Bombers BBQ Crown Point — Restaurant in Center Township

WHAT? A four 4 star rating, googlers rev up those typing thumbs because it's unpopular opinion time

"Bomber's isn't perfect"

Bombers has long been held up on a pedestal to NWI foodies alike, beating their chest and proudly boasting THIS! THIS is the TRUEST BBQ! What? You want sweet baby rays on your chiggy nuggies? GET THAT GARABAGE OUTTA HERE SON. This place? It's the realest place!

But with most things it's a mixed bag, much akin to the 3 meat platters with sides; your meal at bombers could be amazingly great or somewhat disappointing

One day the brisket is as moist and tender as can be with just the right ratio of meat to fat, another, it's dry or overly fatty, the corn bread wasn't anything to make a huge fuss over the much praised rib tips were just ok to me, maybe it was a night which wasn't "the good night" because the previous visit for rib tips, they were sold out. But honestly I've had better rib tips at Philly steak and lemonade. I don't know why they're so good but they are. The actual ribs which I was told are the same meat from the rib tips were considerably better in my opinion. Mac and cheese was great and so were the fries, my wife was a big fan of the pulled pork as well!

The real star of the show

THE SAUCES.

While bandwagoning might a logical fallacy, I believe these homemade sauces play a large role in the cult following of bombers, and it's my number one reason why you should give them your business as well. I've been to the Daddy's I've been to the Doc's I've gone to the TRUE, but holy hell is this sauce the boss.

I don't know if it's an option but they ought to bottle that stuff up and sell it, with a sauce to please anyone's taste it's hard to go wrong with any of their offerings, from sweet to super heat you got options and they're all Grade A

I'm sure the challenges of having amazing BBQ 100% is a near impossibility with all the aspects involved with it. but when you get your meal and all the stars are aligned and the BBQ gods are smiling down at you, you can understand why Bomber's has the reputation it does.

Bomber's maybe isn't perfect, but that's ok because they're...

UPDATE 01/04/2025

I vowed that I wouldn't go back, but as the saying goes..."Happy wife, happy life!" Right? She wanted to stop by since it was close to the 🏠. I guess reviews make the difference because this time, our food was better than expected. The only zonk was the garlic parmesan sauce that was too 🧂y, and just like before, the seasoning of the meat could use some enhancements. My 1/2 slab was tender but sweet. The brisket was perfect. Going forward, i would recommend working on that flavor profile for the protein and start over with the sauces because they fell short, in my opinion. I guess they've elevated from a 🌟 to a 🌟 🌟 🌟 (this time) [NOTE] Photos 16-23 relevant to this update ≈=========== Paid this place a visit on 01/10/2024 & I don't know what the deal is with NW Indiana and not being able to get premium food establishments in the area, especially in the Crown Point area but here we go.

When I entered this place, I should've known something wasn't right. This place was completely empty for a Wednesday. I ordered (2) orders of the brisket and (1) order of the "rib tips." Now I applaud them for the attempt, but being from Chicago, what I paid for wasn't rib tips in the traditional sense. The brisket was seasoned, but for what I paid, the portion size was deplorable, and I didn't get any of my orders of side sauces whatsoever per my request. The "rib-tips" had a light coating of sauce on them already. That was something taste wise I can't even describe. I paid $61 for my order and was quite disappointed and truly expected better especially since they have more than just one location, surprisingly.

The saying goes... if you want something done right... do it yourself! & that I will. There isn't a restaurant in Crown Point deserving of my hard earned cash, and I'm not one to settle for just anything. I'm a foodie and should be able to get some good food where I live and not have to venture out. Crown Point could learn something from Naperville...

Bombers has become my go to location for business lunches and dinners on days where I don’t have the time/energy to fire up my own smoker when I have a craving for some smoked meats.

This place hands down beats Mission and True BBQ with regards to quality and taste when comparing with other local options. You can tell Bombers smokes their meats fresh daily. It’s not uncommon for them run out the one thing you really want from time to time, but that is a sign of a good BBQ joint and something you often see in renowned BBQ restaurants in Texas and North Carolina.

The smoked wings make for a great appetizer or a meal. The sliced brisket and the burnt ends have never disappointed. Always moist, great balance of smokiness, and a perfectly rendered fat cap/bark. The ribs have been outstanding and beat anything I’ve been able make at home. All that being said, the star of the show here is the sliced turkey breast. Can honestly say this is one of best items on their menu and stacks up with one of the best I’ve had in all of my BBQ travels.

As far as sides go, the Mac and Cheese is a can’t miss and worthy of a double order if you’re struggling to make a decision for a second side with your meal.

The service here is great and the food comes out pretty fast. The Bombers Theme is evident throughout the restaurant with all the custom aviation artwork adorning the walls. The outdoor patio seating is also a bonus...