When you think of great BBQ, you probably think of Memphis, Kansas City, and the Carolinas. Not too many people think of Southern Illinois, unless they are experts in the industry. If you are looking for great BBQ and find yourself in the southern part of the Land of Lincoln, you are in the right place.
The best BBQ I ever had was at a little neighborhood BBQ restauarant in the mid-1980s on the south side of Mt. Vernon, IL. The restaurant was called King Barbecoa. There was probably only seating for about 10 people. It was very inexpensive, but the guy knew how to make a BBQ that was out of this world. I think he has since passed away and I'm not sure if the restaurant even exists to this day, but back in the day...mmmmm...mmmmm!!!
I guarantee you will find great BBQ at the 17th Street Bar and Grill in Murphysboro, IL. While King Barbecoa is one of those diamond in the rough places that hardly anyone knows about, 17th Street is world famous. The folks at 17th Street are also known as the "Apple City Barbecue" team, the only team to win the Memphis in May World Barbecue Championship 3 times. They retired from competition after their third championship. 17th Street recently opened a new restuarant in Marion, IL. They also operate the Memphis Championship BBQ restaurants in Las Vegas.
At the very southern tip of Illinois, Shemwell's in Cairo (pronounced "care-oh") will satisfy your BBQ cravings. After a meal at Shemwell's, make sure to go to Fort Defiance state park just south of town, where you can stand at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Outside of the area known as Little Egypt (So. IL has the towns of Cairo, Thebes, Goshen, and Karnak), there is decent BBQ to be found. In Memphis, I like the Rendevous. Down here in Florida, I like Sonny's.