
Review from Varsha L.
9/10/2010
We went to a rehearsal dinner here last weekend, the mac and cheese is really really good and so is the cornbread and I am not even a fan of mac and cheese!
I heard all the guys say the ribs were really good, I am not a fan of ribs so I didn't try any but all the guys were loving the ribs! -
Review from Kevin L.
10/28/2009
While the grub remains delicious and filling, I kind of prefer the Merle's from my memory.
No more tombstone taters stuffed with cheesy goodness, no more cherry Cokes specially crafted with real Coke and grenadine. In fact, no Coke at all, since it seems that Pepsi has stepped in as a substitute. And perhaps the most disappointing of all... no more drinks served in glass mason jars, because they've since been replaced with regular plastic glasses.
I would like to point out that our server was sweet and helpful. And as I recalled, the food was savory and excessive. I only managed to make it through two of my three ribs before giving up and offering the last one to a friend. If you've never tried them, the onion chips are highly recommended for a little bit of a caloric splurge.
In sum, we still enjoyed ourselves here, but I wish we could take Merle's back to its golden days. Or perhaps that's just the crotchety old alumnus in me speaking...Listed in: A Trip Down Memory Lane in…
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Review from Jerry M.
Chicago, IL
10/30/2007
I don't get it. Why does this place have so many great reviews? They messed up my order - I wanted the lean baby back ribs, and they gave me some nasty, fatty crap that was just GROSS. And they messed up my friend's order, too.
I will admit that the atmosphere was nice and cozy, the waitstaff was nice, I loved the bbq smell, but whatever they gave me was atrocious. Who the heck likes to eat pure, gristley fat with bbq sauce drizzled on it? NOT ME.
They did offer to remake the dish for me, but since my group was headed to the movie theater a block away in literally 5 minutes, I sure didn't want to sit in the theater watching vampires gnawing people alive while I had my ribs going cold under my seat.
I gave them 3 stars for being nice and knowing their bbq (Chicago style, baby back, rub, Tennesse sauce, and something about St. Louis in there too - I'm dizzy from the choices and the server answered our questions like a pro!), but lost the rest for what they gave me. Ick.Listed in: Rest in Peace, Meat
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Review from Rafael C.
3/11/2009
My buddy and I decided on bbq for dinner before a movie. This leaves only one place I can think of in Evanston and that is Merle's. For a mid week visit, we were seated pretty quickly and luckily before it started to get busy.
I ordered the combo sandwiches which consists of the pulled pork, chicken and beef brisket in slider fashion. My two sides were mac n cheese and corn relish. My friend got the same except he opted for the corn bread instead of relish.
We agree that the brisket was the best of the three while the rest were just ok. The mac n cheese was average but I did really like the corn relish and bread. The sauces were really good and used plenty on some of the sandwiches.
The beer selections were standard fare but with some different ones too. I tried an Abita raspberry wheat ale which was good I thought. All the beer they have is served in bottles but I wished that had some on draft but no big deal.
I'm will definitely come back to try their ribs as I wasn't too sold on giving this place 4 stars just based on the brisket and sides. -
Review from Keiko S.
4/27/2007 3 photos
I eat ribs and briskets...maybe once a year, if not less? So all I can or should say about the food is that it's good. The sampler came with four different items (baby back ribs, beef rib, bbq chicken and Texas brisket), large enough to be shared with another person or two. Every order of bbq dish comes with two free sides. We chose mashed potato and mustard greens, which were both decent. As for the appetizers, we went crazy with our potato skins w/cheese and bacon bits. They offer two types of sauce, sweet and hot, and they're both really tasty.
The setting is spacious, cozy and very laid back. It's definitely a fun place to hang out with friends. Prices are decent, and drinks are relatively inexpensive.
HORRIBLE, horrible service, though. Our server was unfriendly (not even a single grin), unattentive and plainly rude. Some of the comments he made (sarcastically or not), I don't even want to recall. If I were to go back, I'll specifically request another server -- I've been told that other people are pretty much the opposite. Let's hope that he's no longer round...maybe then I'll add on another star. -
Review from Irineo B.
Skokie, IL
7/25/2011
I checked this place out for the unlimited ribs. The server took my order and then informed me that they had ran out of bar-be-que ribs. Then ordered a pepsi which came out flat. After I told the server, he told me that he could get me another one. I said no the soda ran out of syrup and needed to be changed. Then I ordered a Gouda cheese burger, but instead they gave me a gorgonzola 1 instead...nasty. They then promised to give me a discount, which if it weren't for the girls telling me to stop, I would have made then honor too. I was really disgusted with the service.
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Review from Matt H.
Traverse City, MI
Updated - 3/9/2011
Awesome. Maybe this is why I had a little indigestion:
http://www.foodpoisonj...
So it looks like there may be some issues with food preparation.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2011
This place seems like the Hooters of BBQ.
We got a few drinks and some guac. All was going well from… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie L.
Manhattan, NY
1/22/2009
Wow, where do I start... I haven't been there in awhile but when I was there the service was great! The servers have fun and the staff cares about what they do.
The sides are wonderful -- my personal favorites are the mashed potatoes, mac and cheese (to DIE for), and the corn bread. It's almost worth it to come just for the sides...
I say almost because the barbecue is really where it's at. Half slab, baby back ribs, chicago style, wet. That's really the best way to have them. They fall right off the bone and are so juicy. Their bbq sauce is the best. They have two: one is a little spicy, but both are really great.
I'm not TOO crazy about the deserts, except that the bread pudding is very yummy.
All in all there is something for everybody. The atmosphere is relaxed and it's great for the family or for a date.
MMMmmmmmmm.... Merle's. -
Review from Gustavo A. L.
Miami, FL
10/23/2009
Barbq heaven in Evanston. I totally enjoy this place, it is a must go when we are in the area. The ribs are great !! any style - whatever your taste is, these things will satisfy you.
Or try any of their sandwiches, generous portions and just darn good flavor.
All this washed down with a Turbo Dog beer and good service.
Life is good !Listed in: CHICAGO !!!
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Review from Lesley G.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2010
I have been to this place a few times and have always been pretty happy.
The main thing, of course is the wings. I like the Buffacue a lot. It's a mix of the Buffalo sauce and BBQ sauce and it's just tasty. And as they advertise, the wings are bigger here than at BW3s.
Also, the fries are awesome. They are just perfectly seasoned. And they are delightful. I love them. The mac and cheese is nothing particularly special, but it's still good. Really creamy, almost like an alfredo sauce, if that's your thing, you'll be super happy.
The most disappointing thing I got here was a burger. I ordered it medium and it was more like well. Didn't taste like the highest quality meat. Even so, the toppings were great (I got the one with bacon, onion rings and bbq sauce) and it was still tasty enough for me to down just about the whole things.
And finally, the beer is not too expensive and they have Shiner Bock on tap. So, really, it's hard to go wrong with a trip here. -
Review from Daphne L.
1/24/2009
I've been to Merle's so many times, and why? Because they have some seriously good BBQ. Their sauce is perfect, the right balance of tang and sweetness and spice. The ribs are outta sight; delectably juicy and falling off the bone, the way ribs should be. They also have that nice crust in certain spots that take me back to summer time cookouts. Merle's gets the highest compliment possible: they remind me of my Uncle Bishop's ribs, and don't nobody get that kind of praise!
The waitstaff are some of the nicest I've ever experienced. They offer suggestions if you're unsure about what to order and will gladly share their favorites with you. During my most recent visit I had the nicest waiter I've ever had dining out: Ulrico. He was funny, friendly, helpful, and just an all around great guy. He even gave me a great suggestion for sauce the next time I get the rib tips- thanks, Ulrico!
This is my 2nd favorite rib spot in town. -
Review from Pam D.
8/30/2009
3.5 stars actually! We came here for supper tonight after a theater matinee a few blocks away. Did not know as we got there that Taste of Armenia would be going on at the same time, but we managed to get parking in the city lot. Also got to hear some interesting Armenian music both coming and going from Merle's.
Well, for starters the service was wonderful. We neither wanted nor waited for anything. You could tell our waitress was somebody who really wanted to do a great job and she did!
The best things we had were:
1. The Brunswick Stew .... an appetizer that comes with cornbread. It was very yum. I should have had that and a salad to make a meal.
2. The mac and cheese was really really good.
3. Mom's salmon was very good, and we really loved the dill mustard sauce on the side.
4. Christoper's burger was quite good, came with bacon and blue cheese and the slaw was decent.
Now, the not so good things:
1. Chicago style BBQ spare ribs.... they did not have much flavor and I am not a big fan of the burned crust on the outside of some rib preps. The meat was tender, but I don't think I would order them again.
2. The mashed potatoes were devoid of flavor, really awful.
All in all it was a fairly pleasant experience, but I will not sit and long for that experience again any time soon.
Although it is wheelchair accessible according to the notice posted, the entire eating area is up a small flight of steps. They tell you to notify staff of wheelchairs. So, in theory it is accessible, but I get the feeling it involves a small production number to make it so.Listed in: Exploring the "Q" Continuum
