Every single weekend there comes a moment when you’ve either exhausted all your chores or scrolled through every social feed. When that craving hits, you deserve to find the nearest pitmaster serving smoky perfection at prices that honor the craft. And while brisket is always glorious, the superior barbecue experience involves tender meats, tangy sauces, and sides that shine. Luckily, Aurora has plenty. This is your guide to the best barbecue joints in town.
Nick’s Red Hots Aurora
$ | (630) 585-8900 | WEBSITE
Nick’s Red Hots Aurora’s lunch special is simple but satisfying, available for exactly two hours most weekdays. Or swing by on Wednesday afternoon when they offer $5 bacon cheeseburgers and half off all salads under $12 the entire time. The burgers tend to go fast, but you can order up to two per person with a phone call ahead.
MISSION BBQ
$ | (630) 974-5498 | WEBSITE
This simple but solid barbecue spot serves up quality smoked meats, sandwiches, and classic sides. Their menu features favorites like the moist brisket and pulled pork sandwich, along with tasty options like the chicken sandwich and salmon. The sweet potato pie is delicious, and there’s a good selection of barbecue sauces to choose from. While the brisket portions aren’t huge, the cheeseburger with mac and cheese and the fries are also great choices.
The ambiance is straightforward but works well for a quick meal, and the wall honoring soldiers makes it special for military families. With consistently good food and excellent service, MISSION BBQ is definitely worth visiting with family and friends.
LEVEE KARAOKE & BBQ 乐味 KTV & 烧烤
$ | (331) 588-1000 | WEBSITE
Kick off a night in Aurora at Levee Karaoke & BBQ with $10 drinks and karaoke. The only possible downside is that you might end up staying all night.
Jam Rock BBQ Jerk
$ | (630) 946-6914 | WEBSITE
Jam Rock BBQ Jerk has become a bit of an Aurora gem over the years, with a reputation extending back for its flavorful offerings. The menu features wonderful delicacies like peas and rice, curry goat, braised cabbage, and BBQ ribs, all served in generous portions that keep diners coming back for more. Customers particularly love the lunch special oxtail, which is juicy and tender, alongside jerk dinner with Mac and cheese, rice, jerk tacos, and other tasty dishes.
While the food tastes amazing and is made fresh, there can be longer wait times, so patience is appreciated—it’s wise to check status updates on Grub Hub before pickup. Overall, it’s a great place for off-the-chain food that will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (630) 554-4180 | WEBSITE
The Deal: Half off all steaks all night Tuesday, half off appetizers at the bar all night Wednesdays, $12 ribeye with loaded baked potato all night Thursday.
Smokey’s Woodpit BBQ
$ | (630) 553-1515 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of places to get barbecue in Aurora, but few feel as tailor-made for family gatherings as Smokey’s Woodpit BBQ. Set inside a clean, no-frills space, its worn but comfortable seats and tables are a natural fit for the straightforward, hearty food. The menu delivers classic barbecue in generous portions—pulled pork and brisket share real estate with burgers and hot dogs.
Most of it works pretty well, but it works especially well when you’re dining outside and can enjoy the fresh air with your meal. The brisket and baked beans are standouts, though the brisket could use a smokier punch. Still, with reasonable prices and fast, polite service, it’s easy to see why this spot remains a local favorite.
Hells BBQ
$ | (630) 636-7019 | WEBSITE
There are multiple locations of the crowd-pleasing Hells BBQ in the Aurora area, and they all offer a delightful dining experience with a variety of delicious dishes. Whether it’s a late lunch or early dinner, you can make a solid meal out of standout items like the pulled pork sandwich, jerk rib tips, and brisket grilled cheese sandwich.
The tender and tasty ribs and tips are enjoyable even without sauce, and the brisket egg rolls are good, though they contain all three colors of bell peppers, which some may prefer or dislike. The cognac bread pudding remains a must-have, still warm and freshly made. The staff is very friendly and helpful, always happy to assist with questions and suggestions. The restaurant’s interior is charming, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The menu is extensive, including options like the 2-meat sampler and sides such as mac n cheese and potato salad, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Overall, Hells BBQ is a great spot for a satisfying meal, with high-quality food and excellent service.
Absolute BBQ – Authentic Indian Cuisine
$$ | (630) 420-7777 | WEBSITE
Absolute BBQ – Authentic Indian Cuisine is one of our favorite lunch spots, with a fantastic buffet discounted heavily for the midday meal every day, when it can get pretty busy. Grab an Indian beer or some hard alcohol—they have a great selection of both—then settle into the basic but comfortable dining room and order authentic Indian dishes.
Southbank Original Barbecue
$ | (630) 385-2477 | WEBSITE
Southbank is one of the few good spots to grab a bite right off the river, with a menu made up of barbecue and fried chicken dishes prepared to perfection. The outdoor seating overlooks the water, making it a perfect spot to enjoy nice weather, and it’s awesome that dogs can join the patio. Reasonable drink prices keep things lively, with highlights like candied bacon skewers and fried cheesecake noted by recent visitors.
The 50 layer lasagne family meal is delicious, and the holiday prepped meals are excellent in taste, price, and portion, feeding a family of 13 twice. Music and good times abound, with the friendly staff ensuring everyone is taken care of in the great backyard vibe.
Ah Yin’s Chinese BBQ
$ | (312) 823-3118 | WEBSITE
Aurora has many, many barbecue spots. Ah Yin’s Chinese BBQ is one of the best in town. During lunch hours, you can get generous roast meat plates for under fifteen dollars, along with anything else off the dim sum menu (including freshly made dumplings).
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (630) 778-0960 | WEBSITE
When the staff starts dancing, few better places are more entertaining than Texas Roadhouse, with its high-energy atmosphere and lots of friendly servers. The rest of the time, you can just enjoy a great meal with consistently excellent food. The 14 oz ribeye is perfectly cooked, and the legend margarita is a refreshing choice. Freshly baked buns are complimentary, and the service is always attentive and prompt.
However, the music can get a bit loud, making it hard to hear your companions at times. Despite that, the overall experience is positive, with well-seasoned steaks and a variety of options from salads to burgers. The staff seems genuinely happy to serve, adding to the lively vibe.