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312 Eats
Jefferson Park · American · $

Earl's BBQ

4.31,202 reviews ·Opens at 11AM tomorrow
The barbecue sauce here is amazing rich and perfectly balanced with that homemade taste you cannot fake
WHITE KNIGHTWHITE KNIGHT · 280 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

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

Family runCozyFamily friendlyQuick bite
Plan your visit
4835 N Austin Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Jefferson Park
Today11AM-9PM
Sun11AM-8PM
Mon–Thu11AM-9PM
Fri–Sat11AM-10PM
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What 1,202 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Murod Marodov
Jun 2026

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!

Murod Marodov

Murod Marodov

14 reviews on Google

Review photo by just chillin
Jun 2026

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.

just chillin

just chillin

10 reviews on Google

Review photo by Timothy Christians
May 2026

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.

Timothy Christians

Timothy Christians

162 reviews on Google

Review photo by Nicole Cottone
May 2026

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

Nicole Cottone

Nicole Cottone

49 reviews on Google

Review photo by Joshua Jones
Feb 2026

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.

Joshua Jones

Joshua Jones

89 reviews on Google

Review photo by Alexis
Jan 2026

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!!

Alexis

Alexis

3 reviews on Google

Review photo by Darrell Hackett
Jan 2026

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

Darrell Hackett

Darrell Hackett

78 reviews on Google

Review photo by WHITE KNIGHT
Nov 2025

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.

WHITE KNIGHT

WHITE KNIGHT

292 reviews on Google

Review photo by Roberto Di Domenico
Oct 2025

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!

Roberto Di Domenico

Roberto Di Domenico

8 reviews on Google

Review photo by Irene Flebbe
Aug 2025

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

Irene Flebbe

Irene Flebbe

106 reviews on Google

Review photo by Daniel Grunwald
Jan 2026

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.

Daniel Grunwald

Daniel Grunwald

10 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jordan Magsby
Aug 2025

The beans aren’t baked beans they’re pinto beans with bacon and the ribs taste like baked ribs don’t waste your time or money

Jordan Magsby

Jordan Magsby

5 reviews on Google

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