We just returned from Mission BBQ in Naperville, IL, and it was just about perfect. The LW loved her turkey, the Classic Sausage was nice and spicy without being overpowering, and the brisket beans, fries, and potato salad were all excellent.
So why a 1/4” from perfect? Check out this slice of brisket. The bark and fat were delicious, but we’ll never know if it would pass the bend test.
Nice try, Mission, but you’re still a four star restaurant.
Thanks for the review. The brisket looks dry and the fat doesn’t appear to be fully rendered. I could be wrong since I’m only looking at the picture. Anyway, glad you liked it. I never cared about the bend test. It is a YouTube thing. In the final analysis, the only thing that matters is the taste.
There is a Mission BBQ location just a few miles from me. I assume it’s part of the same chain. I’ve never been there. It it gets good reviews on Yelp. I’l have to run up there and give it a try.
Hey Jim, it’s usually very good. My wife loves the turkey, I love the classic sausage, and my son is a big fan of the jalapeño/cheddar sausage, which is too spicy for me. All the sides are good to great, and the fresh cut fries are world class.
If I were a manager at a Chain (Famous Daves, Mission, Dickey's) ....I would fear the PIT..we are a tough crowd to please when it comes to BBQ. Of course, a BBQ Chain purpose is to make money serving a huge number of folks that mostly do not know or care to know about BBQ
We almost never go to a BBQ chain; sides are usually okay-to-really good and the meats are generally less impressive.
A new Mission just opened near me.
we had dinner there Friday night. I would say good not great.
I had brisket, which I enjoyed. The wife and son each had pulled pork. I rate it as ok. Fries were really good (reminded me of boardwalk fries), and the corn bread was meh..
The place was packed, but service was great and the line moved very quickly. The staff was exceptionally friendly.
Completely appreciate and respect their “mission”. Loved the service themed decor, including displayed uniforms of local police and fire departments.
I would certainly dine there again, but as there are several other Indy BBQ places nearby, it probably wouldn’t be my top choice.
Aren’t those fries great? We’ve been to two different locations, and they’re both well run by exceptionally friendly staffs. It’s ironic that they can’t make good pulled pork, which we amateur pitmasters have mastered. Check out the sausage and turkey the next time you’re there. Good stuff!
Comment