It’s true that cities like Kansas City and Memphis are best known for barbecue. But some southern transplants and barbecue aficionados have brought great barbecue to Illinois. Here are ten of the best barbecue places in Illinois:
- 17th Street Barbecue (Murphysboro)
17th Street Barbecue/Facebook This place has won all of the accolades you can get, consistently getting voted into the top ten barbecue places in the COUNTRY. Anything is good, but before you even look at the menu, try the ribs. Seriously.
- Black Dog Smoke and Ale House (Urbana)
Black Dog Smoke and Ale House/Facebook Who would have thought that some of Illinois’ best barbecue would be in central Illinois, but is most certainly is. People rave about the burnt ends (if you don’t know what those are…I just don’t even). Many things sell out pretty much when the place opens. In other words, drive down to Urbana immediately.
- Chicago q (Chicago)
Chicago q/Facebook This place is billed as “not your ordinary barbecue joint” because an actual chef is running this place. But don’t let the fancy space fool you. She whipped Bobby Flay’s butt with her pulled pork recipe. Yeah, they’re that good.
- Pat’s BBQ (Murphysboro)
Pat’s BBQ/Facebook Man, Murphysboro is Illinois’ BBQ capital or something. Something about Pat’s: they’re THREE time world champions. Try the prime rib. Also, FYI: they only take cash or checks.
- Hog Wild (Midlothian)
Hog Wild/Facebook See these pork chops? They’re award winning. And so is the sauce–voted best homemade BBQ sauce in all of Chicago.
- Pauly’s BBQ (Arthur)
Pauly’s BBQ/Facebook When coming down to tour Arthur, make sure you stop here. They’re known for the pulled pork and ribs, but they’ve got plenty on the menu to make any BBQ enthusiast happy.
- Smokin’ T’s Barbecue (Long Grove)
Smokin’ T’s Barbecue/Facebook The package is prettier than you’d find at most places, but don’t let that fool ya–it’s just really delicious BBQ.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (Wheaton)
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit/Facebook Dickey’s is Texas-based and been serving up their brand of barbecue since 1941. Not only is the meat tender, but you get complimentary pickles and ice cream. I’m not joking.
- South Moon BBQ (Hinckley)
South Moon BBQ/Facebook These guys are serving up Southern style BBQ alongside some fabulous craft beers. They list their GM as Porkchop so what does that tell ya?
- Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit (Belvidere)
Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit/Facebook These guys are serving up delicious BBQ in a laid-back atmosphere. Hang out on the tire swing while they get your order ready. FYI: cash only.
What is your favorite barbecue joint in Illinois? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
17th Street Barbecue/Facebook
This place has won all of the accolades you can get, consistently getting voted into the top ten barbecue places in the COUNTRY. Anything is good, but before you even look at the menu, try the ribs. Seriously.
Black Dog Smoke and Ale House/Facebook
Who would have thought that some of Illinois’ best barbecue would be in central Illinois, but is most certainly is. People rave about the burnt ends (if you don’t know what those are…I just don’t even). Many things sell out pretty much when the place opens. In other words, drive down to Urbana immediately.
Chicago q/Facebook
This place is billed as “not your ordinary barbecue joint” because an actual chef is running this place. But don’t let the fancy space fool you. She whipped Bobby Flay’s butt with her pulled pork recipe. Yeah, they’re that good.
Pat’s BBQ/Facebook
Man, Murphysboro is Illinois’ BBQ capital or something. Something about Pat’s: they’re THREE time world champions. Try the prime rib. Also, FYI: they only take cash or checks.
Hog Wild/Facebook
See these pork chops? They’re award winning. And so is the sauce–voted best homemade BBQ sauce in all of Chicago.
Pauly’s BBQ/Facebook
When coming down to tour Arthur, make sure you stop here. They’re known for the pulled pork and ribs, but they’ve got plenty on the menu to make any BBQ enthusiast happy.
Smokin’ T’s Barbecue/Facebook
The package is prettier than you’d find at most places, but don’t let that fool ya–it’s just really delicious BBQ.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit/Facebook
Dickey’s is Texas-based and been serving up their brand of barbecue since 1941. Not only is the meat tender, but you get complimentary pickles and ice cream. I’m not joking.
South Moon BBQ/Facebook
These guys are serving up Southern style BBQ alongside some fabulous craft beers. They list their GM as Porkchop so what does that tell ya?
Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit/Facebook
These guys are serving up delicious BBQ in a laid-back atmosphere. Hang out on the tire swing while they get your order ready. FYI: cash only.
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