Earl's BBQ
Earl's BBQ — american in Jefferson Park. The menu takes creative swings, and lands them. Service that's warm without being over the top. Marie D.: "The pulled pork was juicy and tender even without sauce but I tried all four offered" [$]
What 1,202 diners keep saying
What 1,202 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The food and service were outstanding! Fradew is the best manager very professional, helpful, and accommodating. This was my first time here, and I will definitely be back. The beef was incredibly tender and delicious. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!”

“One of the greatest restaurant experiences I’ve ever had, the food came out in a timely manner. I ordered a three meat special with two sides, which included rib, tips, brisket, and smoked chicken thighs; With which I had the baked beans and collard greens as my sides. Everything was a perfectly warmed hot temperature, and each bit of the plate had its own unique flavor and soul to it. The food alone would keep me coming back On top of the food, being incredible, I had the pleasure of meeting the front of house chief, Freddie, Who is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, and a great conversationalist that I very much enjoyed spending time with while I ate my meal. There is a sense of neighborhood feel for the restaurant that’s very enjoyable as well. I would recommend anybody that loves a good barbecue meal to make the trip out to Earl’s and give it a go; And hopefully you can meet Freddie while you’re doing it.”

“I was in the area to view an apartment. Stopped in to get BBQ before heading back home since there is no good bbq in the burbs. I ordered the large brisket sandwich, Mac, French Fries and root beer. The brisket was very tender - all the sauces are terrific as well. The Mac aas absolutely hands down THE BEST Mac n cheese ive ever had. Fries were really an good too. And I love a good root beer! Definitely coming back when Im living in the area. Also parking and outdoor seating and a drive thru is an extra bonus.”

“Love the food best bbq in the area, did the 2 meat chicken and brisket, and the 4 meat brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage”

“I stopped here on a whim. I haven't found a good BBQ place on the far north side of Chicago for awhile. I'm glad I did. As soon as I walked in the smokey smell that hit me was perfect. The space inside isn't huge, but it is comfortable and cozy and has a good atmosphere with plenty of light and some nice outdoor seating as well. It's near a busy intersection, so it's not particularly quiet outside, but still would be a nice option in winter. The food was excellent. I'm really picky about my brisket, and this was to there for sure. Top five I've had in Chicago. Not too fatty and very flavorful. Collared greens were excellent as well... Full of flavor, but not overpowering. They had four sauces available. All were thick and tasty. The Carolina sauce was sweet and tangy, but didn't have much of the mustard flavor I like. This was more present in the Georgia sauce, which was surprising. Maybe the bottles were switched? Hot wasn't super hot, but it did have a good smokey robust flavor. All in all, it was a very good BBQ experience. Definitely recommended. I am coming back for sure.”

“Absolutely loved this spot my dad put me on to! I had the spicy Polish sausage and it was phenomenal; perfect snap with just the right amount of heat and packed with flavor. The BBQ beans were also a standout: rich, well seasoned, and the chunks of brisket mixed in were a really nice touch. I also tried the ribs, which had a great smoky flavor and were cooked just right. Definitely a place I’ll be coming back to!!”

“Ordered pick up and it was all good 👍🏾 but the collards were a little too bitter something was a little off. Wings were amazing! The rib tips, pulled pork and brisket = Chefs kiss! Looking forward to eating in next time”

“If you are looking for true authentic barbecue this is the place. While I enjoy the ribs my personal favorite is the wing and rib tip combo. The flavor and tenderness are incredible. The barbecue sauce here is amazing rich and perfectly balanced with that homemade taste you cannot fake. Everything is fresh satisfying and cooked with real care. Whenever I am in the mood for genuine barbecue this is my go to spot. I would definitely recommend Earls BBQ to anyone who has a real taste for barbecue. You will not be disappointed.”

“Been here a handful of times now and in the middle of my meal I felt compelled to leave a review of how stellar this place is. This quality of barbecue for under $40 is insane. I’ll keep coming back until I can’t fit through the door!”

“Very good BBQ and smoked brisket - a small neighborhood joint.”

“I’m not completely satisfied with the order. The brisket sandwich was very good, and that’s definitely a highlight. Unfortunately, there was very little coleslaw, almost none. On top of that, the baked beans I paid for were missing from the order. and I left a tip. I hope that next time the experience will be better, because the food itself has a lot of potential.”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More American in Uptown & North Side
See the ranking →In the same lane · American, budget
If it's packed, walk to…



More good rooms in Jefferson Park, minutes away.






