At times, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as chowing down on some mouthwatering barbecue. Luckily, Illinois is filled with plenty of barbecue joints which can be found in the largest of cities and the smallest of towns. If you’re looking for some of the best BBQ in Illinois, we have you covered on this road trip which will take you to seven hole-in-the-wall places located mainly around the central part of the state.

To help you on your way, use this interactive map. Feel free to rearrange the route, add stops, and customize it for your own needs.

Google Map
1. Li'l Porgy's Bar-B-Q, Champaign
Edvin Mertdogan/Google
1917 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821, USA
Pinda Ho/Google
If you love some good hickory-smoked barbecue, then you'll love Li'l Porgy's in the Champaign-Urbana area. The barbecue sauce is a secret recipe that alone will make you want to return to this joint again and again. The Mix sauce is a favorite among regular customers.

Visit the Li'l Porgy's Bar-B-Q website and Facebook page for more information. Take a look at what makes Li'l Porgy's Bar-B-Q so special when you watch the brief interview below with the restaurant's owner:

2. Pauly's BBQ, Arthur
Google Maps
310 E Columbia St, Arthur, IL 61911, USA
Pauly's BBQ/Facebook
Located in heart of Illinois' Amish Country in Arthur, Pauly's BBQ has been open since 2010 and is best known for its ribs and pulled pork. The appetizers are quite incredible as well; you can get fried okra, fried corn nuggets, loaded tots, bbq nachos, and so much more. And if you like smoked chicken wings, they have those, too!

Visit the Pauly's BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.
3. Unwind Rewind (formerly known as Hole In The Wall BBQ), Sullivan
Hole In The Wall BBQ/Facebook
16 N Washington St, Sullivan, IL 61951, USA
Hole In The Wall BBQ/Facebook
The name of this place says it all! Hole In The Wall BBQ is a local place that serves meats smoked in-house and offers local specialties like a horseshoe with pulled pork. You can even get tacos filled with shredded cheese, pulled pork, and coleslaw. Yum!

Visit the Hole In The Wall BBQ Facebook page for more information.

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4. Kansas City Barbecue Pit, Decatur
Kansas City Barbecue Pit/Google
2645 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL 62526, USA
Kansas City Barbecue Pit/Facebook
Serving Kansas City-style barbecue, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is known best for its brisket and rib tips. Keep in mind that the portions are huge, so bring your appetite! Pictured here is the Monster Combo, a sandwich piled high with brisket, pork, and turkey.

Visit the Kansas City Barbecue Pit website and Facebook page for more information.
5. Fatbacks BBQ, Quincy
Google Maps
901 N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301, USA
Fatbacks BBQ/Facebook
If you're looking for Southern-style barbecue, Fatbacks in Quincy is the place to go. The owners have won numerous bbq competitions over the years and decided to open up their own restaurant in 2012. The meat, including brisket, ribs, turkey, chicken, and pork, is pit-smoked and the sides are as mouthwatering as the bbq. If you like the sauce, pick up a bottle of Fatbacks BBQ Sauce to take home with you!

Learn more about Fatbacks BBQ when you check out our previous article.
6. Station 1883, Rushville
Station 1883/Facebook
102 W Lafayette St, Rushville, IL 62681, USA
Cary Miller/Google
Editor's note: Unfortunately, this barbecue restaurant in Illinois has permanently closed. 

The newest barbecue joint on this list is Station 1883, which opened in October 2020 and its Pitmaster is a retired firefighter. Meat is smoked in the pit out back and all sauces are made from scratch. Add in exceptional service and it's no wonder why it's become a local favorite.

Visit the Station 1883 website and Facebook page for more information.
7. Papa's Bar & Grill, Monmouth
Google Maps
701 S Main St, Monmouth, IL 61462, USA
Papas Bar/Google
The last stop on this hole-in-the-wall bbq restaurants road trip in Illinois is Papa's Bar & Grill in Monmouth. While there is a wide variety of options on the menu from wraps and burgers to salads, tenderloins, and more, the bbq is what brings many through its doors. When you arrive, order the beef brisket which has been smoked for 12 hours and will melt in your mouth!

Visit the Papa's Bar website and Facebook page for more information.

 

What do you think of these places on this hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurants road trip in Illinois? You may know of additional places with some of the best bbq in the state. Where do you go for the best BBQ in Illinois? If your favorite isn’t along this road trip, add it as a suggestion in the comments!

While the bbq road trip is savory, we have one that’s a bit sweeter – our Best Donut Shops In Illinois Road Trip! 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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best bbq in illinois

Beth C. | February 17, 2023

What are some of the most popular restaurants in Illinois?

Dining in Illinois is such an adventurous experience -- you never know what hidden gems you'll discover! Of course, the options can be somewhat overwhelming. Below you'll find a list of our top recommendations for the best restaurants in Illinois:

  • 17th Street BBQ
  • Bien Trucha
  • Kuma's Corner
  • Montarra Grill
  • D'Arcy's Pint
  • Black Dog
  • Pequod's
  • Gene and Jude's
  • Meson Sabika
  • One World Cafe

 

How many of these popular restaurants in Illinois have you tried?

What foods are famous in Illinois?

There are tons of iconic Illinois foods to sample. Below you'll find a list of some of the state's most iconic dishes:

  • Prairie Plates
  • Bacon-wrapped dates
  • Maid-Rite sandwich
  • Deep-dish pizza
  • Apple fritters
  • Hackney's Original French-Fried Onions
  • Grand Champion baby back ribs
  • Pizza pot pies
  • Cemita Atomica
  • Garrett mix
  • The Cozy Dog

 

One fun fact about Illinois foods is that the corn dog may have been perfected right here in the Prairie State. During the Illinois State Fair, the founders of Cozy Dog were allegedly the first to put a corn dog on a stick.

What are some other fun facts about Illinois?

  • The oldest community in Illinois is Peoria
  • The two previous capitals of Illinois before Springfield were Kaskaskia and Vandalia
  • Illinois is home to the largest bottle of ketchup
  • The word "jazz" was invented in Illinois by Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa
  • Twinkies were invented in River Forest, Illinois

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