Blackwood BBQ - Oakbrook — Restaurant in Oak Brook

I got a brisket platter to go with extra Texas toast and Mac and cheese. I was going to eat it in the car. I open up the bag, and there’s the overwhelming odor of burnt food. I pulled out the Texas toast first, which was burnt. It was awful. It was also just oiled, no garlic, and it was the same size as regular slice of bread. I don’t care about it that much, I just had a very different view of Texas toast. If you’re going to try and get out of providing a real side, maybe you should try to put an effort into your bread, ya know? But when I took the to-go box out of the bag, it was soaked in oil. Soaked. There were no napkins. My hands were covered. I had to get out, wipe my hands in the dirt and grass, drive to a gas station to get napkins and wash my hands. I go back to my parking spot at my office, and there are no utensils in the bag. I felt like I was in a silent comedy sketch, and it could’ve been prevented by an effort on the part of the restaurant. The worst part was the brisket. First off, it was a platter at 19$. There was only slightly more meat than what would go on a little sandwich, but I was more disappointed with the flavor. It might have been smoked with some undesirable wood: it had very little flavor, and what little there was seemed to me to be an off-brand liquid smoke or something. Like I said I’m not saying it wasn’t smoked, but it didn’t have a good smoke flavor, and there wasn’t much flavor at all. It was cold, and it was exceptionally dry. I had a selection at ordering between lean, fatty, or in the middle and I picked in the middle. Even a lean cut shouldn’t be ‘dry’. Listen, I’m not a bbq connoisseur. But I did work on the grill and at the smoker at a decent bbq restaurant down south for about 8 months, butchering smoking and carving. This was a disappointing impression on the food. I don’t think I will ever go back here for this reason. If this is how they smoke and portion their meat, no improvement in quality control will fix my biggest issue. The staff were kind, helpful, smiling attentive etc, but we ordered at kiosks. Not a big issue in theory, but the menu was poorly laid out. I knew what I wanted and it wasn’t fun or easy going through the menu to set it up. Automatic deduction on the restaurant for asking for tip pre-service, I mean, nobody even took my order! What an absolute joke! I don’t know if they deserve a tip yet. Maybe you can take the money you saved on not hiring a cashier and pay the other workers what they’re worth to run your kitchen. Maybe the owner should get back behind the counter and help the staff instead of standing around and chitchatting with his golfing buddies. Maybe stand at the pickup station and put napkins and forks in the bags. My experience cost me more than the amount I paid for the food. If that doesn’t light a fire under you to get behind the counter, greet people, do some work, my hopes are low for...

🔥 The BBQ experience at Blackwood BBQ in Oak Brook is fire! 🐮🔥 Their pride and commitment to quality shines through with every bite—pasture-raised brisket, hormone-free pork, and fresh, never frozen chicken. From hand-rubbed, slow-smoked meats to scratch-made sides, everything is crafted with care and passion. How many times do you get a chicken and it's dry. Not at Blackwood BBQ! Hands down some of the juiciest chicken I've had! If you like your BBQ a little sweet or with a little heat with the best ingredients then this your place! Quality food served quick.

We had the Sampler Platter featuring: 🥩 Beef Brisket: Premium, pasture-raised, smoked for up to 15 hours 🐖 Pulled Pork: Mustard-brined, hormone-free, smoked for 14 hours 🔥 Brisket Burnt Ends: Charred morsels of smoky goodness 🌭 Smoked Mikeska Sausage: Spicy pork sausage, smoked over hickory & apple 🐓 Pulled Chicken: All-natural, brined overnight, and hand-trimmed

Sides? Out of this world: 🧀 3 Cheese Mac & Cheese: Sharp cheddar, aged Gruyere, panko crust 🌱 Charred Brussels Sprouts with Maple (Oak Brook exclusive!) PERFECTION!!! 🥐 Honey Cheddar Cornbread: Fresh, sweet, and cheesy 🍵 Smokehouse Beans: Smoked with brisket and pork 🍹 Sweet Tea: Perfectly brewed for that southern BBQ vibe

But the best part? For every meal you enjoy, Blackwood donates a nutritious school meal to a child in need through their partnership with One Feeds Two. Every bite truly makes a difference. 🌎❤️

Join us in supporting a business that serves more than just food—let's feed the world together, one delicious BBQ plate at a time! 🍽️🙌

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In from out of state, thought I would try this BBQ spot right next to my work. I got the 2 meat meal combo, added a quarter of ribs, Mac n’ cheese, brussel sprouts, and corn bread.

When I walked in, it was me and one other costumer in the whole establishment. The two workers didn’t greet us, engage with us while ordering (which is through Kiosk), didn’t check on me while eating/finishing. Outside of letting me know where to place the buzzer, though the two workers did talk to each other the entire time. Fine with workers laughing and having fun! But to never say anything to your guests is just strange for me when dealing with BBQ.

Now for the food;

The Meats:

Brisket was the most tender brisket I have ever had, It literally melted in my mouth. Which would have been great if it wasn’t just bland…the only thing that had any flavor was the smoke ring at top. 2/10, which is a shame because I paid +2.50 more for the brisket

Pulled pork was solid. No major complaints. Was moist, tasted fine. 6.5/10, nothing to write home about but nothing to complain about either.

Ribs, ordered the quarter slab for +8.50. These were the absolute star of the show. 8.5/10, they were AMAZING.

Sides:

Mac n’ cheese, was a nothing sandwich. 5/10. They were bad, did nothing to stand out.

Brussel sprouts (my favorite side), 4/10 way too much balsamic. One of the only times I didn’t finish a side of Brussel Sprouts.

Corn Bread, paid extra for it +2.49. Looks amazing, taste is just meh. Rather bland, moist though! 6/10 and only because I love corn bread.

Atmosphere is solid, like the bar.

Overall, I wouldn’t come back or recommend this place. It’s a true shame because it’s so close to my work! Just across the street, but I can not recommend it even when it’s my company that covered my bill. I wish I could get my money back for work. Oh, bathrooms were clean! Place that as a win...