Jay's Backyard BBQ

10 Reviews

Phone number: (773) 417-3830

Address: 5604 W Division Chicago, IL 60651

Hours of operation

Mon: Closed

Tue: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wed: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thu: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fri: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sat: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sun: Closed

On West Division Street, Jay's Backyard BBQ stands as a testament to Chicago's rich barbecue heritage, where traditional smoking techniques meet soul food inspiration. This neighborhood treasure serves up authenticity by the plateful, bringing the comfort of backyard barbecue to the heart of the city.

Jay's Backyard BBQ Photos

About Jay's Backyard BBQ

I've witnessed firsthand how they maintain the time-honored traditions of Chicago-style barbecue. The smoky aroma that wafts from 5604 W Division St tells a story of patience, expertise, and dedication to the craft.

The Secret Sauce at Jay's Backyard BBQ Defines Excellence

The house-made sauces here are legendary among locals, each batch crafted from closely guarded family recipes. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements creates a signature taste that you won't find anywhere else in the city.

Jay's Backyard BBQ Masters the Art of Neighborhood BBQ

Operating Tuesday through Saturday from 1 PM to 9 PM, they've perfected their smoking schedule to ensure every piece of meat reaches its peak flavor. The limited hours and closed Sundays and Mondays allow them to maintain their exacting standards.

The Chicago Spirit of Jay's Backyard BBQ Shows in Every Bite

The menu celebrates Chicago's diverse BBQ influences, from tender rib tips to perfectly smoked hot links. Each dish comes with that distinctive smoky flavor that only years of experience can achieve, complemented by soul food sides that complete the experience.

Jay's Backyard BBQ Creates Community Through Food

My personal favorites include their fall-off-the-bone rib tips smothered in their signature sauce and their smoked chicken, which maintains perfect juiciness beneath a beautifully seasoned bark. The mac and cheese, a must-try side dish, showcases the soul food expertise that makes this place special.

Their sides deserve special mention – from collard greens cooked with smoked turkey to candied yams that taste just like grandma's. Each complement tells its own story while perfectly accompanying the starring BBQ dishes.

Their commitment to traditional smoking methods, combined with family recipes and genuine hospitality, creates a dining experience that keeps locals coming back and attracts BBQ enthusiasts from across the city.

Jay's Backyard BBQ Reviews

Anthony J.

I tried the rib tips and found them to be average, not particularly outstanding but not terrible either. The sauce they came with was quite tasty though. I also ordered the steak plate, which had a nice jerk flavor to it and was pretty good overall.

Jasmine C.

The food at this place is delicious, but the service can use some improvement. It often takes around 45 minutes to an hour to receive your order, especially if you're getting the rib tips. To speed things up, I recommend hiring more staff or allowing customers to place phone orders in advance.

Nancy So Blessed H.

I had a disappointing experience at Jay's Backyard Barbecue recently. After waiting for 20 minutes, I was informed that they were out of Chicken Tips. It was frustrating to think they didn't know beforehand and I had already paid for them. Now I have to go through the process of getting a refund from my bank. This level of unprofessionalism has made me decide not to return to Jay's in the future.

Florence J.

I had high hopes for this restaurant after it was recommended by "Cousin Vinnie" on Instagram, but I left feeling disappointed. My friend and I ordered a variety of items, spending close to $50, but the food fell short. The chicken tasted like it was fried in old grease, and the jerk wings were not what I expected - they were fried and tasted awful. When I kindly asked for a replacement, the customer service was lacking. The lady working there had a bad attitude and the owner seemed indifferent to my concerns. It was a letdown, especially after showing excitement and sharing my order preferences. Unfortunately, I won't be returning or recommending this place to others. The lack of air conditioning in the summer also made the atmosphere uncomfortable. Overall, a disappointing experience that I won't soon forget.

Shelton W.

After making the drive from Schaumburg to try this place out, I can confidently say it was worth it! I decided to go for the Jerk chicken tips while my wife opted for the rib tips, and we were both impressed by the delicious flavors. We can't wait to come back and explore more of the menu next time.

Shakia S.

Highly recommend trying the Obama rolls, they are truly amazing. The ribs are consistently delicious every time we visit. Despite the wait, the BBQ at this place is definitely worth it. In my opinion, this is the best BBQ joint on the west side of Chicago.

Darlene M.

Just visited this restaurant for the first time and it was definitely worth it! I tried the Small Pork Tips with sauce on the side and it was absolutely delicious - juicy, tasty, and just the right portion size. The jerk sauce was exactly how I like it, packed with flavor. The Obama Egg Roll was also tasty, although it seemed like it had been reheated. I will definitely be ordering it again. The Obama Philly was a standout dish - seasoned well, flavorful, and made with fresh meat. The service was top-notch, with a very courteous young lady taking our orders. I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu items!

Jason W.

The restaurant is small with limited seating, so be prepared to stand on the deck against the wall. My wife raved about the jerk chicken egg rolls, and I decided to try the jerk rib tips. While they were a bit too spicy for my taste after a few bites, the mild BBQ sauce added a nice flavor. It took about 30 minutes for my order to be ready, but they took my number and called me when it was done. Overall, a great spot for those who enjoy spicy food!

Brenda W.

Delicious, fresh food that is definitely worth the wait! It's a good idea to plan ahead, place your order in advance, and be prepared for a bit of a wait. But trust me, the food is worth it!

Kim T.

I attempted to contact this establishment for a couple of days but unfortunately, there was no response and their voicemail was full. It's disappointing when you want to support black-owned businesses but encounter difficulties like this.