Firewater BBQ delivers the kind of barbecue experience that feels both authentic and effortlessly fun. The smoke is dialed in just right, the flavors are bold, and the atmosphere strikes a lively balance between rustic barbecue joint and polished night out. It's the sort of place where the aroma alone convinces you you've made the right decision. And the first bite confirms it. read more

We recently tried this restaurant and the experience was a bit mixed. When we first ordered, we were told they were out of ribs, which was disappointing but understandable, so we changed the order. Then they had to come back again to let us know they were also out of potato salad. We also noticed that many of the drink options were out of order. At checkout, I noticed an extra charge on the bill that wasn't explained upfront. When I asked about it, I was told it was an added fee to account for inflation instead of raising menu prices. I understand businesses needing to adjust pricing, but extra charges should be communicated ahead of time rather than being a surprise at checkout. While waiting for our food, I used the restroom and noticed there was no soap in either dispenser, and one dispenser was sitting broken on the counter. The back area you through was cluttered with boxes and open cleaning supplies. I was really hoping the food would turn things around. The price for the food was reasonable. My boyfriend enjoyed his meal, but my smoked chicken was a dry and overall I didn't find the food particularly memorable. read more

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This needs to be renamed Fire Salt. Everything is saturated in salt. When you first walk thru the door ) 1pm on a friday) and look at the menu, you notice a lot is chalked out (see pic) that they don't have. Among items was brisket and burnt ends, which is what we came for. Place order, pay and they take your name. There were two of us, the first name is called and only one was ready. No problem, I'll wait a minute, until I noticed they were doing orders linear i.e. one at a time.. Very small portions of pulled pork. Thick cut bacon was thinner than Oscar Meyer regular cut, burnt and coated in salt. No ice tea, either regular or sweet (see pic). BBQ sauce, we ordered one sweet and one spicy, were not marked. Ketchup, which was in squeeze bottles but not at table, was up at counter. Of the six containers, all were empty. Overall, the resturaunt was unkempt and atmosphere dingy. We've been here before, however a couple years ago hack when service and food was available and better. Unless someone, either owner or employees, start to take and an interest in food and customers, this won't be here mush longer. read more

Fire Water BBQ - A lot of chalked out items. Zoom in. - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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It was my first time here and I've been wanting some really good BBQ food. It was absolutely delicious, my sister and my brother law have been here before and recommended it. If anyone wants some BBQ and is around the area, make sure to stop by here! The food and the employees were fantastic. read more

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Nah because why does Jesse go CRAZY every time I pull up for BBQ I swear I come here just trying to eat and this man chooses violence on the smoker. Brisket? Absolutely bussin. Burnt ends? Actually illegal. Ribs? So tender they basically apologize before falling off the bone. And the pickled onions + jalapeños?? Elite combo. Top tier. No notes. The vibes stay immaculate, the flavor profile is unhinged (in the best way), and the meat quality? 12/10. Certified gas. Best BBQ and it's not even close. read more

Had a wonderful experience several months ago but last two visits weeks apart were not good. They had very little food to choose from, and out of drinks fountain and brewed. I was told there were no truck deliveries (for weeks)???? and the brewed drinks the equipment broke (still broke for weeks)???? I am starting to wonder if the restaurant is closing.... read more

My husband and I ate here today and were extremely disappointed. We are always looking for new BBQ places to eat, so we gave this place a try. First online it's says jumbo smoked wings,my go to. When we arrived and asked about the wings the girl bead clueless, but they had wings. So I got the wings with onion rings. Sauces I got the carolina vinegar, being born and raised in Eastern NC, you do not add oil to the sauce. The cornbread was tasty after you get over it being cold. My wings were ok but luckily I love the flats bc that's all they have me were flats no drumettes. Husband got ribs and they were touch as nails. Felt like a dog gnawing a bone to remove the meat. Never going back! Not worth 60 we spent. ONLY reason 1 star is bc it was time with my husband. read more

Fire Water BBQ - wings and cold cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Love the little piggy logo, nice atmosphere, friendly great service! The brisket was really good and had great flavor by itself. As well as the pulled pork and rib tips. I didn't like the lemon flavor in the chicken, I feel that's more of an Italian thing, not bbq, but that's just me, the chicken was great quality. I didn't like the sausage, again because I don't like cheese in my sausage. I loved the beans, they had a kick to them. SO good. The potato salad was yummy too. The one sauce they say is spicy, it's not, but great flavor, that was my fav. They are a good selection of beers. I will be coming back. It was GOOD. read more

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I love their pulled pork fries. It is an absolute heaping pile of fries, pulled pork, and cheese and it's absolutely fantastic. Easily a full meal for 2 people! The place is never full of people and easily find a seat. Seems like they do a lot more business from to-go/delivery services. read more

This is the 2nd time we received our order via delivery that was wrong and had to take it back. Get it together. Don't offer delivery if you can't get orders right. Last time going here. Go to Nobel house instead. read more

The food is the good stuff. Hard to find a solid BBQ place and this qualifies. We tried the brisket sandwich and burnt ends. Service was nice and friendly. Potato salad and beans were also winners. Must try. read more

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Have driven past this place so many times. Decided to grab some on a Friday night. I did not connect this to the one we went to in Saint Louis. My family fell in love with the SL location. I pre ordered and paid for a feast. Whatever the one is for about $90. I of course added sweet potato fries and fries. This place like any other place. The food is always better when you eat there. The fries got a little soggy on my 25 minute drive. I still gobbled them up. For the meat. I got brisket, pulled pork and ribs. I don't eat meat but here's what may family said. I got the side of Mac and cheese and beans with brisket. These sides in the special are huge. You really don't need anything else. Unless you are vegan go fries! They would get the ribs again. The brisket is sliced. I think they prefer burnt ends. The pork they said was moist but didn't have a ton of flavor. They said it was good with sauce. This place loads you up in sauce. Overall happy with the quality and quantity. I'd probably just order meat and fries next time. read more

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Love this place. We drive about 30 minutes just to eat here and its worth it. Always have a craving for their food. My wife and I love the pulled pork cheese fries. We learned after the first time that the portions are huge and now we share one order. I recommend this place to everyone. read more

This was one of the best BBQ meals I've had in a long time. The brisket was outstanding -- perfectly smoked and incredibly tender. The chicken was just as good -- moist and flavorful with a subtle smokiness that didn't overpower the meat. The brisket beans were the best I've tasted at any restaurant. Definitely returning for them in the future. read more

I get it, prices have gone up everywhere but if you (Fire Water BBQ) raise your prices, don't cut the amount of food. Keep it up and people won't show. read more

Went for dinner last night and the experience was just okay. Spent $31 but didn't feel like it was worth it. Brisket was very thin sliced and was dry. Smoked chicken had good flavor but noticeable salty. I ordered the bread pudding for dessert but found it a little cold and very firm to the point where it was difficult to slice through it with the plastic spoon. The bourbon sauce helped but without it the bread pudding only had nominal flavor. read more

Great food,great service prices good.... If your looking for a local gem this is it personally my favorite was burnt tips.(yum) read more

This place used to be a favorite for pulled pork. Brisket has always been dry and mediocre but without a lot of choices for good BBQ in the Fox Valley, we still went once a month or so. Not any longer. The service has really gotten bad. Even if you order on line you'll wait in the restaurant for. A long time as the staff ignores you or jokes around behind the counter. I write a note to the owners after my last bad experience and never received a response at all. Go somewhere else. read more

Nice mix up meat options with a variety of sauces. Pre Covid they had bottles of sauce you could use but now you have to ask. Probably less waste but also less fun to mix and match. Fries are good. Great asset in downtown Geneva. read more

Stopped (Saturday, January 6th) after hearing about this restaurant from a few friends. The girl up front who took our food orders (4 of us) was acting as this was her first day at work. She was unorganized, and had no idea where the beer mugs were. We placed our food order and sat down at a dirty table (it appeared that most of the employees were fairly young and uninterested.) when we where struck by the smell of sewer gas, it was terrible!!! Once our food arrived it was just another disappointment. The brisket, pulled pork & rib tips. The brisket & pulled pork were tasteless and dry. I had the chicken which was also tasteless and dry. I was hoping to find a good place for BBQ in the area. Unfortunately, my search continues read more

Fire Water BBQ - Picture of my dinner, of ribs, brisket, chicken with corn bread & bacon potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Solid BBQ at a fair price. The chicken was a surprising standout with burnt ends a close second. Pulled pork was okay but definitely not the best I've had. Fried pickles also exceeded expectations. The crispy outside has a cheese stick vibe to it. try the horseradish bbq for dipping. Order at the counter and food comes out nice and fast. Good service. read more

It was bad. A side and a few sauces were missing from our order, wrong dressing for the salad, but the worst part was the meat... The brisket, ribs, and sausage were cold, as if they were sitting in a cooler before we picked up our order. The ribs, before being cooled, had been cooked very overdone to the point of being dry and crispy. The brisket had been undercooked, it was gummy chewy and just gross. Same with the fried pickles which suck without the southwest ranch sauce with they didn't give us. Wtf. The only warm part of our order was the bread pudding but that ain't enough to make me ever come back here! This was one of the only times I tipped on a carry order hoping it would ensure we had a nice dinner, and of course they screwed it all up. read more

Best wings and BBQ in IL, amazing staff and food. Would recommend 10/10. Also have a great catering service along with an outdoor seating area. Definitely coming back! read more

We went in and it was our first visit. I ordered a half slab of BBQ Ribs and Onion Rings. The girl at front taking orders was friendly and helpful. My husband got a 2 meat combo with a side also. Our only suggestions would be to offer the BBQ sauce when people grab their food. It felt backwards when they ask if you'd like BBQ sauce and send you back to front area and you have to wait in line again just for BBQ sauce. I'd also recommend handing out wipes with the Rib order! I had to go wash my hands in sink immediately. Other than that, Onion Rings were great and I tried my husband's order or Macaroni and we were not a fan of it. Just our opinion. It's a cute BBQ spot and I love they had signs up they strive to make you happy and to please reach out of issues. Also loved the free pickle/jalapeño area! read more

Fire Water BBQ - Great idea! - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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Firewater serves up seriously flavorful BBQ with perfectly smoked meats and bold, satisfying sauces. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make it an easy spot to come back to again and again. read more

Honestly, I've travelled to many states, Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, my favorite wings come from here. That may be an insane take, but it's true to me. The manager Jesse is very nice as well, very knowledgeable and can speak the language of BBQ. Highly recommend to anyone in town or passing through. read more

Food is out of bounds ... hands down one of the best BBQ places around. Highly recommend the sample platter it has everything.

Sunday November 23rd, first the girl at the register very welcoming. A little over 30 before closing. Guy in the back I'm assuming was the cook, very loud and condescending said tell them we have nothing since they want to come in so late, register girl said huh, he then said tell them it's a limited menu since they want to come in ...then mumbles and some other guy smiles/ laughs and goes to the back. They were happy we decided to leave. The Elmhurst location takes our order 30 minutes before, I get out of work late so I usually go there. They are always upbeat even late at night, I recommend Elmhurst for some good hospitality. read more

We ordered carryout from Fire Water BBQ barbecue on 6/27. The inside of the restaurant smelled of wood smoke would let you know you were in for some barbecue. The barbecue brisket was great, it wasn't bone dry like something that you can get from other establishments. Their burnt ends were pretty good as well. I think what brought it all together. Was there barbecue sauce. It was sweet and smoky and pretty darn good. I would have to say the service was kind of meh, the cashier seemed annoyed by our presence; we had a larger order and they forgot one of our sandwiches & sides, which we didn't discover till we got all the way home. read more

I like the food but once again no beer available that was on the menu. Got a soda and the ice machine was broken. Do better! read more

The food was great. I would definitely recommend it 100% I had the burnt ends with bacon. I didn't like the bacon that much but my aunt had the rip tips so next time I would do the burnt ends and rib tips. I also had the taffy apple dessert thing. It's HUGH definitely for more than one person. I loved it. It reminds me of a Puerto rican dish Budin. read more

Fire Water BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

They make an awesome Anchovy, Mushrooms, and Garlic pizza. Staff is great. Several years ago they put artichokes on my pizza instead of Anchovies. Called it in and the manager drove over with a proper pizza. Ordered a dozen pizzas for the service techs at McGrath Honda. I was very pleased with the service and delivery. read more

It's just ok. Not as good as it used to be the burnt ends was a pile of meat. Wings are good but for some of the items flavor seems off.

Ordered two dinners for pick up tonight. Waited over 15 minutes while three young people tried to find my order. When the young woman finally asked what's that order on the counter. As they all had a good laugh I left with a cold order and paid almost $50! Need to work on their customer service and training to apologize to a very disappointed customer! read more

Food was overcooked and DRY SERVICE was from some young people that didn't seem like they knew anything Business for me was that I would not recommend read more

Upon arrival we were greeted with care and upbeat personality! Menu is to die for! Simple yet such a hard decision between the delicious selections they offer! We have been here a couple of times and have never been disappointed! Food is always fresh, hot, and mouth watering! Firewater is hands down our favorite BBQ joint! Even our kids love it! The servings aren't small either!!! Pulled pork cheese fries is big enough to feed two adults! If you haven't been here yet, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Best BBQ around! Environment is relaxing as well! read more

Amazing! I just stopped by an hour ago and ordered a half slab rib with fries. The ribs were soft and fell off the bone right away, there was no chewy fat on the bone. I would recommend the cornbread it was soft and moist unlike other places I have gone too where the cornbread is dry! The service was good nothing too special, our table was pretty clean and they had amazing music. I would most definitely come back! read more

Fire Water BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

This is not real barbecue, this is something that you give to your Dogs after wasting $40 - to receive the blandest and worst meal of your life, oh and they do NOT put barbecue sauce on anything, you have to pay extra for that. AWFUL. I am also someone who NEVER complains about food / restaurants but PEOPLE DESERVE TO BE WARNED. safe your money, go to a real reputable BBQ place like Duke's in Dundee. read more

Been to this place multiple times and it's alright food, the brisket is horribly dry but the ribs are delicious. Service however is subpar. Made an online order for pickup, it would be ready in 15 minutes. Showed up on time, and they were out of the Rib-tips, so we waited another 15 minutes for them to substitute it with another meat. While we waited, another man came in and left with their ordered. Meanwhile, another employee asked if we needed help, and told them we were waiting for order; come to find out our order was given away to the man that came in. We wait another 10 minutes. Finally we get our order and it seems like it's missing stuff, so we check our order. And yeah it was missing our full slab of ribs and Mac and cheese side. So we drove back and waited another 20 minutes to get it. So our original order is cold and the person who got our order is probably eating good! Make sure you check your order! read more

The side salad only had lettuce and onion. I know brisket is pretty fatty, but it wasn't trimmed and had no flavor. Mostly fat and very gummy. Thankfully, the ribs were actually pretty decent. Cornbread was a bit dry. All in all find another barbecue place. Too bad there isn't a real urban barbecue nearby! read more