Down in Southern Illinois, barbecue is less of a trend and more of a family habit. Small towns from Jonesboro to Harrisburg have been feeding folks sliced pork, ribs, and pork steaks for generations, often from the same corner lot.
Some of these spots have been around since before your grandparents went on their first date. If you love smoked pork and road trips with a purpose, this list of eight standout joints is one to save for your next drive south.
1. 17th Street Barbecue, Murphysboro, IL
Murphysboro has a claim to barbecue fame, and much of it starts at 32 N 17th St. The restaurant has operated here since the late 1980s under champion pitmaster Mike Mills, and the original location still carries that historic weight.
Pork is the star in several forms. The pork steak is a regional favorite, and the pulled pork sandwich is a simple, solid order if it is your first visit.
The menu stretches well past pork, with ribs, brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, burgers, loaded potatoes, and a chili that gets plenty of attention. Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs, and groups can ask about the private dining room.
Plan ahead on Tuesdays, since the restaurant is closed that day. Friday evening is the busiest stretch, so a weekday lunch is the calmer play.
Reservations are accepted, and the free parking lot usually has room.
2. Dixie Barbecue, Jonesboro, IL
Since 1946, Dixie Barbecue has been serving pit barbecue in Jonesboro, a small Union County town. That kind of run says a lot about a place that keeps things simple.
The signature here is sliced, shaved pork, served on sandwiches or in a large barbecue basket. The house sauce stands out with a slightly sweet, almost strawberry-like flavor that sets it apart from anything else on this list.
Milkshakes and crispy fries round out the order nicely. Burgers are on the menu too, and prices stay in the budget-friendly range.
Hours are weekday-focused, 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday and until 4 PM on Saturday. Sundays are closed, and there are no reservations, so just show up hungry.
3. Johnson Southern Style Bar-B-Q, Harrisburg, IL
Some barbecue is meant to be eaten in your car, and Johnson Southern Style Bar-B-Q leans right into that. The long-standing Harrisburg eatery has a pull-up area where you can park, grab your food, and dig in.
The house-made sauce is the calling card. Pour it over pork or turkey sandwiches, a full rack of ribs, or a pork burger, which is a less common find around here.
Brisket and Polish sausage are also on the board, and the slaw earns its spot beside any sandwich. Prices sit in the $10 to $20 range per person.
One practical note: there is no restroom on site, so plan accordingly. The place opens at 10 AM every day of the week, closing at 7 PM most days and 6 PM on Sunday.
4. Larry’s Pit BBQ, Christopher, IL
Barbecue at 6 AM may sound odd until you visit Christopher. Larry’s Pit BBQ opens early Tuesday through Sunday, serving breakfast alongside its pit-cooked meats.
The pork barbecue sandwich with mild sauce and a side of fries is the classic order. Homemade onion rings are a signature, and they deserve a spot on the tray.
Ribs and catfish are also on the menu, so mixed tables are easy to please. Portions run generous and the dining room stays clean and relaxed.
This small Franklin County coal town has leaned on Larry’s for generations. Remember that it is closed on Mondays, and Sunday mornings into the afternoon bring the biggest crowds.
5. Bar-B-Q Barn, Harrisburg, IL
I would save this one for a morning drive, because Bar-B-Q Barn opens at 7 AM and serves omelets and biscuits and gravy before the barbecue crowd arrives.
Later in the day, the family-owned restaurant turns to pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and ribs. The sweet and smoked ribs pair well with a baked potato and a trip to the salad bar.
Huge cheeseburgers and seasoned veggies fill out the menu, and the signature desserts are a good reason to save room. The rustic setting matches the name.
Hours vary by day. It closes at 4 PM Monday through Wednesday, stays open until 7 PM Thursday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
6. KB’S BBQ, Marion, IL
Ribs that do not need sauce are a bold claim, but KB’s BBQ backs it up. The spare ribs here carry enough smoky flavor to stand on their own.
Chopped barbecue sandwiches are another favorite, along with meaty pork chops. Traditional comfort food also shares the menu.
Then there are the pies. KB’s bakes a variety of homemade pies, and dessert is a big part of the reason people keep coming back to this Marion spot.
The restaurant sits at 1301 E Main St and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. It is one of the few on this list that offers delivery, along with drive-through and takeout.
7. Chuck’s BBQ, Herrin, IL
Herrin folks treat Chuck’s BBQ like a hometown kitchen, and the full menu shows why. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all happen here.
Pulled pork specials are a regular draw, and the barbecue sandwich is the order to start with. The fried catfish is a strong second choice for anyone at the table who wants a break from pork.
Prices stay fair, and the dining room is clean and quiet. Curbside pickup, delivery, and a drive-through make it easy to grab a meal on the go.
Breakfast service starts at 7 AM Tuesday through Saturday. On Mondays, the doors open at 11 AM, and Sundays are closed.
8. Triple E Bar-B-Q II, Marion, IL
Bargain hunters, take note of Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Triple E Bar-B-Q II runs a low-priced barbecue sandwich special midweek, which makes it easy to feed a crew without much fuss.
Big portions are the rule here. The barbecue pork basket comes loaded, and barbecue pork chops, catfish, and fried chicken round out a large menu.
Hand-battered onion rings make a good side, and the restaurant also offers fish specials. It is part of a longtime Southern Illinois barbecue family tradition.
Find it at 706 Robinson Dr in Marion. Reservations are accepted, and Sunday hours are short, from 11 AM to 2 PM.
From Jonesboro’s 1946 roots to Marion’s midweek specials, these eight joints prove Southern Illinois takes its pork seriously. Pick a town, plan around the hours, and bring someone who appreciates a good sandwich.
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