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Welcome to Real Urban Barbecue

Real Urban Barbecue, located in Vernon Hills, IL, offers an exceptional barbecue experience that caters to all tastes. Known for its commitment to quality, the restaurant serves juicy pulled pork, flavorful brisket, and competition-style ribs that leave a lasting impression. Guests rave about the welcoming service, inviting outdoor patio, and a diverse menu featuring fresh salads, flavorful sides, and mouthwatering desserts like apple cobbler. The venue is pet-friendly, perfect for casual dining or special events. With a reputation for catering that maintains the same high standards, Real Urban Barbecue stands out as a must-visit destination for BBQ enthusiasts.

Real Urban Barbecue: Reviews & Ratings

Mellissa Nesting
Mellissa Nesting

That was an amazing BBQ place. The service was great. The menu was great. The food was even greater

RC WM
RC WM

The outdoor patio is dog friendly. The pulled pork and sliced brisket were juicy and delicious. The southern salad was amazing. It came with very fresh veggies, candied pecans, onion rings, and avacado. I had mine with honey mustard dressing. So good.

Buckshott00 “Buckshott00” __
Buckshott00 “Buckshott00” __

Catering Crew is phenomenal. Helped us every step of the way. Food was packed and catered just right. Boxed with care. Hot and Delicious when it arrived. Corn Bake is amazing, Beans, just right for bbq. Brisket and Pulled Pork are FANTASTIC. Surprise Hitter: Salmon! Smoked to Perfection Whole Tray gone super fast. Our party loved it.

Richard McRae
Richard McRae

Holy crap, so glad we ended up here! First off, everyone is super nice and helpful. They walked us through the menu and let us try different things before we ordered, which was awesome since every bbq place is a little different. And the food was incredible: Brisket Sausage Turkey Burnt ends (yes, 8 out of 5 stars) Sauces Cornbread muffins Beans (an odd mix of beans and the flavor is a bit too vinegary) Mac & Cheese (a bit flavorless and mushy. Tasted more like roux than cheese) Apple cobbler Highly, highly recommend!

Ojas Gokhale
Ojas Gokhale

Amazing BBQ. I had the Mac and cheese with burnt ends and brisket. They were perfect. Ribs are competition style and not fall off the bone style.. and done right. Service was fast.

Tim Zerbe
Tim Zerbe

Personally to me the BEST BBQ in Lake County hands down !! You have a great selection of meats to choose from and the portions are fulfilling.. The meats here are smoked to perfection with flavor in every bite. You have a variety of sides to choose from, my favorites are the creamy spinach and the Mac and cheese. Nice size portions to go with your meat. Let’s not forget the pickles, THEY ARE A MUST! Sweet but tangy crispy crunch, go hand and hand with your bbq. Surprisingly today it was not as busy as your would expect for it to be a Saturday afternoon, but that meant no line for me and I was not complaining. The prices are worth the portions but be prepared to spend if you have the appetite !

Arnold Grahl
Arnold Grahl

Great real smoked barbecue. The brisket is outstanding. Try three minis and add a few sides for 5 for a combo. Onion strings are tasty if not a healthy side. They have a choice of sauces table-side including sweet, hot (Texas), and Carolina (vinegar). Never tried the ribs but sure they are great. Lemonade is a little weak but otherwise ok.

Libby Wedesky
Libby Wedesky

My husband and I came in and I read the reviews of the ordering being confusing so when we first got there I declared I hadn’t been there and asked what to do. The guy behind the counter kindly explained it to me. Basically it’s like subway for bbq. You order each stage, meat, sides, salad etc. all down a line. Different people at each station, then they hand you your food to put on your tray and you go down to the register and pay. Now, the food. I got combo plate with 3 meats, beef brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork. The burnt ends were the BEST! Pulled pork was ok, the brisket was disappointing because it was pretty fatty. I got the corn bake (dry) and the coleslaw (great). My husband got a combo with 2 meats, sausage and burnt ends, he liked both. His sides were creamed spinach and corn bake and he said the same about the corn bake and really liked the spinach. We split the urban poutine with burnt ends on it and I’ll tell you, since we are only in town for one night, I have to go back today for lunch to get it again it was so good! The gravy was the best on the burnt ends! Skip all the other stuff and just get this! Loved this place and the staff was so friendly! An older gentleman accidentally toppled his tray over at the cash register and his food went all over him and the floor and the cashier was so nice, just gave him a little table flag and had him go sit down so they could remake it for him and bring it to him while she came around the corner and cleaned it up. If I lived here I would be a regular.

Location

  • Real Urban Barbecue
    1260 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, United States Hotline: +1 847-613-1227

If you find yourself in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and you crave authentic barbecue, look no further than Real Urban Barbecue. Nestled at 1260 S Milwaukee Ave, this vibrant eatery offers a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds and speaks to barbecue enthusiasts and novices alike.

From the moment you walk through the doors, the welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Customers have raved about the exceptional service, which goes beyond mere politeness; the staff genuinely want to enhance your dining experience. They assist you in navigating the diverse menu, even letting you sample dishes before you commit to your order. This thoughtful approach made a lasting impression on diners like Richard McRae, who was quick to share his delight with the variety of barbecue cuts offered.

Speaking of the menu, it's a treasure trove for anyone who cherishes barbecue. The brisket and pulled pork have quickly become favorites, praised for their juicy tenderness. Patrons like Ojas Gokhale highlight the mastery behind the ribs, which deliver that perfect 'competition style' flavor without falling apart. Each bite is a testament to the expertise behind the grill, ensuring that every meal bursts with flavor.

Another standout dish is the southern salad, featuring fresh veggies, candied pecans, avocado, and crispy onion rings, coupled with a honey mustard dressing that perfectly balances the flavors. Not to mention, the corn bake and beans have received high praise, rounding out the meal with delightful sides that complement the main attractions.

Moreover, for those looking to host events, the catering crew at Real Urban Barbecue comes highly recommended. Customers have shared experiences of seamless service and delicious food delivered right to their door. As one reviewer put it, the catering was packed with care, ensuring that the delivery was hot and ready to enjoy.

To top it all off, the outdoor patio is dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for families and pet owners. Imagine enjoying a sunny day, savoring some smoky, perfectly cooked ribs, while your four-legged friend lounges beside you!

Whether you’re dining in or taking advantage of the catering services, Real Urban Barbecue guarantees fantastic food and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers.

So, gather your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready for a truly satisfying barbecue experience at Real Urban Barbecue. You'll leave with a full belly and a smile on your face, eager to return and savor more of their mouthwatering offerings!