Nothing signals a good day quite like the aroma of wood smoke and slow-cooked meat drifting over a small Midwest town. If you’re searching for the absolute best BBQ in Waterloo, IL, you’re exploring a sweet spot where down-home tradition, community spirit, and real-deal flavor meet. I’ll admit, after one too many “just okay” barbecue experiences at chain joints, Waterloo’s smoky hidden gems surprised me: brisket so tender it laughed at my fork and house sauces that didn’t bother shouting for attention—they earned it.
This guide works like an inside tip from a friend who’s tasted their way through the St. Louis outskirts. I’ve spent weekends weaving past city blocks and cornfields putting together a list that covers every style, secret rub, and classic side worth your time. You’ll get clear direction, zero fluff, and details that keep your cravings focused on the real thing. Ready to find your new favorite spot, or three? Keep reading, and bring a napkin.
1. Shorty’s Smokehouse
Shorty’s Smokehouse sits on Main Street but doesn’t waste time trying to be flashy. The atmosphere feels like someone combined a cozy hometown diner with a pitmaster’s dream. Regulars pile in for breakfast, then linger through lunch and dinner—a good sign in any town.
The standout here is the rib plate. I found each bite smoky, slightly sweet, and impossibly tender. The pulled pork hits a nice balance—never too dry, never greasy—with a peppery bark that stayed in my memory.
If you ask for one must-try, go for the brisket. It’s sliced thick, smoky without overpowering the meat, and topped with housemade sauce that pulls everything together. Shorty’s reputation proves the locals know where to find the real deal.
2. Annbriar’s Smokehouse Restaurant
Annbriar’s Smokehouse Restaurant is a favorite stop for anyone craving genuine comfort food in Waterloo. It sits tucked next to the golf course, but you don’t need clubs to feel at home. The friendly staff and classic smokehouse scents let you know you’ve come to the right place for a relaxed meal.
I always time my visits around their BBQ nights. The highlight? The full rack of ribs—glazed and smoky, with meat that falls easily off the bone. Their pork steak is another local legend: thick, juicy, and touched with just enough char to show the pit crew knows what they’re doing.
Annbriar’s smokehouse specials turn any Saturday into a celebration. For traditional BBQ crafted with care, this is your spot.
3. Mr BBQ’s
+1 618-406-9231
Mr BBQ’s is easy to pass if you aren’t looking, but skipping it would be a mistake. It’s a barbecue joint through and through: straightforward, unpretentious, and entirely focused on the food. There’s no frills here—just honest flavors and a friendly, laid-back feel from the moment you walk in.
The pulled pork here is the highlight. Every bite is a mix of smoke, tenderness, and the right punch of seasoning. You can tell it’s been tended for hours, not rushed. I paired it with their tangy house sauce and couldn’t put my fork down.
If you want to try a side, grab a heap of their classic coleslaw. The crisp bite and hint of sweetness work perfectly against the richness of the pork, summing up why Mr BBQ’s draws locals back week after week.
4. Outsider
(618) 939-9913Call
Outsider brings a relaxed, neighborhood energy to the Waterloo BBQ scene. It’s a place where you can watch a game, chat with locals, and catch the aroma of the smoker working its magic. What sets Outsider apart is its unpretentious approach and commitment to hearty, slow-cooked classics.
On my last visit, I tried the smoked chicken. It was impressively juicy, with a deep, mellow smoke flavor and just enough seasoning to let the meat shine. Outsider’s BBQ plate comes loaded—definitely go for the house-made sides, especially the baked beans.
If you want bbq done with care, in a cheerful, no-fuss setting, Outsider delivers every time. This spot nails the basics and keeps the flavors honest.
5. Fourth Street Bar & Grill
(618) 939-3660Call
Fourth Street Bar & Grill is the kind of place that feels like a familiar hangout, even on your first visit. The energy here is always lively, filled with regulars, friendly bartenders, and the soft haze of smoker scents that hangs over each table. It’s classic Midwest, right down to the last detail.
I showed up hungry and left impressed by the barbecue platter. The standout was the smoked turkey breast—moist, smoky, with a pepper-crusted edge that brought everything together. The generous side of baked beans had a hint of molasses and paired perfectly.
The staff knows how to keep the crowd happy without overdoing it. For playful conversation, reliable BBQ, and a spot that always feels welcoming, Fourth Street is a local staple worth stopping by.
6. JV’s Downtown Bar & Grill
JV’s Downtown Bar & Grill delivers an easygoing downtown atmosphere where good conversation and great BBQ always come together. You’ll notice the place buzzing with folks dropping in for takeout or gathering for a relaxed night out. The vibe is all about comfort—friendly faces, cold drinks, and signature smokehouse flavor.
On my last visit, I found their BBQ chicken to be a highlight. The smoky char on each piece was spot-on, and the meat stayed juicy down to the last bite. If you’re in a mood for a combo plate, JV’s also does generous portions and well-balanced sides that show real attention to detail.
With a solid menu and inviting energy, JV’s stands out as both a weekday go-to and a spot that feels special enough for Saturday night. It’s easy to see why locals keep coming back.
7. Annbriar Smokehouse Restaurant
Annbriar Smokehouse Restaurant is tucked right by the golf course, but its reputation draws in more than just weekend players. The setting is bright, easygoing, and full of that unmistakable smoky aroma drifting from the kitchen. There’s a down-to-earth charm that pairs perfectly with the comfort food they serve.
What makes Annbriar a local staple is their Saturday BBQ night. Pork steaks and ribs headline the menu, each smoked until they’re fall-apart tender and finished with a rich, house-made sauce. I found myself planning visits around their BBQ specials—especially the half-rack of ribs, which won me over with its perfect balance of smoke and sweetness.
Anyone hunting for real-deal BBQ, with sides made from scratch and service that feels personal, should put Annbriar at the top of their list.
8. Randy’s Double R Bar
Randy’s Double R Bar carries all the liveliness you’d expect from a corner spot on Main Street. The laid-back spirit, wood-paneled walls, and scent of slow-cooked barbecue make it a magnet for both locals and first-timers. There’s no rush here—just honest food and easy conversation.
The highlight for me was the pulled pork sandwich. Piled high, expertly smoked, and never drowned in sauce, it let the natural flavors come forward. It’s proof that Randy’s takes their barbecue seriously but doesn’t overcomplicate anything.
Pair your meal with their classic sides, and it’s easy to see why folks settle in for a while. If you’re after unpretentious, good BBQ, Double R hits the right note every time.
9. Schubert’s Smokehouse & Meat Packing Company
Schubert’s Smokehouse & Meat Packing Company blends tradition with pure flavor. Family-run and proud to be part of the local fabric, Schubert’s feels less like a restaurant and more like a delicious detour into classic smokehouse territory. Just stepping in, you catch the aroma of real hardwood at work.
What sets Schubert’s apart is their variety and dedication to quality. Their smoked turkey and beef brisket both earned high marks from me: each slice was tender, perfectly smoky, and rich without being heavy.
Make sure to grab a sampler platter to appreciate the range, and don’t skip their house-made sausages. For expertly smoked classics, this spot holds its own among the region’s best.
10. Westend Bar & Restaurant
(618) 476-3755Call
Westend Bar & Restaurant feels like the heart of the neighborhood, where families and friends meet over plates piled high with comfort food. The space has a warm, easy energy, and you can always catch the scent of something sizzling in the kitchen. There’s a sense here that everything’s made with care and plenty of experience.
The best bet? Their smoked chicken platter. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and with a just-right hint of smoke, it’s a dish that always calls for a second helping. I also found their classic sides—especially the baked beans and slaw—held up alongside the mains.
Westend stands out for friendly service and dishes that keep regulars coming back. For straightforward, satisfying BBQ in a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t go wrong here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best BBQ spots in Waterloo, IL?
Some of the local favorites include Shorty’s Smokehouse, Annbriar Smokehouse Restaurant, Mr BBQ’s, Outsider, and Fourth Street Bar & Grill. Each brings something unique, from tender brisket to standout sauces.
Which BBQ place in Waterloo, IL is known for its ribs?
Shorty’s Smokehouse and Annbriar Smokehouse Restaurant both have a reputation for ribs that are smoked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and worth the trip.
Are there any family-friendly BBQ restaurants in Waterloo?
Yes, many BBQ restaurants in Waterloo, like Westend Bar & Restaurant and JV’s Downtown Bar & Grill, offer casual, comfortable spaces where families are always welcome.
Can I find BBQ spots in Waterloo with takeout options?
Absolutely. Most BBQ places in Waterloo, including Shorty’s Smokehouse and Mr BBQ’s, offer takeout for those days when you want great BBQ at home.
What should I try for a first visit?
Start with a BBQ platter so you can sample a bit of everything: ribs, brisket, smoked chicken, and classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans. These dishes show off what Waterloo’s pitmasters do best.