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 Lightening
Austin’s Texas Lightening 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?
Johnson’s BBQ Ribs: Johnson’s BBQ Ribs is a beloved name in American barbecue, known for its slow-smoked ribs, bold sauces, and hearty Southern sides. Whether it’s the fourth-generation pitmaster in Illinois, the long-standing Bronx takeout spot, or the Indiana BBQ shack and food trucks, each location delivers rich, smoky flavors with a family-style touch. From brisket and pulled pork to classic sides like collard greens and baked beans, Johnson’s serves up authentic BBQ that keeps fans coming back for more.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse: Lexington Betty Smokehouse is Chicago’s go-to spot for bold, chef-crafted barbecue, founded by Army veteran and Food Network-featured chef Dominique Leach. Known for premium smoked meats like brisket, rib tips, and pulled pork—plus creative favorites like brisket egg rolls and loaded mac & cheese—Lexington Betty blends Southern tradition with gourmet flair. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or catering an event, every bite brings big flavor and warm hospitality.
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!
