There’s nothing better than the smell of a sizzling hamburger, crispy chicken wings, or juicy steak. That savory deliciousness can be found all over the state of Illinois, but the best of the best are right here in ILLINOISOUTH. Get ready to salivate as you read about the following local favorites.

Barbecue

Head over to Mad Pig Bar-B-Q in Lawrenceville for some of the best brisket and pulled pork around. This joint sells more than just classic barbecue favorites. It also has burritos and brisket nachos! Another great grill is The Fainting Goat in Pocahontas. Here you can find chicken wings, pizza, booze, and more. We recommend the one-pound naked bone-in wings!

Best Barbecue:

Smoked to the Bone (Iuka)

Poplar Place (Centralia)

Papa Vito’s Pizza (Waterloo)

BEAST Craft BBQ Co. (Belleville)

Burgers and Sandwiches

Making burgers is a true art form, and there is nothing quite like it! From the shaping of the patty to the smashing of the smash burger, burgers are hands-down some of the best food items ever created. So where do you go to get one of these masterpieces? The Moonshine Store in Martinsville is known for their mighty burgers. While you're there, try their triple cheeseburger. That’s three half-pound patties! Think that's a lot of beef? Check out Chuck’s Place in Salem where they offer a special where you can get 10 large cheeseburgers for $30. 

Satisfying Sandos:

Kahuna’s Burgers (Greenville)

The Copper Penny (Vandalia)

Railshake (Highland)

Spike’s Pub and Grub Bar (Belleville)

Steaks and Chops

There’s nothing better than a juicy steak or tender pork chop. But, where does one go to eat these delicacies? Try Richard’s Farm Restaurant in Casey. At Richard’s you can have a hearty meal of ribeye, prime rib, or whatever your tastebuds desire for the night. They have New York strip and sirloins as well! Also, Andria’s Steakhouse in O’Fallon has great steaks and their own special sauce that you can find in most grocery stores! Try the 20-ounce pork chop or the tenderloin steak. See why people continuously come back to this fine dining establishment!

Straight from the farm:

Gaucho’s Argentinian Steakhouse (Fairview Heights)

Old Tyme Steakhaus (Olney)

Coco’s Café and Wine Bar at New Leaf (Lawrenceville)