Posted in Illinois
December 20, 2021
The Most Delicious Illinois Road Trip Takes You To 7 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants
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.
1917 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821, USA
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.
Visit the Li'l Porgy's Bar-B-Q website and Facebook page for more information.
310 E Columbia St, Arthur, IL 61911, USA
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.
Visit the Pauly's BBQ website and Facebook page for more information.
16 N Washington St, Sullivan, IL 61951, USA
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.
Visit the Hole In The Wall BBQ Facebook page for more information.
2645 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL 62526, USA
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.
Visit the Kansas City Barbecue Pit website and Facebook page for more information.
901 N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301, USA
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!
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Fatbacks BBQ.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Fatbacks BBQ.
102 W Lafayette St, Rushville, IL 62681, USA
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.
Visit the Station 1883 website and Facebook page for more information.
701 S Main St, Monmouth, IL 61462, USA
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.
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? You may know of additional places with some of the best bbq in the state. 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!
Address: 1917 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821, USA
Address: 310 E Columbia St, Arthur, IL 61911, USA
Address: 16 N Washington St, Sullivan, IL 61951, USA
Address: 2645 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL 62526, USA
Address: 901 N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301, USA
Address: 102 W Lafayette St, Rushville, IL 62681, USA
Address: 701 S Main St, Monmouth, IL 61462, USA
