Firewater BBQ & Brew- Crest Hill - reviews,open hours,photo spots, things to do | WanderBoat AI Trip Planner

I tried this place today and it lived up to the hype in some ways, but fell pitifully short in others. I got chicken wings, which were delightfully smoky and still juicy, and burnt ends, which were fantastic. The smoked chicken was a little on the dry side, but it had good flavor. Their meats definitely qualify as, probably, the best bbq in the area. And their cornbread was sweet, if also a little dry. Where things fell apart was their sides. I got their “3-cheese Mac” and it’s without doubt one of the worst things I’ve ever eaten. It’s like they just took one of the glass jars of cheez whiz and plopped some on top of noodles. It was just plain awful. That they think something like that is good to serve to people paying their hard earned money for a meal loses them an entire star on principle. It was truly atrocious, which is surprising because it’s really not hard to make good Mac & Cheese. We also had fries and brisket beans, each of which was fine, but nothing special. It’s important that sides are at the same level as the main entrees, as customers want a complete experience. But the staff was pleasant and the restaurant has a nice ambiance. The place is certainly worth a try. My recommendation is just order the meat and make your own sides. And if someone you are with tries to order the Mac & Cheese and care about them in the slightest, physically restrain them. You’ll find a better version in a prison mess hall.

J M.J M.

10

A hit and a miss in my opinion, just like the advertising on the to-go bag and the rib box... FILTHY dining area! Absolutely no reason for being as slow as they were at that time of day for any one person on staff not to out cleaning the food crumbs from the tables and chairs, sweeping the crud from under the soda dispenser station and garbage can station. The self identified mother/manager chastised her, I assume daughter/employee for using the "wrong" writing instrument to make a notation on ticket after order was sent to cook right in front of me. Really, how about an "attaboy" instead for the initiative and follow-through she took!?? Then, not a word said to another woman for eating a sandwich IN THE PREP AREA facing and in full view of the dining room!?? As I was getting ready to leave I mentioned to the mother/manager that one half of the rib rack was dry and the other moist... Without even looking at the leftovers of my order she launched into her explanation - leading me to believe she is aware of the issue, just isn't creative enough to come up with a solution. Then when she WAS finished, turned to another customer dismissing me in the process. Wow! Never again...

Leif-Erik EckersbergLeif-Erik Eckersberg

00

I saw this place neer my location, and I was in. Good southern BBQ is always on the menu! After eating here, I had mixed emotions. Start with the food, typical BBQ establishment, walk in order your food, and they call you name when it is ready. The staff was friendly and the place was well kept. I ordered the 3 meat combo, and when my name was called, it looked absolutely delicious. Sat down, and now the bad, pulled pork was extremely dry and needed to drowned it in BBQ sauce to eat it, the brisket I was happy to see my plate had the point on it no flat so I knew it would be tender however this brisker was way over cooked so tender it had the consistency of mashed potatoes... the ribs on the other had a real treat! It's cooked perfectly and has great taste. Corn bread was moist and extremely enjoyable. Overall, depending on what you order will dictate your experience here. Personally, there are other BBQ places that have great BBQ, so for me, this was an experience. However, I would probably pass on this place going forward.

J BJ B

30

Being from Kansas City, I'm not really impressed by bbq in other cities. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the ribs and brisket here at Firewater BBQ! The ribs had a wonderful flavor to them, due to their hand rub. The brisket, which is not easy to cook, was very tasteful while not being too "fatty". With a choice of 5 flavors of sauces you're sure to find something you like. I love the sweet sauce! When I walked in and was greeted by Karen and her sense of humor, I knew I was in for a great experience! I love places that make you feel like you're visiting a friend's house. Firewater is one of those places. Kristen, Michael and Krystal, were definitely working as a team in the kitchen; everything was prepared quickly, and what seemed like effortlessly! The presentation of the good was beautiful; you almost don't want to dig in to it; but you will!! I would happily recommend this place to anyone who knows good bbq! That's for a great experience!

Johnnie MedinaJohnnie Medina

10