If you’re craving some good barbecue in Joliet, check out Jack’s Chick’n Ribs. Jack’s is a new spot at 124 Richards St on the East Side of Joliet. The owner, Jack Dunklin, says he’s been enjoying barbecuing since he was a teenager, cooking at family cookouts. “I came from a big family that loved to barbecue,” Dunklin shared enthusiastically. “We would always have family cookouts. That’s where my love for barbecuing came from.”
In spring 2022, Jack’s BBQ dreams took a mobile turn, with a food truck sizzling through the streets of Joliet. Fast-forward to December 2023, and the grand opening of the permanent Richards St. location marked a milestone for Jack’s Chick’n Ribs, which was looking to cement its place in Joliet’s small business landscape.
Jack’s menu boasts an array of options, from BBQ rib tips to flavorful pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. But the fan favorite is the wing and ribs combo. “You get to taste the best of both worlds,” Jack explains. “The wing and ribs combo comes with four wings and mini tips at an affordable price.”
However, the main attraction at Jack’s is definitely the sauce. Jack says it took him nearly 30 years to perfect his sauce, which he says “sets his barbecue apart from the rest.
“It has a little heat to it, a little spice, sweetness, with a BBQ taste to it,” Jack describes, his voice filled with excitement. “I’m not saying other restaurants have bad BBQ sauce, but it’s nowhere near like mine. That’s because it’s unique.”
Indeed, uniqueness permeates every aspect of Jack’s menu items, from perfectly seasoned sandwiches and chicken to the fall-off-the-bone ribs.
“People want to know if I boil my ribs. I tell them the only thing boiling here is macaroni,” says Jack, laughing. “I just have a secret many barbecue chefs don’t have, and that’s what sets me apart.”
I had the chance to try out Jack’s Chick’n Ribs myself, and it didn’t disappoint. The Mambo burger is a charred, tasty beef patty with just enough Mambo seasoning and sauce topped with cheese. I also sampled the brisket and ribs, which were tender and cooked perfectly with plenty of flavor. But the real winner here is the sauce. It has a nice balance of sweet and spicy that hits the spot.
Jack says he’s grateful for all the support from the community and looks forward to serving up more delicious meals to both old and new customers. So, if you’re in the mood for some good ole’ barbecue in Joliet, try Jack’s Chick’n Ribs. You won’t be disappointed.
