Few things rival the simple pleasure of great BBQ—slow-cooked, sauced, and served just right. McHenry County isn’t the South, but these local spots prove Midwesterners have game when it comes to smoked meats and backyard classics. Whether you’re looking for tender brisket, perfectly charred chicken, or just that unmistakable aroma of mesquite and hickory drifting through the air, you’re in good hands with this local scene. Some places specialize in pitmaster technique, others in family recipes and full-flavored sauces, but each standout on this list has earned its reputation the honest way.
I’ve spent more than a few afternoons here, napkin in hand, tracking down ribs and pulled meats worth a second helping. Every place comes with its own personality—some with picnic tables and family bustle, others with a quiet confidence and a loyal crowd. So if you’re wondering where to find the best BBQ in McHenry County, rest easy. This guide sorts the contenders from the pretenders, giving you the lowdown on spots where the smoke is always rolling.
Where to find the best bbq in McHenry County, IL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in McHenry County, IL:
- Porkies Pig Roast
- BBQ King Smokehouse Woodstock
- BBQ King Huntley
- Hicksgas Propane Sales & Service
- Charcoal Supply Co
- Finn McCool’s Crystal Lake
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Texan Barbeque
- My Place Bar & Grill
1. Porkies Pig Roast
When you’re looking for real deal comfort BBQ in McHenry County, Porkies Pig Roast is an easy pick. The warm, relaxed vibe and seasonal Beer Garden just add to the appeal—after all, good BBQ deserves a good setting. Their approach is simple: keep it homemade, keep it hearty.
The Baby Back Ribs here are a signature move—glazed, juicy, and falling right off the bone. If you’re hunting for something unique, the Pig Wings are where tradition and creativity meet. Every bite balances smoky flavor with rich tenderness, making it tough to stop at just one order.
These folks aren’t just a dine-in spot either. Their catering setup is legendary, covering everything from backyard gatherings to big events. Porkies has cornered the market on classic BBQ charm with a noticeable local touch.
2. BBQ King Smokehouse Woodstock
(815) 338-3477Call
Step into BBQ King Smokehouse Woodstock and the savory aroma hits you first—hours of slow-smoked goodness at work. The setting is unfussy, but the food is all business. Here, every meat gets the royal treatment, smoked daily from four to sixteen hours, drawing serious smoke flavor into each bite.
The brisket and ribs are true standouts—tender, juicy, and full of honest BBQ flavor. If you’re feeling bold, order the smoked chicken too; the flavorful bark is a hidden gem. It’s tough not to fill up on their sides, which round out every plate with local, home-cooked style.
I’ve made a habit of coming hungry and leaving satisfied. If authenticity is at the top of your BBQ wish list, BBQ King keeps things classic, no shortcuts involved.
3. BBQ King Huntley
BBQ King Huntley brings big smokehouse flavor to a low-key spot on Rail Drive. Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you—these pitmasters know their way around a smoker. Here, the focus is always on quality, with every cut of meat cooked right and never rushed.
Their beef brisket shines—smoky, fork-tender, with just enough coarse pepper bark to keep you hooked. Ribs here also belong on your plate, especially with a side of tangy slaw and fresh-cut fries. The Huntley location impresses with its consistency, making each visit a reliable treat.
I’ve stopped by for lunch and ended up planning dinner before I left. For barbecue that hits all the right notes in McHenry County, Huntley’s BBQ King delivers every single time.
4. Hicksgas Propane Sales & Service
While not a restaurant, Hicksgas Propane Sales & Service is key for any serious backyard BBQ setup in McHenry County. They’ve been a local staple for decades, ensuring that grills stay fired up and ready for anything from weekend gatherings to bigger celebrations.
The real advantage here is reliability—propane tanks are filled fast, and the service is always straightforward, no frills needed. More than once, I’ve rolled up last minute for a refill and left with plans for a perfect grilling afternoon.
It’s also a top spot to pick up new barbecue supplies, keeping your grill in working order. If your mission is consistently great BBQ at home, Hicksgas makes sure you never run out of fuel or patience.
5. Charcoal Supply Co
Charcoal Supply Co is just what you need when only real hardwood smoke will do—a true haven for anyone fired up about authentic BBQ. If you’re in McHenry County and serious about your grill game, this place is practically a rite of passage.
The selection here is impressive—lump hardwood, natural briquettes, and specialty fuels you won’t spot at the big box stores. I’ve tried their lump charcoal, and the even burn and mild smoke it gives to brisket and chicken are hard to beat.
For best results, pick up a variety pack and see what matches your style. Charcoal Supply Co makes it easy to leave the guesswork behind, so your next BBQ comes out with smoky depth and honest flavor.
6. Finn McCool’s Crystal Lake
Finn McCool’s Crystal Lake brings an Irish twist to the local BBQ scene. It’s more than just a pub—with dark wood, stained glass, and music filling the air, the atmosphere pulls you in for the long haul. Here, you can root for your team or just settle in for a hearty meal.
The menu is sprawling, but their BBQ-inspired dishes earn a special mention—think smoky brisket sandwiches and perfectly grilled chicken tossed with tangy sauces. The food surprises you with flavor, making each bite memorable. It’s comfort food with the kind of creative spin you don’t find everywhere.
I like to come during game time—BBQ, sports, and a bustling crowd are a winning combo every time. For those seeking a casual spot with good-energy and solid eats, Finn McCool’s delivers.
7. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse in Crystal Lake adds a bit of Southern charm to the local BBQ lineup. The vibe is lively, with country music and a bustling dining room, making it a fun place for family meals or casual nights out. The team here prides themselves on quality, hand-cut steaks, and generous plates that leave you full without breaking the bank.
The fall-off-the-bone ribs deserve every bit of praise—smoky, sauced, and never dry. Their grilled chicken plates also shine, served with a side of made-from-scratch sides that rival the main dish. If you haven’t tried their fresh-baked bread, you’re missing out on a local favorite.
Returning for those ribs is a familiar pattern for me. Consistency and flavor make Texas Roadhouse a can’t-miss spot for BBQ enthusiasts in McHenry County.
8. The Texan Barbeque
(847) 658-2130Call
The Texan Barbeque sits right in downtown Crystal Lake, making it easy to stumble into real-deal smoked flavor. This spot keeps things classic and straightforward, focusing on the heart of American BBQ without distraction. No excess bells and whistles, just solid barbecue, made with patience and pride.
Their smoked chicken and pulled beef plates are local legends—tender, deeply seasoned, and served up with house-made sauces that have serious staying power. Each visit feels like a nod to old-school BBQ sensibility, where quality matters most.
I’ve stopped in after a long week craving comfort food, and the smoky aroma coming from the kitchen made the choice easy. If you want straight-shooter barbecue that’s all about flavor, The Texan Barbeque is always a contender.
9. My Place Bar & Grill
My Place Bar & Grill does BBQ with a twist. Tucked away on Elm Street in McHenry, it’s known for its casual feel and menu loaded with both classic American comforts and standout barbecue. You get a friendly neighborhood spot that works hard to keep its regulars happy with fun specials and a laid-back vibe.
Their BBQ chicken is a go-to—grilled to smoky perfection and served with crisp, seasoned fries. I’ve dropped by on a whim and left impressed more than once, especially with the way they balance hearty portions and satisfying flavors.
Order up anything off the barbecue menu with confidence. My Place nails that familiar, backyard flavor and turns a quick dinner into something genuinely memorable in McHenry County.
More Things to Try in McHenry County, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-try BBQ spots in McHenry County?
For standout flavors, check out Porkies Pig Roast, BBQ King Smokehouse (both Woodstock and Huntley), The Texan Barbeque, and Crystal Lake Ribhouse. Each spot has its own specialty, from ribs to brisket.
Which BBQ in McHenry County is best for families?
Texas Roadhouse and Finn McCool’s Crystal Lake are known for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of crowd-pleasers on the menu.
Are there BBQ restaurants in McHenry County that offer catering?
Yes, Porkies Pig Roast is popular for full-service catering. BBQ King Smokehouse also handles large gatherings and events with ease.
Where can I buy BBQ supplies or fuel in McHenry County?
For supplies, try Charcoal Supply Co for specialty charcoal and Hicksgas Propane Sales & Service for propane refills.
Who makes the best ribs in McHenry County?
Taste is personal, but locals rave about the ribs at Texas Roadhouse, Porkies Pig Roast, and BBQ King Smokehouse.
Do any McHenry County BBQ places offer vegetarian options?
Some BBQ restaurants, like Finn McCool’s Crystal Lake and My Place Bar & Grill, include veggie-friendly sides and salads, even if the main focus is on barbecue.