BBQ Restaurants in Illinois

When Guy Fieri’s red Camaro rolled into Illinois between 2007 and 2018, the Flavortown mayor uncovered a smoking hot BBQ scene that proves the Land of Lincoln knows its way around a pit. Across 5 featured restaurants—with 4 still serving up the goods today—Illinois earned an impressive average rating of 4.3 stars from hungry diners.

Chicago dominates the BBQ spotlight with 3 of the 5 featured spots, and it’s easy to see why. Smoque leads the pack with a stellar 4.6-star rating, earning its reputation as one of the city’s most beloved smokehouses. Head to suburban Burbank and you’ll find Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café pulling in 4.4 stars with its down-home flavors. Back in the city, Sun Wah BBQ brings a unique twist to the scene, blending Chinese culinary traditions with American barbecue for a 4.3-star experience unlike any other.

From classic low-and-slow techniques to unexpected fusion flavors, these Illinois joints prove that great BBQ isn’t just a Southern thing—it’s a Flavortown thing.