Best BBQ in Central Illinois, IL

When it comes to BBQ in Central Illinois, I’ve tasted some truly amazing dishes that just blow your mind! There’s something special about the smoky flavors and tender meats that keeps me coming back for more. I’ve explored many spots, and I’m excited to share my favorites with you, so you can find the best BBQ around.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Central Illinois, IL? Well, the best BBQ here is all about local gems that serve up delicious flavors, juicy meats, and a cozy vibe. You can expect everything from mouthwatering brisket to finger-licking ribs, and each place has its own unique twist that makes it stand out.

Get ready to dive into a tasty adventure! I’ll take you through some of the top BBQ places, sharing what makes each one special, the yummy dishes to try, and the fun atmosphere that awaits you. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

Top 10 BBQ in Central Illinois, IL

1. Underground Backyard BBQ
2. 4 Corners Smokehouse
3. Hickory River Smokehouse
4. Smokin’ Notes BBQ – East Peoria
5. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern
6. Dac’s Smokehouse Morton
7. Carrol Lou’s Smokehouse
8. Smoky’s House BBQ
9. Hickory River Smokehouse
10. Hickory River Smokehouse

1. Underground Backyard BBQ

Underground Backyard BBQ is such a cool spot in Williamsfield! When I walked in, I felt right at home. You can sit inside or outside, which is super nice, especially on a sunny day. Plus, it’s easy to get in and out, so everyone can enjoy the yummy food.

What I really love about this place is how tasty everything is. The meats are smoked just right, and you can really tell they put a lot of heart into their cooking. I tried the brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so tender and full of flavor!

If you go, you have to get the pulled pork sandwich. It’s so juicy and the BBQ sauce they make is just perfect. Seriously, you’ll want to eat it all!

2. 4 Corners Smokehouse

4 Corners Smokehouse is one of my favorite BBQ places in East Peoria! When I walked in, I was super happy to see that I could sit inside or outside, depending on my mood. The staff was really friendly, and I felt right at home. Plus, it’s nice that everyone can get in easily since it’s wheelchair-accessible.

What really makes 4 Corners Smokehouse stand out is their delicious smoked meats. I tried their ribs, and wow, they were so tender! Each bite was packed with flavor, and you could tell they really know what they’re doing.

If you go, you have to get the brisket! It’s so juicy and smoky, and it just melts in your mouth. Seriously, it’s a must-try, and I can’t wait to go back for more!

3. Hickory River Smokehouse

Hickory River Smokehouse in Urbana is one of my go-to places for BBQ! When I walked in, I loved how cozy and simple it felt. You can sit inside or outside, which is nice, and it’s super easy to get in since it’s wheelchair-accessible. I felt right at home!

What really makes Hickory River special is their hand-rubbed BBQ that’s smoked with hickory. I tried their pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and packed with flavor! You can really taste that smoky goodness, and it made me want to keep eating.

If you go, you have to get the brisket! It’s so tender and has that yummy smoky flavor that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, you won’t be disappointed!

4. Smokin’ Notes BBQ – East Peoria

Smokin’ Notes BBQ in East Peoria is one of my favorite spots for BBQ! When I walked in, I was super excited to see that I could sit inside or outside, which is really nice. The place had a fun vibe, and everyone was so friendly. Plus, it’s wheelchair-accessible, so everyone can enjoy the yummy food!

What really makes Smokin’ Notes BBQ special is their awesome flavors. I tried their smoked chicken, and wow, it was so juicy and tasty! You could really tell they put a lot of love into their cooking.

If you go, you have to try the ribs! They’re so tender and have that perfect smoky flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Seriously, you won’t want to miss them!

5. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern

The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern in Peoria is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ! When I walked in, I was super excited to see how cool the place looked in an old rail depot. It has a really fun and casual vibe, and I could choose to sit inside or outside. Plus, it’s wheelchair-accessible, which is awesome for everyone!

What really makes The Blue Duck special is their house-smoked BBQ and yummy drinks. I tried their smoked brisket, and oh wow, it was so tender and packed with flavor! You can really tell they care about their food.

If you go, you have to get the pulled pork! It’s so juicy and comes with this special sauce that’s just perfect. Seriously, you’ll want to come back again and again!

6. Dac’s Smokehouse Morton

Dac’s Smokehouse in Morton is one of my favorite BBQ places! When I walked in, I felt so cozy and welcomed right away. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, which is really nice, and I was happy to see that it’s wheelchair-accessible. Plus, they even have curbside pickup, which makes it super easy to grab food on the go!

What really makes Dac’s special is their delicious smoked meats. I tried their ribs, and oh my goodness, they were so tender and full of flavor! Each bite was packed with that yummy smoky taste that made me want to keep eating.

If you go, you have to get the brisket! It’s so juicy and melts in your mouth. Seriously, you won’t regret it!

7. Carrol Lou’s Smokehouse

Carrol Lou’s Smokehouse in Decatur is one of my favorite places for BBQ! When I walked in, I felt so welcomed by the friendly staff and cozy vibe. You can sit inside or outside, which is really nice, and it made me feel right at home right away.

What really makes Carrol Lou’s special is their super tasty smoked meats. I tried their pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! You can really tell they care about their food and put a lot of love into it.

If you go, you have to get the ribs! They’re so tender and have that yummy smoky flavor that makes you want to keep coming back. Seriously, you don’t want to miss this delicious BBQ!

8. Smoky’s House BBQ

Smoky’s House BBQ in Savoy is one of my favorite places to get BBQ! When I walked in, I felt so cozy and welcomed right away. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, which is really nice, and I was happy to see that it’s wheelchair-accessible. Plus, they even have curbside pickup, which is super handy when I’m in a rush!

What really makes Smoky’s special is their yummy smoked meats. I tried their smoked chicken, and oh my goodness, it was so juicy and full of flavor! You can really tell they put a lot of love into their cooking.

If you go, you have to get the brisket! It’s so tender and has that perfect smoky flavor that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, you won’t want to miss it!

9. Hickory River Smokehouse

Hickory River Smokehouse in Champaign is one of my favorite BBQ places! When I walked in, I loved how cozy and simple it felt. You can choose to sit inside or outside, which is really nice, and it’s wheelchair-accessible, so everyone can enjoy the yummy food.

What really makes Hickory River special is their hand-rubbed BBQ that’s smoked with hickory. I tried their pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! You can really taste that smoky goodness in every bite.

If you go, you have to get the brisket! It’s super tender and has that perfect smoky flavor that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, you won’t want to miss out on this delicious BBQ!

10. Hickory River Smokehouse

Hickory River Smokehouse in Peoria is one of my favorite BBQ places ever! When I walked in, I felt so cozy and right at home. The place has a simple vibe, and I loved that I could sit inside or outside. Plus, it’s wheelchair-accessible, which is super nice for everyone!

What really makes Hickory River special is their hand-rubbed BBQ that’s smoked with hickory. I tried their pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! You can really taste that yummy smoky goodness in every bite.

If you go, you absolutely have to get the brisket! It’s so tender and melts in your mouth. Seriously, you won’t want to miss out on this delicious BBQ!

Map of BBQ in Central Illinois, IL

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best BBQ places in Central Illinois?
  Oh, there are so many great BBQ spots in Central Illinois! Some of my favorites are Underground Backyard BBQ, 4 Corners Smokehouse, and Hickory River Smokehouse. Each place has its own yummy flavors and a cozy vibe that makes you want to come back for more.

• What types of BBQ can I find in Central Illinois?
  You can find all kinds of BBQ here! There’s smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and even chicken. Plus, many places have tasty sides like coleslaw and cornbread that go perfectly with the BBQ.

• Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants?
  Yes, a lot of BBQ places have vegetarian options! You can usually find things like smoked veggies or salads. It’s always good to check the menu or ask the staff for what they recommend.

• Can I get BBQ to go?
  Absolutely! Most BBQ spots in Central Illinois offer takeout and curbside pickup. It’s super easy to grab your favorite BBQ and enjoy it at home or wherever you want!

• Do I need to make a reservation?
  Some places take reservations, but many are first-come, first-served. It’s a good idea to call ahead, especially on busy weekends, so you can get a table without waiting too long.

• Is BBQ in Central Illinois family-friendly?
  Yes, most BBQ restaurants are really family-friendly! They have a fun atmosphere, and many even have outdoor seating, which is great for families with kids.

• What is the price range for BBQ in Central Illinois?
  The prices are usually pretty moderate. You can expect to pay around $10 to $20 per person, depending on what you order. It’s a great deal for all that delicious food!

• Are there any BBQ festivals in Central Illinois?
  Yes, there are some awesome BBQ festivals throughout the year! They have yummy food, live music, and lots of fun activities. Keep an eye out for local events so you can join in on the BBQ fun!