We Ranked The 12 Best Barbecue Joints In Illinois And Only One Took The Top Spot

Smoke curling out of a converted train depot, ribs slow-cooked over fruit wood, and baked beans folks argue over for years… Illinois quietly hides some of the tastiest barbecue in the Midwest. From small farm towns to big city neighborhoods, these spots prove you don’t need a plane ticket to Texas or Memphis to eat like royalty.

We rounded up 12 of the best pit stops across the state, and yes, only one earned that coveted top spot. Grab a napkin and get ready to plan your next affordable road trip.

1. 17th Street Barbecue, Murphysboro

Crowning a small town as the Barbecue Capital of Illinois takes real talent, and Murphysboro earned that badge largely because of this legendary pit. Down in Jackson County, this casual chain has grown from a hometown favorite into a name that draws hungry travelers from across state lines.

The menu keeps things focused on what matters: ribs, brisket, pork steak, smoked turkey, sausage, and pulled pork that comes out tender and packed with flavor. Sides like mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, and baked beans round out a proper plate, while bread pudding and strawberry shortcake give you a sweet finish.

Housed in a cozy, historic space with a laid-back vibe, it works just as well for a solo lunch as it does for a big family gathering. Free parking, a kids’ menu, high chairs, and outdoor seating make it easy for families to settle in.

At roughly $20 to $30 per person, you leave full and happy. The out-of-this-world chili alone is worth the drive, and it’s a fine reason to point your car toward southern Illinois.

2. Green Street Smoked Meats, Chicago

Texas-style barbecue in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop sounds like a tall order, yet this counter-serve spot pulls it off with confidence. Set inside a woodsy, warehouse-like space with picnic-style tables, it feels equal parts big-city cool and backyard cookout.

Order at the counter and you’ll walk away with succulent brisket, juicy pulled pork, smoked chicken, pork belly, and hot links so big they practically qualify as a meal on their own. Sides keep pace, from cornbread to baked beans, and the brisket sold by the half-pound is a favorite for good reason.

Meat that melts in your mouth is the whole point here, and the industrial setting only adds to the fun. It’s a solid group destination, welcoming to families and friends alike, and the atmosphere stays lively without feeling stuffy.

Expect around $20 to $30 per person, which is fair for city dining. Parking can be tricky and there’s often a wait, so plan a little extra time.

For anyone craving Central Texas flavor without leaving Cook County, this Green Street gem delivers every single visit.

3. Smoque BBQ, Chicago

Deep dish and Italian beef usually steal Chicago’s spotlight, but this Northwest Side favorite makes a strong case that the city belongs in the barbecue conversation too. Sitting on Pulaski Road, it keeps the menu short and the execution sharp.

Brisket is the star of the show, sliced tender and plated neatly alongside generous helpings of pulled pork, ribs, and turkey, all dressed in proprietary sauces. The St. Louis half slab and rib combo draw regulars back again and again, while the BBQ gumbo adds a little something unexpected.

Save room for dessert, because the pecan caramel bread pudding and peach cobbler are worth the extra napkins. The space itself is basic and unfussy, which somehow makes the food taste even better.

Friendly, knowledgeable staff keep the line moving, and at $20 to $30 per person, it’s an easy call for lunch or dinner. High chairs, a kids’ menu, and free parking make it family-friendly.

Just note it’s closed Mondays and there’s usually a wait, both signs you’ve found something genuinely special in the neighborhood.

4. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, Champaign

Few barbecue joints can brag about setting up shop inside a restored train depot, but that’s exactly the charm waiting in Champaign. The historic bones of the building give this spot a warm, characterful feel that pairs perfectly with plates of smoky goodness.

Brisket and pulled pork are the crowd-pleasers, served in generous portions that reflect real pit skill. You’ll also find chicken, pork, and hearty burgers like the Bleu Burger, plus scratch sides such as the beloved Black Dog cornbread and chips with salsa.

The atmosphere leans casual and cozy with a trendy edge, and there’s a nice outdoor seating area for warmer days. Open every day from 11 to 9, it’s a dependable stop whether you’re passing through the university town or making a special trip.

College students, groups, and families all fit right in, and dogs are welcome on the patio. With most plates landing in the $20 to $30 range and plenty of parking, it’s an easy addition to a central Illinois day trip.

Solid smoked meats and friendly service keep the regulars loyal.

5. BEAST Craft BBQ Co., Belleville

Just across the river from St. Louis, this Belleville standout set out to put the metro east on the barbecue map, and it succeeded in a big way. Opened back in 2014, it’s since become a name that gets mentioned alongside the great Kansas City pits.

The brisket plate arrives tender and well-spiced, joined by sweet pit beans and creamy mac and cheese. Burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and pork steak all show off consistent quality, while unexpected sides like smoked cauliflower and Brussels sprouts keep things interesting.

What impresses most is how the kitchen turns out craft-level results even during busy weekend rushes. Housemade sauces let you customize each bite to your liking.

The vibe is easygoing and welcoming, comfortable for families, groups, and solo diners alike, with free wi-fi and plenty of parking. Open daily from 11 to 9, it’s an approachable stop that never feels fussy.

At $20 to $30 per person, you get generous plates and honest flavor. For southwestern Illinois barbecue lovers, this one absolutely lives up to the hype.

6. Dukes Blues n BBQ, East Dundee

Weekend-only hours might sound like a catch, but they’re actually the secret to how good this East Dundee gem stays. Everything gets lovingly smoked onsite in huge barrel grills, and that patience shows up in every bite.

Ribs steal the spotlight here, falling off the bone with perfect seasoning and a sweet-and-spicy sauce that keeps people coming back. Brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, rib tips, and barbecue chicken round out a menu built for comfort, while pulled pork sliders and baby back ribs headline the lineup.

Add in live music and a relaxed, no-pretense atmosphere, and you’ve got a friendly little spot that feels more like a neighborhood party than a restaurant. Mac and cheese and homemade desserts sweeten the deal.

Wallet-friendly at just $10 to $20 per person, it’s an easy family outing that won’t stretch the budget. Kids are welcome, dogs are allowed on the patio, and parking is simple.

Open Friday through Sunday, this authentic southern-style barbecue in the Fox Valley proves that great things really do come to those who wait until the weekend.

7. Smokin K’s BBQ & Cajun Cuisine, Marion

Barbecue and Cajun cooking under one roof is a rare and delicious combination, and this Marion spot has been blending the two since May 2014. Down in southern Illinois, it brings a taste of the Gulf Coast to Williamson County.

Slow-smoked meats form the backbone of the menu, with brisket that earns comparisons to famous Texas pits. Then come the Cajun specialties: gator bites, filé gumbo with shrimp, and brisket baked beans that blur the line between two great food traditions.

Traditional techniques meet fresh, locally-sourced ingredients here, and the results feel both homey and adventurous. The cozy, quiet setting makes it a comfortable place to slow down and savor a plate.

Family-friendly with high chairs, a kids’ menu, and reservations accepted, it’s an easy stop for groups. Live music and a sports-friendly atmosphere add to the fun on weekends.

Open Thursday through Sunday and priced at a gentle $10 to $20 per person, it’s a budget-friendly reason to explore the Marion area. For folks craving Southern and Cajun flavor without a long trip south, this kitchen delivers real character.

8. BBQ & Baker LLC, Coal City

A barbecue joint that doubles as a bakery is the kind of two-for-one deal that makes a small town proud. Out in Coal City, this Grundy County spot smokes over real wood and then surprises you with a case full of homemade sweets.

The brisket comes out absolutely delicious, and the pulled pork holds its own right beside it. Fans rave that the baked beans might be the best around, and the mac and cheese ranks among the creamiest you’ll find anywhere.

Don’t sleep on the baked goods, because the s’mores bars are a perfect treat to cap off a hearty meal. The sauce ties everything together with a flavor that’s genuinely hard to find elsewhere in the state.

Everything about it feels no-frills and family-run, from the casual counter service to the welcoming vibe. Kids are welcome, reservations are accepted, and parking is a breeze.

Open Wednesday through Sunday and priced at $10 to $20 per person, it’s an affordable little detour worth taking. Authentic wood-fired barbecue plus fresh desserts under one roof is a combo tough to beat.

9. Station One Smokehouse, Plainfield

Right in the heart of downtown Plainfield, this counter-serve smokehouse channels Texas tradition with wood-smoked meats and a warm, welcoming feel. It’s the kind of place where the line moves fast and the portions land generous.

Brisket earns top billing, joined by pulled pork, ribs, rib tips, and jalapeño cheddar links that fans can’t stop talking about. Jumbo smoked wings and pastrami add variety, while sides steal their own share of attention with tater tot casserole, cornbread and honey butter, and standout slaw.

Adventurous eaters will appreciate touches like elote, beet salad, and fried Brussels sprouts, which prove the kitchen thinks beyond the basics. Brisket chili and the brisket hot link combo sandwich are easy crowd favorites.

The casual, cozy atmosphere works for families, with high chairs, a kids’ menu, and even dogs allowed inside. Plenty of parking makes arriving stress-free.

Open Tuesday through Sunday and priced around $20 to $30 per person, it’s a dependable stop in Will County. For melt-in-your-mouth Texas-style barbecue served without pretense, this Plainfield smokehouse keeps the neighborhood coming back for more.

10. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, Peoria

Another old rail depot gets a flavorful second life in Peoria, where this cozy tavern turns house-smoked barbecue into an event. The rustic, historic setting comes complete with a shaded patio made for lingering.

Brisket arrives perfectly cooked, and the ribs fall right off the bone, but the menu has plenty more up its sleeve. Rich Brunswick stew, smoked-then-fried chicken wings, barbecue nachos, and a chopped brisket plate all show off the kitchen’s range.

Save space for pie, because the key lime and peanut butter versions have loyal followings. Elotes and fried dill pickle chips make fun starters, and the potato salad has its devoted fans too.

The bar-meets-barbecue setting is comfortable and social, with tables for those who prefer to sit and settle in. Groups, families, and college students all feel at home here.

Wallet-friendly at $10 to $20 per person, it’s a great value for such big flavor. Hours vary by day and it’s closed Sundays and Mondays, so check before you go.

For central Illinois barbecue with character, this converted depot in downtown Peoria is a treat.

11. Uncle Bub’s BBQ & Catering, Westmont

A wall lined with hot sauces greets you at this Westmont roadhouse, setting the tone for a place that takes flavor seriously. In DuPage County, it’s built a reputation on award-winning sauce and comforting country cooking.

The sampler platter is the move for indecisive eaters, piling on ribs, chicken, brisket, and burnt ends in one generous spread. The pig pickin’ pulled pork sandwich and rib combo are reliable favorites, and the chicken comes out remarkably good.

Homemade sides and hearty desserts like peach cobbler and chocolate cake round out the experience. The onion blossom makes a fun shareable starter for the table.

Warm, friendly, and comfortable, the setting welcomes families, groups, and solo diners alike, with high chairs, a kids’ menu, and a private dining room available. Reservations are accepted, which is handy for larger crowds.

Priced at $10 to $20 per person, it delivers real value for the quality on the plate. Some folks even order a smoked prime rib here for the holidays.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, this Westmont favorite keeps loyal neighbors coming back year after year.

12. Smokin Coop BBQ Pit, Belvidere

Only one spot could take the crown, and this open-air pit near Rockford smoked its way straight to the top. Out in Belvidere along old US-20, it captures everything Illinois families love about a homemade, hometown cookout.

Ribs cooked over real wood fall right off the bone, joined by mouth-watering half chickens, flavorful pulled pork, and juicy pork chops. Loaded potatoes with pulled pork, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread round out plates that taste like summer memories.

Then there are the country homemade pies, which turn a great meal into an unforgettable one. Everything is priced affordably because the streamlined, no-frills operation keeps costs down without cutting corners.

The relaxed outdoor atmosphere feels like a neighborhood gathering, and on Wednesdays classic car shows roll in with oldies music playing. Owners and staff treat everyone like family, dogs are welcome, and there’s plenty of parking.

Open mid-April through the end of September, Monday through Saturday, and priced at just $10 to $20 per person, it’s the ultimate warm-weather day trip. Fall-off-the-bone ribs, nostalgia, and real value make it our number one.