Armadillo’s BBQ
A festival favorite, you’ve probably seen Armadillo’s BBQ around the Chicagoland area (including at this event in the past)! This year, they’ll be serving BBQ Ribs, Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken Breast, Mac & Cheese, Cornbread, and Dinner Sides of Baked Beans and Cole Slaw. Yum! 2025 Critics Choice ‘Best Ribs” Winner!
Aussom Aussie BBQ
A 25-year veteran of the International BBQ Circuit, Paul “Aussom Aussie” Mackay started competing in BBQ contests in 1988 and after several years he and his father developed their very own traditional Australian fruit-based barbecue sauce. Taking on the best Barbeque chefs he came to North America to prove they had a winning formula. Winning the biggest and best contests in USA and Canada including the Great American Rib Cook-Off, Best in the West and winning 350 awards for best BBQ – Aussom Aussie is at the top of his game.
Austin’s Texas Lightning
Austin’s Texas Lightning has been delivering WINNING results since we opened in 2010. Our goal is to provide both superior BBQ and great customer service for our customers. AUSTIN’S TEXAS LIGHTNING has over 60 years of experience in BBQ business and is passionate about exceeding your expectations.
Chicago BBQ Company
Born of the original Giovanni’s in Berwyn, IL, we took our award-winning ribs on the road starting in 1985 and have been racking up the Ribfest and Cookoff wins ever since. We cross the country every summer so come see us when we’re nearby. Who’s hungry?
Daboul Avenue
Daboul Avenue brings the same soul to Lebanese street food that great BBQ brings to a backyard gathering: bold flavor, slow-crafted tradition, and food meant to bring people together. Inspired by the energy of Beirut, this spot layers smoky, spiced shawarma, crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and vibrant sauces into every bite, creating the kind of rich, comforting experience BBQ lovers appreciate—deeply seasoned, satisfying, and made with care. Whether it’s a loaded wrap or a shareable side of za’atar fries, Daboul Avenue delivers the same feel-good comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor that makes BBQ so memorable.
Hell’s BBQ
Hell’s BBQ serves up the kind of barbecue that keeps smoke lovers coming back—slow-cooked meats, bold rubs, and rich, comforting sides that hit all the right notes. Known for standout brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and house-made favorites like mac and cheese and baked beans, this Oswego spot brings big flavor with a welcoming, down-to-earth feel that makes every meal feel like a backyard BBQ done right.
Jamaica One Love Kitchen
Jamaica One Love Kitchen brings the same heart and soul that makes great BBQ so memorable—bold flavor, slow-crafted tradition, and food that’s meant to bring people together. Their smoky jerk chicken, BBQ wings, tender oxtails, and island sides deliver the kind of rich, comforting experience BBQ fans love, with Jamaican spices and warmth in every bite. It’s the perfect mix of backyard cookout vibes and Caribbean flavor, served with the kind of hospitality that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Mr. Greens BBQ
Their motto is: Great People, Great Food Creates Great Communities. And their food shows nothing but love! From their ribs to their brisket, they’ll have you lining up again and again. Be sure to check out their array of BBQ sauces too! 2025 People’s Choice ‘Best Ribs’ Winner!
Robinson’s No.1 Ribs
It’s a long way from Lambert, Mississippi to Oak Park, IL, but for Charlie Robinson, the trip was worth it. One of eight children, he learned early about the value of hard work. With a degree from York College in Nebraska and no job prospects, he headed for Chicago. He landed an entry-level job with a national ice cream manufacturer that led to his own distributorship. But this busy entrepreneur never forgot his southern roots. Some of his favorite recollections were of the neighborhood barbecues of his grandfather who passed on the secret of a sauce that had been relished by 14 generations of Robinsons. Charlie spent long hours in his Oak Park kitchen refining that 200-year-old recipe – cooking, adjusting, substituting, and testing. When Ribfest 1982 came along, Charlie Robinson and his sauce were ready!
Salt Creek BBQ
Out of North Aurora by way of Texas! The area of Salt Creek, Texas is known for their expansive cattle ranches which made it a great inspiration for the owners of Salt Creek BBQ. Making their Ribfest Chicago debut, their menu includes ribs (of course) but also pork shoulder, smoked BBQ turkey legs and plenty of sides to complete the meal. Will they win Best Ribs by you and critics? Only time will tell!
