Barbecue places are all over Illinois, but only a handful really understand authentic barbecuing methods. The best barbecue joints in Illinois take pride in their meats, rubs, sauces, and smoking techniques to ensure only the most tender, juicy, mouthwatering meats. They also provide quality customer service to guests and the best dining experience possible. There are plenty more excellent barbecue joints in Illinois, making it difficult to select just 8. These eateries are the best of the best.
Literally everything on the menu is great at Smoque BBQ in Chicago. From their ribs to their mac and cheese, every bite is delicious and flavorful. Their customer service is also top-notch, making this joint one of the best in the area. You can’t go wrong with Smoque BBQ.
South Moon BBQ is another great option for true southern barbecue in a casual environment. Everything is so incredibly tasty and amazing that even barbecue judges highly recommend South Moon. The meats are very juicy, smoky, and perfectly cooked. Their desserts are also amazing and worth trying.
Big Ed’s BBQ smokes their perfectly seasoned, dry-rubbed meats to perfection. Customers love the burnt ends, ribs, brisket, and sides include the mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, and beans. Their meats are moist with a fantastic smoky flavor that leaves guests craving more. They also make delicious sauces that complement the meats very well, although many guests claim no sauce is needed.
Located on Peoria’s Riverfront, the Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern aims to add an unexpected twist to common barbecue dishes. They also serve house-smoked meats and feature a huge selection of alcohol ranging from draft beers to craft cocktails. Customers seem to favor the wings, smoked brisket, and pulled pork.
This no-frills, family-owned barbecue joint serves excellent, fall-off-the-bone tender meats and sides. Customers love the melt-in-your-mouth flavors from their famous ribs, chicken, brisket, and pulled pork. Everything is seasoned and smoked to perfection, plus their sides are all homemade and incredible.
For a memorable barbecue experience, look no further than Haze Smokehouse. They are especially known for their sampler platter, which includes decent-sized portions of several different smoked meats and two sides. Customers rave about everything on the menu and can’t wait to come back for more. The customer service is also outstanding and very accommodating here.
Steamboat BBQ is known for their authentic, southern-style barbecue, vast selection of sauces, and tasty smoked meats. Customers love the burnt ends sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, and brisket. Their potato salad and sweet potato fries are also a hit.
BBQ’d Productions is one of the top barbecue joints in the Third Lake area and known for their overall dining experience. They offer the typical meats such as chicken, ribs, and brisket in addition to tilapia and shrimp tacos. The owner is very accommodating and makes every effort to provide the best possible experience.