With a name like “Fat Willy’s Rib Shack,” you know you’ll be getting a sampling of only the best BBQ and the kind that makes the city of Chicago so famous. Start off with the jalapeno corn fritters and an ice-cold house-made lemonade and then dive into anything from the rib tips (messy but well-worth the sauce on your fingers) to the pulled pork sandwich. Whatever you do, however, remember to leave room for a serving of the New Orleans chocolate pecan pie. As for the kids, they can choose from their own extensive menu (think burgers, hand-dipped corn dogs and chicken legs) and can wile away their free moments coloring on the joint’s chalkboard wall or studying the cute pig décor throughout the eatery. Best of all, though BBQ isn’t normally ranked up there with yogurt and granola in the way of health food, you can dine easier knowing that the owners only select meats that are hormone- and antibiotic-free. As for atmosphere, the general mood at Fat Willy’s tends to be low-key, so you won’t be gawked at like a lunatic if Junior has a meltdown when you try to wipe bits of barbequed pork off his face.

Bargain Day:

None, though there are daily lunch specials Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Menu Sample:

Adult-friendly option: Half rack of baby back pork ribs (which comes with steak fries and Texas toast) ($13.95) and house-made lemonade ($2.95) – $16.90

Kid-friendly option: Chicken legs basket (which comes with fries) ($3.95) and kid’s beverage (milk, soft drink or lemonade) ($1.00) – $4.95

Additional Information:

Average wait time: Immediate seating and varying times for food, depending on what you order (though typically no longer than 10 to 15 minutes for your average entrée)

Kids’ amenities: A chalkboard wall, crayons at the table and cute pig décor

Kid-friendly service: Yes

Place to park strollers: Limited (alongside tables)

Stroller accessibility: Yes

Parking options: $2 parking available at the Kerasotes City North 14 Theatre across the street from Fat Willy’s