Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Barbecue

So many delicious mouthwatering barbecue options, we’re not sure where to stop

Here at chambanamoms, we’ve compiled a “bucket list” for ice cream and pizza (and many, many more — see bottom) so it’s only logical to hone in on something that everyone seems to love, in one form or another: barbecue. Or barbeque. Or Bar-B-Q. Or BBQ.

As always, for the purposes of these extremely non-scientific lists, we avoid national chains.

Here goes: Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Barbecue

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House (320 N. Chestnut St., Champaign and 201 N. Broadway, Urbana): What more can be said about Black Dog? It is considered among the best BBQ restaurants in Illinois, if not the Midwest. Perhaps the most appreciated menu item are the burnt ends, but you can’t go wrong no matter which way you turn.

Hickory River Smokehouse (1706 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana; 3514 Fields S. Dr., Champaign): Hickory River has grown into six locations, but the business has been well established along Cunningham Avenue in Urbana (with multiple names) for a while. It is Texas-style barbeque, which is to say the smoky sauce (we prefer the mild sauce) makes it special, especially when spread across the beef brisket. Don’t miss the smoked turkey.

House of Brisket (food truck originating in Paris, IL): This truck frequents the Champaign-Urbana area and we sure are glad to see it pop up. All the BBQ classics you could want, and lots of other menu items like brisket mac and cheese, too.

Li’l Porgy’s (1917 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign): Serving barbecue to Champaign-Urbana since 1979. The Sunday chicken special is the best bbq deal in town.

Pauly’s BBQ (310 E. Columbia St., Arthur): Pauly’s has, hands down, the best slogan in barbecue-dom: “If you’re not messy, you’re not eatin’ it right.” Amen to that. And amen to Pauly’s terrific pulled pork and outstanding slow-cooked, thinly sliced pork tenderloin.

Project 47 (101 N. Lombard, Mahomet): Project 47 rotates through some unique specials, including Burnt End Thursday and a Sunday Brunch. You can make a meal of just appetizers here; try the BBQ nachos for an inexpensive date night.

The Ribcage (208 N. Main St., St. Joseph): Big on barbecue (and big on bourbon, too), The Ribcage is a relatively new addition to St. Joe. Everything we tried was good, and the idea of returning for The Ribcage Feast (from menu, smoked polish sausage, 4-bone rib, 4oz each of pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, 1 corn muffin, your choice of 3 sides, 4 sauces, & Texas toast. Your choice 4oz of angus brisket or 4oz angus tri-tip) had us drooling and planning a return trip with more people.

Smoky’s House BBQ (1333 Savoy Plaza Lane Ste 8, Savoy): Don’t miss the baby back ribs. Lots of sides to choose from too!

Other reader mentions: the food truck House of Brisket/Paris, the Mahomet restaurant Project 47 Smokehouse Pub & Patio.

So many delicious mouthwatering barbecue options, we’re not sure where to stop

Here goes: Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Barbecue

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