So happy they are getting a new space. The burnt ends melt in your mouth and to be honest don't need any sauces. Rob meat falls off the bone and is delicious. You just need to take the trip and enjoy some of the best BBQ in Illinois. Buy local. Support local!

Brother wanted BBQ while we were coming back from Wisconsin - and found this place. BBQ is tricky because if you're in a remote enough area - their "good BBQ" really is "okay BBQ because they don't have access to better BBQ." But - Big Ed's does a really good job :) It's a very homey vibe as (it appears but too shy to confirm) Ed himself is there, and he's a friendly man. The variety of choice you get is amazing - and the portion size is very generous. The fam basically got one of each item so we can try them all - the full rack, the brisket, and the burnt ends. Some of these items are tricky also as, for example, brisket can be chewy and tough (and paying a premium for it makes it worse). But I want to say, all the meats were really good - I'd probably lean towards Burnt Ends being the best, then the brisket, and then surprisingly, would skip the ribs as the other two are that much better. Notably, they provide 6 sauces at each table so you get to try them all. Unfortunately, I want to say that I didn't like any of them - they felt homemade in the sense that it was unbalanced (ie: one too vinegary, one too watery, etc.) - but maybe it was just the batch we got??? I'm okay with eating BBQ without sauce though and the meat quality is good enough to do without it - but yeah, this part was a little unfortunate. Overall, would come again if in the area :)

Best BBQ in the area , friendy stuffs ,often sold out some items fast , sometimes as fast as 130 pm . Don't try their food charges,I was told less than 5 people made it ,it is way too much food ,not enough time , I watched 2 guys tried , they gave up a half way , was fun to watch tho !

The other day, my family and I decided to try out a new spot for lunch. Parking was a breeze--easily accessible right outside the restaurant, which is always a plus. Inside, the atmosphere was lively and leaned more toward an adult crowd, but even with my daughter in tow, we felt completely welcomed. Not once did we feel out of place, which made the experience even more enjoyable for us as a family. Now, let's talk about the food--absolutely phenomenal! I ordered the brisket sammich with fries, my daughter opted for the chicken tenders with fries, and my husband chose the pulled chicken sammich with fries. We each had a can of soda to go with our meals. The fries? Perfection. Perfectly seasoned, crispy, and irresistible. The brisket sandwich was a showstopper--tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It practically melted in my mouth. My husband and I also sampled some of their BBQ sauces, and they were out of this world. Each bite left us wanting more, and I'm already counting down the days until we can go back to explore more of the menu! Overall, this spot exceeded our expectations. The food was fantastic, the service was welcoming, and the atmosphere--though geared toward adults--was accommodating and relaxed enough for families. I can't recommend this place enough for anyone craving top-notch BBQ. You'll love every bite!

I need more than five stars! Since moving to gurnee in October we eat at Big Ed's once or twice a week. Have slowly tried everything, it is always amazing. Everything made from scratch and flavorful. From pulled pork to brisket to catfish and shrimp you cannot go wrong. Their baked beans and bumpy cake are my faves!

I came here because I saw that the restaurant was a repurposed Pizza Hut. I walked in and stood in line it moved relativity fast. There is a bar that served beer. While waiting they have a white board with items that are sold out with a time when they should be ready again. Since I wanted the rib tips but there was a 20 minute wait. I ordered the combo dinner with burnt ends and brisket. It comes with two sides and a corn muffin. I was feeling greedy so I ordered a third side. Mac and cheese, beans and cole slaw. The guy behind the counter was phenomenal. Joking with customer while giving them information when items will be ready. I sat down and they have six different bbq sauces to try. My favorite was the original and That Hot Ish. I was surprised by how much food they give you. The brisket was juicy and fall apart as soon as you tried to pick it up. The burnt end was tender and flavorful without any sauce. My favorite side was the Mac and cheese, followed by the beans with chunks of brisket. My eyes were bigger than my stomach and I enjoyed every bite until I had to tap out. Seldomly do I need to go containers at bbq spots, but I would have had to take a nap if I continued eating.

Big Ed's BBQ is the best bbq around and in my humble opinion ever. Was recommended them years ago and been coming back ever since. They are the standard I hold all bbq places against even in all my travels. First, everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming there. I love the family atmosphere and Big Ed's 2 sons, wife and partners and everyone working there. So friendly and remember you and truly welcome you in. The restaurant is smaller but not too long ago they opened it up a bit more which has been nice. They are going to a bigger place next year and we can't wait to continue to enjoy them there. There is a reason you should come early because this place is always popping and almost always has a nice size line which to me says a lot about how good it is. People are willing to travel for it and wait for it. Heck, I have to come about 35 minutes to get it but it's worth it! We also come earlier in the day so we can ensure we get our fix of everything and nothing sold out. Love love love the burnt ends! Moist and tender and flavorful! We get the combo platters to enjoy a little of everything. Love the brisket and the ribs too and also like the pulled pork and pulled chicken. Another thing, the sides are to die for! Sure the meat is key for a bbq place but to me the sides are just as important. A lot of bbq places have maybe one good side or limited choices that aren't great. Not big Ed's! I absolutely love the mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, Tony's Mac, baked beans, Cole slaw, sweet potatoes (on the weekend), and the corn bread muffins!! My husband also enjoys the collard greens on the weekends too. Corn bread muffins so good I buy extras for home! Not dry and flavorless like other bbq joints. Oh and the bbq sauce I love that he has a variety of like 6 different sauces he makes. Doesn't just serve generic bbq sauce like sweet baby rays so I love his sweeter bbq sauces like Memphis and Kansas City. We also love the desserts and have enjoyed the cobbler and key lime pie!! There is nothing to complain about with big Ed's bbq! My mouth waters right now just writing about it all and thinking about it. I'm traveling and wishing there was a big Ed's where I am now but nowhere compares! All the area bbq joints are overpriced and small portions for dry, tasteless food with limited options for sides and sauces. I would pay whatever for big Ed's and I think the price and amount of food and quality of food is totally reasonable! Additionally, I adore everything I see this business owner do for his family, community, other businesses, and just going above and beyond to be a good human being in this crazy world! I love his social media posts and it's clear he's got a lot a love from everyone for everyone. I love seeing all the good and positivity and humor and it just amplifies an already amazing product. Keep doing what you're doing big ed and family and we will keep telling everyone about you and keep coming back for delicious bbq you can't find anywhere else! A++++ 10/10!

I haven't been to Big Ed's since it opened and the food was so delicious!!! When my wife enjoys the pulled pork the way she did and compared it to some she loved down in Gatlinburg, you know it's good! I had the rib tips with Mac and Cheese, slaw, and corn bread. Soooooooo goooood!!! Saw some folks working that I remembered and the gentleman taking orders remembered me. It's been 4 or 5 years. Now that's great memory. The dining room was big enough as there were at least 2 or 3 parties there amongst the tables of couples and smaller groups. There was a band starting to play as we left and wish we didn't have to get home so soon so that we could listen. Keep it up Big Ed's and staff! You all the best!!!

Finally, decided to give Big Ed's BBQ a chance. I pass this place all the time and once entered but left because the line was long but I finally came back and gave it a go. Upon entering, you have the front counter on your left and then the opposite side is the dining room and a bar area. They have plenty of seating in the dining area. I found out the line moves at a decent pace. There were quite a few people in front of me, but you know I just committed to it. They have their regulars because people in line were telling me how much I was going to love it and what they get. I also appreciate that they have next to their menu a whiteboard with things they are out of, so it's not a surprise when you get up to the front. They provide very good customer service. They keep the line moving. They're friendly and cordial. I ended up ordering fried pickles, a brisket dinner with Mac and cheese and coleslaw. The pulled chicken dinner with mac and cheese and coleslaw and the brisket sammich with fries. They have a few select items that are only available on Saturday and Sundays so I may have to go back to try those. Fried pickles- I wasn't too much a fan of. Even though that's what they consider lightly breaded it's not the lightly breaded I was looking for. They still had a nice taste and crunch to them. I appreciate that they give you an ample amount of meat in your order, so it makes the price worth it. I enjoyed the brisket it had lots of flavor and I tried it with the orginal bbq sauce. I like how the sauces come on the side. The Mac and cheese is deliciously creamy. The coleslaw was okay. The pulled chicken was seasoned but it was just okay for me. I preferred the Brisket. I can see why people keep coming back to this place. Service and food game are on point and you can tell the regulars feel seen and valued.

F*ckin Awesome! I met Mrs. Ed in the dining room and she guided me thru the best of the place. How could it have taken me so long to get to Ed's?? This place was the bomb! Get in here. Trust me.