Urbana is the college town that barbecue forgot. While Chicago to the north got all the deep-dish and smoked meats and Champaign next door got everything else, Urbana slipped happily through the cracks. Not to be confused with its flashier neighbor, Urbana is a sleepy academic enclave with the kind of laid-back, old-school pitmaster culture that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. Urbana is a true Midwest relic.
Wood N’ Hog Barbecue Catering
$ | (217) 367-1018 | WEBSITE
Wood N’ Hog is one of the established barbecue joints in Urbana, but it’s safe to say it’s maintained its charm. And it’s easy to see why. The welcoming spot taps into what makes this town tick – a clean, well-maintained space with great food and extremely reasonable prices. As in, pay $18 for a generous combo plate reasonable. So grab some rib tips, try the fried green tomatoes, and savor the triple chocolate cake afterwards because life is good.
Smoky’s House BBQ
$ | (217) 355-2272 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving barbecue this weekend, you’re heading to Smoky’s House BBQ to get it. The hidden gem has won over every barbecue lover in the area with amazing meat, standout sides, and a friendly atmosphere that feels just right. There’s also a platter with everything on it, including fries and Mac&Cheese, if you’re feeding a hungry family of four. Just don’t miss their brisket—great flavor, variety of sauces, and absolutely prime comfort food.
Wood N’ Hog BBQ
$ | (217) 367-1018 | WEBSITE
Say hello to the best barbecue in Urbana. Wood N’ Hog BBQ is a strong local staple – stroll in on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll see everyone from last week’s cookout trying to snag a booth as well. The hidden little gem serves solid, simple barbecue at dirt cheap prices. We’re extremely partial to the jerk chicken wings, but frankly everything at Wood N’ Hog is good. There isn’t a better way to end your week than soaking up some sauce (and rib tips) in its cozy dining room.
Po’ Boys
$ | (217) 367-2255 | WEBSITE
Close your eyes. Now picture the most quintessential barbecue joint that has ever existed. Now open them. You were imagining Po’ Boys. This is an Urbana classic and the type of place you go to on a Tuesday night for some rib tips and walk out stuffed with a to-go box number written in pen on your palm. There’s great service every day, food arriving fast and hot, and plenty of parking out front. This place has some of the best BBQ sauce around—not too tangy or sweet, just perfect.
With its cute setting and friendly staff, Po’ Boys is the heart and soul of Urbana barbecue.
Star BBQ
$$ | (217) 356-7777 | WEBSITE
Star BBQ is a generous, authentic Korean barbecue joint that Urbana has no business even having. But thank goodness they do, because this place is excellent. You come to Star BBQ when you’re craving something hearty or on a cold day to enjoy some fantastic soondubu and eat some delicious Beef Bulgogi Bibimbop. The service is friendly and attentive, and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere right near UIUC is exactly what the doctor prescribed.
Hickory River Smokehouse
$ | (217) 337-1656 | WEBSITE
The arrival of Hickory River Smokehouse was a significant one for Urbana’s barbecue scene, but also one that raised questions. Was this the moment local BBQ would change forever?
Hickory River Smokehouse is a straightforward concept – actually, it’s a single-focused operation: a casual cafeteria-style barbecue joint with bull horns on the walls, generous portions that make up for any flavor shortcomings, and a menu featuring standout items like chopped brisket and pulled pork with hot sauce on the side. Needless to say, it’s got a lot going for it – but it’s also refreshingly unpretentious, and the kind of reliable barbecue spot Urbana deserves.
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
$ | (217) 954-0465 | WEBSITE
This classic Urbana barbecue joint is not just a standout in the local dining scene, it is one of our favorite smokehouses in all of central Illinois. Owned and operated by a team passionate about traditional pit-cooking, Black Dog is excellent, and has remained untouched by all the modern barbecue fads popping up elsewhere. Think amazing brisket, perfect burnt ends platters, and the best cornbread you’ve had in a long time.
The welcoming, laid-back vibe inside is perfect for anything from a casual dinner with friends to a hearty family meal where everyone leaves satisfied.
Smoke & Shine
$ | (217) 485-5500 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing like finishing up a long week in Urbana (because you worked too much and also because it’s actually Friday evening), and heading to Smoke & Shine for some barbecue. This local spot has been serving good, hearty food to the community for a while, and its eclectic country vibe inside makes it the perfect place to settle in and enjoy the night. The pulled pork is outstanding, and there’s a warm, comfortable atmosphere if you want to bring some friends and have a casual outing, too.
Li’l Porgy’s Barbeque
$ | (217) 398-6811 | WEBSITE
Li’l Porgy’s Barbeque has been a local favorite for decades, but we can confidently say this is the best barbecue you can get down here. The no-frills spot is cranking out both pork barbecue and smoked chicken that will fulfill all your quick-meal needs, and those rib tips with the signature BBQ sauce on top are our go-to move. Just don’t forget about the half chicken lunch special either. They’ve got a sneaky good dinner-time situation.
Bobo’s Barbecue
$ | (217) 355-2271 | WEBSITE
Barbecue? In Urbana? The tradition is alive and well, people. You might not come to the college town craving smoked meats, but if you do, Bobo’s Barbecue is your spot. Their burnt ends are the perfect lunchtime indulgence, but their sides and burgers aren’t anything to scoff at either. The triple steak burger is excellent, and as a plus it won’t break the bank either. MUST ORDER: Chipotle mac and cheese.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (217) 355-9901 | WEBSITE
It’s been a long week at work, everybody’s kind of hungry, and you need steak. Make it Good Steak. This lively restaurant has some of the best barbecue in Urbana, let alone Illinois. The service is attentive, with servers like Andrew eager to help, and there’s really not a bad steak on the menu. They even do combo plates if you’re not in the mood to choose. Just be sure to join the waitlist ahead of time because you can always find a good table. It’s like a chain restaurant, only way, way better.