This was my frist time eating here,I went through the drive thru , it was pretty quick.I ordered a medium rib-tips and it came with two sides ,I chose baked beans/coleslaw, they offered me some homemade pickles for 25 cents. The young lady who took my order was very patient & friendly .The tips where tender with a hint of smokeness ,the sides where seasoned and flavorful. The cornbread actual had real pieces of corn in it and the pickles where I will be back to try out the rest of the menu.
Overview
If you’re ever in Waukegan, Illinois, craving a mouthwatering BBQ experience, look no further than Test Kitchen BBQ. Located at 3150 Belvidere Rd, this local gem offers a no-nonsense approach to authentic barbecue, with a focus on bold flavors and satisfying portions that will keep you coming back for more.
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this isn’t your average BBQ joint. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind after a long day, with friendly staff that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of smoked meats, Test Kitchen BBQ has something to offer everyone.
The menu is packed with classic BBQ favorites, each dish crafted with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection. For those new to the barbecue world, the pulled pork sandwich is a must-try. Tender, juicy pork, slow-cooked to perfection, is paired with a tangy BBQ sauce and served on a soft bun-simple, yet utterly delicious. If you're in the mood for something more indulgent, the brisket plate is a standout. Smoky, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, it’s the epitome of what great BBQ should be.
One of the things that sets Test Kitchen BBQ apart from other barbecue spots in the area is its commitment to quality and consistency. The meats are smoked using traditional methods, ensuring each dish bursts with that perfect smoky flavor. Whether it’s the savory ribs, smoky sausages, or their mouthwatering chicken, the meats are always cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
In addition to the hearty meats, Test Kitchen BBQ offers a variety of sides that complement their main dishes beautifully. The mac and cheese is a favorite among regulars-creamy, cheesy, and baked to a perfect golden brown. Other popular sides include the baked beans, coleslaw, and crispy fries, each adding their own touch to the meal.
The restaurant's beverage menu includes a selection of craft beers, sodas, and iced teas, making it easy to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal. For those with a sweet tooth, the peach cobbler is an excellent choice to end your meal on a high note. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the ideal way to satisfy your dessert cravings.
When it comes to customer experience, Test Kitchen BBQ is all about creating a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere for diners. The team here understands that great BBQ is about more than just the food-it’s about the entire experience. Whether you're coming for a casual lunch or a special celebration, you can count on the team to provide excellent service with a smile.
The reviews speak for themselves. Locals rave about the generous portions and affordable prices, with many claiming it’s the best BBQ in town. Repeat customers often mention the brisket, which they describe as “perfectly smoked” and “the best they’ve had in years.” Others have praised the restaurant for its consistency, noting that every visit delivers the same level of quality and flavor.
Conveniently located in the heart of Waukegan, Test Kitchen BBQ is easy to find and offers both dine-in and takeout options for those on the go. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a family outing, you'll always feel welcome at this charming BBQ spot.
In short, Test Kitchen BBQ is a must-visit for anyone in the Waukegan area. From the tender, smoky meats to the delicious sides and desserts, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem-your taste buds will thank you.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Drive-through ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ DessertAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 288 reviews
First time ordering— order at the drive-thru- 8-price mixed chicken 1 large mashed and gravy 1 large red bean and rice 2 biscuits/2 cornbread 1 lbs ribs Total was about $60 Took about 10 minutes to make the order. Chicken are crisp and tasted very similar to the old Browns that they combined with and took over. Very moist and cooked perfectly. Sides were all fairly tasty Ribs are seasoned nicely, really liked their sauce. For $60 there is easily enough to feed 4-5 people so $12-$15 per person is not bad in 2025. I’ll definitely order the chicken again, I’m not a high fan of smoked meats.
Honestly, I could eat this every single day. TK BBQ is hands-down the most delicious barbecue in the area — perfectly seasoned, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor! Their sauce is insanely good. The owner is the sweetest, and the cashiers are always quick and efficient. I recommend this place to everyone.
SIMPLY THE BEST. This is the best BBQ and service I have ever had. Blows Big Ed’s out the water at half the price. For $19 dollars I got 9 ribs, 2 sides(7 corn fritters and large cup of mac and cheese), cornbread, pickles, and a large cup of sauce. The bbq is unbelievable. It’s the perfect balance of seasoning and sauce. Many places focus soley on seasoning and have no glaze, this place has an excellent glaze on their meat. Their food is also not overly fatty and greasy like many places. The nicest workers I’ve ever met. They let me taste test some meats and turkey were fun to talk to. I walked in and ordered and was served in less than 5 min. If you want good bbq that doesn’t make you feel horrible, is cheap, and feels welcoming - ditch big Ed’s. Come here !!!
I must say that it is comforting to have a place to go and get good bbq, the sides are decent sizes and prices very reasonable. My only complaint would be, calling the Mac n cheese Baked not in anyway is this baked in the tradition of true baked Mac n cheese, I understand it is preference, but once you taste baked Mac n cheese, stove top just ain’t it anymore. But other than that the food is phenomenal
Good was delicious! Service not so good. Not organized, cashier had to do too many things so the line moved very slow. There’s nothing covering the food counter that shares space with the cash register so customers stand over it coughing, slinging hair. I mentioned it to someone but she didn’t seem to care. Someone needs to pay attention to what’s going on with the line and waiting area.