ThreeBestRated.com
BEST RATED JOLIET, IL BARBECUE RESTAURANTS

3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Joliet, IL

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Joliet, Illinois. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

JD's BBQ - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - Food Image
JD's BBQ - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
JD's BBQ - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Joliet IL - JD's BBQ video
3+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

JD'S BBQ

(4.9 Score)
221 Ruby Street,
Joliet, IL 60435 Directions

Since 2021

Specialities:

✓Fire Starter Bowl ✓Honey Mango Jerk Chicken Bowl ✓Smoked Turkey Bowl ✓Southern BBQ Brisket Bowl ✓Steak Mushroom Bowl ✓Teriyaki Sesame Chicken Bowl ✓Teriyaki Vegetable Bowl ✓Chicken Tips and Wings ✓Chicken Tipss ✓Homemade Boneless Chicken Chunks (10 Pieces) with Fries ✓Honey Mango Jerk Wings

" JD's BBQ staff artfully prepares traditional dishes infused with exotic flavors and delectable sauces. Their menu showcases the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a masterful cooking technique that results in truly unique and unforgettable dining experiences. The restaurant gives you an aroma through the air, tempting your senses, while the perfectly balanced blend of hot and tangy flavors harmoniously dance on your palate. JD's BBQ Restaurant invites you to embark on a remarkable culinary journey in the city's heart, where every bite is a delight. To ensure convenience, JD's BBQ also offers curbside pickup as a service option. They have become regulars, and JDS provides excellent food every time. Their favorite is the jerk mango tips, and lemon pepper mild wings are always mind-blowing.

2026 Highlights: JD's BBQ has been a small, casual barbecue restaurant located on Ruby Street in Joliet, Illinois, for over 4 years. They make their food fresh daily, so some popular items might sell out before the restaurant closes. "

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review
License #LLC_07663846

Menu:

Pork
Bucket of Tips (4lbs, Meat Only) $52.00
Pork Hot Link $11.00
Pork Rib Tips $14.00
Pork Tip & Link $15.00
Pork Tip & Wing $17.00
Rib Tip Snack (Tips Only) $12.00
Tips, Wings, & Links $17.00
Chicken
6pc. Homemade Chicken Tenders $12.00
8pc. Jumbo Party Wings with Fries $12.00
Add a Wing $3.00
Chicken & Fish (Catfish) $16.00
Chicken Fries $14.00
Chicken Tip & Wings $17.00
Chicken Tips $14.00
Turkey
BBQ Turkey Leg $18.00
Fried Turkey Chops $19.00
Turkey Fries $15.00
Chicken Hot Links $12.00
Chicken Link & Chicken Wings $18.00
Beef
Beef Hot Link $12.00
Brisket Fries $17.00
Fish
Fried Catfish $16.00
Fried Salmon Bites $18.00

Contact:

(779) 888-9374 (815) 593-6047

Wed: 5:30pm - 10pm
Thu & Fri: 6pm - 12:30am
Sat: 7pm - 1am
Sun: 2pm - 5pm
Mon & Tue: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Baby Back Blues BBQ - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - Food Image
Baby Back Blues BBQ - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Baby Back Blues BBQ - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Joliet IL - Baby Back Blues BBQ video
CALL EMAIL

BABY BACK BLUES BBQ

(4.9 Score)
16200 South Lincoln Highway, Unit 114, Plainfield,
Joliet, IL 60586 Directions

Since 1998

Specialities:

✓Rib Tips Platter ✓Smoked Links Platter ✓Smoked Hot Links Platter ✓Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Links Platter ✓Ribs Platter ✓Any 3 Meats Platter ✓Loaded Pork Fries ✓Pulled Pork 1 Lb ✓Beef Brisket 1 Lb ✓Pulled Chicken 1 Lb ✓Rib Tips 1 Lb ✓Smoked Links 1 Lb ✓Smoked Hot Links 1 Lb ✓Ribs ✓Smoked Links Sandwich ✓Smoked Hot Links Sandwich

" Baby Back Blues BBQ serves pit-smoked, by-the-pound ribs, chicken, brisket, and pulled pork. This restaurant is located 9.1 miles from Joliet, IL. Ken Faught founded this restaurant. Baby Back Blues BBQ has carved out a flavorful name for itself, welcoming everyone who loves authentic BBQ and delicious sides. They believe barbecue tastes best when all the bold flavors come together, the natural flavor of the meat, the smoky taste from the wood, the spicy rub and the sweet and tangy sauce. Baby Back Blues BBQ is a kid-friendly restaurant. Outdoor seating and curbside pickup are also available for your convenience.

2026 Highlights: Baby Back Blues BBQ offers dine-in seating and takeout. They also provide full catering services for local gatherings and events. "

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review
License #74492754

Menu:

Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sandwich $7.10
Beef Brisket Sandwich $9.05
Pulled Chicken Sandwich $7.55
Rib Tips Sandwich $10.35
Smoked Links Sandwich $10.35
Smoked Hot Links Sandwich $10.35
Any 2 Meats Sandwich $12.45
Platters
Pulled Pork Platter $10.25
Beef Brisket Platter $12.75
Pulled Chicken Platter $10.25
Rib Tips Platter $10.25
Smoked Links Platter $10.25
Smoked Hot Links Platter $10.25
Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Links Platter $10.85
Ribs Platter $16.95
Any 3 Meats Platter $17.46
Loaded Pork Fries $16.95
Family Pack
Pulled Pork Family Pack $30.95
Beef Brisket Family Pack $43.50
Pulled Chicken Family Pack $32.95
Smoked Links Family Pack $30.95
Smoked Hot Links Family Pack $30.95
Bbq In Bulk
Pulled Pork 1 Lb $15.95
Beef Brisket 1 Lb $23.90

Discount:

Monday Rib Dinner Special(5pm-8pm)

Get a half slab of ribs, two sides, and a drink for $18.99

View Coupon

Contact:

(815) 254-6939

Sun-Thu: 11am - 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Firewater BBQ & Brew - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - Food Image
Firewater BBQ & Brew - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Firewater BBQ & Brew - Joliet, IL Barbecue Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Joliet IL - Firewater BBQ & Brew video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

FIREWATER BBQ & BREW

(4.8 Score)
1847 Knapp Road, Crest Hill,
Joliet, IL 60403 Directions

Since 2013

Specialities:

✓Half Slab ✓Full Slab ✓1 Meat and 1 Side ✓2 Meats and 1 Side ✓3 Meats and 1 Side ✓Pulled Pork Sandwich ✓Smoked Chicken Sandwich ✓Black Angus Beef Brisket Sandwich ✓Pulled Pork Cheese Fry ✓Grillmaster Burger ✓South Sider ✓Tailgate Chicken Sammy ✓Smokehouse Salad ✓Hand Cut Fries ✓Cornbread ✓3 Cheese Mac ✓Brisket Beans ✓Creamy Slaw ✓Bacon Potato Salad ✓Fried Pickle Chips

" Firewater BBQ & Brew is all about Southern-style BBQ, great flavors and friendly service which has made it one of the best BBQ places in the city. This restaurant is located 2.8 miles from Joliet. Their staff is friendly and provides fast service. Enjoy their tender Baby Back Ribs, full of smoky flavor. If you’re gluten-sensitive, they have options like Brisket, Pork, Pulled Chicken, Ribs, and Bacon that are all gluten-free. Firewater BBQ & Brew is a kid-friendly restaurant. For the full BBQ experience, go for the Backyard BBQ Package where you can choose slow-smoked pulled pork or pulled chicken with homemade sides. You can surprise your loved ones with their gift cards. They also have locations in Geneva, Elmhurst, and Lombard.

2026 Highlights: Firewater BBQ & Brew Crest Hill makes catering easy for office lunches, parties, and group events of 20+ people with their slow-smoked meats and scratch-made sides. "

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review
License #69147097

Menu:

Ribs
Half Slab $18.95
Full Slab $29.95
Smokehouse Combo
1 Meat and 1 Side $14.95
2 Meats and 1 Side $19.95
3 Meat and 1 Side $23.95
Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Sandwich $10.95
Smoked Chicken Sandwich $12.95
Black Angus Beef Brisket Sandwich $13.95
Grillmaster Signature
Pulled Pork Cheese Fry $18.95
Grillmaster Burger $18.95
South Sider $18.95
Tailgate Chicken Sammy $16.95
Smokehouse Salad $14.95
Sides and Tasters
Hand Cut Fries $3.95
Cornbread $2.00
3 Cheese Mac $3.95
Brisket Beans $3.95
Creamy Slaw $3.95
Bacon Potato Salad $3.95
Fried Pickle Chips $3.95
Sweet Potato Fries $3.95

Contact:

(815) 729-9755 (214) 748-3647

Mon-Sun: 11am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Video

Write a Review for Firewater BBQ & Brew

Our Review Process:

  • All reviews matter:We publish both positive and negative reviews to provide a balanced perspective.
  • No censorship: Businesses cannot pay to remove or modify negative reviews.
  • Verification process: All reviews are checked for authenticity and compliance with our community guidelines before publication.
  • Fair representation: We display reviews of all ratings (1–5 stars) to help users make informed decisions.
  • Independence: We are not affiliated with the businesses we review and receive no compensation for favorable ratings.

Your honest opinion helps others make better choices. Whether your experience was excellent, average, or disappointing, we want to hear from you. For more details, check Community Review Guidelines.

Contact Business

JD'S BBQ REVIEWS

We just ordered from JD's for the first time to try something new for dinner and we will definitely be back! The rib tips were good, but their honey mango jerk chicken bowl was phenomenal! Portion sizes were more than fair. We got two meals and the bowl and split with our two teen boys. There was still some of the bowl we were able to save as leftovers. Thank you for the fantastic meal.

Tips were good. I ordered the 4lb bucket. They have good flavor and Smokey taste. I also ordered the hot links . I’m they aren’t too hot. I’ll definitely be back to enjoy something else.

Ordered the rib tips, they came with fries, cole slaw and a slice of bread. Grubhub delivered it quickly, it was still hot (at 2am!), and tasted fresh. Excellent portion size for the price and still great quality. I would definitely order again.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

To share your experience, click here or send it to reviews@threebestrated.com.

We will display both positive and negative reviews. All submitted reviews are published after verification for authenticity and compliance with our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Community Review Guidelines.

BABY BACK BLUES BBQ REVIEWS

Great little BBQ restaurant that has been around for many years, serving some of the best barbecue in the area. The restaurant is small with just a few tables and is mostly carry out. The ribs are served dry and you get to pick from only 3 different sauces. The ribs were very soft & moist, they just fell of the bone. The brisket was delicious, and it had just the right amount of fat. The pulled pork was slightly on the fatty side and the portion was slightly on the small side. Their sides like the mac & cheese, green beans and mashed potatoes, were also good. I'll have to come back and try some of the other items, like the smoke sausage.

Just had a really great meal here. Ordered the 3 meat platter with pulled pork, brisket, and mild links. Everything was great, but the smoked links were the best I've ever had. Customer service was great, too. When I first received my food, the meal wasn't exactly what I ordered. They corrected it quickly to get me the correct items and really went overboard with generous portions. Thanks for the great lunch.

Best BBQ in Plainfield. True test of good BBQ is when no sauce is required. Never disappoints from brisket to fall off the bone ribs.

FIREWATER BBQ & BREW REVIEWS

I was pleasantly surprised by the food, service and atmosphere! The mac and cheese could’ve benefited from a little more cheese but my bbq rib tips were very tender. I enjoyed all of the trimmings that came along with my meal! The staff was very nice and I will definitely return whenever I’m in the area again.

This was a really great restaurant. The food is made to perfection, especially the pulled pork. The people who worked here were very kind and funny. Overall I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to eat BBQ.

The food was delicious. The ribs are some of best iv tasted. The wings were great. Very well spiced w no breading involved. The jalapeno bratwurst was vgood.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

JD'S BBQ Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Business Hours: 8
Acknowledgments: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

BABY BACK BLUES BBQ Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Contact Info: 9
Location Proximity: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

FIREWATER BBQ & BREW Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Location Proximity: 9
Social Media: 9
Video: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10