Solid 3.5 stars. The lines whether long or short you have to wait. It appears that people behind you may easy before you if they get too distracted. On 2 different occasions I waited 40 min for two baby catfish totally unacceptable. While Joe is in there running his mouth and rushing his staff taking about how hard it is to find good help. Well he should have helped instead of creating chaos for the crowd. They need a buzzer system or something. Definitely need a better pick up process. The ventilation had improved but it is still smoky at times in this place. The sauce is amazing but there rib tips are thin and fatty considering the cost. One staff always seems under the influence of substances but he works hard. Dont try calling in because depending on how busy they are call ins aren't an option. The customer service could definitely be better. I wanna say let's keep giving them busy but I saw the review where a girl thought she had fried mice. Lol. That wasnt my experience but I did see baby roaches once. Not cool. Im sure every restaurant has their hang ups but they should remain begging the scenes and not at the counter or in front of the people. read more

I've only gotten bbq so fish may be better. The rib tips were incredibly dry. Reasonable taste but not great. If you want sauce it costs extra. Or maybe the persons filling the order just left it off 3 times. read more

this is supposed to be turkey tips and mac& cheese i wouldn't even recommend this place to my worst enemy as never again dont go to this place they should send inspectors to this place the food is disgusting this is not what i ordered this does not need a star it needs to be closed read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

It says open on sundays noon to 8pm. So why do I drive ALL the way from St. , Charles,Il I arrive at 7.05 pm for rib tips I pull up and the worker immediately turns the open sign off. WOW it's not like I drove around the corner I drove an hour long to come get rib tips from Joe's and then they shut the turn up they turn off the open side really you got an hour left sign clearly said 8:00 p.m. that's why I drove and made it wow they just put a bad taste in my mouth now bad review all the way around bad review any restaurant that does that or any place I don't care if it was McDonald's suck read more

Joe's use to be good. I bought a LG combination (tip and link) today and spent $23. The food was cold, the Links were spoiled ( had that sour taste to it) and HOT can pops. I threw up 1hr after consuming the spoiled food then got on the toilet. My wife bought some, a few months back. When she got to the house with it, it smelled like shit( letting us know the meat was bad. We called the restaurant and let them know, that they had sold us bad meat. The lady sad " our meat is fresh" I said " not smelling like shit it aint" They told us to bring the food back and they would comp us,but I lived an hour away. Damn near a year later (today) spoiled links. I'm sorry Joe, close this place down because yoy gotta be paying the food inspector of. No stars from me. Highly disappointed today. Trash read more

This food is very horrible y'all need to close down it's nasty and the sauce nasty and the ribs pink and the sauce make the ribs pink asf this shit got my stomach hurting I'm finna pass out at work ! Yall need new cooks asap and need to get some new sauce im calling the health department on yall . Honestly gone make people sick how long yall been open since 1998 or something the links taste old asf the ribs taste old asf even the sauce it taste like throw up bro ! Y'all need to change some around that shit taste like y'all ass using old bqq sauce and stuff to grill I won't never eat here again idc if ain't eat in 7 days no ewwwww yall horrible selling people throw up food read more

I have gone to this location several times, but most recently I was very disappointed. My son wanted so tips and paid close to 20.00 for what was equivalent to a smaller order of tips. They just threw the food in the boat, had very little fries, hardly any tips and a little sauce. It was so dry we had to add our own. Very disappointed. I tried to upload a photo but it didn't work, but I counted 10 tips and 7 fries. read more

Tips and links are my go to. Best links I find anywhere. Good local take out spot. They now have Joes bbq sauce bottled!

terrible experience never buy food here, disgusting!!!! service terrible as well. not even worth 1 star! read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - Wtffffffffff is this???!!!! Embarrassing NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY FOOD FROM HERE!!!!!!! Mini Combo Turkey Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

I have been looking for rib tips for a long time now, that are close to Hillary and Cooks and finally found my new go to place, I enjoyed them very much, nice and tender and good priced. The only complaint is my sister likes hot sauce but they don't have it. Again thank you for the good service and food. read more

Horrible bbq, more like table scraps. There wasn't a rib tip on the bunch, and I the links were black.I wouldn't feel it to my dog. read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - This is the worst bbq I've ever had. The rib tips were just like table scraps, the links were old. - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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Ok, it's been awhile since we were here because of covid but finally had the chance to stop by and have the usual rib tips and link combo with fries and the fish combo. A little disappointed because there's a lot of bones in the order as well as cold greasy fries and very little sauce. The service is good, you order and pay at the counter. The ambiance is ok, nothing fancy. After spending $60 I'm sure there's other places around to try this combo and much cheaper. This used to be our go to place when in the area but might have to change it up. read more

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We stopped in because the smells were amazing. We both had the fish special which was a good price point, but this was an example of you get what you pay for. The shrimp had WAY too much batter on it and once you pick off the batter there wasn't much shrimp left. The catfish was sliced rather than fillet so you have backbone and rib bones in each fried portion. Once you pick out the bones there wasn't much catfish left to eat. Matter of fact, I pitched the last piece because it was just too much work. The only good thing was the meal came with a slice of bread. There is just something about fish present with "make your own sandwich" that is very "home grown" to me. Too bad the food could not overcome my warm fuzzy about the smells and the bread. read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - COVID-19 specials - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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I ordered a large hot link and a half slab. The food tasted bland. I believe they do not use charcoal or wood in their cooking. The ribs will never be falling off the bone because they don't take the membrane off. The hot links were dried out and the sauce does not taste the same. read more

The location has no air conditioner, so you know the employees are not in a good mood. The only person in a ok mood is the lady that is at the counter, which is the senior citizen. I also witnessed as I always waiting for my order a lady cutting the ribs Thursday 7/3/25 @2:45 pm as she was grabbing more out the oven she dropped one of the links and picked it up and continued like if she just didn't drop it on the FLOOR. Everybody seemed very frustrated and mad at the location so I just took my order and threw it to the garbage. There's no point in talking to somebody who has these behaviors nor shall I return to this location. The employees should be more respectful when customers are around instead of talking foul with no care. read more

Food is usually pretty good but delivery is a big issue. I've NEVER ordered delivery from them and something wasn't missing

Waste of time and MoneyHad a taste for some rib tips today Saturday, August 10, 2024, and thought about Joe's located at 350 N. Wolf Rd, Hillside, IL. Pulled up to Joe's the smell of BBQ is floating in the air. Stood in a short line, waited my turn to order, asked for a Large Tip w/Extra Mild Sauce. They are understaffed; they need more people working. Waited 20 minutes got my tips and went home. Opened my rib tips, I'm ready to get down only to be terribly disappointed. The rib tips are scarcely sauced, they look half done, I bite into a small piece of rib tip that is tough as nails. I'm done with Joe's Bar-B- & Fish, Hillside, IL. It had been over a year since I had been to Joe's and now I remember why! read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - Joe's Large Rib Tip that are Tough - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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Really enjoyed everything from the fried fish to the ribs! Great fast service as well!

The last time I tried them the tips were tough and had a lighter fluid type smell to them. But I still gave them another chance I ordered a mini tip, pizza puff and 3 wings. The tips didn't have the smell to them but they were still really tough to chew. The wings had a recooked type texture to them and meat on inside dark like they had been overcooked. The only thing halfway decent was the pizza puff. That was definitely my last time going there again smh! read more

Food was hot and cooked perfectly! I also had fresh Peach Cobbler and it was delicious read more

It's been some time since I've eaten at this restaurant, and was in the area so I went here and purchased a large combination. Might be my last time. what I got was a finally chopped meat, crumbs/scrapes, and really small pieces of meat and charger almost 25 bucks. Seems like that same price or more for less food. read more

I bought a Restaurant.com certificate, for $15 off a $30 order. I went in with the certificate, and the girl at the register said we don't take those. I said I paid for this certificate. She still refused to take it. I contacted Restaurant.com and told them to remove it from their site, and they said they definitely take them because the owner signed up for the program. If they don't want to take them put a sign on the door saying you don't take them, and have Restaurant.com remove them from their site. If they do take them, then educate your employees so they know what they're doing. read more

My Daughter told me about this place, I went over to check them out. I ordered the mini combo, which included rib rib and sliced links with mild sauce and two slices of bread. Service was quicker than I expected and the food was great. The sauce had a good flavor and the links had a nice spicy kick to them. It reminded me of a place back down in Georgia, where I would get the same type of order, when I was younger. Reviews are hit and miss, and I'm glad that I when and tried it for myself. I will definitely go back to get a larger order next time. read more

Went here to get Turkey Tips and link combo got baby mice instead all up in throughout my food!!! Called the owner and he literally engaged me in a full on argument!!!! The proof is here!!! read more

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Ok this doesn't. I went to Joe's and tried his turkey tips and it was pretty bad so I decided to just stick to what I knew. The next time I ordered his tips. Ithink I am still chewing on it it was so tough it was ridiculous. Next up I would have wings I figured that Wayne should be okay they were dry they were as if they were from the previous day plus I only received five fries from a five-wing order it was it a six-wing order. So now I decided to give it one more chance Christmas Eve I was hungry I went to McDonald's but they were closed I wanted a burger so I went there. I kid you not the burger was like from something I would do for myself at home the burger came on bread yes not a bun it was on a two slices of bread that was slightly grilled maybe mayonnaise was slapped on it no lettuce just mayonnaise I believe mustard and that was it it was dry as hell and it was on bread so that's it for me I will be if I need chicken I'll be making a run to Uncle Remus or other places but that's it the quality of food has really gone down there the only thing that I would recommend now would be the fries there's nothing that I would ever consider ordering there and I've done a lot of business there over the years since I've moved to this area stay away from this place unless you like nasty try to food it is really gone down. read more

I've been wanting to like this joint, I really have. It has all the signs of being an awesome place, with all the right offerings, and yet, it always ends up disappointing me. The first try was an order of catfish steaks that was absolutely horrendous. This fish was downright inedible. Full of spines and almost no meat. I guess that's the way it's supposed to be? I don't know. I was expecting better and maybe that's on me. The second time I went I ordered a brisket sandwich. It wasn't terrible, and certainly not as bad as the catfish, but it didn't strike me as particularly tasty. I was hungry, so I ate it, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. So, that's it for me and two visits is enough. There is only so many chances I'm willing to give a place to wow me before I move on. So, I'm moving on. read more

So this is what we're doing now????? I order the "hungry man" meal which is a small tip and 3 wings. My order is smaller than a mini tip. Absolutely ridiculous for what it costs. Seriously. I got a headache looking at it. Something similar happened once before and I decided to give them another chance and this was worse. I really wish I could get my money back. I will not be returning. I'm so disappointed. read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - Hungry man meal. I think not - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

Was waiting for them to open again. I go in to place an order and the lady tells me "the credit card machine is cut off cause we close in 5 minutes anyway". On here is says they close at 11, I got there at like 8:45-8:50 and I'm still sitting here 10 minutes after she said they closed and people are still walking in. All these places with bad customer service don't get my business anymore. read more

I found this place when driving by. Stopped in for a menu and came back today. Despite all the reviews of rude service I was prepared to deal with that. I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with hello by two women and got prompt service. I have a feeling at times this place gets busy and that might explain why they are short and to the point. I got the wings that come with fries, sauce and bread. This is how it should be served in Chicago! Was very satisfied, hot, fresh and good sized wings. I ate on the tailgate of my pick up, which is just how I do it. Despite being 2:30 In the afternoon on a Wednesday, a steady stream of diverse customers, black, white, Hispanic, young and old came and went.. nothing brings people together like some decent, old school BBQ. Nothing fancy hear folks! read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - Should have moved the bread for the shot, but trust me wings are meaty and decent sauce. - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

The Food Is Always Delicious like it's Never Aa Miss At Joe They Make You Feel Like Family Instead Of Just a Customer

So sorry to see the bad reviews. I went there a couple of weeks ago and had the pleasure of sitting next to Joe. I asked him about turkey tips and he told his crew to give me a sample. The turkey tips were delicious. I had the rib tips and brisket meal. They were both outstanding. For those who had a bad experience, give Joe another chance. He seems to be a person that gives back to his community. read more

Excellent food and service. Great people. The hillside location absolutely love it. My co workers and I order from that location once a week

Good old faithful!!! I can always get a good fix from here. I ordered the combo link & tip w/mild sauce. It was good & fresh off the grill. It was quick service tonight even though they had a nice crowd for a Tuesday. I'll always patronize Joe's. read more

I LOVE JOE'S BBQ and FISH!!! I have been a customer for years and years. Am a good customer, too.... I always pay!! Joe's sauce is the boss!! It makes everything taste better!! You want to try everything on the menu. The food is delicious!! Joe has even catered several of my house parties. Once you tried Joe's, You are hooked!!! read more

Nope, nope, nope Been wanting to try this place for years, finally did & big disappointment. I had the Hungry Man (rib tips, chicken wings, fries & bread) the tips were bad: dry, tough & greasy; Dry to the point that it seemed like they sat out & were reheated, greasy like they were reheated in oil even the BBQ sauce was oily. Fries also looked reheated, the wings were the best thing but they were flavorless although not greasy. I also had the caramel cake which was also bad, the caramel had melted off the cake & was pooled at the bottom of the container it was in. All around bad. Will not be returning. Why can't I find a good BBQ place out here? read more

Grew up in the Area ... moved West a couple Decades back. Get back there on occasion and hit Joe's every time. It's a throwback to Lemons and Buddas. It's a Shack where you can smell that sweet smoke as soon as you turn on Butterfield. The staff is Friendly and the food is always good.Tips and Links are a go too for me. Usually get some Livers as well which never disappoint. Next time you are in the Vicinity of Wolf and Butterfield just follow your Nose to Joe's. Picture of the Receipt only as I ate all the food. read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

Phenomenal food! Pork sandwich is my go-to while my man gets rib tips. I mean this pork is.... I don't even know. I've never eaten something so quickly before. I mean it's so good but why not 5 stars, right? Well..I'm white. Usually, this statement means nothing to me. However , here? I feel like it does. Ha. The past two times I've walked into Joe's - before any type of "May I help you?" Or "Welcome to Joe's" Type phrases? Instead, it has been, "You the uber driver?" Twice now. So maybe they're just expecting an Uber Eats driver soon, right? Well they didn't ask the next two customers that came in if they were with Uber or not. (Black customers) It's just been me.... lol, come on. A little humorous, not going to lie. But hey guys -- I love bbq just as much as anyone else! lol. read more

This is the reason why I do not always support black businesses first of all when I call for the first time I was trying to order ribs and catfish and he said no just come down for samples. I get there and it was so packed. I didn't like the fact that, he gave me false advertisement. So I got there and I stood for about 20 minutes before my order was taken and one girl asked without taking my card and then another girl acts with an attitude and charge me $63 for two large turkey tips and two small catfish. I asked her how long would it take for me to get the order? Then she replied "10 minutes" with a confused face so I waited outside in my car for 10 minutes and went back in ended up waiting 30 minutes before getting my order. It's so unorganized the fact that they kept asking over and over about the order they then, got the order wrong and I was just too frustrated to go back in instead. They gave me small turkey tips and a large catfish please if you really love food don't go here waste of time and money. read more

This is the worst place ever they serve boiled bbq and dried out ass links this food was the worst i ever had be careful of how you spend your money cus this place is very very gross!!! read more

Joe's Bar-B-Q & Fish - This the worst food ever go to a place that makes good food cus this dont and never will teste like dog food!! - Barbeque Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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I don't know who all the folks from California are with the bad reviews. I have been eating Joe's rib tips, gizzards, and fish for years, and never had a bad meal. The rib tips are outstanding, the sauce is excellent, the gizzards are fried just right, and the fish is delicious. If you don't like bones in your fish, get the catfish fillets and avoid the perch. I always have them leave the fries off my order because by the time I drive home they are lukewarm, and I like fries blazing hot from the oil. Now I gotta try their beef ribs! read more