About
big joe's
Meet Big Joe
It all began with the love for BBQ from the backyard of my home in Burbank, IL where my Dad would cook. My own love of cooking grew after spending so many years working in the restaurant industry and cooking for my family and friends at home. I learned a lot from my Dad with different cooking techniques and loved testing out new foods and ingredients. My passion grew as I decided to build my own smoker in my driveway. With that, I perfected my own BBQ sauce and eventually began booking caterings for the people in the neighborhood looking for a whole smoked pig. In 2013 and 2014, I entered the Windy City BBQ Classic and placed 2nd both years. With that, I began to expand my business throughout the area and introduced new menu items. Throughout all these years, I could never be where I am at today without the support of my amazing family and friends who have been essential in keeping the dream alive!
My restaurant was featured on Chicago's Best TV Show in February 2019 for our Pulled Pork Sandwich.
In 2013 and 2014, Big Joe's Backyard BBQ
placed 2nd in the People's Choice Competition
in the Windy City BBQ Classic in Chicago, IL.
At the August 2023 competition, Big Joe's Backyard BBQ was awarded 1st place in the Critic's Choice category for our maple-bourbon glazed ribs.