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    Big Ed's BBQ

    4.6 (884 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Burgers, Soup
    Closed Closed

    Big Ed's BBQ Photos

    BIG ED'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Dining room with queue
    James A.

    Originally opening in North Chicago in 2008, and moving to Waukegan (in the old Lakehurst shopping center complex) in 2012, Big Ed's BBQ moved to its current location (used to be a banquet hall) in 2025. I got a large carryout order from them 5 years ago at their old location, and thought the food was OK. The experience this time was much better, mainly because we dined in their new large location, obviously remodeled to handle large groups looking for large amounts of BBQ. When I was growing up in this area, there were a few tried and true barbeque places where we would occasionally get decent bbq (mostly ribs and tips). Consistency was the problem: one time the rib tips would be amazing, other times it would be old and dried. It seems like Big Ed's has solved this by being consistent across all of the major meats (chicken, pork, beef), not running out, and it being decent. Seven of us came without a reservation at 11am, right when it opened. One stands in line to place and pay for your order, and once ready, it will be brought out to you. There is an area to with utensils, ice water fill up, and to-go containers. Each table has a set of 4 barbeque sauces as well to share. The food came soon after. -- Can of soda was $1.99, with bottled water being $5.38, and bottles of Modelo ($6.25). -- half pound of shredded chicken ($15.99) which was OK, -- half pound of pulled pork ($15.49) which was good. -- half pound of burnt ends ($17.99), nice moist pieces of chopped brisket -- half dozen muffins ($6.99), very good -- half pound of brisket, sliced from the flat end. decent -- 32 oz (Large) mac and cheese ($20.99) - a popular choice. -- 32 oz (Large) sweet potato ($20.99) - probably should have gotten the small, but for the people who ate it, they enjoyed it -- mini rib tip ($11.99) which came with fries. This is a good deal, though the fries already tasted old. It's a really large dining space, seating for groups of all sizes. It's is self bussing, with use of real silverware and serving dishes. The set-up here is really smart, not having that many employees since a customer can get what he/she wants once the food is delivered, and don't have to wait for anybody. I would have loved a place like this when I was going to high school here, and definitely had a touch of nostalgia when I saw a plaque from the local high school (my alma mater), thanking Big Ed's for his support of their school.

    Store front, BBQ time!
    David Z.

    Was looking forward to grabbing some burnt ends, unfortunately like with a lot of family BBQ businesses you must plan to get early as they were out of burnt ends and chicken before 4 pm. So with that settled for the brisket dinner which comes with two sides and a corn muffin to enjoy. Service was fast and friendly. They have a handful of sodas along with some beer (had corona and modelo special today). Good was out quickly. Brisket was on the drier side, but the sides were amazingly delicious!! Good sauce selection and a bit on the thin side so be careful when dispensing your favorite BBQ sauce within your meal. Casual vibe with TVs in the back ground (no volume or CC) and music lightly playing not to overpower the conversation with friends. Dine in or take out, good option to meet your BBQ needs!

    Fermin V.

    The food was great. We went around dinner time on a Saturday and they were out of a lot of meats. But we tried Big Ed's combo, we got the Ribs and the catfish. The catfish was a good size piece and 4 baby back ribs. The meal also comes with 2 sides, the mac n cheese was delicious and the wife enjoyed her sweet potatoes. The service was good. Only one man preparing the food for the orders and another working the register. The establishment is big, plenty of seating and a good size area if you have to wait for a table. Lots of tv's to watch sports or whatever is on the tv.

    Big Ed's Combo - Burnt Ends & Ribs
    Anne L.

    The food was incredible & the service was too. The food came quickly, was just what we ordered & done perfectly. You can choose either table service or cafeteria style seating. We chose the cafeteria style seating & they were super attentive on that side too. We'll definitely be back!

    Burnt ends dinner
    Ben S.

    We were in town for our son's graduation from the Navy bootcamp and wanted some BBQ. There are two sides of this restaurant, a huge dining area with cafeteria style service and a smaller bar area with full service. We chose the bar side. Jasmine was our server and was amazing. She was friendly and helpful and provided suggestions. We had the burnt ends dinner with mashed potatoes and Tony Mac, and the Big Ed's Combo with pulled pork and brisket, side salad, and Tony Mac. All the food was really good. The brisket was moist and tender with a nice bark. The pulled pork and burnt ends were really good too. They have a variety of bbq sauces on the table that were all good. I would like to try some other items and will be back when we're in town again.

    1 yr anniversary, first 25 customers receive 10% off and a free t-shirt.
    Tim H.

    Make the pilgrimage on a Tuesday and feast on a smashburger. Only day they're on special. Today had a taste for some of his rib tips. They're always delicious and I enjoy a little sweet and heat sauce. Always a pleasure to get a warm greeting from Eddie with a strong handshake and a hug. When you come by it's impossible not to notice the amazing mural that was recently added to the northside of the building. The Tony Mac and lawd have mercy beans are a favorite. Dinner prices include two sides and a cornbread muffin and can easily make a second meal but lately I have been gorging myself as I wasn't gonna make it home in 2 hours and certainly wouldn't want it to go to waste. Burnt ends are another favorite and typically sell out by dinner. The new bar area is so nice and cafeteria style dining room is large enough for the biggest group imaginable. Dedicated to-go order section too.

    Dan S.

    We had heard about Big Ed's BBQ for years and always planned to make the trip. We finally committed -- and we were not disappointed. The venue is large with a good sized parking lot. Walking in, you expect it to be spacious, and the main restaurant area delivers that. I believe the dining area is only a portion of the building, as they appear to have event rooms and additional space as well. There was a large line to order when we arrived, which told me right away this place was worth the wait. Our family collectively ordered brisket, rib tips, fries, Mac and cheese, chicken strips, peach cobbler and key lime pie. Not a single item missed. The brisket and rib tips were well made with bold, strong flavor. The fries, chicken strips and Mac and cheese were all equally impressive. My wife loved the key lime pie and the peach cobbler was a standout for me personally. Zero complaints on the food. The one thing I will note is that next time we would likely order ahead and pick up. The line took about 25 minutes, which was absolutely worth it for a first visit -- but now that we know how good it is, we would rather skip the wait and get straight to eating. Highly recommend. Big Ed's lived up to every bit of the hype.

    Mechelyn H.

    Delicious food, great service and wonderful spacious dining experience. We found this place by accident. We were in the area and decided to stop in. We're so happy we did. We didn't want to eat too much so we shared a combo tray. The chicken was good, not a juicy as we wanted. The brisket was ok. The best part was all the sauces to choose from along with the macaroni and cheese. We wanted collard greens and sweet potato but those are only served during the weekend. Overall, it was a good experience. I would go back again if we ever return to Illinois. The chef happens to know a lot of famous people. When you walk in, you will see all his photos with them. If you want some delicious sauces along with tons of options for BBQ, this is the place. Try it, you might like it.

    Rib dinner with mac & cheese, corn bread muffin, and the amazingly named "Lawd Ham Mercy" Beans!
    Jim H.

    I read the reviews about big Ed's and I concur with the majority of positive reviews. This is some amazing barbecue. And it's in Illinois to boot. When I arrived at the bar I was greeted promptly and provided drink and food menus. Two TVs playing sports were above the bar and there was music being pumped in on a decent sound system. The only downside was that they were out of a significant number of meats including brisket, pork, and burnt ends. That made me very sad. Not all was lost however. I ordered the rib dinner with a side of mac & cheese and the Lawd Ham Mercy beans. This was accompanied by a cornbread muffin. Before it arrived the bartender provided me with a delicious margarita that was well-made along with six bottles of amazing barbecue sauce for me to try. My tray of barbecue came out shortly after my order and I dug right in. It was simply put delicious. The ribs had a nice smoke ring and were very meaty. In fact some of the medias ribs I've ever had for pork ribs. I dabbled with the original sauce, and settled on the sweet heat as well as the Memphis. The beans were named appropriately. They were amazing as was the mac & cheese. And let's face it, cornbread muffins are either amazing or awful and mine was the former. As I walked out at the end of my dinner I was greeted by a bunch of folks near the entrance who wished me a good evening and were kind and friendly and made sure that I enjoyed my dinner. If you like barbecue, and you're in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, big Ed's is the place to be.

    Hot links platter
    Patrick P.

    Big EDs BBQ is the best BBQ set-up, food, and service I have had since visiting Texas. Their location is huge! It's a walk up menu type establishment and the cooks taking your order make amazing suggestions. I appreciated BIg EDs BBQ prices and they offer a military discount! I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the area for a boot camp Graduation, it's close to several hotels in the area.

    Nachos were good and shareable.

    From amazing service to amazing food! We enjoyed every single bite of this meal. We ordered happy hour plus dinner entrees. The Mac and cheese was the best I've ever had! Nice place, nice people and great atmosphere.

    brisket ribs hot link mac and cheese mash potatoes corn bread
    Melany L.

    Definitely not worth going back for , its always good to try new places. Service was fast but they didnt have much options the had a whole list of things they had already ran out of which was mostly everything. Was looking to have chicken and they didnt have nun left. Ribs barely had any meat to it and most were just fatty. the fries were good freshly made a little salty. the mac and cheese was also salty and hard. The mash potatoes (redskin sour cream) were really good. The hot link was really greasy, tasted alright. The brisket was on the dryer side not what we expected. For sure over priced for these two plates my husband paid almost 80$

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    2 months ago

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    6 days ago

    Business owner information

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    Eddie N.

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    16 days ago

    Great Food, service and people! I've both dined in and called in and food was great. Only thing is I wish the peach cobbler had more crust.

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    4 months ago

    Great getting to meet the owner right at the door. Good solid bbq when your thousands of miles away from home.

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    29 days ago

    Awesome barbecue and a really great family running it. Ed's story is heart warming and he really helps lift up the community.

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    4 months ago

    Friendly welcoming active environment. Food comes out quickly, fresh & delicious! Free parking.

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    Page 1 of 23

    Big Ed's BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Big Ed's BBQ

    Is this the sort of place that will sell out of meat options shortly after opening? If we visit on a weekday evening, will we get the full selection?

    We went 10 min before closing and they still had alot of meat left

    Is there outdoor dining?

    Yes there is! There is a pavilion-type tent right outside that has 8 picnic tables I believe. Although I am not sure if they will remain out as the season starts to change.

    View All 4 Questions

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    I'll use ground chicken or turkey, and double up on the red wine. It's great served over macaroni.

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    Cantina Restaurant & Deli - Inside counter with snacks

    Inside counter with snacks

    Cantina Restaurant & Deli
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    Big Ed's BBQ - bbq - Updated September 2026

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