5 Best Barbecue Joints in Joliet, Illinois to Try

Right on Route 66, Joliet is a classic working-class, historic Midwestern city that loves comfort food, big portions, and a proper smoke ring on its ribs.

Here, barbecue draws not only on Southern and Chicago traditions, but also on the creativity of local pitmasters out to impress some tough critics.

Expect both no-frills joints and newer, Instagram-worthy BBQ kitchens.

1. Baby Back Blues

Locally famous for their ribs—tender, kissed with smoke, and doused in a perfectly sticky house sauce—Baby Back Blues is a Joliet BBQ must.

Pull up for a platter of Texas-style brisket or some spicy hot links, and don’t skip the corn casserole.

Their burnt ends are a special treat (get there early!), and locals swear by the “Pig Skins”—potato skins loaded with mac, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce.

2. Galaxy (Galaxie) Barbecue

This spot is a blend of nostalgic Route 66 diner and legit pit BBQ. Come for the pulled pork—slow-cooked and slightly smoky—then stay for the gigantic brisket sandwiches and the honey-drizzled cornbread.

Sides like their crispy onion rings and tangy slaw are made in-house, and the sweet tea is as it should be: strong and sugary.

3. Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit

Working out of both a brick-and-mortar and seasonal roadside pit, Smokin’ Coop does “farm to smoker” BBQ: pork ribs, pulled chicken, and house peppered sausage, smoked with patiently chosen hardwoods.

Their loaded baked potatoes—smothered in brisket or pork—are legendary, and the house pickles cut through the richness perfectly.

4. Fire It Up BBQ

Award-winning, especially for pork, Fire It Up delivers hard-to-beat St. Louis ribs, sausage sliders, and smoky little brisket-stuffed jalapeños.

The laid-back roadhouse feel, friendly service, and generous combo platters keep families and road trippers happy every weekend.

Their tangy apple BBQ sauce adds a local, sweet twist.

5. Uncle Bub’s BBQ

Uncle Bub’s has gained a steady following for its authentic Kansas City-style barbecue—burnt ends, ribs, and pit beans all deeply smoked and packed with flavor.

The jalapeño cheddar cornbread wins award after award, and the generous “Bub’s Belly Buster” platter is made for sharing. Portions are huge, so wear your appetite.