Hecky's BBQ   

An Evanston icon continues to keep diners on the North Shore sauced up with its special, slow-cooked barbecue entrees. Owned by Hecky Powell, who opened the spacious, shack-style spot in 1983 with only $100, Hecky's has grown into a successful business mostly due to its famous, tangy sauce. Additionally, his Creole mother comes from New Orleans, and Hecky has incorporated her recipes into his menu with sides such as the Lyonnaise potatoes, baked beans and jumbo fried shrimp from the Gulf. The inexpensive dishes, from the giant turkey leg to a full rack of ribs with meat falling off the bone, are a draw for Northwestern University students and area families. Other big sellers include the crunchy fried chicken, char-grilled burgers and Buffalo wings. A Chicago outpost opened at Halsted & Division streets in 2004.