Bill’s Grill Smokehouse

Bill’s Grill Smokehouse grew out of a family picnic habit: Bill, a former truck driver and musician, and his wife Jorie, a former singer, opened the restaurant on Sibley Boulevard in Calumet City in 2014. The menu is slow-smoked baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket and smoked wings, with baked mac and cheese among the sides. The couple’s 2AM BBQ sauce, made in spicy and mild versions, is sold at select Whole Foods Market stores in Chicago. The kitchen cooks in daily batches and items regularly sell out, so the restaurant tells customers to come early.

What to know

• Opened in 2014 at 1050 Sibley Boulevard, Calumet City, by Bill and Jorie.
• Smoked baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket and wings; baked mac and cheese is a signature side.
• The house 2AM BBQ sauce is bottled and stocked at select Whole Foods Market stores in Chicago.
• Food is made fresh daily and often sells out before closing.
• The restaurant is open a limited number of days each week; check the site before driving over.