So far Big Earls has the best BBQ I've had in palm springs since the gentleman on the north side of ps retired. Beautfully seasoned tender baby backs, melt in your mouth brisket, AMAZING sausage. Nice vinegary collards. Solid cornbread. I wish he had some amazing Mac n cheese or other sides I like. That's the reason for taking one star away. I don't mind the bar. I just wish I curls order booze from the same waitress as my bvq. That split diminishes the experience. Nevertheless, service was attentive and the dive bar crowd was friendly and diverse. Thank you Earl for doing a great job with what you have. read more

Humbly believe this is the best barbecue in the Coachella Valley, located in the Fireside bar in the industrial part of Palm Springs, all of the food is on point. I always get the ribs. My wife always gets the brisket sandwich and the sides are always good no matter what you pick. It's a small bar so there's not a lot of seating but the food is worth it. Don't forget to ask about any "hidden" deserts, you never know what Big E has up his sleeve. read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Mouth Watering BBQ,Great Service & attention to detail.The Sandwich's are Excellent too.Have a Drink at the Bar while you wait-or Order Online if you are in a hurry.Great Tunes on the Jukebox,with nice people.Indoor or Outdoor seating.Small & comfortable spot to hang out.Locals Secret. $15 to $30 to get Stuffed.Just off Ramon near the Airport.Thanks Earl-it was Delicious read more

Five star brisket, excellent pulled pork, perfect sides, beans, coleslaw, fries. Almost didn't go in cause girls thought the dive bar exterior looked a bit sketchy. Glad we did. Owner, chef, server a super nice foodie! I will be back every single trip to PS. Will refer to all !!! read more

Always comparing BBQ in the valley, so had to try some takeout from Big Earl's. Ordered online, drove over in 25 minutes and they had my order ready, so that was all good. Knocking off a star because this is a place I would never want to sit down and eat in. Sorry, Fireside. Got brisket, sausage, beans and potato salad. All were incredible. Sausage was spicy and perfectly smoked. The sides were well done, and I'd rate these the best BBQ beans in the valley. Brisket was tender and the sauce was great. Only downside was that it was a touch dry. Top brisket in town still goes to Bubba's. read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Hard to find. Google maps was stumped. - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

This place was amazing!!! The family had just landed in Palm Springs for spring break and we wanted some lunch before heading over to our hotel. Wasn't feeling all the chains next to the airport so came on yelp and found this place. Drove over and was a bit surprised by the out of way location, inside a very dive-y bar, but it added to the fun and adventure. The "BBQ"'banner outside the bar helped us find it. There was an amusing group of what seemed like weathered regulars at the bar, including in the smoking section outside, but they were very kind and helped open the door for me to get my kids and wheelchair-using spouse inside. Unfortunately all the tables are high tables and not great for my husband but one of the staff quickly came over and set up a folding table for him. Got lemonade and sodas ordered from the bar, and then Earl himself came over to take our orders and give recommendations. This place feels like a true labor of love. Earl was excited to tell us about the options and what was good. We got brisket sandwiches and pork (where he pulls the meat off ribs and stuffs it into a sandwich). Loved the diff sauce options including a sweeter Kansas style and a more tart vinegar style. My youngest asked about the wings; Earl said they were amazing; my youngest ate them and declared them the best wings ever. They were lightly smoked with a housemade rub and then flash fried for a perfect yet not greasy crisp. Fries were a massive portion on a quarter sheet pan. We left happy with full bellies. Though the seating wasn't super accessible, the staff helped us make it work. Bathroom was small but grab bars made it doable. We will be back next time we are in Palm Springs! read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Half a brisket sandwich and a pulled pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

The food was awesome! I had a pulled pork with 2 sides of tater salad and baked beans. Chef Earl brought me his mustard sauce for the pork. Amazing! I had read the tater salad was excellent and it was. Hubby had the sausage. He said it was tasty and lightly spiced. He'll be ordering the collard greens again. We'll definitely return. We liked the dive bar atmosphere. It's a locals place for sure. read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Pulled pork and potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Was heading back home leaving the area and wanted one last meal with everyone before heading back. Craving BBQ, we stumbled upon this little gem. Located in a comfy little dive bar, Earl runs his portion of the business masterfully. He was quick to get our orders and get them out to us. Everything was great. The fried okra was perfect. While a couple of us got the brisket sandwich and were not even remotely disappointed by its tenderness and flavor, after trying my buddy's Big Rib sandwich, I wish I had made that call because that was also phenomenal. Regardless, plates were cleaned, laughs were had, and we all walked away more than satisfied. Check it out if you get the chance to. P.S. Took Earl's advice on getting the baked beans and putting them on top of the brisket sandwich with the BBQ sauce. This man knows what he's doing. Trust his word if you're caught between choices. read more

Absolutely delicious. Served inside a bar atmosphere Comfy cozy with nice people. The potato salad is ......magic Ribs are fall off the bone. read more

Just discovered this place and I feel like Christopher Columbus! The wings were soooooo good I had to get a second order to go! Big Earl is pretty tall! read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

We were headed into town and were looking g for barbecue. Big Earl's came up with great ratings so we headed over. As Earl said in another review 'It's a dive bar' and he's right! Hole in the wall, and you have to go through the bigger bar to get to Earl's. It's a friendly place, lots of TVs and pool tables. This high point is the food. It's DELICIOUS! We had brisket Caesar salad, burnt ends and wings. The wings were some of the best I've ever had with a great rub...we didn't even need the barbecue sauces. Service was fast and very friendly. Earl served us himself. The Margarita was fabulous (and only $7). There were lots of locals, but all very friendly. Well probably head back there on our way out of town to grab sandwiches to go.. read more

Some of the BEST BBQ ribs, brisket & Cole slaw we've ever had. Great service too. To top off the good food, they have Blue Moon on tap!!

OMG--hear me out! First, I genuinely thought I was ordering from a completely different place nearby... and honestly, I'm so glad I was wrong. Best mistake ever. Second, it took me a minute to find it. I was like, "Where is it?" All I could see was a bar. Plot twist: it's inside the bar. At that point, it felt like I was about to buy secret, underground New York mobster food--very hush-hush, very exclusive But WOW--the food was amazing. Both my fiancé and I absolutely loved it. Every bite was incredible. The lady cooking was so sweet and kind--maybe she noticed I was a little unsure at first Seriously, everything was so good. No complaints, no regrets, just happiness. We are definitely going back. Mister Earl, you've got yourselves some new regulars! read more

The best bbq I've ever had! I got the big rib sandwich and my mom got the brisket sandwich. The greens were amazing too! read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Omg! The best bbq ever! So good! I got the big rib sandwich and my mom got the brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

I love this place! The pulled pork sandwich is delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been meaning to come check out Big Earl's BBQ for a long time, especially after learning that it was down the street from my office. I went with a couple of friends and the food was great. The environment was friendly and Big Earl personally came out to take our food order and to answer any questions about the menu. I had the BBQ Rib Burger and it was super delicious. The secret dessert was also too good! I highly recommend coming to Big Earl's BBQ, the food, service was great. I will be coming back. read more

Hands down, the best BBQ in the valley. Yes, it's in a dive bar. The vibe is dive bar, chill, inviting, relaxing! They have tuch tunes, good stiff drinks and friendly workers. What more could one ask for? Earl came out and took our order personally. The food was cooked to perfection. The potato salad was just like grandma used to make, and the fries hit the spot! You can tell heart and soul goes into his cooking. Everything at our table was delicious. No complaints! read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

This is a bar not a restaurant. We went for some barbecue and no one assisted with a menu or bothered with taking an order so we left.

In a funky friendly local bar. Very tasty. We tried burnt ends and potato salad as a snack. Very good! Earl is great!

Went to the Fireside Lounge to get Big Earl's Barbeque for the 3rd time. The food is some of the best bbq I've ever had- and I fancy myself as an experienced bbq cook. The wings are absolutely amazing. The best I've ever had. The brisket is tender, smoky and juicy. Although I've never smoked a hamburger patty before, I will now. The patty was thick and juicy with a great smoke flavor. This place is definitely worth a visit especially because it's located in a great dive bar. read more

This business is legit the bbq is delicious pretty much had everything there small menu but you don't need anymore than what he offers

Fun bar environment and good BBQ. Good service.. Food portions are ample and plentiful. Well be back.. read more

Yes, it might be in a dive bar, but the food is incredible. This is my third and I highly recommend only is Big Earl, very friendly and fast with the orders. I probably should deduct a scar just because of the ambiance being in such an obscure dive bar joint, but if you can't deal with that, take your order to go you'll be happy you did. Besides the cost of the drinks are very reasonable! Brisket, pulled pork sausage, and the best collard greens since Mom cooked them it's my new addiction in my food world. . read more

It was a little odd to find the pick up area but that is my only complaint because this was some of the best bbq I've ever had. The brisket has so much flavor and it falls apart. 10/10 would recommend to anyone read more

I didn't know this place existed and I did a Yelp and found it and thought I'd give it a try. So I called in my order and they were happy to bring it out curbside for me ( I am handicapped.). Order it from their website and don't get trapped using door dash from Yelp. It was excellent barbecue I got the brisket sandwich and potato salad, really good! I'll definitely be back thanks for looking out for me as a disabled too. I appreciate it read more

Awesome food and even greater service, Earl is the best. He is gentle as he is tall, lol He took something and made so much better, we did not had a great BBQ place this side of the valley, now we have the best BBQ spot in the whole CV. read more

The Brisket was tender and delicious with great sauce. The Ribs were absolutely amazing and just fell off the bone. The coleslaw and fries were really good and we're looking forward to trying the other available sides. You may order in person or online, plus they deliver. We highly recommend Big Earl's BBQ! read more

As other reviews have stated we came in and sat down at a table and nobody acknowledged us so we waited a few more minutes and left. Glad we didn't stay as it was a dive bar with drunks sitting at the bar singing at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. read more

I never would have expected that a popular dive bar by the name of Fireside Lounge would be the source of such joy to me. Until I met Big Earl. Following the Yelp trail of previous yelpers before me ..., I found this place ... quite under the radar, close to PSP and rockin with patrons it seems 24/7. I've had Big Earls food a couple of times now and I'm smitten. Brisket Sandwich - Incredible ! Chicken Wings - not buffalo flavor Chicken Thighs - WoW ! Sooooooo juicy ! This food is quality and the seasonings Big Earl uses it out of this world (!) so YES... I Love Big Earls BBQ and Big Earl himself is the nicest sweetest human you could ever meet ! read more

The food and service was great. My husband and I were visiting the area for the first time, found Big Earl's on yelp and decided to give it a try. The ribs and wings were awesome, however; the potato salad and collard greens had too many onions. If ever visiting the Palm Springs area, go enjoy some fall off the bone bbq. read more

First off, Big Earl was so nice, humble yet has so much bbq knowledge! His methods are simple but he pays attention to his techniques. Food was awesome! Everything that we ordered exceeded our expectations. It was a random pit stop but we were so glad that we picked this spot & we will be back for sure! read more

The food was wonderfully tender and smoked well! The cook came out delivered plates then return to make sure everything was good.This place has good drinks and great people hanging out. Old school bar vibes . read more

Big Earl's! Best BBQ in SoCal is in a dive bar in Palm Springs. Straight up. Brisket was fire and the sides were killer, too. A little horseradish in the coleslaw was perfect. And homemade bbq sauce. read more

Best bbq in town. I had the brisket and pulled pork. Phenomenal. My wife loved it too.

By far, the best BBQ we've had in the desert. The brisket and burnt ends weren't ready when we got there, so we just got the chicken wings, ribs, sausage, and beans. The chicken wings were great (dry rubbed, comes with honey and homemade ranch); baby back ribs were fall-off-the- bone amazing; andouille sausage very tasty; baked beans were super good (with chucks of meat in it). Everything is dry rubbed, nothing is drenched in BBQ sauce, which is our preference. Earl says he's working on some other BBQ sauces which we're looking forward to. Will be back for the brisket, which I'm sure will be great! read more

Big Earl’s Barbeque - Dry rubbed chicken wings - Barbeque Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

Ribs 2.75/5; brisket 3/5; brisket sandwich 2.5/5; sausage 2.5/5; BBQ sauce 3/5 = mediocre. Overall, a lot of the meats were dry (even the Yelp pictures support this statement), overcooked, and could use more flavor. It might be a better dining experience if I were inebriated, but I don't see myself going back. Moo's in Los Angeles, Smoke Queen in Garden Grove, and Bad to the Bone in San Juan Capistrano have set a high bar for California BBQ. read more

Well, this was a delightful surprise! Talkin' about Big Earl's Barbecue. Tucked inside The Fireside Lounge, you'll find some genuine Texas BBQ love! We stopped in for drink and next thing you know, we're enjoying some perfectly seasoned wings pared with Earl's homemade ranch sauce. We quickly realized Big Earl's is serving next level stuff. We couldn't stop. Bring on the Brisket Sandwich! Piled high, smoky, tender and succulent. Definitely the real deal. Served with a hefty mound of really good fries, it's a big meal. As for me, it's all about the sides: Slaw, Baked Beans and Potato Salad, all house made and completely delish. (None of that faux, Sysco junk here.) These are distinctly from scratch recipes and each was completely YUM! Seriously. The menu has some alternatives if BBQ is not your deal. The chicken looked amazing. Oh, the Key Lime Pie! Did I mention the service? What a pleasure! Earl is The MAN! A complete gentleMAN, that is, and this guy is as delightful as his food is authentic. And you'll soon see why the place is called Big Earl's Barbecue! ; ) Next, a word about the venue: The Fireside Lounge; On its own, The Fireside is local fave; an under the radar, divey gem that's very worth seeking out. Set in an industrial area ( ! ) not far from PSP, It's easy and relaxed. Step up to the bar and order. You'll feel welcomed - no one is a stranger here. The bartenders are engaging and efficient. The crowd is all ages and quite congenial, There's pool and plenty of TVs and a great juke box. This collaboration with Big Earl's Barbecue at The Fireside is a complete winner: Relax with an adult beverage, enjoy low key, casual time at The Fireside, with some really great food. Net-net: You'll be a very content and happy camper, and will soon you'll be planning your next visit to Big Earl's! read more

LOVED Big Earl's BBQ!! Tasty BBQ, great service, and friendly atmosphere. We were three sisters looking for yummy food, and we found it at the Fireside Lounge with Big Earl! Tried the brisket, ribs, wings, and burnt ends - all were tender, juicy and smoky. With potato salad, cornbread and greens as sides - everything was delicious, and our server (Big Earl) was so personable and a delight to meet. His food stands on its own, but the easy, friendly bar atmosphere makes this a perfect meal experience that will scratch that BBQ itch! Thanks Earl! (and save room for the key lime pie!) read more

Awesome BBQ!! Perfect dive bar experience. Watching Olympics and eating best baby back ribs , wings, brisket and burned ends. All delicious. I would come again. Many times. read more

Earl and the people who work at Big Earls are really nice and friendly but the food is just okay. Unfortunately the barbeque is not cooked like real barbecue. The meat for real barbecue should NOT fall off the bone. You should be able to pick up a rib and when you bite into it, the meat is tender but there is a slight tug when your teeth pull the meat from the bone. Also I agree with other reviews that there are too many onions in the potato salad. My suggestion is that Big Earl find master barbecue chef videos online to know how real barbecue is cooked. read more