Golden Boy Barbecue is a live-fire restaurant in Elmhurst inspired by Central Texas-style barbecue. They serve smoked meats, sides, and desserts alongside cold beer, cocktails, and an extensive bourbon and tequila selection, plus live music.
Origin Story
Golden Boy Barbecue started in 2016 when Joey Calcagno entered the local “Cue for a Cause” rib competition in Elmhurst alongside his family.
While away at college, Joey used his apartment as a test kitchen for Central Texas-style barbecue, eventually getting featured on the Big Ten Network. Post-graduation, he took pilgrimages to the heart of Texas to understand the soul of its barbecue culture before teaming up with long-time restaurateur Tony Gambino to offer barbecue at Elmhurst staple HB Jones.
In 2024, fueled by their shared vision, Tony and Joey went all in and opened Golden Boy Barbecue to bring the full live-fire Texas-inspired barbecue experience to the western suburbs.
