12 Illinois BBQ Joints With The Toughest Reservations To Land
I’m a BBQ devotee. Not just someone who enjoys a good rack of ribs, but someone who actively seeks out the legendary spots, the places whispered about with reverence.
And let me tell you, the quest for truly exceptional barbecue in Illinois can feel like a mission of epic proportions. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about planning, strategizing, and sometimes, a healthy dose of luck.
This is for all of us who consider snagging a table at a top-tier joint a victory worth celebrating.
1. Smoque BBQ – Chicago, IL
Pulling up to this Chicago staple means you’re in for a treat, but also a wait. The Texas-style brisket here has achieved legendary status among meat lovers, with a bark so perfect it could make a pitmaster weep.
Weekend lines stretch around the block as hungry diners queue for their fix of smoky perfection. Walk-ins are technically welcome, but smart diners know to book ahead if they want any hope of avoiding the crush.
The ribs fall off the bone with just a gentle tug, while the pulled pork gets piled high on buttery buns. Every plate comes loaded with classic sides that complement rather than compete with the star attractions.
2. Green Street Smoked Meats – Chicago, IL
Central Texas traditions meet Chicago hustle at this West Loop hotspot where reservations disappear faster than brisket at a family reunion. The owners studied under Austin’s finest pitmasters before bringing their knowledge north, and it shows in every carefully trimmed cut.
Smoke billows from custom-built pits that work around the clock to achieve that perfect pink ring. Popularity here isn’t just hype; the meat speaks for itself with flavors that transport you straight to Texas Hill Country.
Tables fill quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, leaving hopeful walk-ins disappointed more often than not. Smart planning means calling days ahead, especially for weekend dining when the crowds really pack in.
3. Chicago q – Chicago, IL
Award plaques line the walls of this Southern barbecue palace, each one a testament to years of perfecting the craft. The restaurant elevates traditional BBQ to fine dining status without losing the soul that makes great barbecue so irresistible.
Locals and tourists alike flock here for celebrations, date nights, and any excuse to indulge in top-tier smoked meats.
Peak hours see the reservation book filled weeks in advance, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
I remember trying to snag a table for my anniversary last year, only to find nothing available for three weekends straight. The experience proved worth the wait though, with every bite justifying the advance planning required.
4. Offset BBQ – Chicago, IL
Logan Square’s culinary scene got a major boost when this smokehouse opened its doors and started serving up creative takes on classic barbecue. Slow-smoked meats remain the foundation, but the unique sides steal scenes with unexpected flavor combinations that challenge expectations.
Weekend reservations get snatched up almost immediately after they become available online. The pitmaster here isn’t afraid to experiment while respecting tradition, resulting in dishes that surprise and satisfy in equal measure.
Housemade pickles provide the perfect acidic counterpoint to rich, fatty meats that have spent hours in the smoker. Even showing up right when they open won’t guarantee you a spot without advance booking during busy periods.
5. 17th Street BBQ – Murphysboro, IL
Down in Southern Illinois sits a barbecue shrine that has drawn pilgrims from across the country since its Food Network debut. The fame hasn’t changed the commitment to quality, with pitmasters still tending fires and monitoring temperatures like their reputations depend on it.
Because they do. Calling ahead is basically mandatory unless you enjoy disappointment with a side of regret. The restaurant’s acclaim means busloads of BBQ tourists make special trips just to taste what all the fuss is about.
Sauce recipes passed down through generations coat ribs that have won more competitions than most pitmasters enter. Southern hospitality meets serious smoking skills in every interaction and every plate that leaves the kitchen.
6. Beast Craft BBQ Co. – Belleville, IL
Belleville residents consider themselves lucky to have this gem in their backyard, though the secret has definitely gotten out. Meat plates arrive at tables piled so high they test the structural integrity of standard dinnerware.
Housemade sauces range from sweet and tangy to fiery hot, giving diners options to customize their experience. The popularity surge means reservations now book up days in advance, especially for prime dining times.
Portions here could feed a small army, making it perfect for sharing or ensuring excellent leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Quality never wavers despite the crowds, with each cut receiving the attention and smoking time it deserves to reach tender perfection.
7. Firewater BBQ – Multiple Locations, IL
Five locations across Illinois mean more opportunities to score a table, but also more competition from fellow BBQ enthusiasts. Alsip, Crest Hill, Geneva, Elmhurst, and New Lenox all house versions of this popular smokehouse, each one drawing substantial crowds.
The variety of smoked meats keeps regulars coming back to try different combinations and discover new favorites. Weekend warriors know to book their spots early or risk missing out entirely on prime dining slots.
Consistency across locations means you can trust the quality regardless of which restaurant you visit. The challenge lies not in finding a Firewater BBQ, but in actually securing a reservation at one during peak times when demand far exceeds available seating.
8. Steamboat BBQ – Wheaton, IL
Wheaton’s answer to great barbecue comes with a side of creativity that sets it apart from traditional smokehouses. Unique sides complement rather than distract from perfectly smoked meats that have been given the time and temperature they need.
The restaurant name hints at the journey your taste buds will take through layers of smoke and seasoning. Peak hours turn this place into a packed house where getting a table without advance notice becomes nearly impossible.
My cousin tried showing up on a Saturday evening once without calling ahead, and the two-hour wait taught him a valuable lesson about planning. The food made him forget his frustration though, proving that good things really do come to those who wait or book ahead.
9. Smokin’ BBQ On 45 – Mundelein, IL
Route 45 drivers have been pulling off the highway for years to grab some of the best barbecue in Lake County. The variety here keeps menus interesting, with rotating specials that showcase different cuts and preparation styles.
Sides hold their own against the main attractions, offering classic comfort food executed with care and proper seasoning. Popularity has turned this roadside spot into a destination that requires advance planning rather than spontaneous stops.
The parking lot stays packed during meal times, with cars circling like vultures hoping for an opening. Smart diners call ahead to secure their spots, ensuring they won’t leave hungry or disappointed after making the drive to Mundelein.
10. Mission BBQ – Springfield, IL
National chains don’t usually make tough-reservation lists, but this Springfield location defies expectations with consistent crowds and devoted regulars. The patriotic theme resonates strongly in the state capital, where government workers and tourists alike pack the dining room.
Smoked meats get prepared with the same care you’d find at independent joints, maintaining quality despite the corporate backing. Peak hours during lunch and dinner see the reservation book filled solid, leaving walk-ins with substantial wait times.
The variety of proteins means everyone finds something to love, from traditional brisket to more adventurous options. Service stays friendly even when the pressure mounts, with staff managing the chaos with practiced efficiency born from constant busy periods.
11. Big Ed’s BBQ – Chicago, IL
The West Loop restaurant scene keeps getting better, and this smokehouse contributes significantly to the neighborhood’s reputation for excellent food. Smoked meats take center stage, but the unique sides deserve their own spotlight for creativity and execution.
Weekend crowds pack the place from open to close, with barely a moment’s breathing room between seatings. Reservations have become essential rather than optional if you want to actually eat here rather than just smell the delicious smoke from outside.
The kitchen maintains high standards even when slammed, refusing to sacrifice quality for speed or convenience. Every plate gets the attention it deserves before heading to hungry diners who have been eagerly anticipating their meal since booking days or weeks earlier.
12. Soul & Smoke – Skokie, IL
Skokie scored big when this innovative smokehouse opened and started putting unique twists on traditional barbecue favorites. The variety of smoked meats gets elevated through creative preparation and unexpected flavor combinations that work beautifully together.
Popularity exploded quickly as word spread about the exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere that keeps diners coming back. Securing a table requires advance planning, especially on weekends when demand peaks and availability drops to nearly zero.
The unique approach to barbecue attracts adventurous eaters looking for something beyond standard fare while still respecting the fundamentals. Every visit offers something to discover, whether trying a new protein or sampling a different sauce from the impressive housemade selection.