Exploring 14 Small-Town Smokehouses In Illinois, 6 That Made The Trip Worthwhile
Traveling through Illinois’ small towns led me to smokehouses that pack big flavor in cozy, unassuming settings.
From rustic buildings to hidden gems on quiet streets, each spot fills the air with the irresistible scent of smoked meats.
The smoky aroma, friendly service, and hearty portions make these stops memorable.
Six of these smokehouses truly stood out, offering dishes so delicious they make the detour completely worthwhile and prove Illinois knows its way around a wood-fired meal.
1. 17th Street Barbecue — Murphysboro, Illinois
World championship trophies line the walls at this legendary spot, and one bite explains why Mike Mills became a barbecue icon.
Located at 32 North 17th Street in Murphysboro, this place has been smoking meat since 1985 and collecting awards ever since.
The pulled pork arrives glistening with just enough sauce to complement the smoke without drowning it.
Ribs come glazed in their famous apple city sauce, which balances sweet and tangy notes perfectly.
Brisket gets sliced thick, showing off a smoke ring that would make any pitmaster jealous.
Murphysboro sits in southern Illinois wine country, making this an easy stop during a weekend getaway.
The dining room feels casual and welcoming, filled with locals who know exactly what to order. Plan to arrive hungry because portions here do not mess around.
2. BEAST Craft BBQ Co. — Belleville, Illinois
Serious barbecue nerds run this operation at 20 South Belt West in Belleville, and their obsession with quality shows in every plate
Owner David Sandusky spent years perfecting his craft before opening BEAST, and his dedication earned him a spot on several best-of lists.
Burnt ends here taste like candy made from beef, with crispy edges giving way to tender, juicy centers.
The mac and cheese arrives bubbling hot with a crispy top layer that adds textural contrast. Smoked wings offer a lighter option without sacrificing any flavor intensity.
This spot embraces craft beer culture alongside barbecue, with rotating taps featuring local breweries.
The industrial-chic interior feels modern without being pretentious, creating a comfortable atmosphere for serious eating.
Weekend crowds can get intense, so calling ahead saves frustration.
3. South Moon BBQ — Hinckley, Illinois
Finding exceptional barbecue in a town of 2,000 people feels like discovering buried treasure, and South Moon delivers that thrill at 904 East Lincoln Avenue in Hinckley.
This family-run operation treats smoking meat like an art form, with recipes passed down and perfected over time.
Their signature pork steak comes seasoned with a dry rub that creates an incredible crust while keeping the interior moist.
Chicken quarters emerge from the smoker with skin that crackles between your teeth.
The homemade coleslaw provides cool, crunchy relief between bites of rich, smoky protein.
Located about an hour west of Chicago, Hinckley makes an ideal lunch stop during road trips.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal while chatting with friendly staff.
Locals swear by the Thursday specials, which often feature experimental menu items.
4. Shorty’s Smokehouse — Waterloo, Illinois
Pulled pork nachos changed my life at this unassuming spot located at 941 North Market Street in Waterloo, where creativity meets traditional smoking techniques.
Owner Mike Short opened his doors in 2013 and quickly built a following among barbecue enthusiasts willing to drive for quality.
The brisket gets trimmed and smoked low and slow, resulting in slices that practically melt on your tongue. Ribs come with a beautiful mahogany color and pull cleanly from the bone without falling apart.
Their loaded baked potato stuffed with pulled pork and cheese might be the most indulgent side dish in Illinois.
Waterloo sits just 30 minutes south of St. Louis, making Shorty’s an easy detour for anyone crossing state lines.
The restaurant features a full bar with local craft beers on tap. Takeout orders stay popular, but eating in lets you soak up the friendly neighborhood vibe.
5. Haze Smokehouse — LaSalle, Illinois
Smoke billows from the outdoor pits at 159 Bucklin Street in LaSalle, where pitmaster passion translates into plates that justify the journey.
This relatively new addition to the Illinois barbecue scene opened in 2019 but quickly earned respect from serious meat lovers.
Beef ribs here arrive massive and meaty, requiring both hands and zero shame to tackle properly.
The turkey breast stays incredibly moist despite hours in the smoker, proving these folks understand poultry as well as red meat.
Cornbread comes out slightly sweet with crispy edges that beg for butter.
LaSalle sits along the Illinois River in the northern part of the state, offering scenic views alongside excellent food.
The dining room feels cozy without being cramped, decorated with vintage barbecue memorabilia. Weekend live music adds entertainment value to an already worthwhile visit.
6. Reid’s Southern Kitchen & Smokehouse — Peru, Illinois
Southern hospitality thrives at 1402 Peoria Street in Peru, where Reid’s brings authentic regional flavors to central Illinois with impressive skill.
Chef Reid Hebel trained in the South before returning home to share his knowledge with locals hungry for real deal barbecue.
The pulled chicken gets tossed in a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through richness while adding tangy brightness.
Smoked sausage snaps when you bite into it, releasing juices flavored with garlic and pepper.
Collard greens cooked with smoked ham hock provide the perfect vegetable accompaniment, though calling them healthy feels like a stretch.
Peru neighbors LaSalle along the Illinois River, making both spots easy to visit in one trip.
The restaurant interior features warm wood tones and comfortable booth seating.
Their catering service has become popular for local events, spreading the barbecue gospel throughout the region.
7. Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering — Edwardsville, Illinois
College town energy meets serious smoking skills at 217 North Main Street in Edwardsville, where Doc’s feeds hungry students and barbecue purists alike.
The menu stays focused on classics done right rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, which proves to be a smart strategy.
Ribs come rubbed with a spice blend that creates a flavorful bark without overwhelming the pork underneath.
The brisket shows decent smoke penetration, though it sometimes lacks the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of top-tier spots.
Burnt end bowls provide generous portions at student-friendly prices, explaining their popularity during lunch rushes.
Located near Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the restaurant sees steady traffic throughout the week.
The casual atmosphere encourages quick meals rather than lingering dinners.
Catering services have built a strong reputation for office parties and family gatherings across the metro area.
8. Station One Smokehouse — Yorkville, Illinois
Firefighter-themed decor fills this converted station at 301 East Hydraulic Avenue in Yorkville, where barbecue passion burns as hot as any blaze.
The building’s history adds character that new construction simply cannot replicate, creating memorable dining experiences beyond just the food.
Pulled pork sandwiches arrive piled high on soft buns that somehow hold together despite the generous portions.
Smoked chicken wings offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor intensity.
The potato salad tastes homemade and creamy, providing cool contrast to spicy meat options.
Yorkville sits southwest of Chicago in rapidly growing Kendall County, making this a convenient stop for suburban families.
The kid-friendly menu and casual vibe make Station One popular for weeknight dinners.
Outdoor seating becomes available during warmer months, perfect for enjoying barbecue in the fresh air.
9. Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit — Belvidere, Illinois
Chicken reigns supreme at 2022 US-20 Business in Belvidere, though the pork and beef options deserve attention too.
The playful name hints at the specialty, and the kitchen delivers on that promise with several poultry preparations worth trying.
Smoked chicken halves come seasoned simply, letting the wood smoke flavor shine through tender meat. The dry-rubbed ribs develop a nice crust while maintaining juiciness throughout.
Baked beans taste slightly sweet with bits of burnt ends mixed in, elevating them beyond typical side dish status.
Belvidere sits in northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border, serving residents who appreciate good barbecue without pretension.
The no-frills dining room keeps focus squarely on the food rather than fancy decorations.
Takeout orders move quickly, making this a reliable option for grabbing dinner on busy weeknights.
10. 4 Corners Smokehouse — East Peoria, Illinois
Intersection location inspired the name of this spot at 100 South Main Street in East Peoria, where multiple barbecue styles converge on one menu.
The kitchen experiments with regional variations while maintaining respect for traditional techniques, creating an interesting hybrid approach.
Texas-style brisket shares menu space with Carolina pulled pork, both executed competently if not spectacularly.
The sampler platter lets indecisive diners try multiple proteins without committing to full portions.
Cornbread muffins arrive warm and slightly crumbly, perfect for soaking up sauce drippings.
East Peoria provides easy access from Interstate 74, making 4 Corners convenient for travelers passing through central Illinois.
The dining room feels modern and clean, appealing to families seeking comfortable surroundings.
Service stays friendly and efficient even during peak dinner hours on weekends.
11. KB’s Bar-B-Que — Marion, Illinois
Locals pack this joint at 1502 North Carbon Street in Marion, creating lines that stretch out the door during peak hours.
The simple menu focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering overwhelming choices, which keeps quality consistent.
Pork ribs come coated in a tomato-based sauce that leans slightly sweet without becoming cloying.
The pulled pork stays moist and flavorful, though the smoke flavor registers as subtle rather than aggressive.
French fries arrive hot and crispy, providing familiar comfort alongside adventurous meat selections.
Marion anchors southern Illinois as a regional hub, drawing customers from surrounding rural communities.
The restaurant interior feels dated but clean, with vinyl booths and laminate tables that have served countless meals.
Prices remain reasonable, making KB’s accessible for families watching their budgets.
12. BackPorch Smokehouse — Robinson, Illinois
Homestyle cooking meets smoking expertise at 1800 West Main Street, Suite A in Robinson, where the BackPorch name promises casual comfort and delivers exactly that.
The kitchen treats barbecue as an extension of traditional home cooking rather than competition-level sport, which suits the local clientele perfectly.
Smoked pork chops arrive thick and juicy, seasoned simply to let the meat quality speak for itself.
The beef brisket shows inconsistency between visits, sometimes tender and other times slightly tough.
Mashed potatoes and gravy provide stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction that pairs well with lighter smoked proteins.
Robinson sits in southeastern Illinois near the Indiana border, serving an area with limited dining options.
The restaurant fills an important niche for locals craving something beyond fast food chains.
Weekend specials often feature dishes not available during the week, rewarding regular customers.
13. South Main St. Smokehouse — Harrisburg, Illinois
Downtown location makes this spot at 112 South Main Street in Harrisburg a natural gathering place for locals seeking lunch or early dinner.
The straightforward approach to barbecue emphasizes consistency and value over culinary fireworks, which keeps regular customers returning weekly.
Pulled chicken sandwiches come topped with pickles and coleslaw, creating textural variety in every bite.
The smoked turkey breast stays surprisingly moist despite the challenge of smoking lean poultry.
Onion rings provide crunchy, greasy satisfaction that barbecue meals somehow demand.
Harrisburg serves as the county seat of Saline County in southern Illinois, giving the restaurant steady weekday traffic from courthouse workers.
The dining room accommodates small groups comfortably without feeling crowded.
Takeout business thrives, with locals calling in orders for family dinners throughout the week.
14. Smokin’ Willies BBQ — Galesburg, Illinois
Nestled at 112 E Main St, Galesburg, Illinois, Smokin’ Willies BBQ captivates visitors with rich, woodsy aromas that drift through the streets, drawing locals and travelers alike.
The restaurant’s charm lies in the seamless combination of rustic, inviting decor and warm, heartfelt hospitality, making every visit feel personal and memorable.
The menu offers an impressive variety of smoked meats, each bursting with flavor and crafted using meticulous smoking techniques passed down through generations.
A local favorite is the pulled pork, prized for its tender texture and deep, smoky essence that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Beyond the food, Smokin’ Willies BBQ carries a sense of history and nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times when cooking was an art and community gatherings were cherished.
The inviting atmosphere, combined with expertly smoked dishes, creates a dining experience that satisfies both the appetite and the soul.