Hecky's Fried Chicken [Pictures]

LTH,

TonyG hit the nail on the head, Hecky's BBQ in Evanston has excellent fried chicken. Crisp, juicy, aggressively seasoned, without being overly salty. Hecky's fried chicken was so delicious hot out of the grease I couldn't resist eating a piece in the car. (ruining yet another shirt)


Part of the reason Hecky's chicken is so delicious is it's freshly made, in this instance by Hecky himself.


Hecky's chicken is a slightly different style than the also delicious Evanston Chicken Shack, which is but two blocks East. Hecky's has a thicker, spicier coating, which serves to keep, as does Evanston Chicken Shack's slightly lighter crust, chicken juices sealed in and causes the first couple of bites to be piping hot.

I waited around 15-minutes for the chicken, but time went fast as Hecky was joking around from behind the built-in Chicago style Aquarium smoker, and people in line were friendly. I asked Hecky about the new Halsted street Hecky's, which he said was a franchise, using his (Hecky's) rubs, sauces and BBQ methods.

Hecky's "Trunk of the car" dining room.


Thanks TonyG, you were right, Hecky's has great fried chicken.

Enjoy,
Gary

Hecky's Barbecue
1902 Green Bay Rd
Evanston, IL 60201
847-492-1182
http://www.heckys.com/

Evanston Chicken Shack
1925 Ridge Ave
Evanston, IL
847-328-9360

HI,

Thanks - you just decided where lunch today will be.

When you say the crust is spicier, are we talking more salt & pepper or cayenne-chili leaning toward Popeyes spicy crust? The pictures of the chicken looks very similar to one I tried in Mississippi recently.

It's been a long time since I was there, can you eat inside?

Thanks both of you for the heads up.

You think next week a lot of people will get in their e-mail boxes, someone asking about Hecky's fried chicken....

Rob,

You jest, but a few minutes ago I just sent someone an e-mail inviting him to meet up with me for lunch. In any case, I will be there between 12:15 and 12:30 ... anyone else happens to be there, well that's fine with me!

Cathy2 wrote:Rob,

You jest, but a few minutes ago I just sent someone an e-mail inviting him to meet up with me for lunch. In any case, I will be there between 12:15 and 12:30 ... anyone else happens to be there, well that's fine with me!

Well, Cathy2 I am sure you are not spamming people with lunch invitations

I am, of course, referring to the same coincidence that has Littleitaly.com showing up in someone's weekly newsletter the week after it was mentioned on Chowhound. 'Cause I DO find it odd that this newsletter would ask about Evanston Chicken Shack JUST after a bunch of posts and great pictures appear on LTHForum. Or not??

Rob

Rob,

Ahhh, now I get it. Another example of eerie coincidences? Well, at least you have a clue about what DISH will read like next week.

We don't mind people farming us for ideas, it's just nice to get the credit, also.

Hi,

I just came back from Evanston. Wow, they are so lucky to have two great places for chicken with only a berm and a railroad track between them!

Hecky's, just like Evanston Chicken Shack, makes their chicken AFTER you order. I came just before 12:30, everyone in front of me ordered the special: beef sandwich and fries or a hot link sandwich. When I ordered 1/4 dark meat fried chicken, I was reminded I had to wait 10-15 minutes. No big deal, I was there for the chicken and I needed a better parking place.

Everything I had at Hecky's was all about his seasoning or rub, whatever he calls it. The fries had a generous quantity of Hecky's seasoning and they were good. The macaroni and cheese had been generously sprinkled with Hecky's seasoning on top for baked in goodness. In fact, Hecky's mac and cheese was not a testimony to Velveeta (which I like on grilled cheese sandwiches), they really seemed to have some cheddar in there. I'm usually luke warm on mac n'cheese, I can recommend Hecky's as quite flavorful. I also ordered greens, which were very well seasoned and very likely had Hecky's seasoning on them. Whatever, those were good greens.

Before I left home this morning, I briefly talked to Gary about what he meant about the chicken's seasoning. Was it in the direction of Popeye's, which would not be good news for me or something else? He assured me it was more in the garlicky and peppery rather than chili-oriented. Like I said before, everything I had there was all about Hecky's seasoning. The seasoning was an intrinsic part of the chicken's breading. It was a crunchy, crackly type breading with full flavor from Hecky's rub/seasoning. The crust cracked when you ate it, though not excessively breaded like KFC's extra crispy but certainly more than you have at Evanston Chicken Shack. Since my chicken was so fresh off the grease, I ate my sides before I ate the chicken. Take one bit and a puff of steam releases into the air. Hot and tasty chicken takes the nip off the chill of eating in the car.

The only thud of the meal was the peach cobbler. Not overly sweet, which some appreciate, I thought it needed more sweetness. The crust had been mixed into the filling, so after sitting around was puffy and gummy. Maybe next time I will try the Sweet Potato Pie.

Hecky's really doesn't have seating. There are window seats to perch on while you wait. They expect you to pick up and go, so if you are not going home or sitting in the car is unattractive, then jump the berm to Evanston Chicken Shack. Either place, you are in for some really good chicken.

I'm so happy to not longer feel like a lonely voice in the wildnerness about Hecky's chicken. This board has a lot of power, you know -- one does start to wonder if one's taste buds are off or something if you speak up for a restaurant that no one else seems to like much. So I'm glad that Hecky's had made the LTH cut. A great summer evening for my family is to pick up some Hecky's chicken (remembering to provide much advance notice, since all the chickens are made to order, as you've noted) and take it for a picnic, to the lakefront or the Botanical Gardens for a Monday Night concert. Nice picture of Hecky. A person who can cook a mean chicken and preside over the Evanston school board is a true renaissance man.

Hi,

I just came back from Evanston. Wow, they are so lucky to have two great places for chicken with only a berm and a railroad track between them!

Indeed they do. Ive known about Hekcy's for a long time, but really only found
out about ECS a year or so ago - and both are very good. Iam not sure which
I prefer (though ECS has often had less of a line outside, and parking is
easier etc).

Hecky's, just like Evanston Chicken Shack, makes their chicken AFTER you order. I came just before 12:30, everyone in front of me ordered the special: beef sandwich and fries or a hot link sandwich. When I ordered 1/4 dark meat fried chicken, I was reminded I had to wait 10-15 minutes. No big deal, I was there for the chicken and I needed a better parking place.

Ah, so it *is* as I thought (and said, a few days ago)? Ive always had it fresh-made,
but wasnt sure if that was because Ive gone there a few times when there wasnt
a crowd (and they didnt seem to be asking for chicken anyway). Thus every time
Ive had it it was excellent - but I wasnt sure if at "normal lunch rush" hour theyd
still have it always fresh for everyone.

BTW - for parking, you can park right outside (for 10 mins or so I think?). But
also, you can park across the street in the "parking lot" - there are usually a
couple of Hecky-vans there, and a few more spots (I think this might be a
Hecky-exclusive lot too, actually?) Unless, of course, all of it was occupied
at that time - you did go at lunch-hour more than I did, after all :_)

really doesn't have seating. There are window seats to perch on while you wait. They expect you to pick up and go, so if you are not going home or sitting in the car is unattractive, then jump the berHecky's m to Evanston Chicken Shack. Either place, you are in for some really good chicken.

Yes. OTOH, BTW, there is a "Hecky's room" right next door - and it seems like
a bit of a sit-down area. However Ive almost never seen it open. Is it a party
room for just catering? Or I wonder if it is open sometimes, for a sit-down
meal too? Maybe on weekends?

BTW, Ive always thought Hecky's fried chicken was actually better than a lot
fo their BBQ stuff - I wonder if you agree after the above experience :_)

Evanston is very well served for fried chicken, with the above 2 spots as you
say. Now if only they had a good hot-dog place I dont think they have any at
all (OTOH, neighbouring Skokie has no good Fried Chicken spots, but at least
3 good hot-dog stands - Poochie's, Herm's, and Hot Dog Island, all on
Dempster. And maybe Dengeos etc too, havent tried it lately). The one good
hot-dog place (Mike's D4rive in, or am I erring on the name again - the one
on Western where it turns into Asbury)... Iam not sure thats officially Evanston,
or just over the border in Chicago. Anyone know of any good hot dog or
burger spots in Evanston? (Used to go fairly often to "Chicago Style CarryOuts",
but havent in years now, so dont know if its still any good).

c8w

P.S. BTW, for some reason there is a bit of a difference in price between
Hecky's and ECS - despite being only 2 blocks apart. A Hecky's Half
Chicken is 8.25, Dark or White. ECS is 5.88 for a Half Chicken "Mix", and
only 4.60 for a Half Chicken Dark (which is quite a remarkable deal,
actually - as it comes with fries, bread and slaw too; one of the better deals
anywhere IMHO).

Hi,

Mike's "30's style hamburger" is definitely in Evanston.

Until today, I never had the chicken at Hecky's though I don't recall being very impressed by the BBQ. After enjoying everything today, except the cobbler, I plan to revisit the BBQ soon just to update my mental files.

My lunch was pricey for what it was. The 1/4 chicken (dark by choice) with fries, Wonder bread and BBQ sauce was $4.35, greens $2.25, Mac n cheese $2.25, peach cobbler $2.25 and 7-up for $1.25 - total just over $13. No slaw. So, yes, ECS is a better deal.

So you go to the Carillon concerts at the Botanic Gardens in the Summer. We do also, it is the only time you can bring a picnic to the gardens and enjoy it in-situ. Only negative is the serious music crowd dominates and gets all ticklish about any conversation. Let's make a point of picnicing together sometime next summer.

So Evanston may be hot dog deprived, Skokie is so darn close and the choices so outstanding, you are still in hog heaven where you live.

2 comments -

Evanston doesn't have a good hot dog place? What's wrong with Mustard's Last Stand, across from Dyche Stadium? Or The Weiner And Still Champion - just down the street from me on Dempster?

Also, re: Hecky's - does anyone else here miss Hecky's Jazz Club? At least I still have a T-shirt from that long-lamented place.

nr706 wrote:2 comments -

Evanston doesn't have a good hot dog place? What's wrong with Mustard's Last Stand, across from Dyche Stadium? Or The Weiner And Still Champion - just down the street from me on Dempster?
.

OK, withdraw my complaint - at least partially Havent tried Weiner and Still
Champion (on Dempster? Where is it exactly? Is that the spot near Chicago,
sort of looks like a convenience store from outside (or is at least surrounded
by em)? Didnt realize it was good - if thats the one, will stop by sometime
soon.

The reason I withdraw my comments - Mustard's Last Stand slipped my mind
when I was posting. Been there, severaltimes, and its a nice enough spot (I
suppose its just not convenient when youre at Dempster/Chicago - a bit
far, anyway, not near "downtown Evanston"). But its right next to Ryan Field
(no longer Dyche of course Havent been there this season, but often in the
past and its as good as anyplace else. Must stop by again sometime soon.

OK, since my no-dogs-in-Evanston argument was shot down rapidly (with
one more place to try, and a reminder of another)... there are no good
"Italian Beef stands" in Evanston Not that there are many in Skokie
either of course (though Ive tried Poochie's version and it wasnt bad). There
is now a new Portillo's in Skokie, which might be ok. Arlington Heights might be
one of better Beef areas, with neither Skokie nor Evanston remotely close -
AH has Johnnie's, Jay's, Portillo's, Buona, Zippy's nearby, and even Mr Beef
a couple of miles away. Anything you can think of in the Evanston/Skokie
area at all?

c8w

hattyn wrote:As I have posted elsewhere on the site,Mike's is gone.The spot was taken over by CVS.Bill's,across the street,is still open.If you drive by there after dark you can tell it is in Evanston.The Chicago side is bright.Evanston is dimmer.Streetlight wise at least.

Yes, I know - I meant Bill's :-0 For some reason, Ive always referred to it as
?Mike's" in my head and cant seem to get rid of it Have made that mistake
on here and Chowhound half a dozen times now.

Had actually been to Mike's when it existed - it was ok, and CVS replaced it
quite a while ago. Bill's is sstill there, and very good - their burgers and fries
especially (and was always better than Mike's). I suppose the dividing line
between Evanston and Chicago is Howard? Thus the neighbouring IHOP
is the last thing in Evanston (have been there several times in the old days,
since its 24 hours). In Chicago proper (ie opposide side of Howard, just
east of Asbury by 50 yards) is a branch of Gold Coast Dogs - which is
a pretty decent hot-dog stand too, and across the street from Evanston.

c8w

Vital Information wrote: 'Cause I DO find it odd that this newsletter would ask about Evanston Chicken Shack JUST after a bunch of posts and great pictures appear on LTHForum.

Rob,

I play the LTHForum home-game fairly close, but it took me a couple of beats to realize you were referring to Chicago Magazine's Dish, formerly Morsels, column. When I read Dish, on the Chicago Magazine web site, and saw the reference to Evanston Chicken Shack your post made perfect sense.

Enjoy,
Gary

For the record, I agree with c8w's comments about no good Italian Beef here in E-town.

I'm so happy to not longer feel like a lonely voice in the wildnerness about Hecky's chicken. This board has a lot of power, you know -- one does start to wonder if one's taste buds are off or something if you speak up for a restaurant that no one else seems to like much. So I'm glad that Hecky's had made the LTH cut.

Tony,

You're not a lonely voice. We are blessed with so many food options in our area, it is sometimes difficult deciding where to begin. ECS was on my list for well over a year, but I couldn't figure out where it was when I spontaneously decided to go. Lately, I am in Evanston every Thursday for lunch, so now I could plan and map ECS. Waking up to Gary's vivid pictures certainly sold me on where to go for lunch today. Gary was influenced by your passion for Hecky's fried chicken.

Everyone here is opinionated, isn't that an understatement, so sometimes some persistence is required as well as patience. There are enough obsessive types on this board who read every post and put things on their culinary wish list. There are so many places I personally have not tried, which I hope someday to do. For example, I have been to West Chicago exactly once in 5 years, when I got there I had to try the Mugs/Dickson recommended Mexican place By-Bys that I read about a long time ago.

Where I live there are few Chowists, so for a long while it was like talking to myself when I'd bring up local finds. Now I have George R and a few others to compare notes with and to alert each other to interesting possibilities.

We all influence each other. Just look how many people read a thread. Not only do they read, but they relay information to their friends and family. Few may post a response, though the information is used or put away for someday.

Tony, your persistence and patience was met with rave responses to your recommendation of Hecky's chicken. Just this evening, I was discussing with CrazyC your chicken which has her dreaming and scheming to get some.

Thanks!

hattyn wrote:When did Bill's start serving fries?Have not been there in over 20 years.At that time they only had chips and did not have any booths. And I think Bill's was were MikeG received some negativity for taking pictures.

Bill's is run by some Indians now - or at least it seems that way (an older Indian
woman there often taking orders, maybe her daughters or neices at the
fries and/or ghanding food over etc). Not sure how long its been serving
fries, but surely a while - good fries, my kind, thick cut with no skin and
very hot (one time I was there without much of a crowd, only a couple of
people - when my burger was ready the girl didnt give me the fries, cos they
had been sitting under the lamp for a few minutes, instead made me wait an
extra minute or two until completely fresh fries came off the line, while she
threw the others away).

And they dont have any booths - purely a carry-out spot in that sense. They
do have a few tables outside, but thats only possible in the summer obviously -
with the weather nowadays its probably exclusively carryout.

The "30s style" burger BTW - thin patties, not much meat. I like it on
occasino - other times I like lots ofmeat loaded onto my patties, and in those
cases Bill's isnt the place to go. But overall its a good spot.

c8w

c8w wrote:And they dont have any booths - purely a carry-out spot in that sense.

They may not have chairs but there are lean-to type counters anchored on the wall. I've had my lunch there with my food on the counter while standing and eating. Not condusive to lingering, though it gets the job done.

Cathy2 wrote:... Just this evening, I was discussing with CrazyC your chicken which has her dreaming and scheming to get some. ...

Dreaming is right... Scheming is not too far from the truth either. I have been on a Fried Chicken binge this week, between OT, MacArthur and Edna's... What a perfect way to round out my week with Hecky's and ECS...

Now if my boss decides to work from home, I am sure I can zip up to Evanston for a "quick" bite... Hoping and praying..

CrazyC

Note to Cathy2: Thanks for the kind words -- I had tongue somewhat in cheek when discussing the power of the LTH forum, but nonetheless we all seek validation, don't we! But persistance pays, as you point out, and we do underestimate how our words get around. I recall that a very long time ago I spoke up for Bhabi's Kitchen on Chowhound -- and got only one lonely response, and that person didn't like it very much. Now it seems that you can't go in there without rubbing elbows with another LTH devotee. By the way, some time next summer we should meet at the Botanical Gardens for a family picnic -- we always pick a spot that's as isolated as possible, so that the kids can chatter without the disapproving shhhhs. And, just to note, to avoid gender confusion, my name ends with an "i" making me female -- though there are a few male Tonis out there, one who plays football, in fact. I know there's a Shannon who contributes to this board who similarly confuses everyone.

ToniG,let your freak flag fly!

c8w,

Have you tried Philly's Best?I just checked the website and they have Italian beef.


Philly's Best
815 Emerson
Evanston,Il.
847.733.9000

i just found out Hecky's is owned by a friend's sister's best friend's dad! hah!

TonyC wrote:i just found out Hecky's is owned by a friend's sister's best friend's dad! hah!

HMMM a friend of a freind's sister. Does that make you a shill? (Just kidding, for the literal mionded).

c8w,

I was searching chi.eats and happened upon a mention of Panino's for Italian beef.The post was from 1998.


Panino's
1704 Central
Evanston,Il.
847*475*6200

I posted on this topic some time ago on the other board. (Seconding Toni G, if memory serves!) I think Hecky's is much closer to traditional Southern fried chicken (I'm a first generation Yankee; my folks are from Kentucky) than most of the heavy-crusted deep fried stuff you get in the chicken shacks and fast food places.

Even Evanston Chicken Shack, which is good, is a bit too heavy on the breading for my taste.

Hecky (as noted in G Wiv's excellent post) seasons the bird first and uses a light coating of seasoned flour. Perfect. Always to order. Often when I order, they say 10-15 minutes, but it can be closer to 20-25 minutes. Perfect for the ride from Skokie.