Illinois’ Best Barbecue Joint Revealed & It’s Not What You Think

Just when you thought you knew the best barbecue joint in Illinois, along comes another to take its crown.

For the past year or so, the accolades for the best barbecue in Illinois usually go to Smoque.

Located at 3800 North Pulaski in Chicago, it's safe to safe Smoque is the critical darling of BBQ lovers in the state.

So that's why it was so surprising to me and I'm sure everyone else who enjoys a good slab of ribs from time to time to see that restaurant not named Illinois' best BBQ.

According to Eat This, Not That's list of the Best Spots for Barbecue in Every State, the honor goes to a BBQ joint not even in the Chicago city limits.

Located in Lincolnwood, at 7110 North Lincoln Avenue, L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge is apparently Illinois' best barbecue restaurant.

MSN via Eat This, Not That!:

You don't need to get into Harvard Law School to dine at L. Woods. A bit more upscale than some of the other entries on our list, this place serves fillet mignon and calamari alongside the more traditional barbecue items. Be sure to order the Famous Apple Strudel, a giant egg roll filled with baked apples.

It appears that Yelp reviewers really like the Beef Ribs at L. Woods, rating the restaurant a 4 out of 5.

Steve K. calls the ribs "the premier order" and Lisa A. called them "a favorite of mine and they do it so well."

The biggest complaint restaurant-goers have regarding L. Woods is the service.

According to Jacob A. on Yelp:

Does the thought of eating in an above-average Wisconsin supper club located close to Chicago whose bartenders and servers are spread thin excite you?

Well then you're going to find your experience at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge ok at best.

Oof. Not to make excuses for L. Woods but just about every restaurant right now is experiencing staff shortages, and it sounds like this place is no exception.

Have you been to L. Woods? What do you think? Is it really Illinois' best barbecue restaurant?