17th Street BBQ
Murphysboro, IL
91% love this shop
Named "Best BBQ in the US" by Travel + Leisure
At 17th Street BBQ, it's all about "Praising the Lard." Founded in Murphysboro, Illinois, in 1985, this Memphis-style barbecue joint is so famous for competition-quality ‘cue and its late pitmaster-owner Mike Mills that it has received virtually every award and accolade possible—from “Best Ribs in the U.S.” by Bon Appétit to “Best BBQ in America” by Travel & Leisure. Back in the early '90s, Mike's team was one of the first to use apple wood. Today, his Memphis-style baby backs are slow-smoked over locally grown fruitwood for six hours after being sprinkled with 17th Street’s “Magic Dust” dry rub. Brushed with two light coats of award-winning spicy barbecue sauce (containing bacon and apples) and another sprinkle of rub 30 minutes before pulling them from the pit, they epitomize why President Clinton had them served curbside for Air Force One.
