I Smell Bacon BBQ — Restaurant in Barrington Township

The BBQ We've Been Waiting For: A 5-Star Experience at I Smell Bacon!

I've been wanting to write this review since we got home moments after our visit, and now that I Smell Bacon has celebrated its one-year anniversary, it feels like the perfect time to sing its praises from the mountaintops. This isn't just a meal; it's an event, a true culinary experience that belongs in a league of its own.

Every dish we tried was a revelation, a testament to what authentic, passionate BBQ is all about. The brisket was nothing short of perfect—so unbelievably succulent and tender it practically melted on the tongue. The ribs were just as impressive, with meat that was both firm and clean-boned, a true testament to flawless technique. But the real showstopper, the dish that made me stop and truly savor every single bite, was the fried potato salad. Seriously, this dish is a culinary masterpiece that could easily win a James Beard award.

The attention to detail extends far beyond the main dishes. The house-made sauces are so distinct and flavorful they are truly unparalleled, each one a perfect complement to the meat. We took a chance on the owner’s suggestion and ordered the gumbo, and it was spot on perfect—a rich, savory, and comforting hug in a bowl. Speaking of hugs, the pudding dessert made me feel like I was 11 again and that was pretty cool!

Beyond the incredible food, the whole experience was fantastic. The drinks were great, the prices were more than reasonable, and the atmosphere was exactly the kind of friendly, family-run spot the Northwest burbs have been craving. Our family will be back again and again, eager to try everything on the menu. Thank you, I Smell Bacon. This is truly the beginning of a...

went here this past week for lunch after out shopping.. food would of been better if my family and i didn't feel unwanted based on the color of our skin. we were definitely discriminated against for being latino. i know that's a far jump but when we entered the restaurant, everyone in there stared at us as if we were crazy or they've seen a ghost. we received no greeting from any of the 6+ staff that were on the floor, it took a long minute for a waitress to even lead us to be seated, which was odd because the place wasn't that busy. we also were basically forced to leave early as our waitress set the bill down saying "im leaving so here is the bill before i go" we were not even done eating and had to pay before we finished. so we did thinking she was leaving for the day like she said, but no she went to go sit at the bar and talk as if she didn't want to wait on us anymore. a staff member spoke/checked in with every other table asking "how are we doing over here" BUT us. completely skipped over our table. when leaving as well, we of course received NO goodbye. which was odd bc a white couple who left seconds before us received a "have a good day, see you again" from every staff member on the floor INCLUDING the owner. like what? you can be racist but don't make it so obvious! you all should be ashamed of yourselves. don't run a business if you can not accommodate and be accepting of ALL people. its 2024 have some human decency AND RESPECT. my family and i were completely ill after, not from the food but from the disrespect and discrimination we endured visiting this new restaurant. if you are a person of color, beware! this place might as well put up a "WHITES ONLY" sign. will never come back...

I had heard about "I smell bacon BBQ&PUB" and being a girl from Texas I had to stop by and try it for myself. To be honest it WAS 5 STAR amazing! Looking at the menu I didn't know where to start so I went with the trio sampler and added a taste of ribs with a side of mac and cheese, the cilantro potatoes which all came with cornbread and some amazing coleslaw. I got it to go and noticed so many people were coming in to pick up the orders that they placed online . Good to know even though it took way less than 10 minutes for my to-go order to be ready. Everything was delicious! They have a a wide variety of mixed drinks and beers and had a drink while I waited... Then I saw there happy hour food menu!!! I decided to order a brisket street taco with some amazing homemade salsa which was a meal in itself, but there were so many other things on the menu under the starters that I can't wait to go back and try now! Everything I ordered today was just amazing including the Special Sauce brought in special ordered from Houston Texas, my hometown. The ribs fell off the bone (amazing dryrub) , the brisket was perfectly seasoned melting in your mouth, along with the pulled pork and chicken which were both very juicy and tender. I can only imagine how amazing these sandwiches are going to be! A couple other guests said they had been there almost 5 days in a row! The Establishment was clean and inviting, good music, amazingly attentive friendly staff, and I heard that the gambling machines are going in in a few days. Perfectly located with Easy in and out off of 59 and I-90 and a great meeting spot before any shows at the Sears / Now Center in Hoffman Estates. Totally...