This Illinois BBQ Spot Was Just Named One of America’s Best Small-Town Restaurants

Big Ed's has just been called one of the best small-town restaurants in America, according to LoveFood. One look at the pictures on their Facebook and it's easy to see why.

Big Ed’s Famous Brisket and Burnt Ends

The big dish that everyone raves about at Ed's is the brisket that has been smoked low and slow for a full day, then popped back in the smoker for another six hours, giving more flavor and even more texture. Burnt ends at Ed's are a limited menu of items, and they tend to sell fast, so getting there early is recommended.

READ MORE: The Best BBQ Restaurant in Illinois Might Surprise You

Classic BBQ Menu Favorites

If you miss out on the burnt ends, never fear, there's more killer than filler on the menu if you know what I mean. They got just about every barbecue joint staple you can dream of: ribs, brisket, sausage, and while they don't go overboard with the frills, this is one classic barbecue done right.

READ MORE: Want Illinois' Best BBQ? Food Lover Website Says To Go Here

Why Waukegan Loves Big Ed’s

Located in Waukegan, Big Ed's is the go-to for folks who live nearby and for fans of barbecue who are willing to make the pilgrimage to the area. LoveFood's inclusion of Big Ed's among the best small-town restaurants in America only solidifies the talk that it's a restaurant worth checking out.

A Must-Try Illinois Barbecue Experience

So whether you're driving by or planning to make a memorable trip in, Big Ed's is a barbecue experience so solid you'll be telling others about it long after it's over.