Illinois BBQ Joint Makes ‘Hands Down’ Best Ribs List in America

You want some of the best ribs in America? Well, you're in luck. You won't need to head to Chicago either. However, you will need to travel a bit; the silver lining is that it's in Illinois. The only thing that's kind of an issue is the hike.

Illinois Makes the Cut on a National Best Ribs List

It's not too often you'll see a list titled "The 13 Hands-Down Best BBQ Ribs in the US" include a joint in Illinois, but this one does. Only one from the Land of Lincoln cut for Tasting Table, but it's a big one.

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READ MORE: The 25 Very Best Small-Town Illinois Restaurants Worthy of the Drive

Tasting Table Names an Illinois BBQ Joint Among the Best

Called 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro, it was singled out as having some of the very best ribs in the country, with celebrity chef Michael Symon flat-out saying they are the best ribs anywhere.

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The truth is, 17th Street Barbecue is a BBQ institution, built by legendary pitmaster Mike Mills and now carried on by Amy Mills. This restaurant has earned plenty of national TV appearances, major awards, and even recognition in the Barbecue Hall of Fame.

The rest of the list features heavy hitters from Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, New York, and New Jersey. Many of which receive heasps of praise from the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation.

What Makes 17th Street Barbecue Stand Out Nationally

While each of the places on the list varies wildly, from sauced to dry rub and from pork to beef, Illinois' 17th Street Barbecue stands out above the rest as one of the most iconic in America.