The Best BBQ Restaurant in Illinois Might Surprise You

As much as I love pizza, and you know I love pizza, BBQ comes in a very close second. Growing up, I had the good fortune of dining at what I thought was the preeminent spot for ribs, the Gale Street Inn in Chicago. Sadly, that restaurant suddenly announced its closure earlier this summer, leaving me without a go-to rib joint.

Illinois BBQ Favorites Closer to Home

I mean, I still have some great places for BBQ like Smoke House in Rockford and Smoque in Chicago, but if I want what has been called the Absolute Best BBQ Restaurant in Illinois, I'll need to drive nearly out of the state.

EAD MORE: Why Dacs Smokehouse Is A Must-Visit For BBQ Lovers

Mashed Names Belleville’s BEAST Craft BBQ Best in Illinois

According to Mashed, we'll need to gas up the cruiser and head to Belleville and check out BEAST Craft BBQ because it's the best in Illinois:

David Sandusky, a St. Louis-based pit master, opened BEAST Craft BBQ Co. in 2014. His goal was to give St. Louis recognition as a fantastic barbecue destination, and BEAST is the shining star of his efforts. Reviews rave about how out-of-this-world the meat is, so it's worth the drive if you're in the St. Louis area.

READ MORE: 5 Best BBQ Joints in the Rockford Area To Overeat

A St. Louis-Style Pick for an Illinois Title?

Ew, I don't want to be that guy, but I'm going to be. Let's not let your Missouri leak into Illinois with that pick. Personally, I am sure Mashed could find a place somewhere in the state to profile that isn't so St. Louis-coded.

My Deal-Breaker for the Drive

I'll try to keep an open mind, though: I’ll make the drive to Belleville, sure. But the second someone hands me ribs with Cardinals napkins, I’m turning that car right back around.