The Absolute Best BBQ in Joliet [Updated 2025]

In my quest to uncover the finest smokehouses this city has to offer, I’ve sampled offerings from twelve different establishments. Each restaurant brought its unique flavor and flair, showcasing both classic techniques and innovative twists on beloved dishes.

From tender brisket to falling-off-the-bone ribs, my taste buds have experienced it all.

In this article, I'll share my favorites, highlighting what makes each spot special so you can embark on your own culinary adventure right here in Joliet. Get ready to fire up your appetites as we dive into the rich barbecue scene waiting for you in our town!

Firewater BBQ & Brew- Crest Hill

Highlights
Flavorful ribs and brisket
Friendly and humorous staff
Quick and effortless service
Great gluten-free options
Beautiful food presentation

At Firewater BBQ & Brew- Crest Hill, I was greeted by an atmosphere that buzzed with excitement, perfectly complemented by the aroma of expertly smoked meats wafting through the air. The friendly and humorous staff instantly made me feel at home—who knew a BBQ joint could feel so warm and inviting?

As for the pitmaster's creations, let me tell you, the flavorful ribs and brisket were nothing short of divine. Each bite was a delicious explosion of smoky goodness, paired with just the right amount of spice. It was clear this wasn’t just food; it was a labor of love presented beautifully on the plate.

One of my favorite parts of this visit? The quick and effortless service that meant no long waits for my BBQ fix. Plus, they offer a delightful array of gluten-free options that let everyone join in on the feast without a second thought.

So, if you’re craving BBQ that is not only tasty but also served with a side of laughter, Firewater BBQ & Brew should definitely be on your radar. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the best BBQ Joliet has to offer!

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Baby Back Blues BBQ

Highlights
Amazing smoked ribs
Excellent pulled pork sandwiches
Flavorful sausages
Spicy hot links
Great sauces (mild & spicy)

Visiting Baby Back Blues BBQ in Joliet was an adventure for my taste buds! Right when I walked in, I was greeted by a smoky aroma that felt like a warm hug from a summer barbecue. I dove into their amazing smoked ribs, which were tender, juicy, and slathered in a sauce that hit that perfect sweet-and-spicy balance. Each bite was a delightful dance of flavors!

Their pulled pork sandwiches are nothing short of legendary. The pork is so perfectly cooked that it practically falls apart, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s worthy of a slow clap. And let’s not forget the flavorful sausages—the seasoning was spot-on, and they paired wonderfully with both mild and spicy sauces available on each table.

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, try their spicy hot links. They pack a punch without being overpowering, allowing the smoky flavor to shine through. Every visit to Baby Back Blues BBQ is a celebration of great food, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone seeking the best BBQ in Joliet. With their stellar menu and fantastic vibe, it’s impossible not to leave with a smile and a satisfied stomach!

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JD's BBQ

Highlights
Phenomenal chicken bowl
Generous portion sizes
Good flavor and Smokey taste
Hot links not too spicy

First off, let me just say that their phenomenal chicken bowl was a game-changer. I wasn't expecting much from a chicken dish at a BBQ joint but boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The tender chicken paired with the perfect blend of spices and sauces made for an unforgettable meal.

What's more is that the portion sizes were incredibly generous. I had enough leftovers to take home and enjoy for the next day's lunch. And trust me, it tasted just as good leftover!

The flavor of the meat had just the right amount of smokiness without being overpowering. It was clear that they knew exactly how to cook their meats to perfection.

Also, as someone who isn't a huge fan of spicy foods, I was relieved to find that their hot links weren't too spicy for my taste buds. They had just enough kick to satisfy those who love spicy foods while still being accessible to those who don't.

Overall, JD's BBQ in Joliet exceeded my expectations and definitely deserves a spot on the list of best bbq spots in town. If you're looking for delicious food with generous portions and great flavors, then you need to check them out!

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Station One Smokehouse

Highlights
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Clean location
Great sauces
Amazing meats

First off, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel like I was part of their family. The location itself was clean, which is always a plus. Now on to the most important part, the food.

The meats were simply amazing. Each bite was like a party in my mouth. The brisket melted in my mouth and the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. And let's not forget the sauces! They had a variety of options that perfectly complemented every meat I tried.

Overall, I highly recommend Station One Smokehouse for anyone looking for some delicious bbq in Joliet. It truly lives up to its reputation as one of the best spots in town for bbq lovers like myself. Don't miss out on this experience!

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Niko's Pizzeria

Highlights
Great carryout restaurant
Amazing pizza and wings
Large menu with well portioned desserts
Melt-in-your-mouth Gym Shoe sandwich
Dedicated owner invested in business

Firstly, I must say that Niko's Pizzeria is a great carryout restaurant with amazing pizza and wings. The crunchiness of the crusts and the tenderness of the meat made me realize why this place has been around for so long.

Apart from their delicious pizzas and wings, they offer a large menu with well-portioned desserts. You won't regret trying their chocolate lava cake, it's simply heavenly!

If you're looking for something more substantial, I would highly recommend trying their Gym Shoe sandwich. This sandwich will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. It's packed full of juicy meat, cheese, onions, lettuce and tomatoes all piled high on top of each other.

Moreover, what impressed me the most about Niko's Pizzeria was the dedication of its owner to keep improving the business. From keeping the store clean to ensuring that every customer was satisfied with their meal, he was invested in making sure his customers had an enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a great pizza or wings in Joliet or just want to try out something new like their Gym Shoe sandwich, then Niko's Pizzeria is definitely worth checking out!

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Skooter's Roadhouse

Highlights
Great service
Delicious food
Affordable drinks
Live entertainment
Nice outdoor area

First of all, I have to say that the service at Skooter's Roadhouse was absolutely fantastic. The staff was friendly, attentive and made sure that every customer felt welcome.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness! The bbq at Skooter's Roadhouse is simply delicious. From their tender ribs to their juicy pulled pork, each dish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. They really know what they're doing in the kitchen!

But it wasn't just the food that impressed me - the drinks were also amazing and affordable! Their selection of beer and mixed drinks was impressive, and they even had daily specials that were hard to resist.

In addition to great food and drinks, Skooter's Roadhouse has live entertainment on select nights. It really adds to the fun atmosphere of the place.

And finally, let's not forget about their outdoor area. It's a great spot for enjoying some fresh air while you eat your meal or hang out with friends.

Overall, I highly recommend Skooter's Roadhouse if you're looking for some delicious bbq in Joliet with great service and a fun atmosphere!

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Chicago Style BBQ

Highlights
Best BBQ in area
Tender ribs
Awesome sauce
Great customer service

First off, I must say that this place truly lives up to its reputation as the best BBQ in the area. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and exceptional customer service. The staff was knowledgeable about their menu and helped me choose the perfect meal.

Now let's talk about the star of the show - the BBQ! I ordered their famous ribs and let me tell you, they were nothing short of amazing. They were so tender that they practically melted in my mouth. And don't even get me started on their sauce - it was absolutely awesome! It had just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness that left me wanting more.

Aside from the food, the ambiance of Chicago Style BBQ is also worth noting. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Chicago Style BBQ a try if you're looking for a top-notch BBQ experience in Joliet. With their tender ribs, awesome sauce, and great customer service, it's no wonder why they are considered one of the best in town.

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Louisiana Barbeque

Highlights
Best BBQ in Joliet
Delicious rib tips and hot links
Dine-in and takeout available

Let me tell you, this place is the real deal. From the moment I walked in, I could smell the delicious aroma of smoked meat wafting through the air. As soon as I placed my order for rib tips and hot links, I knew that I was in for a treat.

The rib tips were cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of tenderness. The hot links had a nice kick to them which added an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Both dishes were served with a side of coleslaw that was fresh and crunchy.

One thing that really stood out to me was how friendly and accommodating the staff was. They made sure that all my needs were met and provided excellent customer service.

Whether you're looking for dine-in or takeout options, Louisiana Barbeque has got you covered. It's no surprise why they have been named the best BBQ in Joliet. So next time you're craving some delicious smoked meat, head on over to Louisiana Barbeque – your taste buds will thank you!

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Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Highlights
Daily specials
Delicious BBQ
Fair pricing

First of all, let's talk about their daily specials. As someone who loves a good deal, Dickey's offers some fantastic specials that are hard to pass up. But let's not forget the main attraction - the delicious BBQ. From the moment I walked in, my nose was filled with the tantalizing aroma of smoked meat. And once I tasted it...oh boy! My taste buds were dancing with joy! The meat was cooked to perfection and every bite was a mouth-watering experience.

Now, let's talk about pricing. We all know that BBQ can be expensive, but at Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the prices are more than fair for the quality of food you receive. Plus, their portions are generous so you definitely get your money's worth.

Overall, I highly recommend Dickey's Barbecue Pit for anyone looking for some delicious and affordable BBQ in Joliet. With their daily specials and delectable menu options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your bibs and head on over to Dickey's for a finger-lickin' good time!

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K Ribs BBQ

Highlights
Flavorful food
Clean restaurant
Great service
Close to downtown Joliet

Firstly, I was blown away by the flavorful food! The meat was cooked to perfection and seasoned with a delicious blend of spices. Every bite was a symphony of flavors that left me wanting more.

Secondly, I appreciated the cleanliness of the restaurant. The floors were spotless and the tables were wiped down after each customer. It's always a plus when you can enjoy your meal in a tidy environment.

Thirdly, the service was exceptional! The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure that we had everything we needed throughout our visit. They even gave us some extra napkins without us having to ask for them.

Lastly, K Ribs BBQ is conveniently located close to downtown Joliet, which makes it an ideal stop for anyone visiting or living in the area.

Overall, my experience at K Ribs BBQ was fantastic! If you're looking for top-notch bbq in Joliet, look no further than K Ribs BBQ. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Fireman Ted's Bar and Grill

Highlights
Live music
Great atmosphere
Delicious burgers

First off, I was pleasantly surprised by the lively atmosphere at Fireman Ted's. The decor was perfectly rustic and the friendly staff made sure to make me feel welcome from the moment I walked in.

But let's get down to business: the bbq. While this place is known for its burgers, I couldn't resist trying their bbq options. And boy, was I impressed! The meat was tender and juicy with a perfect smoke flavor that wasn't overpowering.

While enjoying my meal, I was treated to some fantastic live music. It really added to the overall experience and made me want to stay all night long.

Overall, Fireman Ted's exceeded my expectations and is definitely a contender for the best bbq joint in Joliet! So if you're in town looking for a great atmosphere, delicious food, and some live entertainment, give Fireman Ted's Bar and Grill a try!

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Longshots

Highlights
Great pizza
Welcoming atmosphere
Fun games (pool, Jenga)

First off, let me just say that I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of options available at Longshots. While they are known for their delicious pizza, they also offer some of the best BBQ in town.

The welcoming atmosphere made it easy to sit back and enjoy my food without feeling rushed or uncomfortable. And while I waited for my meal, I had a blast playing a few rounds of pool and Jenga with my friends.

But let's get down to what really matters - the food. Longshots definitely does not disappoint in this area. From tender brisket to juicy pulled pork, every bite was packed with flavor. And let's not forget about their mouth-watering ribs - they were cooked to perfection and practically fell off the bone.

Overall, I highly recommend stopping by Longshots if you're looking for some delicious BBQ in Joliet. With great pizza, a welcoming atmosphere, and fun games to play while you wait, it's no wonder why this place is so popular among locals and tourists alike.