13 Illinois BBQ Joints So Popular, Getting A Table Is Half The Battle
Illinois knows how to do BBQ right, and the proof is in the packed parking lots and hour-long waits at some of the state’s most legendary smokehouses. From Chicago’s bustling neighborhoods to smaller towns with big reputations, these BBQ joints have earned their cult followings one perfectly smoked rib at a time.
Whether you’re craving fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy brisket, or tangy pulled pork, these spots deliver flavors so good that customers happily battle for a seat.
1. Smoque BBQ – Chicago
Smoke signals rise daily from this Irving Park treasure, where BBQ fanatics form lines that snake around the block before the doors even open. Located at 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, Smoque has turned waiting into an art form, but nobody’s complaining when the reward is some of the city’s finest slow-smoked meats.
Their brisket gets rubbed with a secret blend of spices before spending hours in the smoker, emerging with a bark so flavorful it could win beauty contests. The pulled pork practically dissolves on your tongue, while the ribs maintain that perfect balance between tender and toothsome.
Each meat gets paired with house-made sauces that complement rather than overpower.
The no-frills dining room fills faster than you can say “extra napkins please,” with regulars claiming their favorite tables like seasoned veterans. Weekend waits can stretch past an hour, but the staff keeps things moving with practiced efficiency.
Smart diners arrive early, though even strategic planning can’t always beat the crowds at this BBQ powerhouse.
2. Green Street Smoked Meats – Chicago
West Loop’s BBQ darling sits pretty at 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, where the aroma of hickory smoke battles traffic fumes and wins every single time. This place turned a former meatpacking district into a destination dining neighborhood, with crowds that would make a rock concert jealous.
Pitmaster-approved techniques meet creative menu twists here, resulting in combinations that surprise and delight even BBQ purists. The brisket burnt ends arrive glistening with rendered fat, while the smoked chicken thighs prove that poultry deserves respect in BBQ circles.
Their house-made pickles provide the perfect acidic counterpoint to rich, smoky proteins.
Industrial-chic decor featuring exposed brick and communal tables creates an atmosphere that’s both trendy and welcoming. Tables fill quickly during peak hours, so walk-ins should prepare for serious wait times.
The bar area offers standing room for the patient, where you can watch the kitchen work its magic through large windows while your stomach performs an anticipatory symphony.
3. Lem’s Bar-B-Q – Chicago
South Side legend Lem’s has been slinging rib tips and hot links since the 1950s from its home at 311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619, earning a reputation that spans generations. Families pass down their love for this place like treasured recipes, creating a customer base more loyal than sports fans.
The aquarium smokers visible through the windows work overtime producing Chicago-style BBQ that focuses on rib tips—those flavorful, fatty pieces that locals know represent the pinnacle of the craft. Their sauce walks the line between sweet and spicy with vinegar undertones that cut through the richness perfectly.
Hot links arrive with a satisfying snap, while the mild links cater to those who prefer subtler flavors.
Counter service keeps things moving, but don’t expect to waltz in during lunch or dinner rush without encountering serious crowds. The casual atmosphere puts everyone at ease, from construction workers grabbing quick lunch to families celebrating special occasions.
Cash remains king here, so hit the ATM before joining the queue that forms regardless of weather or day of the week.
4. Honey 1 BBQ – Chicago
Bronzeville’s pride and joy operates from 746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653, where the name promises sweetness and the reality delivers in spades. This neighborhood gem attracts BBQ pilgrims from across the city, all seeking that perfect balance of smoke, spice, and everything nice.
Rib tips reign supreme here, cooked until they achieve that magical texture where meat yields without falling apart completely. The sauce recipe remains a closely guarded secret, though regulars swear they detect hints of honey, molasses, and magic.
Chicken arrives perfectly charred on the outside while maintaining juicy tenderness within, proving that poultry deserves equal billing with pork and beef.
Limited seating means most customers opt for carryout, creating a constant stream of traffic through the small storefront. Phone orders help skip some waiting, but popular items sell out regularly, especially on weekends when demand reaches fever pitch.
The staff handles the chaos with practiced grace, somehow remembering regular customers and their usual orders despite the perpetual rush. Plan your visit for off-peak hours if you value your time, though the food makes any wait worthwhile.
5. Chicago q – Chicago
Upscale BBQ sounds like an oxymoron until you experience Chicago q at 1160 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610, where white tablecloths meet smoke rings in perfect harmony. Gold Coast sophistication blends with down-home cooking techniques, creating a dining experience that elevates BBQ to fine dining status without losing its soul.
Competition-influenced BBQ skills shine through every dish, from the meticulously prepared brisket to ribs that reflect years of refinement and technique. Their multi-step preparation process involves dry rubs, low-and-slow smoking, and finishing techniques that create layers of flavor and texture.
Sides receive the same attention as mains, with creamy mac and cheese and bacon-studded Brussels sprouts that could stand alone as entrees.
Reservations are absolutely essential here, as walk-ins rarely score tables during prime dining hours. The sleek, modern interior features an open kitchen where diners can watch pitmasters work their craft.
Service reaches levels uncommon in casual BBQ joints, with knowledgeable servers who can explain every ingredient and cooking method in detail, making the premium prices feel justified.
6. Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern – Chicago
Old Town’s most famous BBQ destination has occupied 1655 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614 since 1932, making it older than most customers’ grandparents. Frank Sinatra reportedly loved this place so much that his favorite booth became legendary, though good luck claiming it without a serious wait.
Baby back ribs represent the house specialty, prepared using techniques perfected over nine decades of continuous operation. The Zesty sauce—available for purchase by the bottle—strikes that elusive balance between tangy and sweet that keeps customers coming back for more.
Traditional sides like coleslaw and fries provide familiar comfort, while the vintage decor transports diners to a simpler era.
Dim lighting and cozy booths create an intimate atmosphere that makes waiting feel slightly less painful, though waits regularly exceed ninety minutes on weekends. The bar area accommodates overflow crowds, where you can nurse a soft drink while watching servers navigate the packed dining room with impressive agility.
Arrive early on weeknights for your best shot at reasonable wait times, or embrace the chaos and make friends with fellow BBQ enthusiasts in line.
7. Offset BBQ – Chicago
Humboldt Park’s BBQ scene got a serious upgrade when Offset opened at 1720 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, bringing Texas-style smoking techniques to Chicago’s hip neighborhoods. The name references the offset smokers that work around the clock, producing meats so tender they practically wave white flags of surrender.
Brisket takes center stage here, sliced thick and served with minimal fuss because great meat needs no apologies. The fat cap glistens with rendered goodness, while the smoke ring provides visual proof of proper smoking technique.
Pulled pork and ribs round out the menu, each receiving the same meticulous attention to detail that makes BBQ enthusiasts weep with joy.
The casual, counter-service setup keeps overhead low and quality high, though limited seating means competition for tables rivals musical chairs. Weekend brunch brings creative BBQ breakfast combinations that attract crowds willing to wait for smoked meats before noon.
The small space fills quickly, with overflow spilling onto the sidewalk during nice weather. Smart diners order ahead for pickup, though eating on-site allows you to snag any items that might sell out later in the day.
8. Earl’s BBQ – Chicago
Jefferson Park’s hidden treasure operates from 4835 N Austin Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, where neighborhood locals guard their secret like dragons protecting gold. Word has spread despite their best efforts, turning this once-quiet spot into a destination that draws BBQ seekers from across the metropolitan area.
Rib tips showcase Chicago-style BBQ at its finest, arriving sauced and ready to create napkin mountains on your table. The sauce balances sweetness with subtle heat, coating each piece without drowning the natural smoke flavors.
Their hot links pack enough spice to make you reach for your drink, while mild options cater to those who prefer gentler flavors.
The no-nonsense counter service and utilitarian decor put all focus squarely on the food, where it belongs. Limited hours mean you need to plan your visit carefully, as they close when they sell out—which happens with increasing frequency.
Lunch crowds pack the small dining area, creating a convivial atmosphere where strangers bond over shared appreciation for quality BBQ. Calling ahead helps gauge availability, though popular items disappear quickly regardless of advance warning.
9. Smoke Daddy (Wrigleyville) – Chicago
Wrigleyville’s BBQ hotspot at 3636 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613 combines smoke and swagger in equal measure, creating an atmosphere that’s part Southern smokehouse, part Chicago sports bar. Game days transform this place into controlled chaos, where Cubs fans fuel up before heading to the ballpark just blocks away.
Memphis-style ribs get star billing, falling off the bone with minimal encouragement while maintaining structural integrity. The dry rub creates a flavorful crust that needs no sauce, though multiple varieties sit ready for those who want extra zing.
Pulled pork sandwiches arrive piled high on soft buns, while the brisket demonstrates that Chicago pitmasters can compete with Texas legends.
Live music several nights weekly adds entertainment value beyond exceptional food, though it also contributes to noise levels and crowds. The spacious interior handles volume better than smaller BBQ joints, but prime dining times still mean waits that test patience.
Reservations for larger groups help, while couples and small parties can sometimes snag bar seats without excessive delays. This is the brand’s currently operating Chicago location, making it perfect for pre-game meals, though that convenience also means competing with thousands of baseball fans for tables.
10. Blackwood BBQ (Loop) – Chicago
Downtown workers rejoice at having legitimate BBQ in the Loop, courtesy of Blackwood at 307 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606, where office towers meet smoke rings in delicious harmony. This fast-casual concept brings quality smoked meats to an area previously dominated by quick lunches and chain options.
Texas-influenced techniques produce brisket worthy of Lone Star State approval, with that perfect pink smoke ring and bark that crunches before yielding to buttery interior meat. Ribs and sausage round out the meat selections, while creative sides like smoked cauliflower prove vegetables deserve smoker time too.
The sauce selection ranges from vinegar-based Carolina style to thick Kansas City varieties, letting diners customize their experience.
Lunch rushes bring hordes of office workers seeking BBQ salvation from desk lunch monotony, creating lines that snake through the modern industrial space. The efficient counter service keeps things moving, though popular items can sell out by mid-afternoon.
Dinner crowds thin slightly as commuters head home, offering better timing for leisurely meals. The location makes it perfect for business lunches or pre-theater dining, assuming you build in buffer time for potential waits during peak hours.
11. Big Ed’s BBQ – Waukegan
North suburban BBQ royalty reigns from 651 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, where Big Ed’s has built a following so devoted they should issue loyalty tattoos. This family-run operation proves that great BBQ isn’t exclusive to Chicago, bringing competition-quality meats to Lake County residents who previously had to travel for their fix.
Ribs emerge from the smoker with meat that clings to bones just enough to require gentle tugging, while the house sauce adds layers of flavor without overwhelming the natural smokiness. Pulled pork gets piled onto sandwiches with generous abandon, and the brisket demonstrates hours of patient smoking and careful temperature control.
Sides maintain homemade quality, from creamy mac and cheese to tangy coleslaw that provides perfect textural contrast.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction crews to grandparents treating grandkids to BBQ feasts. Weekend waits can stretch long as word spreads about this suburban gem, though the staff handles crowds with small-town friendliness.
Ample parking helps, as does a willingness to arrive during off-peak hours when you can actually snag a table without strategic planning worthy of military operations.
12. Doc Watson’s Smokehouse – Romeoville
Southwest suburban BBQ excellence emanates from 444 N Weber Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446, where Doc Watson’s prescribes smoked meat therapy for whatever ails you. This well-established suburban favorite has earned its reputation over several years, attracting BBQ pilgrims from throughout the western suburbs and beyond.
Traditional smoking methods meet creative menu development, resulting in classics executed flawlessly alongside innovative specials that showcase culinary ambition. The brisket achieves that elusive combination of crusty exterior and tender interior that separates good BBQ from transcendent experiences.
Ribs receive careful attention to ensure even cooking, while pulled pork maintains moisture levels that lesser establishments can only dream about achieving.
The modern, spacious interior handles crowds better than cramped city locations, though popularity still means waits during prime dining times. A full menu of sides and appetizers provides options beyond standard BBQ fare, keeping things interesting for repeat visitors.
Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices, while serious BBQ enthusiasts respect the quality and technique on display. Weekend evenings bring the biggest crowds, so weeknight visits or early arrivals offer better chances at immediate seating.
13. BEAST Craft BBQ Co. – Belleville
Southern Illinois BBQ prowess shines at 20 S Belt W, Belleville, IL 62220, where BEAST lives up to its name with portions and flavors that roar with intensity. This Metro East establishment has carved out a reputation that extends well beyond the St. Louis suburbs, drawing BBQ enthusiasts willing to cross state lines for superior smoked meats.
Competition BBQ pedigree shows in every aspect, from the perfectly rendered brisket to ribs that have earned awards and accolades from judges who know their stuff. The craft approach extends beyond meats to house-made sauces and sides that receive the same meticulous attention as the main attractions.
Burnt ends arrive as glistening nuggets of concentrated beefy goodness, while pulled pork demonstrates the results of patient smoking and proper technique.
The industrial-modern space provides ample seating compared to smaller operations, though demand still outpaces capacity during peak hours. Online ordering helps streamline the process for carryout customers, while dine-in guests should prepare for waits that prove this place’s popularity.
The location makes it perfect for those in the Belleville area or anyone passing through on highway travels who values exceptional BBQ over fast food convenience.