We all know the most delicious food comes from the places you’d least expect. For smoked meats that’ll make your mouth water, don’t miss the best bbq shack in Illinois.

Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken abound. Scroll on for more information about this hot spot restaurant.

Less than 60 miles east of St. Louis sits the best bbq shack this side of the Mississippi (and it's not far from it either). It is nestled along a body water called the Carlyle Reserve in the town for which the reserve gets its name.
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Wheelans Barbecue Shack sits on the corner of 5th and Fairfax in a residential part of Carlyle, a quiet little river town full of forestry and beaches. Locals just can't get enough.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack
In addition to the Carlyle Reserve, the Kaskaskia River is nearby.
What began as an award-winning BBQ team known as Rooster's Rib Runners, is now this ultimate to-go restaurant that has everything you need for your take-home meal.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack
Family-owned and operated, the best bbq shack uses techniques and recipes that have been perfected over the past 50 years.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack

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The highest quality meats are slow smoked with a blend of hickory, cherry, and apple woods. Guests enjoy beef brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs, pork steak, and chicken wings.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack
Get your favorite smoked meat as a sandwich or try pulled pork tacos, BBQ nachos, and BBQ sundaes. A variety of home-style pies are also available daily.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack
Another menu item that makes this the best BBQ shack in Illinois is pizza. You can get it with BBQ sauce, ranch, alfredo, or regular sauce and include toppings like bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, chicken, and much more.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack
Stop by this place earlier in the day to guarantee you get a taste of their amazing eats. There's only so much available each day. Hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Facebook/Wheelans Barbecue Shack

Wheelan’s Barbecue Shack is located at 491 Fairfax Street in Carlyle, and you can get more information on its website or Facebook page.

For more BBQ eats, check out 10 amazing smokehouses in Illinois that you don’t want to miss.

Have you been to the best BBQ shack in Illinois? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

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