Tucked away at 651 Lakehurst Rd in Waukegan, Illinois, Big Ed’s BBQ has quietly built a reputation that draws barbecue lovers from all over the Midwest. With a 4.7-star rating from over 3,000 reviews, this no-frills counter-serve spot proves you don’t need fancy decor to serve unforgettable food.
From fall-off-the-bone ribs to smoky burnt ends, every plate tells a story of patience, craft, and real pit-smoking tradition. If you haven’t made the trip yet, here are 13 reasons why Big Ed’s BBQ deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
The BBQ Ribs That Started It All
Some restaurants are known for one dish so good it becomes the whole reason people show up. At Big Ed’s BBQ, that dish is the ribs.
Reviewers rave about ribs that are generously portioned, beautifully smoked, and packed with meat on both sides of the bone.
Unlike spots that rely on heavy salt to fake flavor, Big Ed’s keeps things balanced. The seasoning works with the smoke, not against it, creating a bite that actually tastes like real barbecue craftsmanship.
One customer described each rib as having “fall off the bone meat” that was “perfectly seasoned” without being overpowering. Whether you order a combo platter or go all-in on a full rack, the ribs here deliver the kind of satisfaction that makes a long drive feel completely worth it.
These ribs are the real deal.
Burnt Ends That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
“Barbecue candy” is how one loyal customer described the burnt ends at Big Ed’s, and honestly, that says everything. The outside hits that perfect crispy, caramelized bark while the inside melts without any greasiness.
You can tell the kitchen takes its time rendering the fat down properly.
Multiple reviewers call the burnt ends the single best thing on the menu. They sell out fast, especially on weekends, so getting there early is a smart move.
More than one person has shown up during the dinner rush only to find them gone.
Pair them with the mac and cheese or baked beans and you’ve got a plate that rivals anything you’d find at a dedicated BBQ destination. The house sauce complements the smoky flavor without drowning it out.
Once you try them, you’ll plan your whole visit around ordering these first.
Brisket Worth Bragging About
Brisket is one of the hardest meats to get right in barbecue. Cook it wrong and it turns dry and flavorless.
Big Ed’s, on most visits, nails it. Regulars who stop in for lunch multiple times a week keep coming back specifically for the brisket and burnt ends combo.
One reviewer from Milwaukee said Big Ed’s is “genuinely the best BBQ we’ve found in the Midwest” and the brisket is a big reason why. The brisket sandwich is a crowd favorite too, offering a messier, more casual way to enjoy the smoky beef.
Fair warning: a few reviewers noted occasional dryness, which can happen depending on timing. Visiting earlier in the day when the meat is freshly sliced tends to give you the best experience.
Either way, dipped in one of Big Ed’s house sauces, the brisket is hard to resist.
Smoked Sausage That Steals the Spotlight
Not everyone orders the sausage at a BBQ spot, but at Big Ed’s, that might be the biggest mistake you make. One first-time visitor who admitted she was “super picky about sausage” called it the star of the show after finally giving it a try based on photos and reviews.
The links are described as super juicy, well-balanced in seasoning, and packed with flavor without leaning too heavily on salt. The spicy sausage in particular has built a following among regulars who know to grab it before it sells out.
If you’re someone who usually skips the sausage and heads straight for ribs or brisket, consider this your sign to branch out. Big Ed’s smoked links hold their own against any meat on the menu.
They’re bold, satisfying, and the kind of thing you’ll be thinking about on the drive home.
Pulled Pork Done the Right Way
Pulled pork might seem like a safe, standard BBQ option, but at Big Ed’s it gets the same careful attention as every other protein on the menu. Tender, moist, and great with any of the table sauces, it’s a reliable choice whether you order it as a sandwich or a platter.
The pulled chicken sandwich has also earned serious praise, with one reviewer’s wife calling it the best, most moist pulled chicken sandwich she had ever tasted. That kind of reaction doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens when a kitchen genuinely cares about the details.
For those who prefer a lighter option or want to try something beyond beef, the pulled meats at Big Ed’s offer a satisfying middle ground. The Memphis sauce pairs especially well with the pulled pork, adding a smoky, tangy kick that keeps every bite interesting.
Highly recommended for newcomers.
The Baked Beans That Could Be Their Own Food Group
One reviewer put it best: “Beans could be classified as their own food group.” That’s not hyperbole at Big Ed’s. The baked beans are slow-cooked with ham, pork, and brisket, creating a side dish so hearty and flavorful it could honestly serve as a meal on its own.
The balance of savory and slightly sweet makes them the perfect companion for smoky meats. Multiple reviewers across different visits single out the beans as a standout, which is saying a lot when you’re competing with ribs and burnt ends for attention.
Even customers who aren’t usually bean fans find themselves scraping the bottom of the cup. The richness from the added meats gives them a depth that plain baked beans can never match.
Order them as a side, and don’t be surprised if they end up being the thing you talk about most on the way home.
Mac and Cheese That Beats Grandma’s Recipe
Bold claim, but one reviewer actually said Big Ed’s mac and cheese was “better than Granny’s” and described it as smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. For a side dish at a BBQ restaurant, that’s a seriously high bar to clear.
Somehow, Big Ed’s clears it regularly.
The mac and cheese has enough sauce to stay creamy without drying out, which is the most common failure point for this dish in casual restaurants. A few reviewers noted it can get slightly mushy if the pasta cooks too long, but the flavor more than makes up for it.
Regulars pair it with burnt ends or brisket for a combination that hits every comfort food craving at once. It’s the kind of side that makes you reconsider every other mac and cheese you’ve ever had.
Order it without hesitation, especially during peak hours when it’s freshest.
Cornbread Muffins That Complete the Experience
A great BBQ meal needs great cornbread, and Big Ed’s delivers with cornbread muffins that reviewers consistently describe as awesome. They’re not an afterthought tossed on the tray.
They’re a thoughtfully made addition that rounds out the whole meal with a slightly sweet, tender bite.
One group of three who visited together all agreed the cornbread muffin was a highlight of the meal. Another regular lists it among their personal staples every single time they visit.
That kind of repeat loyalty to a side item is rare and earned.
Cornbread is one of those things that can go very wrong very fast, turning out dry or bland. Big Ed’s version avoids both pitfalls.
Warm, golden, and just sweet enough to contrast with the smoky meats, these muffins are a small but meaningful part of what makes a meal here feel complete. Don’t skip them.
A Lineup of House-Made Sauces Worth Exploring
At Big Ed’s, the sauces aren’t just condiments. They’re part of the experience.
Multiple house-made options sit right on the table, and reviewers love exploring the different flavor profiles. The original, the spicy, the chipotle, the Memphis, and the Sweet Heat all get mentioned by name across dozens of reviews.
The Memphis sauce earns special shoutouts for its smoky depth, while Sweet Heat is praised for its balance of warmth and sweetness. One reviewer called the original and spicy sauces “excellent” and suggested the chipotle is “worth a try too.”
Having quality sauce options matters most when you’re dealing with a dry brisket slice or want to add another layer to already great ribs. Big Ed’s sauces are made to enhance, not mask.
Each one has a distinct personality, and part of the fun is figuring out which one becomes your personal favorite.
Cafeteria Style Setup That Actually Works in Your Favor
Walking into Big Ed’s for the first time can feel a little different from a typical sit-down restaurant. The space is a converted warehouse with a cafeteria-style ordering counter on one side and a full-service restaurant section on the other.
It’s casual, no-nonsense, and surprisingly efficient.
The counter-serve side is where things move fastest. Since all the BBQ is smoked hours in advance, your food comes out quickly without any long waits.
Several reviewers who chose the sit-down side noted longer waits, which is something to keep in mind if you’re hungry and in a hurry.
The space is clean, spacious, and easy to navigate. Families with kids, large groups, and solo diners all seem equally comfortable here.
It’s not fancy, but the vibe is warm and the staff keeps things moving. Sometimes the best meals happen in the most unpretentious settings, and Big Ed’s is proof of that.
Friendly Staff That Makes You Feel at Home
Good food gets people in the door. Good people bring them back.
At Big Ed’s, the staff earns as much praise as the menu. Reviewers across dozens of visits describe the cashiers, servers, and kitchen crew as warm, helpful, and genuinely welcoming every single time.
One reviewer noted the cashier was “very helpful with the ordering process and suggestions,” while another said the employees are “always so warm and welcoming” and that “you can tell they take pride in what they do.” That kind of consistent praise across hundreds of reviews doesn’t happen by accident.
Even during busy weekend rushes, the team manages to stay friendly and keep the energy positive. The owner himself has been praised for going above and beyond for both the business and the community.
When the people making your food clearly love what they’re doing, it shows up on the plate every time.
Pound Cake and Desserts Worth Saving Room For
Most people don’t walk into a BBQ joint thinking about dessert. But at Big Ed’s, skipping the sweets would be a genuine mistake.
The pound cake has developed its own fan base, with one reviewer calling it “a moist piece of cake, as advertised” after seeing it hyped up by other customers.
It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t try to be complicated. Dense, moist, and satisfying after a plate of smoky meats, it serves as the perfect low-key finish to a big meal.
Simple done right is always better than fancy done poorly.
Big Ed’s approach to dessert mirrors their approach to everything else on the menu: focus on quality, don’t overthink it, and let the ingredients do the work. If you have any room left after working through the ribs, beans, and mac and cheese, the pound cake is absolutely worth ordering.
You won’t regret it.
A Destination Worth the Drive From Anywhere in the Midwest
People don’t drive from Milwaukee to Waukegan for average barbecue. But that’s exactly what some of Big Ed’s regulars do, and they’ll tell you without hesitation that it’s worth every mile.
With a 4.7-star rating backed by over 3,000 reviews, this spot has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 11 AM, with Friday and Saturday hours running until 9 PM. Monday is the one day they rest.
Getting there early is smart, especially on weekends when popular items like burnt ends and rib tips sell out before the dinner crowd even arrives.
Big Ed’s isn’t trying to be a trendy destination. It’s just a place that does barbecue right, day after day, with smoked meats, real sides, and a staff that genuinely cares.
Sometimes the most memorable meals come from the most unexpected places. This is one of those places.
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