Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Earl's BBQ

    3.7 (464 reviews)
    ModerateDonuts, Barbeque, Burgers
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Earl's BBQ Takeout or Delivery

    Earl's BBQ Photos

    Business Info

    EARL'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Earl's BBQ

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Nerina B.

    I ordered carry out - rib tips, steak sandwich, and bbq wings. The Rib Tips were ok. Some of the pieces were tender, while others were dry. BBQ wings were meh, dry and small. The Rib Eye Sandwich, ok to nothing great, meat was ok. This place overall was ok. Wish the rib tips were all tender , it's unfortunate because they were not that bad. Loved all the BBQ sauces though.

    Brisket
    Jose C.

    I decided to give Earls another chance. The staff here was very friendly and welcoming. I ordered two orders of their Rib Tips. One with fries and another with Mac & cheese. The Mac & cheese was still just ok, but I'm really glad I ordered the rib tips. I usually go to the south side for rib tips but decided to try some up north. Not as good as the ones down son but still not too bad. The Rib tips were cooked almost perfectly, some pieces were overcooked but overall some juicy bites. They do however have some damn good tasting sauces. The Chicago got was the best. The perfect amount of heat for the perfect bite. I can definitely see myself returning more often now.

    Brisket, Mac and cheese, and coleslaw..
    Dawn V.

    After living in the neighborhood for 2 years I finally made it here. I purchased beef brisket with a side of Mac and cheese, and coleslaw.The brisket was good, the coleslaw had an interesting taste, creamy with a hint of vinegar. It was tasty but wayyyyyy to creamy.. the Mac and cheese was tasty as well. But they put wayyyyyy too much water in it so it was liquidity. The inside was a little shabby and there was a puddle of water on the kitchen floor visible to the customer. Now with that being said. Would I go back again? Yes, I hope the owner sees this as corrects the food .

    Counter
    Drake M.

    I was dropping off a delivery for my side gig when I drove past Earl's Drive Thru BBQ. So I decided to park and go into this quaint restaurant with about eight tables and bench like seating there's even outdoor seating. As I walked in, I was greeted with a hearty "Hello!" from the guy behind the counter. As I went over the menu, I noticed they had rib tips, which is extremely hard to find on the north side of Chicago so I ordered the rib tip lunch special with one side included I chose mac and cheese. The rib tips were meaty and I like that they have four sauces you can try. My favorite was Chicago Heat, followed by the Carolina. The mac and cheese was creamy and delicious. I will definitely be hitting up this place again. I need to try the burrito.

    2 item platter w/ 2 sides
    Ariana G.

    This place surprisingly impressed me. I can't tell you how many times I drove past wondering how the food tasted. The food still tasted fresh even though we ordered from Uber Eats. 2 item platter: For my platter, I chose rib tips and brisket and mac n cheese as my side. Portion sizes were pretty good and they give you alot of meat. I don't really crave bbq that much but this was so enjoyable to eat. Brisket is my favorite bbq item and the brisket here was so so tender and soft and full of flavor. They also give you alot of pickles and a side of bread that I didn't really care for. All in all, I would def order from here again especially since it's close by.

    Rib Tips

    See all

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Art W.

    Art W.

    Thank you Janna! Glad enjoyed Earl’s.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shajan K.
    58
    101
    0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    25 minutes at the takeout window for a F'n Caesar salad w chicken . Unreal timing over here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    So delicious and fresh and inexpensive! And that's just the meats! I haven't even moved over to trying their extensive shake menu!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joan L.
    0
    165
    20

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe B.
    392
    255
    2215

    8 years ago

    Looking for some good bbq check this place out! Small place but very cozy food is reasonably priced and service good.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicole M.
    364
    11
    10

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rob L.
    7
    11
    2

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ross H.
    131
    28
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa M.
    9
    359
    38

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Bought the rib tips , tasty and tender. Side order of charred corn and house salad was also very good. Will buy from here again

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Traci B.
    39
    32
    17

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John M.
    0
    13
    17

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 5 of 12

    Ask the Community - Earl's BBQ

    Anyone cater a party from Earl's?

    How tender is the brisket. Can I depend on them to always be tender?

    Always.

    Does it beat smoque?

    It's hard to say if it beats smoke. It's kind of on a slightly different level. It's worth a go for sure. I know that smoked brisket and it's awesome, but this stuff for how fast it is and how good it is. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Donuts 7,161 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Au Cheval

    Au Cheval

    4.4
    (9.6k reviews)
    8.9 mi
    $$

    Burgers were awesome. But Antonio was perfect, and went above and beyond making our dinner special…read more It was my first time in the restaurant and asked if the fries of hash was better, he recommended the fries but later surprised us with the hash comped. But that's not all-- he also came with a sunday "just to celebrate" it wasn't anyone's birthday or anniversary but we definitely were in the mood to celebrate after a night talking with him. Thanks for great service and great food, give Antonio a raise he is AWESOME

    A must visit, Au Cheval is one of the best restaurants we've visited in Chicago and it's no…read moresurprise why they are so busy. Our party of three stopped in for Sunday lunch and got seated right away, a very lucky occurance it would seem. The staff, especially our server, were all very helpful and made the experience what it was. My 9-year old had a few too many questions about the existence of peppers on the menu so our server suggested an off-menu breakfast plate of bacon and eggs. It turned out to be very well made - creamy not overdone eggs, thick/crispy/sweet bacon and thick bread. It was better than the burger, which is saying something as the burger here is as good as you'll find at any place. The standout for us was the hash with duck heart gravy. With an egg on top, the gravy was flavorful and definitely unique.

    Photos
    The cooks were very attentive!
    The cooks were very attentive!
    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash
    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash
    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

    See all

    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)
    Little Bad Wolf

    Little Bad Wolf

    4.4
    (2.6k reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    We loved and enjoyed this place we drove here after having a craving at midnight and it was one of…read morethe best experiences in the city. The seating was great service was great and food was even better at 1am !!

    The Chronicles of Ragebaiting My Brother continue…read more My brother is a die hard Chicago fan. He visited once during a college internship in 08 and decided he would move to this city. Shout out to him for doing the damn thing. Although I would like to mention it was I who named it and claimed it for myself way back in 2001 after a visit to the city for a college conference. However me and my bestie couldn't figure out how to make it happen on a 20,000 labor organizer salary lmao. So we remain on the east coast while my swagger jacking little brother paints the Windy City red. Anyway because he's so in love with this city and knows its in and outs, I often send him dubious "influencer content" of recent transplants that act like just because THEY just Columbus'd a new spot it must be new to EVERYONE. And the recommendations are often awful and likely paid for (extorted). It sends him into a rage which again - we love. My fave kind of terrible content to send him is Top 10 burger spots in Chicago. The lists are often wrong, outdated, and criminally under seasoned. Every once in a while though there is a fleeting moment of alignment and Little Bad Wolf is it. This truly may be the best burger in Chicago. Food: -Wolf burger - egg fried HARD for me -Bad burger - add egg for my brother -Bad burger - as is for my mom -crab cakes - for SIL -mashed potato- for the toddler -Brussels sprouts for the table The patties were well seasoned and melted in my mouth. I adore crispy onion straws. Beer was crisp and refreshing. Service was outstanding Perfect vibe on a midday Monday Bench and chair seating for all bodies. 100% worth the hype! The menu description is also a good way to annoy your loved ones. See pics for my friend's visceral reaction lmaooo

    Photos
    Fresh flowers
    Fresh flowers
    Shrimp Tacos
    Shrimp Tacos
    Bad Burger with fried onion strings

    See all

    Bad Burger with fried onion strings
    DMK Burger Bar

    DMK Burger Bar

    3.9
    (2.1k reviews)
    6.8 mi
    $$

    DMK is one of our absolute favorites. The food is always incredible, and the quality never misses…read more The burgers are cooked perfectly, the toppings are fresh, and the fries are some of the best anywhere. Every time we go, the service is friendly and the atmosphere feels easy and welcoming. We've been going here for 10 years now. It's a place that just gets everything right! Great food, great people, and a consistent experience every visit. Always looking forward to coming back.

    3.5 stars Attention…read morevegetarians: The fries are fried and brined with beef tallow*. You can get a vegetarian version of the sweet potato fries. We popped in here for a quick bite before husband's show in Wrigleyville. It was pretty empty what we arrived and the overall ambiance feels sterile. It did pick up with more tables while we were there. I got the veggie version of the Little DMK and the Lazy Refresher mocktail. *I ordered fries for us to split, which is when the waitress warned me about the fries. I really appreciated the call out, but was surprised it wasn't on the menu itself. Husband got the patty melt and noted that the beef tasted very peppered. Both burgers were fine. My drink was a little sweet, but overall good. Staff was friendly and attentive, but even if I were in the neighborhood, I don't see it as a place we'd frequent.

    Photos
    DMK Burger Bar
    Lamb, feta (on top), tapenade, tom and onion salad, tzatzki (on bottom)
    Lamb, feta (on top), tapenade, tom and onion salad, tzatzki (on bottom)
    Green chile, bacon, egg and jack cheese

    See all

    Green chile, bacon, egg and jack cheese

    Earl's BBQ - donuts - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...