14 Illinois BBQ Chains That Locals Claim Serve Truly Saucy, Worthwhile Plates
Illinois has no shortage of BBQ, but some chains across the state manage to rise above the rest with plates that feel surprisingly personal.
You can walk into a location tucked along a busy strip or sitting quietly at a small town address and still catch that same slow cooked aroma drifting from the smoker.
Locals swear these spots deliver sauces worth the extra napkin stack, turning every visit into a laid back feast that never disappoints.
1. Soul & Smoke — Evanston, Illinois
Forget everything you think you know about typical barbecue joints.
Soul & Smoke brings a fresh, modern twist to traditional smoked meats that has Evanston residents lining up around the block.
The brisket here gets rubbed with a secret spice blend before spending hours in the smoker, creating a crust that crackles with every bite.
Located at 1601 Payne Street in Evanston, this spot sits in a lively neighborhood perfect for grabbing dinner after exploring downtown.
The pulled pork nachos have become legendary among locals, piled high with cheese, jalapeños, and house-made BBQ sauce.
Fun fact: the owners originally started as a food truck before opening their brick-and-mortar location.
Sides like smoked mac and cheese and cornbread muffins round out any meal beautifully.
2. Smoke Daddy — Chicago, Illinois
Wicker Park’s favorite barbecue hangout serves up plates so loaded with meat, you might need a nap afterward.
Smoke Daddy combines Southern-style cooking with Chicago attitude, creating a vibe that feels equal parts honky-tonk and urban cool.
Their hickory-smoked ribs come glazed in a sauce that balances sweet and tangy perfectly.
You’ll find this gem at 1804 West Division Street in Chicago, right in the heart of one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, though reports indicate this location is scheduled to close January 4, 2026.
The BBQ pulled chicken sandwich gets topped with crispy slaw that adds the perfect crunch.
Live blues music fills the space on weekends, making dinner feel like a full experience.
Interesting tidbit: Smoke Daddy has been smoking meats in Chicago since 1994, long before the neighborhood became hipster central.
3. Q-BBQ — La Grange, Illinois
Suburban barbecue lovers hit the jackpot when Q-BBQ opened its doors in downtown La Grange.
This family-friendly spot focuses on Texas-style barbecue, meaning big, bold flavors and generous portions that leave nobody hungry.
The beef brisket gets slow-smoked for up to 16 hours until it reaches melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Located at 70 South La Grange Road in La Grange, the restaurant sits within walking distance of the Metra station, making it super convenient for commuters.
Their burnt ends are little nuggets of smoky heaven, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
The coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to all that rich, smoky meat.
Pro tip: arrive early on weekends because locals know this place serves some of the best BBQ in the western suburbs.
4. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House — Champaign, Illinois
College town barbecue reaches new heights at this Champaign favorite where craft beer meets championship-level smoking techniques.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House takes pride in their award-winning ribs, which have earned medals at regional BBQ competitions.
The atmosphere blends sports bar energy with laid-back comfort, perfect for game days or casual weeknight dinners.
Situated at 201 North Broadway Avenue in Urbana, this spot becomes a gathering place for University of Illinois students and locals alike, with recent reports noting a temporary closure after a fire.
Their smoked wings come tossed in unique sauces like bourbon chipotle and Carolina gold.
The beer list features dozens of craft options that pair wonderfully with smoky meats.
Fun fact: the restaurant’s name honors the owner’s beloved black Labrador who inspired the whole concept.
5. Gemato’s Wood Pit BBQ — Worth/Naperville, Illinois
Real wood-fired cooking sets Gemato’s apart from joints that rely on gas or electric smokers.
Both locations in Worth and Naperville use traditional wood pits that infuse meats with authentic smoky flavor you can taste in every bite.
The pork ribs here develop a beautiful mahogany color and a bark that barbecue purists dream about.
The Worth location sits at 6701 W 111th Street, while Naperville folks can visit 1566 W Ogden Avenue for the same delicious experience.
Their Italian beef and BBQ combo sandwich brings together two Chicago favorites in one messy, magnificent creation.
Potato salad made fresh daily and baked beans simmered with burnt ends make ideal sidekicks.
Locals appreciate that Gemato’s keeps things simple, focusing on quality meats and classic sides without unnecessary frills.
6. BBQ’d Productions — Third Lake, Illinois
Competition barbecue expertise translates beautifully to everyday dining at this Third Lake treasure.
BBQ’d Productions got its start on the competitive BBQ circuit, racking up trophies before opening a restaurant where everyone could enjoy their championship recipes.
The St. Louis-style ribs showcase perfect seasoning and smoke rings that prove these pitmasters know their craft.
Located at 34121 North US Highway 45, Ste 1 in Third Lake, this spot draws crowds from across Lake County seeking authentic, competition-quality barbecue.
Their burnt end mac and cheese combines two comfort foods into one indulgent dish.
The sauce selection includes six different varieties, from mild and sweet to fiery hot.
Interesting note: the owners still compete in BBQ contests during summer months, often closing briefly to travel to events.
7. The Original Hog Wild — Oak Lawn/New Lenox, Illinois
Memphis-style barbecue reigns supreme at Hog Wild, where dry rubs and vinegar-based sauces honor traditional Tennessee cooking methods.
Both the Oak Lawn and New Lenox locations serve up pulled pork that gets hand-pulled and seasoned with a signature spice blend.
The restaurant’s casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families, with picnic-style tables and a no-fuss ordering system.
Oak Lawn diners head to 4040 W 111th Street, while New Lenox folks visit 1300 N Cedar Road for their BBQ fix.
The catfish basket offers a nice break from all that smoked meat, featuring crispy cornmeal-battered fillets.
Their coleslaw recipe uses a tangy dressing that cuts through rich barbecue flavors beautifully.
Fun fact: Hog Wild started as a single location in 1992 and built its reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
8. Carson’s Ribs — Chicago/Deerfield, Illinois
Chicago barbecue royalty since 1977, Carson’s has become synonymous with fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs glazed in their famous sauce.
The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but locals can spot that distinctive sweet and tangy flavor from a mile away.
Portions here run generous, with full racks that could easily feed two hungry people.
The Chicago location sits at 612 North Wells Street in River North, while suburbanites enjoy the Deerfield outpost at 1121 Milwaukee Avenue.
Their BBQ chicken comes marinated overnight before hitting the grill for extra flavor penetration.
The onion loaf appetizer has achieved legendary status, featuring a whole onion sliced, battered, and fried into crispy perfection.
Interesting tidbit: Carson’s ships their ribs nationwide, so homesick Chicagoans can get their fix anywhere.
9. Bandana’s Bar-B-Q — Bloomington, Illinois
Missouri-style barbecue gets the spotlight at Bandana’s, where thick, tomato-based sauces coat everything from ribs to turkey.
The Bloomington location brings a taste of St.
Louis BBQ culture to central Illinois, complete with pork steaks that remain relatively unknown outside the Show-Me State.
Their smoking process uses a combination of hickory and apple wood for complex flavor layers.
You’ll find this spot at 1315 East Empire Street in Bloomington, conveniently located near Illinois State University.
The turkey tips surprise first-timers with how juicy and flavorful smoked turkey can be when done right.
Loaded baked potatoes topped with pulled pork or brisket turn a simple side into a full meal.
Fun fact: Bandana’s started in St.
Louis in 1996 and has slowly expanded across the Midwest.
10. Edley’s Bar-B-Que — Glen Carbon/O’Fallon, Illinois
Nashville hot chicken meets traditional barbecue at Edley’s, bringing Tennessee flavors to the Metro East area.
Both locations serve up authentic Southern cooking that goes beyond typical barbecue fare, including hot chicken sandwiches that pack serious heat.
The brisket gets smoked low and slow, developing a pink smoke ring that barbecue enthusiasts recognize as a sign of proper technique.
Glen Carbon guests visit 2392 South State Route 157, while O’Fallon diners head to 531 West Highway 50 for their fix
Their banana pudding provides the perfect sweet ending, layered with vanilla wafers and fresh whipped cream.
The comeback sauce, a Southern staple, adds creamy, tangy goodness to everything it touches.
Interesting note: Edley’s originated in Nashville and brought their award-winning recipes to Illinois in recent years.
11. MISSION BBQ — Downers Grove, Illinois
Patriotic pride meets serious barbecue at MISSION, where every meal comes with a side of American spirit. The restaurant honors military members, first responders, and public servants through decor, daily traditions, and community involvement.
At noon each day, the national anthem plays while staff and customers stand together in respect.
Located at 1570 Butterfield Road in Downers Grove, this spot serves up pulled pork, brisket, and ribs smoked fresh daily.
Their cornbread comes out warm and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up extra sauce. The mac and cheese gets baked until golden and bubbly on top.
Proceeds from certain menu items support veteran organizations and first responder charities.
The atmosphere feels welcoming and family-friendly, with booths and tables that accommodate groups of any size comfortably.
12. Famous Dave’s — Addison, Illinois
Award-winning recipes and a cabin-lodge atmosphere make Famous Dave’s a reliable choice for barbecue cravings.
The chain earned its reputation through competition barbecue success before expanding nationwide, and the Addison location maintains those high standards.
Their Texas beef brisket gets rubbed with a blend of spices before spending hours in the smoker.
Situated at 950 West Army Trail Road in Addison, this restaurant offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of parking.
The Wilbur Beans, named after the company’s mascot pig, simmer with bacon and brown sugar for sweet, savory perfection.
Corn muffins arrive at the table warm, with honey butter for spreading.
Fun fact: Famous Dave’s offers different regional BBQ styles on one menu, letting diners sample Carolina, Texas, and Memphis traditions in a single visit.
13. City Barbeque — Park Ridge/Deerfield, Illinois
Southern hospitality meets suburban convenience at City Barbeque, where meats get smoked fresh every morning before opening.
Both Park Ridge and Deerfield locations follow the same commitment to quality, using real wood smokers and traditional techniques.
The pulled pork receives a simple rub that lets the smoke flavor shine through without overwhelming the meat.
Park Ridge diners visit 9 South Northwest Highway, while Deerfield guests head to 760 Waukegan Road for their barbecue fix.
Their green beans get slow-cooked with bacon until tender and flavorful.
The jalapeño cornbread muffins add a subtle heat that complements smoky meats beautifully.
Fun fact: City Barbeque started in Columbus, Ohio, and has expanded across the Midwest while maintaining quality standards.
The restaurant chain actively supports local communities through various charitable initiatives and fundraising programs.