Most BBQ places will let you choose from samplers of their items, like ribs and brisket. However, here, I was forced to purchase a 1/2 slab of ribs and brisket. I wasn't looking for that much food, just wanted a few ribs and some brisket for lunch. So, after spending $20 on everything, I got my food. Brisket was decent with a good flavor, cooked nicely. Ribs were just too tough and had to be gnawed off the bone. If you have to gnaw the meat off the bone, then those ribs weren't done right! Sauce was ok though. I also got the mac and cheese. Let me just say that they need to go back to the drawing board on whatever it was they called mac and cheese. Kraft in the box is better than what I got. Consistency is key at BBQ joints and unfortunately Firewater lacks it. I have a bar set for certain foods and as of right now, Mission BBQ in Downers Grove is still #1 in the area! read more

May have found our new favorite BBQ joint! I'll start off with the sauces, there were easily six different styles of sauces, all as good as the next from standard BBQ, to Carolina Vinegar to a White Sauce and even a sweet and tangy Mustard. What's nice is that all these styles are AT the table, no need to hover around a small condiment table elbowing other patrons to try something you might or might not like. Portion size for the Three Meat combo was on point! We ordered pulled pork, pulled chicken and wings expecting it to be a sampling of sizes, but instead received three nice sized portions. A combo is more then enough for two and comes with your choice of side. Along with the combo, we ordered a half slab of ribs and they were spot on when they say fall off the bone! Each bone came out pretty easily and pretty clean leaving more time for eating and less time cleaning! Kids meals are a pretty good value as well, $5.00 for meal, side and drink and was the perfect size for our 6 year old. Pros: - Good size portions on the three meat combo! In addition to a decent amount of pulled chicken and pork, there was at least 5 healthy sized smoked wings! - A good variety of sauces at each table allowing you to find/make the perfect match for your food! - Multiple flavorings for fries, we really enjoyed the Garlic ones! - Lots of different table options from a standard four top to long family style picnic tables. - Good value for the kids meal if you have younger children. Only down sides: - Side portion of Cole Slaw was tiny, more of a single portion. Expected more with the combo order. - Three Cheese MAC tasted more like the type of cheese you'd get when ordering Nachos at a sporting event. Wasn't just me that thought it, my daughter said the same thing unprovoked. - 1/2 slab Ribs, although very tasty and easy to get off the bone, seemed small in size and in my mind didn't have the same value as the combo plate. - Kids meal portion is great for younger kids, but not quite enough food for someone that's in the 8-12 year range. read more

The best BBQ sauce ever! We love their meat, sides and my kids love their kids meals! Great dine in or takeout.

Excellent for the area! Try the burnt ends sandwich, no Oklahoma Joe's- but didn't have to wait 2 hours and drive 600 miles! Lots of sauces and options! New goto bbq spot for us! read more

Great BBQ and perfect for families. The portions are generous and the sauces are delicious. Being from the south, I was so excited to see Fire Water open in Geneva. We hope it's here to stay! read more

Loved it! The space has been revamped and is casual and inviting with seating options at high or low top tables, trestle tables for large groups, and seating at a bar. My husband and I wanted to taste everything and ordered the beef brisket, hot Italian sausage, fries, onion rings, corn bread and a potato salad. The brisket was tender, the sausage had just enough spicy, fries were fresh cut and the onion rings were beer battered and remained intact when you took a bite. The potato salad was homemade and very tasty too and everything is plated on cookie sheets which is fun and different. I give it 2 thumbs up for casual BBQ! read more

This is poorly done fast food bbq. Several of the tables were dirty when we got there and they were not busy (3 tables occupied). I had the brisket and found it lacked any flavor and was a small portion. For a side I got mac and cheese that tasted like nacho sauce. When I asked about the mac and cheese they confirmed that it was the same sauce they use for nachos. My wife tried the ribs. The ribs were on the rough and dry side and non of the sauces really helped to improve the flavors. Her beer barerer onion rings had no flavor and were not crispy. read more

This place is amazing. Came in for the soft opening and it was hands down the best bbq I've had in the suburbs, including the immediate surrounding area. I got rd3 something like that. It came with fried pickles on top, the Mac and cheese was good has a little kick. But THE CORN BREAD . Should've gotten at least 4 more than I ordered. Highly recommend this pace . And they serve beer!! read more

Fire Water BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

The staff was very friendly. Great ribs. The sides were just ok. Would definitely go back for the ribs and sauces only. read more

Outstanding food....the Pepsi is up a notch than most would like because it's slightly high on the syrup but many people like that so it's cool. The bark in these rib tips is amazing...I'm not really a beef brisket guy but I ate the fat off it it was so good...and the sauces I love bbq but honestly the Georgia mustard is to die for. Going in for bread pudding because you only live once. Oh the interior is cool too. People who do this with old chairs/tables and bad decoration make a party atmosphere without a budget take note. This is how you do it right. It's cool to sit here and smell the air of meats in the kitchen wafting over head. This place is as advertised. Best BBQ in the Chicago area!!!! Don't take it from me come here tomorrow! read more

Good BBQ and was loving it - but quality and consistency of the meals have been slacking. Before the meat would melt in my mouth, but this last time there was a ton of fat and it was chewy. Will go back for another try though as I'm hoping it's just opening woes and they'll figure it out. read more

Posting let you know how disappointed we were with our dinner that we had Sunday 7-25. The rib tips were dry tough and just not good. My wife said the cole slaw basically tasted like straight up Mayo. The onion ring were soggy. We heard good things about you place but we're very disappointed. We basically threw out all of our food. read more

Very disappointed!!!! We ordered $82 of take out food only to find out when we got home half of the order was missing. This is the second time in a row this has happened. When I called to inform them they apologized and asked us to come back to pick up the balance of the order. An extra trip there and back and they offered us nothing for the inconvenience. Fortunately, we will not put ourselves in a position for this to happen a 3rd time. read more

Went there for lunch. Extensive menu. However, as I always do, I asked the cashier what was their favorite item on the menu? He mentioned the Side items. I walked to the back by the grill and asked two gentlemen, behind the counter, what are their favorite items on the menu. Without hesitation one said the ribs and one said brisket sandwich. I asked what side item? They both said garlic fries. Since it was lunch I ordered the Brisket Sandwich, garlic fries and sausage link. All very good. I ate at their restaurant in Crest Hill this spring. Very rustic inside. Talked to the owner and asked if he was looking to expand. He said he was and asked where I was from. Told him Geneva. Had no idea that was the same restaurant as the one in Geneva until I grabbed the menu on the way out. read more

The food was good but they seem to not be aware of the need for social distancing. When my husband had a taste for ribs we chose Fire Water because they have a separate carry out entrance. So I called & paid ahead to minimize the time I would spend there & in contact with people. But when I arrived, the unmasked woman at the carry out counter directed me into the dining room where there were at least 10 customers waiting for orders, some with masks, some not. At the pickup counter an unmasked,ungloved man handed me my order &2 plastic glasses which I was supposed to used to fill my own drinks from a public dispenser. Finally, I had to go to a 3rd counter, & 3rd person, for the bbq sauce. At that counter, a customer was signing for her bill on a tablet screen, of course without gloves. What is the management at Fire Water thinking? read more

Super slow service , food is mediocre at best . Would lot recommend this place during busy hours of day read more

Very good brisket. Will be back to try the other BBQs another day. Good sides. We needed this in the area. Hopefully extend the beer offerings in the future. Great for a new place. read more

Went here on whim while driving by, def some good bbq eats and worth stopping in. We made our own sampler, and everything was really good, we would def come back. read more

Fire Water BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

This place doesn't disappoint! Just left on Father's Day and you can imagine how busy it was and the staff made everything wonderfully . Great environment and wonderful ribs. read more

Everyone seems to be from the south and an expert on bbq. I'm from Chicago and have had bbq from all over. This bbq is excellent. I'd hold it up against any, but that's not the only reason I go there. The people that work there are also a reason. Get a brisket sandwich or the ribs and try anyone of their sauces get the fries and a cornbread. You won't be disappointed. Then take a walk downtown Geneva. It's all good. read more

What can I say? Simply the best Brisket in the Fox Valley. The ribs are outstanding as well. As good as ribs get. This is a casual spot with very friendly staff. The wait is short and the side dishes are amazing read more

Best ribs and sides. Fast friendly service. Found it 4 months ago. It is my goto place for ribs.

We tried for the first time today, but weren't impressed. The pulled pork was okay, but had too much fat. The sweet potato fries were good, but I found the sprinkling of sugar unnecessary. Restaurant is typical quick service where you order at counter & pick up your own food, then bus your own table. Casual and comfortable, but the country music was way loud. Not sure if we'll return to try other food items. read more

The meat at this place is unbelievable. It literally melts in your mouth and has great flavor to it. I recommend getting the combo that comes with two sides. All the food here is pretty good. The Mac and cheese is perfectly cheesy. As for BBQ sauce, I'd say that's this places only downfall. I'm pretty picky when it comes to BBQ sauce. While they have 5 options, I'd say mixing the sweet Chicago style and the Texas heat is the way to go to get the best sauce flavor going. The two are ok by themselves but REALLY tasty combined. The Alabama sauce is good for dipping fries or onion rings, but I wouldn't put it on my BBQ. Overall, highly recommend and hope to return. Hopefully, they stay around for a while as their location has had multiple restaurants in it before that haven't survived. This is one for sure the best. read more

Great ribs and friendly service. Nice ambience. My wife and I both had ribs which were excellent. I had side of sweet potato fries - best I've ever had! Definitely will be going back read more

Really loved this place when it first opened, but lately, I have been disappointed. The quality of the meat you are getting has gone downhill in terms of lean chunks. it used to be that you get a pulled pork sandwich and it was 90% lean, 10% fat but the last few times we have been there, we have noticed that fat content going up. You really have to pull the sandwich apart to pull out the fat - it is that gross. Also, on more than one occasion, they have forgotten items when I have done carryout. Sauces, ok. But the last time, there forgot ALL MY SIDES! Luckily, I checked in the car before leaving. But when I walked in, I was polite and didn't even get a sorry. They just shoved it in the bag and pushed it towards me. read more

Came here tonight with family. Food was delicious and price was pretty reasonable. Definitely will be back.

Went to try some good bbq. What a disappointment. My wife and I had 2 meat meals, chicken & pork and brisket & sausage. The meats were dry and tasteless, though the sausage wasn't bad. Beans were supposedly smoked but didn't taste as though. You need to ask for extra sauce to help meat. We have had great bbq from across the country, this one is not one of them. Will not go again. read more

The food here is actually really good. My bad review is for the customer service and district manager. I wanted to schedule a party in the room downstairs and was provided the contact information for the district manager and catering. I've called twice and received no response. Why wouldn't they want to book a party? I guess they don't like money. I'll be telling everyone I know how rude they are. No worries. Bye. Hi Matt. Thanks for the apology. I appreciate the quick turn around on yelp. I've been calling 630 245 3881 for Karen Jensik. It's been a week now and I haven't had a response. Her voicemail says to email her in an emergency. I guess I didn't think booking a room was an emergency so I didn't email. Laura read more

I got a to go order of 1/2 slab of ribs, mamas brisket beans, and potato salad. All I can say is that it was horrible, and way over priced. I called my order in and was told it would take 30 minutes. I showed up 25 minutes later, paid, got my drink, and then proceeded to wait. There were 4 or 5 bags on the counter, which to me looked like they were for Door Dash, because I saw a Door Dash guy show up and take one. I never heard my named called, but it seemed like they say your name once and that's it. About 25 minutes after showing up, I asked a guy about my order and it was mixed in with the bags. To me it seemed that it was ready before I showed up, my name was called once, and then it just sat there. I got home, all the food was cold, except for the cream based potato salad which was room temperature, but that wasn't the worst part. For $23 I got 5 cold ribs (supposed to be a half slab, but no where near it), about 4 tablespoons of cold Mamas Brisket Beans (with no brisket and an overly nutmeg seasoned sauce (inedible)), and a little potato salad. Except for the girl taking orders, very lazy staff, minimal food for a high price, and wondering if they really make any of their own food or sauces. This place is why people laugh when you say Chicago and Barbecue in the same sentence. read more

Really enjoy this place. Been waiting for a solid BBQ place in Geneva. I take clients here often and it never disappoints. I always get the Burnt Ends...solid choice! read more

Fantastic BBQ, the service is excellent and they have the BEST WINGS I've ever had! Great option for a quick casual meal in downtown Geneva... Also, ask for the Whiskey Hill beer offering - new brewery in Westmont and it pairs well with the menu. read more

We went in for the first time and even though it was 8:45 and they close at 9 was very disappointed the girl started taking our order and someone come up to her and said we are not taking any more orders pretty said when there was others head of us that was wait it for there food read more

Some of the best barbecue I've had recently. The pickle chips are something i did not think I would like but they were absolutely delicious. The brisket and chicken are both great as well. Very friendly staff and a great enviorenment read more

First visit was clunky as they were new, second visit was a lot better, now the place is doing well, wings are amazing, very unique flavor profile, their custom sauces are a nice touch, burger is absolutely amazing, one thing they need to rethink is their soft drink portfolio offering, especially iced tea - a true barbecue place needs a true real freshly brewed iced tea (both sweet and unsweetened), not a Pepsi machine running a sirup line, There are a lot better options, even Lipton has really nice freshly brewed options, but this restaurant could Jazz it up and offer Tazo or something youthful and fresh or continue with their convenience store look...also need a lot better Ketchup people...US Foods brand ketchup is gross...get something unique like Sir Kensington's or something organic...just saying read more

Me and my wife went there last Friday ordered carry out. 3 meat plate, Rib tips and a sandwich south sides. The place was very busy told my it must be good since they are this busy. Got home looked at the food and I knew I just got taken. Rib tips were badly burned and dry. Brisket looked as it was cooked in the oven no smoke ring and very dry. Pulled pork was so over cooked it was mush. This was the worst bbq I've ever had, never going there again. read more

Really hope these guys stick - went during soft opening and some items were not available, but what they had was really good - like the casual atmosphere. read more

Great BBQ at a great price. Excellent experience. If you like fine smoked meats, this is the place to go! read more

Delish! Finally a bbq place in the tri-cities. Pulled pork, sliced brisket, fried pickles, and potato salad were our faves! Will definitely be back for more! read more

I was very excited to have a bbq place in town, but after trying it i was a little disappointed. The brisket portion was very small and nearly half of it was fat. The pulled pork was average, consistency was mushy. The jumbo wings were ok. No buffalo sauce for them. I will be going to Steamboat BBQ in Wheaton, still the best in the west burbs! read more

Fire Water BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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