They say the best things in life come to those who wait, and that is absolutely true when talking about barbecue. When a pit-master is at work, you can tell pretty quickly by the savory smells of cooking meat filling the air. Whenever I start smelling barbecue cooking, I get hungry instantly. Fortunately, satisfying your barbecue cravings can be quicker than you might think if you are in southern Illinois. Chuck’s BBQ in Herrin has been serving BBQ by the pound, wings, burgers, and fried fish to generations of meat lovers.
Open since 1952, Chuck’s BBQ has had several owners over the years, although it was originally named Chuck’s Bar-B-Que.
The current owner Ryan Jeralds purchased the barbeque restaurant in 2013 from the son of the namesake Chuck. Jeralds spent years perfecting his own dry rub recipe and uses it in Chuck’s BBQ today.
Unlike other barbecue joints, Chuck’s BBQ has a drive-thru.
If you are in a rush and might not have time to check out the inside of Chuck’s BBQ, you can pick up some ribs to go. In fact, Chuck’s starts serving breakfast foods in its drive-thru starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
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The barbecue dishes at Chuck’s BBQ are a must-try.
The BBQ stacker plate starts with a base of french fries piled high with pulled pork, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce. Chuck’s also sells hot and cold BBQ by the pound for larger gatherings or people wanting some quality barbecue to make their own meals throughout the week.
Pick up a breakfast sandwich in the morning or go for a classic Italian beef sandwich at lunch. Chuck’s BBQ offers pork, beef, chicken, and fish sandwiches. I recommend adding on a side of fried okra or pickle chips to really enhance your meal.
Inside, Chuck’s BBQ is a laid-back restaurant known for its friendly service.
For breakfast in particular, meals are cooked-to-order so guests can start the day exactly to their liking. Chuck’s BBQ is a peanut-free restaurant, and while you should still be sure to mention any allergies when talking with the staff, Chuck’s BBQ does their best to accommodate those dietary restrictions.
Chuck’s BBQ has 17 side options to choose from, so there will always be something for everyone. The corn nuggets and baked beans are frequent orders that go well with sandwiches, BBQ plates and salads too.
Its sign and exterior has changed over the years, but the quality of Chuck’s BBQ has remained the same.
Located at the intersection of Route 148 and Olive Street, the drive-thru at Chuck’s BBQ is easily accessible. The iconic yellow sign outside the store will let drivers know of any ongoing deals or new dishes that are worth giving a try.
Chuck’s BBQ in Herrin is a great spot to check out for a top-tier barbecue and speedy service. To see the entirety of its menu, be sure to check out the Chuck’s BBQ website and go through their Facebook page to see if they have any new dishes. If you pick up some barbecue and same some for later, considering using a back yard fire pit to reheat your leftovers.
If you are on the hunt for a great BBQ sandwich, try The 11 Best BBQ Sandwiches In Illinois and let us know if you think Chuck’s BBQ should be at the top of the list.
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