11 Illinois BBQ Joints Locals Quietly Protect (And You’ll Soon Understand Why)
Illinois might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of legendary barbecue, but locals know better than to broadcast their smoky secrets.
Scattered across the state are hidden gems where pitmasters have perfected their craft over decades, creating flavors so incredible that regulars guard their locations like treasure maps.
From Chicago’s South Side to small-town squares, these eleven spots serve up ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that’ll make you understand why the locals keep them on the down-low.
Get ready to discover the barbecue joints that Illinoisans have been quietly protecting from the masses.
1. Lem’s Bar-B-Q – Chicago, IL
Since 1954, this iconic South Side rib-tip destination has been smoking ribs over hardwood fires, creating a crispy, charred exterior that barbecue fanatics dream about.
The aquarium smokers visible from the street aren’t just for show—they’re producing some of the most flavorful rib tips in the entire Midwest.
Located at 311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619, Lem’s keeps things simple with a no-frills approach that lets the meat speak for itself.
Regulars swear by the hot sauce, which adds just enough kick without overwhelming the smoky goodness.
Cash only, so come prepared!
2. Smoque BBQ – Chicago, IL
Barry Sorkin turned his backyard hobby into one of Chicago’s most beloved barbecue destinations, and the lines wrapping around the block prove it.
The smokers start before dawn each day, slow-cooking brisket that develops a bark so beautiful it could hang in an art gallery.
Find this treasure at 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, where the pulled pork and burnt ends disappear faster than you can say “extra sauce.”
The mac and cheese deserves its own fan club, creamy and rich enough to make you forget vegetables exist.
3. Green Street Smoked Meats – Chicago, IL
Pitmasters here treat barbecue like a science experiment that always ends deliciously, combining Texas-style techniques with Midwestern hospitality.
The brisket gets rubbed with a secret blend of spices before spending hours in the smoker, emerging tender enough to cut with a stern look.
Head to 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 in the trendy West Loop, where drinks complement the smoky meats perfectly.
Their burnt end hash during weekend brunch has achieved legendary status among locals who refuse to share this secret with tourists.
4. Honey 1 BBQ – Chicago, IL
What started as a small family operation has grown into a beloved Chicago barbecue spot known for its rib tips and hot links.
The sweet and tangy sauce recipe has been passed down through generations, creating a flavor profile that keeps customers coming back for decades.
Located at 746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653, this spot specializes in that perfectly crispy-yet-tender texture that defines Chicago-style barbecue.
Known for its rib-tip combo plates, this spot specializes in that perfectly crispy-yet-tender texture that defines Chicago-style barbecue.
The hot links pack serious heat, so order a side of mild sauce unless you enjoy breathing fire like a dragon.
5. Milt’s BBQ for the Perplexed – Chicago, IL
Breaking all the rules, this kosher barbecue joint proves that you don’t need pork to create mind-blowing smoked meats that’ll convert even the pickiest eaters.
The beef ribs here are massive, meaty masterpieces that require both hands and zero shame to devour properly.
Visit 3411 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 in Lakeview, where traditional Jewish deli meets Southern smokehouse in the most unexpected and delicious way possible.
Their pastrami gets smoked low and slow, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about barbecue.
6. 17th Street Barbecue – Murphysboro, IL
Mike Mills didn’t earn the nickname “The Legend” by accident—his competition-winning recipes have brought home more trophies than most people have dinner plates.
The Apple City Barbecue Sauce, sweet with a hint of tang, has become so popular that bottles fly off shelves faster than the ribs.
Make the pilgrimage to 32 N 17th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966, where small-town charm meets world-class barbecue in a converted gas station.
Their baby back ribs have won so many awards that the trophy case probably needs its own building permit by now.
7. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House – Champaign, IL
College towns aren’t usually known for serious barbecue, but this joint flips that script with smoked meats that could teach a masterclass.
The brisket arrives at your table with a smoke ring so pronounced it looks like it’s wearing jewelry, and the flavor backs up the visual appeal.
Located at 201 N Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, this spot pairs craft drinks with barbecue in combinations that make perfect sense once you taste them.
Their pulled pork nachos have achieved cult status among University of Illinois students who swear they’re better than any textbook they’ve ever opened.
8. South Moon BBQ – Hinckley, IL
Hidden in a tiny town most people blow past on the highway, this unassuming spot cranks out barbecue that makes the detour absolutely worth the extra miles.
The pulled pork gets piled high on sandwiches that require architectural engineering skills to eat without making a spectacular mess everywhere.
Find this gem at 100 E Lincoln Ave, Hinckley, IL 60520, where the population might be small but the flavors are absolutely massive.
Their homemade coleslaw provides the perfect cool, crunchy contrast to the rich, smoky meats that keep locals coming back religiously every weekend.
9. Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit – Belvidere, IL
The name might make you think chicken, but this pit serves up all the smoked classics with a dedication to craft that borders on obsessive.
Every rack of ribs gets individual attention, ensuring that perfect balance between tender meat and caramelized, slightly crispy edges that define barbecue excellence.
Located at 2022 US-20 Business Route, Belvidere, IL 61008, this family-run operation treats every customer like they’re sitting at the dinner table back home.
The baked beans here aren’t just a side dish—they’re a sweet and savory revelation loaded with bits of burnt ends that add extra flavor.
10. Li’l Porgy’s Bar-B-Q – Champaign, IL
Operating since the 1970s, this Champaign institution has been feeding generations of families with ribs that define what barbecue should taste like in central Illinois.
The sauce strikes that elusive balance between sweet and spicy, coating each piece of meat without drowning out the smoky flavor underneath.
Visit 1917 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821, where the no-nonsense approach to barbecue means the meat does all the talking necessary.
Their rib tips come with just enough char to add texture while keeping the interior juicy enough to make you close your eyes in appreciation.
11. BEAST Craft BBQ Co. – Belleville, IL
Competition barbecue champions decided to open a restaurant, and the result is exactly as spectacular as you’d imagine when experts go all-in.
The brisket here develops a bark so flavorful and perfectly seasoned that some customers order extra just to take home as a midnight snack.
Head to 20 S Belt W, Belleville, IL 62220, just across the river from St. Louis, where craft techniques meet traditional smoking methods beautifully.
Their burnt ends sell out almost immediately, so arrive early or prepare for the disappointment of watching the last order go to someone else.