Duke's Blues-N-BBQ is the kind of place that reminds you what great barbecue is supposed to feel like. The food is bold, smoky, and clearly made with care -- not rushed, not overthought, just done right. It's the best around, plain and simple. What really sets it apart, though, is the heart behind it. The owner is local, invested, and it shows in everything from the food to the atmosphere. There's a genuine sense that this place was built with pride -- and that kind of thing is hard to fake. read more

I hit up Dukes on a Friday around 3. I parked in the back and walked up to the front. Nothing was going on at the time and the lady upfront kindly took my order. I wanted a brisket sandwich, but they only sell sliders. I'm not a fan of sliders, but it was served as one regular sandwich. I also ordered mac n cheese and cole slaw. The total was $23. After paying, the nice lady said that she could bring my order when it is ready because it was a little chilly outside. Lest than 10 minutes later my order was brought out to my car. The bag had some weight to it. I dug right in and ate right there in my car. I didn't care for the flavor of the brisket sandwich bread. However, the brisket flavor was phenomenal, so savory, and was tender as well. There was more salt than I preferred but not too much to ruin it. It's hard to find good bbq in this area, especially with me being from Texas. In contrast the mac n cheese needed a little help with some salt. Otherwise it hit the spot. The cole slaw tasted good and was more on the sweet side. The meal was far from perfect but I was satisfied. read more

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Let me just start by saying that this is a wonderful family owned business that contributes often to the community and really cares about the people they serve. When it comes to the food you absolutely cannot beat the pulled pork and ribs!! Brisket is excellent as well!! Keep in mind though that once they run out of an item it is gone for the day because they take NO SHORTCUTS! Everything is made daily and they refuse to rush the product to make a couple extra bucks. Duke is committed to providing outstanding food and his passion shows through! read more

Staff have better things to do other than take your Oder. I stopped on a Sunday evening around 3:30. No staff were inside and were out the backside. There was not another customer at the place or waiting inline. Nobody was eating outside. Waited several minutes at the window without any acknowledgment. Ended up leaving and decided on Mexican for the night. read more

Disappointing experience all around. One of my favorite local food influencers recommended Duke's and I was extremely excited. I thought the ribs were pretty tasty, if not a little too chewy, but the brisket was tough as nails and flavorless. I don't think I've ever thrown away brisket before but today was the day. And on a separate note, how do you own a bbq restaurant and provide people with cheap napkins that stick to your hands instead of paper towels and no wet wipes? Just a sub part experience all around and I'm floored to see the kind of reviews this place gets. It's almost as if they ran out of their normal brisket and sold me something else completely. read more

Ribs brisket beans and Cole slaw were excellent The sauce is one of the best around Corn bread dry flavorless worse I had in a long time but they don't care read more

Brisket was good Ribs fall off the bone yummy Baked beans delicious Cole slaw good Corn bread dry Would go back for sure read more

Been hearing a whole lot about this place from my Babydoll wanted to go so bad we found ourselves down the street and decided to stop. COMPLETELY UNEVENTFUL, if you have been burning wood for so long, your grills smell like smoke. Just another really bad joke for barbecue. The sides I don't know how you get zero flavor and taste in sides. They did it,I mean nothing. The barbecue sauce was pretty good however it's extremely extremely difficult to mess up that. read more

I can't wait to return to the Box Car. I'm sadly disabled so getting to you in the winter is tricky. But I'll get to you soon The BBQ was the best but the Mac N Cheese was amazing. I couldn't believe how kind everyone was, they treated me like family and why I can't wait to return there. Not to mention the music they had playing and the atmosphere of the laughs by everyone. read more

Went again, and still just as good as the 1st time we went! Ribs are juicy and fall off the bone! Best ribs I've had in a long time! read more

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A true anchor of the community. Duke's rises up (oftentimes FIRST!) to help those in need (devastating fires and other tragic events). It goes without saying his BBQ is second to none - always fresh, and delicious. We once ordered a smoked turkey during the pandemic, and it was the best I've had to date! Thank you, Duke's for all you do! read more

We stopped by Duke's on a whim on a Sunday afternoon around 1:30. My husband, my daughter and I ordered a brisket sandwich and a pulled chicken sandwich to share. The lovely woman taking our order answered all our questions and was so incredibly nice. Duke was also there and was equally wonderful. The little caboose is so adorable! There are many picnic tables available but it was cold so we decided we would eat in the car before we headed to the grocery store. We placed our order and sat in our car until it was ready. Both sandwiches were amazing. Incredible. We also ordered a Mac and cheese to bring home to our son but we each took a bite of it... family tax. Our son loved it! He was asking for more later that night. Like I said, the sandwiches were incredible... the slaw was just like the slaw I make and it was delicious. There were lots of napkins in the bag and some wet wipes as well. Such a good meal and one that I look forward to having again. Thanks Duke! read more

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This BBQ spot is phenomenal. We had the ribs and the brisket sandwich and both meats were smoked to perfection. The guy behind the counter was very patient with me and helped me pick what I wanted. All of the sides are worth a try! read more

Duke’s Blues N Bbq - Baby Back Ribs, brisket sandwich, Mac and cheese, baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - East Dundee, Illinois

The food is phenomenal and the best I've had since moving to Illinois in 2020! The customer service truly feels like down home: genuinely friendly, caring, conversational, and heartfelt! I drove to Duke's two days back-to-back from Wheeling, so I highly recommend them for best bbq in Illinois! From rib tips, to beans, to the rack of ribs and pulled pork, the meat was so tasteful, soulful, cooked to perfection & with love. You'd be remiss if you did not try it for yourself! On a beautiful Fall afternoon, you can sit outside to eat with family, friends, or alone -- either way, the food is absolutely delicious! Make your way to Duke's and feel the love! read more

Best bqq in the area. Good customer service. All around great experience. Cool area. We love the bqq read more

Duke’s Blues N Bbq - Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - East Dundee, Illinois

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Food is always so delicious and big portions. Always service with a big smile!!! Love the fact that he also donates his time, food and $ to local businesses and not for profit organizations. read more

We love Duke's! The bbq is legit and Duke is like the friendliest guy in town. Sometimes they run out of things, so you know it is good, but you can't always count that it will be there. Check their hours before you go, too! read more

Amazing food and service!!! Definitely the best bbq around. You can really see how much they love and care for what they do.

Food (Briskit)was delicious, quality and quantity was spot on, could have been a bit warmer. Mac n cheese and Baked Beans were delicious as well. Wish Duke was open more, but I sure look forward to the weekend ! Duke's is doing it right ! read more

recently had the wings and the rib tips, which were absolutely phenomenal shout out to DUKES BLUES AN BBQ!' AWSOME highly recommended!' thanks DUKE!! regards frank!! read more

Duke’s Blues N Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - East Dundee, Illinois

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we stopped by today Thursday the blonde must have been offended by my daughter and I. she was rude and short with us while being friendly to others. everyone else seemed to get chips with their sandwiches we got none. I asked for Mac and cheese and she said they didn't have it,and the next person like 2 minites later,was offered Mac and cheese. food was very good.i was really excited to come out its almost and hour drive,but sad at the service....I spent over $80.00 read more

Family owned business. Love everything g about Duke's. Great for catering needs. Food is fresh and always a great quality. Keep up the good work! read more

Not only is the food incredible, the owner is too!! Delicious BBQ, definitely the best in the area.

What a cute place!! As soon as we approached the line, I am assuming it was the owner, literally walked around and shook everyone's hands that was supporting his business. (Adults and kids!). I just thought that was super awesome. There was live music right next to it, living up to the name. We could smell the BBQ walking thru the parking lot. So good! We decided to go with the brisket sliders and pulled chicken. Both were so good! The brisket literally fell apart. Both were served with a bag of chips and Cole slaw. We also got a side of cornbread that was tasty. We had bottled water in the car, but they don't serve drinks so something to keep in mind. Be prepared to wait about 15 min for your order. Guest in front of me was a little impatient. Try them out!! read more

I love this business. The owners are absolutely fantastic. This is one of the places that you can tell really not only love what they're doing, but they also love and support the community they're in. Their food is really great and consistently good. For me, walking up to that caboose with the music playing is always exciting and great "ambiance" if you prefer to call it that. I also really love the offerings around the holidays to get smoked ham, turkey, etc. If we aren't making our meal at home for the holidays, this is the first place I go! Thank you Duke and family for all you do and keep up the good work! read more

Holy moly 5 stars aren't even enough for how fire this restaurant is. We were able to catch them right before they closed & thankfully we did. The pork sandwich the brisket sandwich we loved them so much we went back to grab another sandwich and slab of ribs. The owners are also the kindest people. Highly recommend!! read more

The great smoke smell drew us in. We had dinner reservations across town but we cannot resist this pull... we went to order ribs on Friday at 4 and they were sold out for the time being. Behind the train car where one orders there is a large pike of split wood and 2 huge smokers. The meat us getting ready for tonight. So good. Cannot say anything better about the service, music and the outdoor tables. Had some pulled pork. So good. This hidden square has so many great places, but this one is the diamond. read more

Had a rare Sunday off and have been wanting to chow down at Duke's for a long time! Met Duke a year ago, when we Smashed at Black & Gray Brewing Co. Super Cool Dude! My Son DJ and I had the Brisket Sliders, The Pulled Pork and The Rib Tips! I had super high expectations because of everything people have been telling me about their BBQ and all 3 knocked it STRAIGHT OUT OF THE PARK! Cannot wait to go back! We then finished with a new awesome Beer from Black and Gray! Fox River Lager! Get Some! read more

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We just left there & i was craving bbq. Hands down the best in town so far! They put love in those ribs, highly recommend. Everything was good. We will be back again! read more

Duke’s Blues N Bbq - Ribs, pulled pork, pork sausage, baked beans & some Mac and cheese , corn bread. - Barbeque Near Me - East Dundee, Illinois

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Came back because I was craving their tips. I didn't know they were closed because of the weather. The owner hailed me and apologized for being closed. I was promised free tips on my next visit and Duke and his dad even gave me a to go pulled pork sandwich delivered to my car (for free!) because they were just that kind and generous. My heart and stomach are crying because it really shows how much pride they have on their food and their dedication to their customers. If you're wanting some good ol' classic BBQ, please do not hesitate to visit this charming location! read more

Delicious food and amazing people. I enjoy the food everytime I come here. I recommend this place to anyone who wants good BBQ

This place is a winner! Just BBQ in all its forms. Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and smoked sausage. Very sweet sauce, beans and slaw may not be to everyone's taste but done very well. Only outside seating on picnic tables and only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our ribs and tips were for home carryout and very tasty. Reasonable prices. These folks know what they're doing and we highly recommend them. read more

OMG! We had brisket and pulled pork and even took a ribs home. Excellent food and the family atmosphere and service was excellent. The baked beans had a little sweetness to them, which was different but great. read more

Duke’s Blues N Bbq - Pulled pork, beef, brisket, macaroni, and cheese, and baked beans. - Barbeque Near Me - East Dundee, Illinois

Duke catered an at home event for us yesterday and it was outstanding in every way. The food was delicious with everything hot and cooked to perfection. But I want to add that you can't find nicer, more delightful people than Duke and his family. Once you do business with them, you won't want to go anywhere else. Great food, outstanding service and the best folks around!!!! Barbara R read more

Duke's Blues N BBQ is a whole experience! Duke and his family have mastered the art of customer service and amazing homemade food. They go out of their way for their customers and you leave feeling like you are family! And that isn't just a catch phrase - the owner is known for his outgoing personality and he takes the time to really get to know his customers. Don't be surprised if you get a handshake or a hug with your bbq! And as those of us who have worked in the restaurant business know, small businesses like Duke's are typically a family affair, as it takes the support of family (both in the kitchen as well as behind the scenes) to be able to make it all come together. And the food? You know it's amazing when you you are miserably full and still have to go back for just one more bite ... over and over again! The meat is tender and perfectly seasoned and the bbq sauce needs to be bottled and sold in stores. The sides are the perfect compliment to the main entrees - the best mac and cheese (I drizzle a little bbq sauce on top to add a little tang to it, but it's really good on its own as well) and the cornbread just rounds out the whole bbq experience! The restaurant is takeout only, with the option of a few picnic tables and a park next to it if you want to eat outside. The kitchen is in a renovated train caboose which is fun and unique and the kids really get a kick out of it! It is in downtown East Dundee by the park - there is plenty to do before or after picking up your bbq and it makes for a great family outing or a fun date! There are bike trails and a walkway by the river, as well as the events at the park during the summer and blocks of shops set up in historic buildings. Please Note: this isn't a fast food joint. Don't go with expectations of walking up and leaving with food in two minutes time. Some days it may require waiting in a line, but I go there expecting that - food cooked with love takes extra time and it is absolutely worth the wait! Also, be sure to check their hours and days open before making plans. I believe they are only open Thursday through Sunday and they aren't open late - but that may have changed. read more

BBQ food is one of my favorite foods and it is hard to find good BBQ in Illinois. However, this was a wonderful surprise. Located in the center of East Dundee is a railroad car converted to a BBQ restaurant. There is only outside seating, but it is a delight to watch them spoke the meats while eating. The entire experience was great. The gentleman who took our order was so nice and the owner thanked us for coming and walked to each table asking how everything was and again thanking everyone for coming. This goes along way. We had the rib tips and pulled pork sandwich with a side of beans and mashed potatoes. The pulled pork was incredibly tender and the sauce was just right. Each entrée came with chips and coleslaw. The baked beans were probably one of the best I had in a long, long time. They were filled with chunks of pork. This was such a wonderful experience. The only opportunity to improve is offer a few more drink options, they only had bottled water. read more

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What a great jewel! Hit this place for the first time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I'm giving it a five star review because of a GREAT combination of price point, service, atmosphere, and taste! I got the rib tips, son got the ribs (he took one bite and said, "oh this place is a keeper!"). Duke even came out and said hello; what a great vibe. Cornbread was excellent as well. PS they opened at noon, and the line forms almost immediately get here early. Do yourself favor: if you haven't tried Duke's yet, get here as soon as you can. read more

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We have used Duke's BBQ for four years when we celebrate a family reunion. Every year our family has been "over the moon" about the food. They will be disappointed if we ever deviate from Dukes. This year I goofed up the order (long story) and Duke came to the rescue within a half hour. I VERY HIGHLY recommend you try Dukes! Excellent in every way! read more

Living in Elgin I struggle to find decent BBQ close by....so thrilled to discover Duke's. I've been there a few times now so have tried both the pork, ribs, brisket and the Mississippi smoke sausage and I can't say enough amazing things about it. Highly recommend it! You won't be sorry! read more

4.5 stars with a bullet. As a KC native I consider myself a bit of a BBQ aficionado. I have been going to the American Royal BBQ contest since I was about 10. I frequently like to bike the trail the intersects downtown E. Dundee and it passes right by Dukes. When they are outside and the pit is going I can smell it a good half mile away and my mouth starts to water. Unfortunately the last several times I have went by they were not open and just had the pit going to cook for catering events. Boo! Finally last weekend they were open for biz on a sunny day and I got the chance to sample. I literally did not even look at the menu when I walked up to the caboose window to order. I knew what they had cooking from the smell. "Brisket" was the first word out of my mouth. I then posted up at the adjacent picnic table to await my plate. As you can tell from the picture these folks sure as hell know what they are doing in terms of brisket. It was damn near perfect. Succulent, super tender without falling apart and just enough sauce to bring out the flavor of the meat. Bravo Duke! The sauce itself is of the sweet/tangy variety, which is the Southern school of thought for BBW sauce. Judging by the Charley Pride and Hank Williams playing during my visit I am going to take a wild guess that is indeed where this place got it's culinary influence. I will be sure to try the ribs (another fav of mine) and some other items in the near future also and will update accordingly, but so far so good. read more

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