Illinois might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about barbecue, but hidden across the Prairie State are some truly amazing smokehouses that rival the best in the country.
These aren’t fancy restaurants with white tablecloths, they’re authentic, no-frills joints where the focus is purely on incredible smoked meats and secret sauces passed down through generations.
Get ready to discover the best-kept BBQ secrets that locals have been enjoying for decades.
1. Lem’s Bar-B-Q
South Side Chicago’s legendary smokehouse has been serving up mouthwatering rib tips and hot links since 1954. What makes this place truly special is the massive aquarium smoker sitting right out front, where hickory and oak work their magic on perfectly seasoned meats.
The James Beard Foundation recently honored Lem’s with their prestigious “America’s Classics” award, proving that simple, authentic BBQ beats fancy any day. When you walk in, the no-nonsense atmosphere tells you everything, this place is about the food, period.
Order the rib tips with hot sauce if you can handle the heat, and don’t skip the fries.
2. 17th Street Barbecue
Murphysboro’s crown jewel was built by BBQ Hall of Famer Mike Mills, whose legacy continues to draw crowds from across the country. Championship trophies line the walls, telling the story of countless competition victories and a commitment to perfection that never wavers.
The pulled pork here is world-famous, seasoned with their signature “Magic Dust” spice blend that’s become legendary in barbecue circles. Baby back ribs fall off the bone with just the slightest touch, revealing tender meat that’s been kissed by applewood smoke for hours.
This isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a pilgrimage site for serious BBQ lovers.
3. BEAST Craft BBQ Co.
Belleville’s most serious pitmaster operation takes a laser-focused approach to barbecue excellence. The menu stays deliberately small, allowing the team to pour all their energy into perfecting Wagyu-style brisket and burnt ends that rival anything you’d find in Texas.
Every cut gets meticulous attention, from the initial trim to the final slice, with temperatures monitored constantly throughout the smoking process. The dedication to technique shows in every bite, the bark has that perfect crunch while the interior stays impossibly juicy.
Don’t expect frills or a huge menu here; expect craftmanship that speaks for itself through incredible flavor.
4. Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Step inside this Old Town landmark and you’re transported back to 1932, when Prohibition was ending and Chicago’s tavern culture was booming. The dark wood, vintage booths, and unchanged atmosphere create a time capsule that Frank Sinatra himself used to frequent back in the day.
Baby back ribs remain the star attraction, slow-cooked using methods that haven’t changed in decades because, frankly, they don’t need to. The sweet, tangy sauce has developed a cult following among generations of Chicago families who consider this their special-occasion spot.
It’s rare to find authenticity this pure in a modern city.
5. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
College towns usually mean pizza and burgers, but Champaign-Urbana got lucky with this neighborhood gem that takes barbecue seriously. Students and professors alike pack the place for signature burnt tips, those crispy, flavorful rib tip ends that many places overlook but Black Dog has perfected.
The unique Blackdog Cornbread deserves its own paragraph, with a texture and flavor profile that complements the smoky meats perfectly. Everything here feels approachable and unpretentious, with quality ingredients and patient smoking techniques creating consistently excellent results.
The laid-back vibe makes it easy to become a regular, even if you’re just visiting campus.
6. Honky Tonk BBQ
Pilsen’s coolest crossroads between great barbecue and live music happens here, where wood-roasted brisket shares the spotlight with local bands on the Saloon Stage. The combination works surprisingly well, you can enjoy tender, smoky meats while tapping your feet to authentic country, blues, or folk performances.
Nothing about this place tries too hard or puts on airs; it’s genuinely unpretentious in the best possible way. The brisket gets cooked low and slow over real wood, developing that pink smoke ring and rich flavor that separates good BBQ from great.
Come hungry, stay for the music, and leave planning your next visit.
7. The Pit Rib House
Hickory Hills might not sound glamorous, but this Southwest suburb hideaway has been perfecting fall-off-the-bone ribs for years using slow-cooking methods that can’t be rushed. The signature sweet and tangy sauce strikes that elusive balance that keeps customers driving from all over Chicagoland.
From the outside, it looks like any other suburban building, which is exactly what makes it a true hole-in-the-wall treasure. Inside, the focus remains squarely on consistent quality rather than trendy décor or Instagram-worthy presentations.
Sometimes the best BBQ hides in the most unexpected places, and this proves that rule perfectly.
8. Smoque BBQ
Lines wrapping around the block in Irving Park tell you everything you need to know before you even taste the food. This unassuming neighborhood spot has built a reputation for executing multiple regional BBQ styles with precision that would make any pitmaster jealous.
The brisket achieves that perfect smoke penetration and tenderness that makes Texas proud, while the ribs and pulled pork hold their own against Southern competition. What’s remarkable is the consistency, whether it’s a Tuesday lunch or Saturday dinner, the quality never wavers.
Craft over hype is the philosophy here, and one bite proves they’ve mastered their craft completely.
9. Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ
Since 1999, this Godfrey institution has been serving honest Southern-style barbecue to the Alton area with house-made sauces that locals swear by. The house-smoked ribs deliver that perfect bite, not so tender they’re mushy, but cooked enough that the meat pulls away cleanly.
Pork steaks, a St. Louis regional specialty, get the full treatment here with sauce that’s both saucy and flavorful without overwhelming the meat. The simplicity of the plates, meat, sides, maybe some white bread, lets the smoking technique and seasoning shine through.
Reliable, authentic, and unpretentious: exactly what great BBQ should be.
10. The BBQ Pit Rib House and Grill
Family ownership since 1978 means something special in the restaurant world, it means recipes, techniques, and values passed down through generations. Highland Park’s North Shore location might seem fancy, but this place maintains that authentic “joint-type atmosphere” that’s becoming increasingly rare.
The consistently awarded ribs have earned recognition year after year, proving that dedication to tradition pays off in flavor and texture. Classic BBQ sides complete the experience, made from scratch using methods that honor the old-school approach.
As the “last of a dying breed,” this local treasure deserves support from anyone who appreciates authentic barbecue heritage.
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