23 BBQs in ILLINOIS (Delicious, Healthy, & Affordable)

Illinois offers a lot of historical monuments and attraction sites. 

From sporting meets to museum exhibitions and landmark events, there’s always something to do in the state.

However, the most exciting part for barbecue fans is exploring a variety of delicious, mouth-watering BBQs in Illinois. 

This summer, you can take a road trip to Illinois to experience the finest barbecues you’ll ever find. 

Instead of the regular meat and potato combo, these restaurants work with some of the best grillmasters in the world with fantastic smoking techniques to ensure a superior grilled meat cuisine. 

If you’re interested in exploring the top BBQs in Illinois, you’re in the right place. 

This listing will offer great insight into Illinois’s best-rated grills and BBQs based on customer reviews and critic ratings. 

By the end of this article, you’ll know 23 top BBQ spots across different cities in Illinois, and you can visit any, depending on your location. 

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Italian Restaurants in Illinois.

BBQs in Naperville, Illinois 

1. Sharko’s BBQ (Family-Owned & Generous Portions)

You can visit Sharko’s if you’re looking for mouth-watering and satisfying smoked barbeques in Illinois. 

This family-owned restaurant offers an exciting selection of smoked meat dishes that satisfy all your cravings. 

The rotating menu features beef brisket, hand-pulled pork, chicken on the bone, and smoked turkey. 

You can also pick from side options such as fresh green beans, salads, macaroni and cheese, starches, and other veggies.

There are also dessert options such as classic corn muffins, brownies, chocolate cake, and freshly baked bread. 

It only uses fresh meat that has been ethically sourced for clean and safe consumption. 

In addition, Sharko’s BBQ provides generous meal portions that will give you more value for your money. 

It offers an elegant diner setting if you’re looking for a nice spot to enjoy a meal with your loved ones, or you can order a meal and have it delivered to your doorstep. 

Sharko’s BBQ can also provide catering services for weddings, business lunches, and other social events. 

Address: 4931 S Route 59 Unit 127, Naperville, IL, United States

2. Steamboat BBQ (Daily Fresh Wood)

Steamboat is one of the best-smoked meat joints in Naperville, Illinois. 

The restaurant prepares different southern BBQ sauces daily using fresh-cut hickory wood and spice mix. 

You can pair your meals with their sauce options, whether you’re into something sweet or hot-n-spicy. 

Guests can also choose mustard and vinegar-based sauces to elevate the meal and dining experience. 

The BBQ restaurant consistently ensures the finest quality in all their meal servings by prioritizing daily freshly-prepared meals. 

According to Steamboat chefs, some meals take about 14 hours to cook, which means that certain products on the menu may not be available throughout the day. 

In addition, the joint offers an immersive smoked meat experience that you can almost taste the delicious meat in the atmosphere before your meal arrives. 

Meanwhile, Steamboat BBQ is closed for dine-ins due to a shortage of staff and space limitations, but you can call in for takeouts and pick up your meal. 

Address: 322 East Geneva Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 

3. Doc Watson’s Smokehouse (Texas BBQ Style)

Doc Watson’s Smokehouse specializes in flavorful, tender textures of smoked meat that fit the traditional standard of Texas BBQ. 

This joint embrace the “all rub, no sauce” classic style, which true BBQ enthusiasts will love. 

In addition, Doc Watson’s Smokehouse BBQ in Illinois doesn’t rush the process but adopts a low and slow cooking method. 

Each meat is cooked with cherry wood, and the meal prep time can last between 4 to 16 hours, but the outcome is worth the wait. 

It provides a farm-to-table meal experience using only fresh ingredients, from spices to herbs, and even the meat comes straight to the kitchen. 

The menu features appetizers like Texas nachos, street corn nachos, brisket chili, etc. 

You can also pick from side items such as monster beans, creamy cheese, texas potato salad, mac n’ cheese, or sandwiches for the main course. 

However, the meat from the smoker is the main attraction, and you can pick your choice of brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, pulled chicken, baby back ribs, and burnt ends. 

You can skip the long queue by ordering at the restaurant to pick up your fresh, piping-hot BBQ. 

Address: 444 North Weber Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446, United States 

4. Mission BBQ (All-American Commitment)

You may consider this restaurant if you’re in the mood for an authentic, inexpensive BBQ meal that you can enjoy with your friends and family after a long day at work. 

The establishment offers a classic All American BBQ style with different outlets across the US. 

Some of Smokehouse’s signature meals include the Bay-b-Back Ribs, Spare Ribs, Salmon, and Chicken. 

The Black Plate Special is one of the most requested meals, but you’ll have to confirm when it’ll be available from the kitchen. 

You can choose from brisket, pulled pork, sausage, pulled chicken, and turkey in the meat market. 

Meanwhile, Mission BBQ is committed to donating to veterans, police, firefighters, and first responder communities through donations and service projects. 

In addition, the franchise values family, love, and cordial working relationships with their teammates and staff.

Address: 1570 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1003, United States 

BBQs in Chicago, Illinois 

1. Bub City (Top-Rated & Diverse)

Bub City is one of the finest BBQs in Illinois and a perfect spot for private parties and other occasions. 

The menu features a selection of Fresh Smoked BBQ meat, burgers and sandwiches, chicken tender baskets, salads, desserts, and other meal specials. 

Bub City has received top customer ratings from Tripadvisor, Yelp, and other review sites. 

It offers dine-in services and takeout menus so you can order from anywhere and have your food delivered to you. 

In addition, the restaurant adopts a country-western theme with live music and a serene ambiance where you can enjoy your comfort meals. 

The restaurant is also a safe space for communities, including POC and LGBTQ+ communities. 

You can also catch up on your sports updates and watch games at the bar, where you can have drinks and mingle with other guests. 

Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654-4540, United States

2. Smoque BBQ (Chalkboard Menu)

Smoque BBQ opens its doors at 11:00 am to a large flock of patrons eager to have their fill of some of the finest BBQs in Illinois. 

The restaurant has a 50-capacity dine-in area with a rotating chalkboard menu which means you can make it a spot for your lunch date or brunch with friends. 

You can choose from various sandwich & platter options, rib dinners, meat by the pound, and the chef’s specials, including the BBQ Gumbo, Brisket Taco, and a pecan bread pudding coated with salted caramel Bourbon. 

It’s located on the 20th floor of The National near the Revival Food Hall in downtown Chicago. 

The restaurant maintains a standard of fresh meat with high-quality smokers for the perfect taste. 

You can also pair your meals with our selection of chilled beers. 

Address: 3800 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, 60641, United States

3. The Smoke Daddy (Authentic American)

The Smoke Daddy is a world-class BBQ in Wicker Park and Wrigleyville. 

It is modeled after a classic authentic American BBQ joint in Illinois, and on the website, you’ll find a detailed menu with a variety of meal options. 

The ribs & platter menu features baby back ribs, rib tips, a smoke daddy rib sampler, etc. 

You can also try a few of their delicious sandwiches with any side of bacon, cheese, or salads. 

Meanwhile, this restaurant has specials and unique programs that help to separate them from other BBQs in Illinois.

For instance, they have a program that allows kids to eat free anytime from 4 to 6 pm. 

Suppose you’re planning a birthday party, reunion, or any private event; you can get The Smoke Daddy to cater and cover everything related to the food, such as the meats, spices, sauces, and even cutlery. 

Address: 1804 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622-6810, United States 

4. Weber Grill Restaurant (Grilled Delights)

Weber Grill specializes in preparing delicious smoked BBQs in Illinois, and they have different locations across the US. 

The menu features a wide range of grilled meat delights, making your taste buds explode with pleasure. 

For starters, you can choose from the soft pretzel & beer cheese dip or have the spicy sticky ribs, the charcoal chili chicken, or the grilled steak skewers. 

Weber Grill restaurant is also one of the best pizza spots in town and attracts customers from all over town with their Meatball Inferno, The Good Pepperoni, and Wild Mushrooms. 

Meanwhile, the entree menu features different types of smoked meat, from the 26th Street Shrimp to Beer, Chicken, Cedar planked salmon, BBQ baby back ribs, and many other options. 

You can walk into Weber Grill’s at happy hour or round up a long day at the office by coming to eat some of Chicago’s finest grilled cuisine and enjoy other side attractions. 

Address: 539 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States 

Also see our article on Seafood Restaurants in Illinois.

BBQs in Joliet, Illinois 

1. Baby Back Blues (Two Decades & Classic)

Suppose you’re a Joliet resident or just visiting for the summer; Baby Back Blues offers a unique approach to smoked meat while maintaining the classic American BBQ at affordable prices. 

This restaurant has been open since 1998, and for over two decades, it has specialized in creating delicious, mouth-watering BBQs with only fresh ingredients to maintain its high-quality taste. 

It has been featured on several review sites and appeared on WGN’s ‘Chicago Best’ in 2010 as one of the best food spots in Joliet, Illinois. 

Whether you’re coming for a casual dine-in or would prefer takeout, Baby Back Blues offers the same quality and outstanding service in all meals.

The meat is prepared with a combination of flavors, spices, and sauces and cooks slowly on the hardwood smoke to ensure a perfect blend of flavors. 

In addition, the menu also features a mouth-watering selection of ribs, brisket, and sides. 

Address: 16200 S. Lincoln Hwy Unit 114, Plainfield, IL, United States

2. Firewater BBQ (Southern-Style & Award-Winning)

Firewater in Joliet boasts the finest selection of brews and smoked meat the world has ever seen. 

It favors the traditional southern-style BBQ with an ultimate blend of flavors and delicious sauces. 

The restaurant’s award-winning BBQ is made from natural midwestern farm-raised chicken, beef, and pork. 

It prides itself on providing a wholesome farm-to-table experience and perfectly slow-cooked meats that will slide right off the bone. 

Their smoked meat menu features several options, including pork, beef, and sausages. 

Suppose you’re unsure what to get on the menu; try the Grillmaster’s signature dishes, including their delicious burger and salad. 

Meanwhile, Firewater provides catering services here in Joliet so that you can enjoy these special meals at your private parties for an affordable price. 

Address: 1847 Knapp St, Crest Hill, IL 60403, United States

3. Skooters Roadhouse (Varied Menu & Acoustic)

Skooters Roadhouse is open at different times from Monday through Sunday, with a menu of delicious BBQs for satisfying meal times. 

Whether you’re eating in the restaurant or having your meal taken out, the menu has a variety of selections and options to suit different tastes. 

For instance, the Starters section features 12 types, including classics like mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, scooters, nachos, and brussel sprouts. 

If you’re a burger fan, you will enjoy Skooter’s classic burger, breakfast burger, and the Texas burger. 

Unlike most grilled restaurants that focus only on BBQs and sides, Skooters Roadhouse’s menu covers different types of dishes, including pasta, soups, tacos, and even mini pitas. 

Some of the smoked meat you can get includes smoked brisket, BBQ baby back ribs, rubbed pulled pork, pulled chicken, pork chops, etc. 

Meanwhile, the Skooters Roadhouse’s acoustic brunch is a thrilling gathering you can enjoy with your family and loved ones. 

Address: 700 W Jefferson St, Shorewood, IL 60404, United States

4. Station One Smokehouse (Texas Style)

Station One is a family-owned BBQ restaurant in Illinois. 

The restaurant started operations as a butcher shop experimenting with making different types of smoked meat modeled after the Central Texas BBQ style. 

It focuses on salvaging different kinds of raw meat through delicious meals created by executive BBQ chefs. 

Station One Smokehouse has been featured as one of the best food spots in Joliet, Illinois, catering to customers from different fields and locations nationwide. 

Although the restaurant separates its dine-in and carry-out menu, you can still choose meats from sliced brisket, pastrami, pork ribs, pork belly, smoked salmon, smoked turkey, etc. 

In addition, all meals are slowly cooked on all wood smokers without gas or electricity. 

Meanwhile, they also have a great bar with the best beer, wine, and spirits worldwide. 

Address: 15025, S des Plaines St Unit 1A, Plainfield, IL, United States

Also see our article on Chinese Restaurants in Illinois.

BBQs in Springfield, Illinois 

1. D’arcy’s Pint (Irish American BBQ)

D’arcy’s Pint is an Irish American BBQ restaurant in Springfield, Illinois’s cozy surroundings. 

It offers a taste of authentic Irish smoked meats and is considered one of the city’s most popular attractions. 

The restaurant is known for its world-famous horseshoes, a delicious menu of Irish and American dishes, quality drinks, and excellent service that will keep you coming back every chance you get. 

Apart from being just a BBQ spot, D’arcy’s Pint offers excellent exposure to the Emerald Island, and the experience is so memorable that you feel like you’re in Ireland.

The menu features a blend of traditional Irish and American dishes. 

Meanwhile, you can share a D’arcy’s gift certificate to celebrate the wonders of BBQs with your loved ones. 

Address: 661 W Stanford Ave, Springfield, Illinois 62704, United States 

2. Gilly’s BBQ (Food Truck Simplicity)

If you‘re in the mood for Springfield’s ultimate food truck experience, then you don’t want to miss out on Gilly’s BBQ. 

Gilly’s is unlike other restaurants featured in this listing and is operated in a wheeled-smoker trailer surrounding the area of West Wabash. 

According to Yelp reviews and Facebook customer ratings, this is one of the best spots to get smoked BBQs in Springfield, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for simple but delicious smoked meats at affordable prices. 

Since it’s a food truck, there’s no dine-in setting available, but it doesn’t mean you can’t pick up your food or stroll around the cozy area of Springfield while enjoying your delicious BBQ. 

It’s also convenient for taking a lunch break and returning to work right after since you can rely on the swift food truck service to keep you on schedule. 

Address: 3851 Wabash Ave, Springfield, Illinois, United States 

3. Hickory River Smokehouse (Texas-Style & Cozy)

Hickory River is a popular tourist destination that has pulled visitors from far and near with its savory, delicious Texas-style BBQ meals. 

The restaurant favors all-natural wood smokers with a low and slow cooking method lasting anywhere from 4 to 14 hours. 

In addition, Hickory River sources only fresh farm ingredients for all parts of the meal, including the sauces and sides, to ensure well-tendered smoked meats. 

The overall cozy atmosphere of the restaurant and friendly service will help you unwind as you focus on your perfectly delicious BBQs. 

Meanwhile, the menu is designed for their different locations in the US, and one of the most popular dishes is the hickory smoked Polish sausage. 

You can also get pulled chicken, pork, briskets, and other types of smoked meat that you can pair with the gluten-free barbecue sauce. 

Address: 2343 N. Dirksen Pkwy. Springfield, IL 62702, United States 

4. Chilli’s Grill and Bar (Mexican-American Fusion)

Chilli’s is a Mexican-American barbeque infusion with mouth-watering dishes, tasty drinks, and high-quality service.

They open for lunch and dinner with a special menu featuring Mexican and American dishes in different sections. 

For example, if you’re a classic steak & rib combo fan, you can order Chilli’s Classic Ribeye, Sirloin, and Rack of Ribs or check out the Smokehouse combos on the menu. 

In addition, you can order Fajitas and the Bowl & Quesadillas options if you’re in the mood for some fine Mexican cuisine. 

Asides from the kid’s menu, platter, sides/sauces, and other lunch specials, you can also celebrate happy hour by ordering to-go Chilli cocktails like Casamigos Rita or get the President Margarita kit to make your drink at home. 

Meanwhile, you can contact customer service if you’re curious about the allergen and nutritional information of the meals according to your diet requirements. 

Address: 2891 S. Veterans, Springfield, IL 62704, United States

Also see our article on Coffee Shops in Illinois.

BBQs in Peoria, Illinois 

1. FroSmoke’s Meatery (Family-Owned & Signature)

FroSmoke’s mission is to elevate an ordinary communal meal experience by incorporating meals with traditional smoked meat flavors and sauces. 

This family-owned restaurant has been working hard for over 15 years to create well-tendered and flavored meat on the handcrafted smoker that will put a smile on customers’ faces. 

You can select your preferred smoked meat from the “just the meats” menu featuring brisket, turkey, Italian beef, chicken, pulled pork, and ribs. 

However, if you don’t want only meat, you can order any Fro’s choice platters with sides and signature sandwiches such as The Judy B, The Doug Z, The Meathead, The Hybrid Combo, and the Brisket Mac Wrap. 

Additionally, if you want FroSmoke’s Meatery to cater to your family cookouts, weddings, birthday parties, and other events, you can consult customer service to get all the relevant details. 

Enjoy the outdoor dining area with every family member, including your pets, and have a fantastic bonding experience over the finest BBQs in Illinois. 

Address: 112 Marina Dr, Lacon, IL 61540, United States 

2. Slow Hand Craft BBQ (Authentic Slow-Cooked)

At Slow Hand Craft BBQ, you’ll find authentic slow-cooked BBQs made with a detailed process so you can appreciate the symphony of flavors in each meal. 

The meats are smoked on the traditional oak wood smoker with herbs and spices for a fine-quality taste. 

Slow Hand is open five days weekly from Tuesday to Saturday for dine-in or takeout customers. 

The restaurant’s smoked meats menu includes carved turkey, beef brisket, pulled chicken, smoked cauliflower, pulled pork, pork belly burnt ends, and spare pork ribs. 

It also offers a delicious variety of housemade sides you can enjoy with your steaks, such as coleslaw, bbq chips, cornbread, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole. 

And you can also satisfy your sweet cravings with butterscotch bread, pudding, or seasonal fruit cobbler. 

In addition, Slow Hand features an impressive bar with beautifully-made cocktails, craft beers, and a fine wine selection. 

Address: 4450 N Prospect Rd Ste S-1, Peoria Heights, IL 616616, United States 

3. Dac’s Smokehouse (Serene & Diverse)

Dac’s Smokehouse provides high-quality meals in a serene environment with impeccable hospitality service to ensure the ultimate dining experience. 

It pushes the boundaries of the classic American BBQ to create an exquisite dish that will satisfy all your meat cravings like never before. 

The restaurant is open Mondays to Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 9 pm, so you dine in at brunch, lunch, or dinner. 

Meanwhile, the menu features a variety of meal options such as appetizers, sandwiches, mac & cheese, seafood, and salads, so you don’t have to settle for only steaks or meat plates. 

At Dac’s, you can get a wide selection of smoked meats such as pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken, smoked chicken wings, and St Louis-style ribs.

In addition, the restaurant makes its sauces with a wide variety of flavors such as hot BBQ, strawberry crush BBQ, Carolina Vinegar BBQ, etc. 

Address: 1104 N Main St, East Peoria, IL 61611, United States 

4. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern (Organic & Unique)

The Blue Duck prioritizes organic, ethically-sourced ingredients with handmade meal preps to bring the familiar, classic BBQ with a unique twist. 

Besides the regular smokehouse meats, the Blue Duck’s menu also features signature appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, A la carte sides, and desserts.  

If you’re a fan of tacos, you can try the Asian, Mexican, barbeque, baked potato, and BBQ MAC.

You can enjoy their Key lime pie or chocolate peanut butter pie for your choice of desserts. 

The Blue Duck also provides many mocktails, cocktails, wines, and drinks you can enjoy with your meals. 

This restaurant offers one of the most sumptuous BBQ cuisines in Peoria and the whole of Illinois. 

Address: 212 SW Water St Suite B, Peoria, IL 61602-1325, United States 

Also see our article on High Tea in Illinois.

BBQs in Champaign, Illinois

1. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House (Authentic Pit)

Suppose you’ve been wondering where to find authentic pit BBQs in Champaign, Illinois; you don’t need to search further. 

Black Dog is a popular BBQ joint in the city known for creating low and slow-cooked BBQs that will glide off the bone beautifully. 

It has a variety of smokehouse meats, including brisket, salmon, chicken, rib tips, catfish, and polish. 

In addition, the restaurant offers a small selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and finger foods that you can enjoy before you dig into the main course. 

However, you should note that Black Dog has a ‘family style order,’ which is meant for large orders catering to at least four servings per round at the BBQ. 

At Black Dog, you can only order sauces and sides separately for family-style orders in case you want both in your meal, and you have to place the order at least 48 hours before. 

Address: 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820, United States

2. Lil Porgy’s Bar-B-Que (Tasty Beef Ribs)

Lil Porgy’s is said to provide one of the tastiest beef ribs in the Champaign area. 

It is a family-owned establishment that has always valued good quality, high standards, and safe cooking methods to ensure you get your money’s worth. 

Recently, they switched their cooking style from direct fire to authentic wood smokers to ensure low and slow cooking for a perfect meat consistency. 

Some of the BBQS on the menu include pork chops, chicken, pulled turkey, salmon, and brisket, which you can pair with the restaurant’s delicious homemade sauce. 

You may also have an entire course of steak and salad or just settle for a signature Lil Porgy burger to enjoy your delicious BBQ cuisine. 

In addition, Lil Porgy is a renowned BBQ spot in Illinois, and it has had patrons for many decades, so there’s no doubt about the quality of its meats. 

Address: 1917 West Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821, United States

3. Project 47 Smokehouse (P-47 Thunderbolt Theme)

Project 47, also ‘P-47’, earned its name from the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane used by the US Army during World War II. 

Apart from symbolizing historic moments in the US, the restaurant is considered one of Illinois’s most authentic BBQ spots. 

Even the restaurant is decorated with different P-47 Thunderbolts and Air Force paraphernalia. 

The restaurant offers a modern homely appeal, with the backyard patio covered with picnic tables and a Traeger Smoker where guests can hang out and play yard games. 

Project 47 embraces the art of low-and-slow meet cooking which will help to ensure the desired texture and flavor. 

It uses a blend of traditional BBQ styles, including a mix of sauces, spices, and techniques, to create exceptional BBQ cuisine. 

The menu is classified into shareable salads, flatbreads, desserts, sauces & dressings, and many other specialties you may enjoy. 

Address: 101 N. Lombard St., Mahomet, IL 61853, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Ice cream Shops, High Tea, and Happy Hours in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best BBQs in Texas and New York.