Business Details
8 Years
experience
Award-Winning BBQ & Catering in Bloomington, IL
Annie's Eats was founded in 2018 by Annie and Kenny Clem, bringing decades of competitive BBQ expertise to Bloomington, IL. Our journey began in the mid-2000s competing in Kansas City Barbecue Society events, where we earned numerous awards for our smoked meats and original recipes. After perfecting our craft through catering, we opened our permanent location to share our passion for family-style meals and competition-grade BBQ. We specialize in carry-out and event catering, offering smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and scratch-made sides that have made us a local favorite.Our commitment to quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques ensures every bite reflects our dedication to the art of BBQ. With over 30 years of combined experience, we continue to serve fresh, flavorful meals that bring people together. Our daily specials and rotating dessert menu keep customers returning, while our catering services handle events from intimate gatherings to large weddings. The long lines at our door are a testament to our reputation for excellence in Central Illinois.
Services
BBQ Catering
Takeout Service
Smoked Meats
Scratch-Made Sides
Dessert Menu
Event Catering
Daily Specials
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of combined BBQ competition experience
- Multiple first-place awards in Midwest competitions
- Specialize in large-scale event catering with delivery
- Daily fresh smoking using proprietary rub recipes
- Rotating menu featuring house-made desserts daily
What people say
Best BBQ in town
Slam dunk brisket
Worth the 50-mile drive
Perfect competition-style smoke
Amazing dessert rotation
Services
BBQ Catering
Our full-service catering handles events from weddings to corporate functions. We provide smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and desserts for groups of any size. Our team offers delivery and on-site service options to ensure your event's success.
Smoked Meats
Freshly smoked daily using proprietary rubs and sauces. Menu includes brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and specialty items like Brandin' Iron beans. All meats are prepared using competition-grade techniques perfected over decades.
Scratch-Made Sides
Daily prepared sides include gourmet mac & cheese, hand-cut fries, brandin' iron beans, and seasonal specialties. Our recipes use fresh ingredients to complement our smoked meats, with family-style portions available for catering orders.
Takeout Service
Order award-winning BBQ for immediate enjoyment with our efficient takeout service. Available during operating hours, featuring full menu access including daily specials and rotating dessert selections made fresh each morning.
Dessert Menu
Rotating selection of pies, cobblers, and cakes made daily from scratch. Our dessert menu features classic Southern-style desserts that pair perfectly with smoked meats, available by the slice or whole for catering events.
People
Annie Clem
Co-Owner & Pitmaster
Co-founder with over 15 years of competitive BBQ experience, Annie developed our signature rubs and sauces through Kansas City Barbecue Society competitions before opening Annie's Eats in 2018.
Kenny Clem
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
Co-founder responsible for daily operations and customer relations, Kenny brings 20 years of restaurant management experience to complement Annie's culinary expertise since the business launched in 2018.
Questions
Do you offer catering services for large events?
Yes, we provide full catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties of any size with delivery available within 50 miles of Bloomington.
What makes your BBQ different from other restaurants?
Our competition-grade smoking techniques, proprietary rub recipes, and decades of award-winning experience create uniquely flavorful meats and sides that set us apart.
Are your menu items available for takeout?
All menu items are available for carry-out during operating hours, including daily specials and our rotating selection of house-made desserts.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and cash payments at our physical location. Catering orders require advance payment arrangements through our booking system.
How do catering orders work?
Submit our online catering request form with event details, menu preferences, and delivery requirements. Our team will coordinate with you to finalize arrangements and confirm availability.
What awards have you won for your BBQ?
We've earned multiple first, second, and third place awards in Kansas City Barbecue Society competitions across the Midwest since the mid-2000s.