Little Reviews: BBQ’d Productions {Third Lake}

BBQ’d Productions has something for everyone: traditional barbecue; a creative and varied menu; gourmet cocktails and local beer; delicious kiddie mock-tails; and show-stopping desserts. The Third Lake (Grayslake-area) restaurant also sells some of their house-made sauces and has a full service catering truck and carry-out menu. For a date night, work lunch, family dinner, or Bloody Marys and Sunday football–this locally owned spot is perfect.

BBQ’d Productions started in 2009 as a backyard barbecue and small-scale catering operation. Within a year and a half, the business grew to a full-fledged restaurant and full-service catering company that feeds and entertains customers and gives back to the community.

Located at Route 45 and Washington Street, the bar and restaurant offers outside seating and a clean, relaxed dining atmosphere. There are flat screen televisions to catch the game, and in true southern barbecue style, many dishes are served on cookie sheets or baking pans. The tables are set with plenty of sauces and a roll of paper towels. Also, they deserve a high-five for the baby changing table in the restroom!

The kids’ menu is small–chicken tenders, corn dog, and a pulled pork slider, but there are many sides, appetizers, and main dishes that kids will like, too. My kids loved the IBC Rooter Barbecue sauce. BBQ’d Productions makes up for the small kids menu with their fantastic kids’ drinks specials, complete with creative juice concoctions, fresh fruit, and candy garnishes.  Little diners also receive a coloring sheet and crayons to keep them busy.

BBQ’d Productions is one of the few local restaurants that meets my husband’s stringent barbecue standards. He travels regularly throughout the Midwest, and has enjoyed a lot of barbecue restaurants. The owner and chef of BBQ’d Productions has a simple philosophy, “to make the best tasting barbecue PERIOD! [The] meats are slowly smoked to perfection at low temperatures with hickory and made fresh daily.” A true love of barbecue and high-level of personal investment in this restaurant shines through.

There is something for everyone on the menu here, even macaroni and cheese or salads (hold the meat) for vegetarians. No matter what you order, you will not be disappointed!