I wasn't feeling good. So i ordered carry out. I asked for open face beef brisket sandwich and salt n pepper fries. When i got home the fries were undercooked and full of oil. I called to tell them. The manager laughed like it was a joke. Asking what do you want me to do. Make it right. Duh. And the beef brisket was like eating well done steak. But all i wanted was to be compensated for my fries. Cause i threw those away and ate the brisket. He chuckled like i was being petty. I mean we pay extra for fries. They don't come with meal. I'll venture elsewhere for bbq. read more

Firewater BBQ - Undercooked and full of oil salt n pepper fries. - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Love this place! I've been here twice and it's been good both times. I definitely plan on going more often but I live about half an hour away. The pulled pork and fries is what I get and it's amazing. Everything is fresh and hot. The woman who I believe is the owner is very friendly and personable. Seems like a great employer. read more

Great food and service. Floor can be a little sticky sometimes. Prices are a little high too but the food is excellent.

These pulled pork fries were amazing until I tried the fried pickles and couldn't decide which was better. Really great food! Highly recommend read more

Not what it once was. Tonight the pork and chicken were very dry, and the guy taking orders at the register was rather rude. Yawning, no welcome, said very little, and then I had to repeat my order to get it right. I'm giving them the benefit of my previous favorable experiences by giving 3 stars, but this place is off my list. Too many places to choose from in the area to tolerate subpar service and poor food quality. read more

Had high hopes walking into this place. Nice environment and the smokiness that you'd want to smell in a bbq joint. Ordered a pulled pork sandwich combo and an order of six tips. The smokiness in the restaurant was absent from the food, which was a disappointment. The tips were tough and salty and the sandwich lacked flavor. Small servings here also. 6 tips for $7 and they really only amounted to about 5. The side of beans were good but a child would need a least two of the little cups they serve. The sweet potato fries were good and the thickness that you'd want. Over all, the food was just ok. It didn't live up to the hype or the amount of money that was spent on it. read more

Firewater BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

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There is no reason why you should wait 45 minutes for your food. Especially for cold food! This place lacks flavor and customer service skills. read more

We go here a lot and they have raised their prices. I don't mind paying more because of the way times are but the ribs we got were tough and burnt. Skimpy on the meat. We won't be coming back. read more

Very good BBQ..Coming from a BBq'r myself,they know their stuff. The jalapeno mac and cheese is pretty good. The Ribs,Brisket,and Pulled Pork are spot on the way they should be. Plus their sauces are decent as well. Kudos read more

Great ribs!!! With such an amazing ribs and a bevy of delicious sauces to choose from (even one to make the Texans proud!) this place is definitely worth a visit. I recommend the three meat platter. The employees are friendly, you get to see your meal being prepared, and the corn bread makes this southerner reminisce about home! Hahaha read more

Firewater BBQ - Sauces for days! - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Phenomenal beef brisket! Delicious bacon! Very good bbq sauce! The cole slaw, potato salad and corn bread were ok. But that brisket was gold medal, top shelf! read more

I hate being a Debbie Downer but in land of 5 star reviews, I'm bringing the 2. I believe when I came the place was called Firewater BBQ and Brew and I remember thinking what brew? They had nothing on tap and only like 4 bottles in fridge. Anyway that seems to have changed but my review hasn't. I've eaten BBQ all across the south so maybe my criteria is a little to Russian judge like for the Midwest but I gotta keeps it realz!!!! I had a 2 meat combo plate which I always get at BBQ places so I can taste a variety. I got he brisket and pulled pork. The brisket was fatty, flavorless and greasy. I honestly got more fat than meat. It appeared to be boiled not smoked but there is wood all over the place so I doubt that's the case. The pulled pork was also flavorless but with a little bit of their sauce it was ok. The sauce is on the sweeter side but not bad. The beans as a side were pretty damn good. They had pieces of meat and apple in them which is a great idea. I wished I would have just gotten a big ass bowl of the beans instead. I may have gotten here on a bad day or the young server gave me the shitty end of the brisket but it wasn't very good to me. Judging by the other reviews that seems to be the case. read more

One of the better BBQ joints in the area. You walk in and the aroma is almost as welcoming as the staff. I got the brisket, wings and mac-n-cheese, all were very good. Tried each of the sauces and they were too notch too. Will be back! read more

Firewater BBQ - Smoked wings, brisket, mac-n-cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

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Took over 20 minutes to get food. When we inquired the older blond lady told us all food takes different time to cook, like pork takes a minute. We said great we ordered pork. Then she proceeded to stand on the serving line eating. read more

As with all great bbq joints, the aroma hits you when you walk through the door. We were meeting family and honestly I had eaten only a couple of hours before. But 5 seconds after entering my tummy began grumbling. It has everything in order: order at counter: menu on blackboard, sit at picnic tables. Short wait, then tear into your rib tips, hot link, pulled pork, or the ridiculously large nacho platter that reasonably could be an appetizer for 6-8 people. The standout here is the brisket which was especially moist and tender. Sandwiches come in small and large. Have the large. It melts in your mouth. There are some nice canned and bottled beer choices and they were kind enough to let us swill pops for a couple of hours after we ate the last of our meat. Proprietor please note: I would be so bold as to say that l have not had a better barbecue meal in Illinois! So why not 5 stars? It isn't that they could improve on anything. I am not asking them to change a thing. 10 years ago I would be fairly confident that this was the best bbq in Chicago. But there are so so many new places popping up on every corner. I've been to several and this was better. Chances are though that there is better bbq in Chicago but I just haven't made it there yet. And at this point in time giving a bbq place 5 stars is difficult because there are more and more options every day. But if you are in Joliet, Romeoville, Lockport, Crest Hill do go and enjoy some brisket and potato salad and don't worry about bbq FOMO!! read more

Love this place. Great BBQ. The chocolate chip and bacon cookies are ridiculously good. Fast service and fun people.

Great food, great service, friendly staff. My favorite is the Pulled Pork Cheese fry.

The pulled pork fries are big enough for a meal for 2 or a side for for. Had the brisket it was awesome and the triple porker is amazing

The best barbecue I have had in a while! Great service and awesome food! Rd3 is my favorite. The staff is awesome!

I've been saving my #400th review for a few weeks waiting for a deserving business and Firewater BBQ won the coveted title. A friend asked me to head to the area with her for a few errands. I usually tag along if I'm free because it's a chance to explore some new dining establishments. I had about 7% battery life of my phone left, so it was imperative to find a cheap, close lunch spot before my phone died. I clicked "nearby" and Firewater BBQ was the first place that came up. Since my phone died within seconds, it was settled that this was the spot. My friend and I were both excited to try not only a new-to-us restaurant, but a brand new restaurant that had only opened a few days prior. Although we prepared ourselves for a few new-business kinks, there weren't any. They ran like a well oiled machine that had been doing this for decades. We were instantly greeted by one of the friendliest women you've ever met( I believe she's the manager or co-owner since she told us that this was a family run establishment.) She explained the menu and made a few recommendations. I went with the brisket on a regular bun with two sides (mac & cheese and potato salad) and a drink. I believe my total was around $9, which was completely fair for the amount of food that I got. Of the two sides, I preferred the potato salad. It had pulled pork and bacon in it, and was seasoned really well. The mac & cheese was okay, but not my favorite rendition of it. The brisket was so tender and had the perfect amount of smokey taste. I usually prefer pulled pork to brisket (so I really don't know why I ordered it) but this was perfection and made me change my opinion on brisket. The sauces are on the table so you can choose which one to slather on your food, and I went with a mixture of the Carolina mustard and their signature sauce. Both delicious. They will also be offering a brewery in the future, but right now they are only offering non-alcoholic beverages until they get everything set up. But even without the booze, don't pass up a chance to eat here. It's fantastic! read more

Firewater BBQ - Southsider (half brisket, half pork) cole slaw and onion rings - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

I give Three stars because the ribs are still decent. HOWEVER, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!! I have driven over an hour out of my way for their food, only because they HAD the greatest potato salad EVER! Just like moms! NOW, since they're expanding, they got super cheap and started using something even more terrible in potato salad than miracle whip! Good going! Now instead of losing .14 cents profit, you have lost my entire $28 meal and side, once a week. There goes your profit! Please, please change back before it's too late! Here I up and move from Mazon to here.....lube a few blocks away.....and you go and change the recipe! Sayanora, fire water! I can attempt to make it at home, and it's easier than driving to your shop now.....Sayanora! read more

Indulged myself on some smoked wonderfulness to help me shake the Mondays. It worked. I decided to attempt the ribs and some smoked wings. I had to get a repeat performance on the garlic fries because they are ridiculously good. I did try the brisket beans side and a homemade lemonade. Once again I was transported to a campfire in the woods with meat hanging from limbs over a hickory fire to smoke. Monday was gone and it was replaced with a weekend at hunt camp. Each bite better than the last. I may just eat at Firewater every Monday until I can retire to a cabin in the woods!!! read more

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Amazing isn't even the right word to explain this place. First time here with my family and everyone enjoyed it. My wife liked that the chicken was free range and antibiotic free so she ordered pulled chicken. My daughter followed her lead and did the kids meal of pulled chicken. My son hit up the brisket and I ordered the southsider which was brisket and pulled pork on a pretzel bun. What a great place!! Smoked bacon is a must add for $1.50. I will be back for sure and also will consider it for catering my office as well. Price was worth it for the quality of food. Not cheap but worth every penny. This place blows away baby back blues! Not even a comparison. read more

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Treat myself to this spot every so often ! Rib Tips are a hit everytime ! Sauces are amazing ! Make sure you try the Bread Pudding

Not much to look at, the food is what your there for so who cares. Tried the taco trio with brisket and was surprised with the taste and tenderness! The only complaint would be a little heavy with the vinegar, a lady in our group said the same thing with her prime rib. One of the better BBQ joints I've tried. You won't leave there hungry and prices were fair! read more

Tonight was the third time I tried them and it will definitely be my last. The first two times was pre-Covid. The ribs were burnt, dry and no sauce. The garlic fries I ordered didn't even taste like they had any garlic on them, they were soggy and cold. The macaroni and cheese was disgusting. It wasn't mixed and even after mixing, it was more water than cheese and cold. My order was put in the bag upside down. You would think for what they charge, the portions would be bigger or at least put sauce in the ribs. read more

Great place to go after work or out on a date with friends. Generous portions and the food is awesome I would recommend this restaurant for the ambiance and the food. Great price point for the portions they give you. Fantastic bartender and awesome servers. read more

LOOOOOVE THIS PLACE!!!! I always get the pulled pork cheese fries, they're GREAT! I end up with left overs too, the portion size is perfect.

Great food and service. Not so clean bathrooms. A little overpriced, but what isn't these days.

The flavors are incredible. Many sauce-styles to choose from but their meats don't even require any if you're a purist. Cole slaw was "meh". Service very nice. Will be back. 2nd visit back. Garlic fries were burnt. Pulled pork rocked. Brisket a tad bit dry but excellent flavor. Very friendly cashier (different person this time) once again. Whoever is hiring for cashier-you're doing a great job these kids working the register are helpful with information and friendly. Sweet Home Chicago Sauce is to my taste but there's a sauce for everyone-Carolina Mustard, GA, TX style and even an AL White BBQ. Tip when dining-in this place is open and drafty. So if you're dining in the winter months be prepared to keep your coat on. We will be back. Great food and experience overall. read more

Small menu, but everything on menu is delicious. Moderately priced. They make their own sauces (which are amazing!). Wait for food was somewhat long, but well worth it. Plus, they had a packed house and live music. Decor & arrangement of establishment is nice. Very friendly staff & I liked that the owner was in the kitchen cooking next to his employees. read more

Firewater BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Southern style BBQ dine very well, Located in the corner unit in a strip mall, The dining room has a nice bright open feeling, Some tables and in southern BBQ tradition picnic tables are also in the dining room. Nice selection of barbecued meats on the menu, including hot links, rare to be offered in this area. Also a nice variety of barbecue sauces to choose from for your meal. There are several canned and bottled beers available as well as iced tea (another must have with southern barbecue ) and fountain drinks. The staff was friendly and helpful. Nice selection of sides are on the menu to complement the main entree. I had the Angus brisket, it was very good nicely smoked and tender. There are several types of buns to choose from with a sandwich. There is a nice children's menu, for those dining or getting carryout meals for younger customers. One televisions was in the dining room, And dining room sound level was nice and easy to have a conversation over dinner. If you are a fan of barbecue this is worth trying out. read more

Firewater BBQ - Angus brisket, hot link and cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Very nice staff, a little midwestern and stand offish but they have this stoic charm I love. They have the best barbecue. Their chicken wings were better than most taverns I have been to in the past. I recommend the smoked bacon and the baked beans with brisket. They tasted excellent...it made me feel good to pay decent prices for excellent food for once. They are the real deal. Juicy smokey flavorful and just amazing...they are a short order place so I did not see a lot of table service. The service was more like Portillo's. It is informal and relaxing and exactly what one wants after a long week of work. read more

Firewater BBQ - Delicious!!! - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

I had a huge craving for BBQ the other day and tried this out on my lunch break. I had the southsider (pulled pork and brisket) and a side of onion rings and mac and cheese. The brisket was my FAVORITE. Just like butta! I love how they had different sauces from different BBQ regions. I really appreciated that. I also appreciated that they give free pickles and jalapenos! I think I saw that they serve antibiotic free chicken or something like that so if you're all about that, you should hit them up. I didn't write much because everyone pretty much summed it up for me. Definitely a place to try out though! read more

Firewater BBQ - The southsider... Pulled pork and brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

I was literally drawn into the restaurant because the smell of the barbecue from the outside literally made my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to try it. I ordered a platter for my girlfriend and I. We ordered brisket, baked beans, ribs, macaroni, and cornbread. The food looked pretty good, but was cold. The cornbread was dry and crumbly. I don't care how good your food is, I prefer my food hot. So I asked if my food could be warmed up. A lady in the kitchen said "this is the second time today!" She informed the other two guys in the kitchen and they were looking around dumbfounded acting as if they didn't know what to do. Then I was told they didn't have a way to warm up my food... Umm say what?!? They told me that the brisket sits in a warmer all day, the corn bread is ordered from a different place, basically nothing gets cooked there.... But they will try to warm it up. They brought us or our food.... Still cold. Huge appetite spoiler! I looked around and said to myself, "is this how y'all like your barbecue?" My friend finished most of it, trying to not throw all the food away. I left really disappointed. Unfortunately, I won't be returning. To me this place is a fraud, making it seem as if they are actually cooking the food there. Ha! read more

This was my first time here and while I'm not the biggest fan of barbecue, I really enjoyed it! The restaurant is clean and the staff members were all very friendly, greeting us immediately as we entered. The menu is posted at the front of the restaurant above the cash registers on large chalkboards. I ordered the pulled chicken and beef brisket with a side order of fries. The pulled chicken and French fries were delicious! The brisket wasn't that great. It seemed to lack flavor and it was very dry. I ordered the salt and pepper fries and they were crispy and cooked to perfection plus, the order was large enough to share with another person. I'd imagine that the garlic and Cajun seasoned fries are delicious as well. The person I went with had a huge order of ribs, rib tips, smoked chicken wings and a smoked hot link sausage. He was really impressed by everything he tried and said that Fire Water is one of the best barbecue restaurants he's been to. Our wait was a little bit longer than everyone else's in the restaurant, probably because of the half slab of ribs in our order. Even then, we waited about 15-20 minutes for our food to be ready which isn't that long. There were 5 different sauces on each table. The Sweet Home Chicago sauce mixed with the Texas heat sauce was a great combo. A little sweet mixed with a little spicy. The outsides of the sauce bottles were dirty and sticky, however. I'm not a germaphobe by any means but that always grosses me out when I go to a BBQ restaurant. I'd hope that the staff members wipe them down throughout the day. read more

Firewater BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

BBQ was excellent! Sauce selection was diverse Sides we out of this world Cozy little place Good brew line up Fab deserts I had the ribs and smoked wings as good as can be meaty tender ribs slathered in sauce. Wings smokey goodness Beans, potato salad , mac and cheese excellent. I travel for BBQ this place is worth the trip! Very casual in a strip mall with picnic tables inside Friendly and clean I would highly recommend read more

Firewater BBQ - Great BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

This place was great, you honestly leave with a belly full of some of the best bbq in the city. I got the South Sider, it had pulled pork and brisket both equally as good. For sides I got Mac&Cheese which was not to shabby and the blue and bacon salad. My date picked a half a slab of ribs, Mac&Cheese too plus garlic fries which I actually liked more then the other sides combined. One of the best parts of the meal were the sauces on your table that you can choose to pair with your food. Great place and the service was awesome, food didn't take long and the staff was energetic and really friendly. read more

Firewater BBQ - (Top) Half Slab w/ garlic fries + Mac&Cheese (bottom) South Sider "pulled pork and brisket" w/ blue and bacon salad + Mac&Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Crest Hill, Illinois

Tried this spot based off reviews. So, I'm a first timer, which I told the young lady taking orders. I ordered three pulled chicken sandwiches, 6 smoked wings, half slab of ribs, Mac and cheese, fries, and cornbread for my family. Pros: The pulled chicken sandwiches, the wings, and the fries all had a good flavor, seasoned! The honey cornbread was good. The ribs were tender too. I can't speak on the flavor because I didn't eat them. However, my son seemed to love it. The sauces are great! Cons: The Mac and cheese is noodles with nacho cheese. Also, I asked was the wings were fall of the bone tender. The young lady taking orders didn't know. She asked the manager (maybe owner). He responded saying they are tender and then turned to an employee and whispered "he's never been asked that before" as if he was offended. I responded to him to let him know I heard him. Well as far as him never being asked that question, I've never ate at their establishment. So, we're even. His next response was pleasant. Although the owner (manager) could use some polishing, he ended the transaction nicely and the food was really good. Therefore, I gave them four stars. read more

Really good food. Place is not cheap, and suddenly had to pay 10% temporary packaging fee, which was over $5 for 4 styrofoam containers. First time I have ever seen this- it's not right. read more