This Illinois BBQ Burger Outsells Everything Else On The Grill
I pulled into Doc’s Smokehouse one Thursday night with an empty stomach and sky-high expectations.
The second I opened the door, the air wrapped around me like a smoky hug—thick with the scent of hickory, caramelized sauce, and slow-cooked magic. Then I spotted it on the menu, right under “Popular”: The Smokehouse Burger.
This wasn’t your average backyard burger. It was a tower of flavor—charred edges, juicy center, and a drizzle of house BBQ that tied it all together. In Illinois, burgers are serious business, but this one? It’s the boss of the grill, hands down.
Meet the Place: Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering (Edwardsville, IL)
Finding great BBQ in Illinois means finding Doc’s first. Tucked at 6108 Shoger Dr., Unit D in Edwardsville, this award-winning counter-service spot has built a loyal fan base on slow-smoked meats and scratch-made sides.
Walk in and you’ll smell the pit working overtime. The vibe is casual, the service quick, and the menu serious about flavor.
Need to call ahead? Dial (618) 656-6060. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Doc’s earns its reputation one perfectly charred bite at a time.
Open & Verified (Hours You Can Plan Around)
Timing matters when hunger strikes. Doc’s Edwardsville keeps a steady schedule: Tuesday through Wednesday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed Mondays.
I learned the hard way to double-check before driving over on a Monday. Now I bookmark their site and peek at any holiday updates before I head out.
Planning a weekend BBQ run? Those extra Friday and Saturday evening hours give you breathing room to grab dinner without rushing.
The Burger That Runs the Grill
Doc’s menu doesn’t hide the truth: the Smokehouse Burger is their most popular burger, and one bite explains why. Start with a half-pound Angus patty that gets smoked low and slow, then finished over a screaming-hot char-broiler for that perfect crust.
Pile on American cheese, house-smoked pulled pork, thick-cut bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and a crown of crispy onion straws. Nestle it all on a soft artisan bun, and you’ve got a tower of flavor that outpaces ribs, brisket, and every other grill contender.
Every element works together—smoke, char, crunch, and sauce—in perfect harmony.
What Else To Order (If You Can Resist the Burger)
Resisting the Smokehouse Burger takes willpower I don’t always have. But if you’re in the mood for classic pit fare, Doc’s delivers hard.
Pulled pork leads the pack as the best-selling entrée, tender and smoky with just the right pull. Brisket comes sliced thick, turkey arrives juicy from the smoker, and sausage snaps with every bite.
Want a taste of everything? Combo plates let you sample the lineup without committing to one protein. It’s a smart move for first-timers or anyone who can’t decide between meat and more meat.
Sides That Play Nice With BBQ
Great BBQ deserves sidekicks that can keep up. Doc’s builds every side from scratch, and it shows in the details.
BBQ baked beans come loaded with bacon and brisket, mac ‘n’ cheese arrives creamy and rich, and corn casserole hits that sweet-savory sweet spot. Green beans offer a lighter touch, while smokehouse fries and sweet potato fries add crunch.
Creamy slaw balances the smoke and spice, making it my go-to pairing with the Smokehouse Burger. Pick two sides with your burger and build the plate you’ve been dreaming about all week.
Pro Tips Before You Go
Smart diners come prepared. Your Smokehouse Burger includes one side automatically, so choose wisely—you can always add extras or upgrade to a second patty if you’re extra hungry.
Condiments, cheese swaps, and other add-ons are available when you order. Just ask at the counter and they’ll hook you up.
Friday and Saturday dinners get busy fast, so if you’re craving that burger, order early or plan for a short wait. The line moves quickly, but popular items sometimes sell out during peak hours.
Quick Facts (Pin These)
Keep these details handy for your next craving. Name: Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering (Edwardsville). Address: 6108 Shoger Dr., Unit D, Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Phone: (618) 656-6060. Hours: Tue–Wed & Sun 11–7; Thu–Sat 11–8; Mon closed. Headliner: Smokehouse Burger—Doc’s most popular burger, a fully loaded BBQ masterpiece.
Good to know: Burgers get smoked then char-broiled for double flavor, and sides plus desserts (hello, house bread pudding) are made fresh in-house. Save this info and thank me later.