Firewater BBQ & Brew - Elmhurst, Illinois — Restaurant in Addison Township

We had the salad with brisket and the sandwich with pulled pork and brisket. I still haven't been able to find particularly good brisket around here, or really anywhere that isn't Fort Worth, Texas. The flavor of the brisket we got here was all right, though the pieces weren't trimmed, so there was a lot of fat, which I don't care for the texture of, and it prevents a good bark on the meaty portion. It was a little tough but not too bad. The pulled pork was all right. The wedge salad was ok and their bacon bits are nice. Reminder to self: wedge salads are hard to eat, logistically.

We got baked beans as a side and I thought the flavor was a little unusual--less sweet and maybe more cumin than I expected. Corn bread was less dense than some, which meant I liked it and my husband complained some, but then ate more while I wasn't looking.

Whether you like the sauces depends on your flavor preferences I think. They are bold and I enjoyed them, though be careful what you pair with what. Texas Heat was tangy, sweet, and a little spicy: good all-purpose sauce. Georgia mustard was very sweet and very mustard-y in a way that makes me want to dip a sourdough pretzel in it, or maybe a sandwich on a pretzel bun, but it can get overpowering. Alabama white sauce was rich with a very predominant flavor of peppercorn. I like trying new sauces so this was the most enjoyable part for me.

I'm surprised they don't offer a variety platter with like 2-3 meats and some sides--my usual go-to at a new BBQ place.

You have to order sides and sauces separately, so with that in mind I think it was a little pricey.

Their carryout operation was very smooth. We'll likely be back to finish...

I can’t stop thinking about the meal I had at Firewater—it was shockingly good! The killin part is I didn't even wanna go there. This is my first time in Chicago and literally my FIRST meal in Chicago...Firewater (found on Yelp) did NOT disappoint!!! Let’s start and END with the brisket: it was hands down the most tender, flavorful brisket I’ve ever had. The brisket DISSOLVES in your mouth and it's seasoned to perfection. They have sauces but you're really doing the meat a disservice by adding the sauce. Jus' sayin. BUT if you must, the sauces are a perfect match for the seasoning that's already on the meat. We also tried the chicken, beans, cornbread, fried pickles and FRENCH FRIES! OMGGGGGG EVERYTHING was seasoned to perfection and the flavors complimented each other perfectly. Joe, one of the staff members (or he could have been the owner), was an absolute gem. He was so kind, patient, and knowledgeable about both the beers and the menu. He took the time to explain everything, make recommendations, and his pride in the brisket was evident—and rightfully so! Joe could stand on top of the building and beat his chest about that brisket and it would be well within his right!!!!

The menu is full of options. Everything we tried was amazing. There wasn’t a single miss. Great food, great service & Joe and the brisket alone are worth the visit. Before I leave Chicago I...

When we came into Firewater BBQ. we were amazed at the space. There is a bar with craft beers on tap, or a tub with craft beers in cans! Reminds me of my frat days. Tables are all over the place with a paper towel roll on a hunk of pipe smack in the middle. A little rustic but clean & comfortable. The cashier (owner) was very friendly & helpful, so I started with the lunch special (till 2PM) of a pulled pork sandwich on a buttered bun, slaw & a soda (reasonable for $10.95). My friend ordered the Pick3: BBQ Rib Tips & Burnt Endz w/fries & a soda for $19.95. As to the food, the pulled pork alone was good & moist with some flavor (got a little bit of end pieces) & the slaw was creamy with a little sweetness. They also offer complimentary sliced pickles & jalapeños which is great. My friend had a huge meal so he let me try his Rib Tips (very good) & Burnt Endz (soft, moist & juicy). His fries were good but what made the meal was the two choices of BBQ sauce (Sweet Home Chicago & Texas Heat). The SHC was great w/fries & the TH was wonderful with the meat. Food was so wonderful, we felt like raising our arms and saying the quote from Wayne's World: "We are not worthy!" We will definitely come back for the ribs,...