Please tell me where the best places are to get some great ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and all those staple foods of a BBQ joint. That simple ask led to hundreds professing which joint in the Stateline area is best. Do you agree with these 5 popular places?

It's such an art, smoking meats low and slow for many hours. Making sure you've got just the right rub, the right kind of wood, and a knockout sauce, takes great skill.

Several restaurant chains make great BBQ food, and there are even a couple of restaurants in the Rockford area that have a couple of barbecued items on the menu that are outstanding, but my question about BBQ around here, was about the joints that are locally owned and all they do is BBQ.

I want to know what places other BBQ LOVERS are loving because my list requires some serious updating.

A Facebook group I belong to wanted the same suggestions, so I dug into the comments and these are the (most often mentioned) places other BBQ lovers say are the "must-try" joints in the Rockford area.

1. Smoke House Barbecue

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This joint is inside the Shell gas station at 430 W. Harrison Ave in Rockford

Yelp reviews

MORE: Top 5 Rockford Area Gas Stations with the Best Food


 

2. Whiskey Hotel Barbecue

Whiskey Hotel Barbecue Facebook
Whiskey Hotel Barbecue Facebook
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This might be the newest joint in the 815, but they have a large fan base already. By the number of people who recommended Whiskey Hotel Barbece at 5522 Elevator Rd in Roscoe, it feels foolish to wait much longer to try it. Visit their website for the full menu.

Yelp reviews

MORE: 3 New Rockford Area Restaurants I’m So Excited to Try


 

 

3. Rusty Drum BBQ

Rusty Drum BBQ Facebook
Rusty Drum BBQ Facebook
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This jont is always on the move, Rusty Drum is a BBQ food trailer, so following their Facebook page is the best way to try the Belivdere business.

Facebook reviews


 

4. Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ

Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ Facebook
Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ Facebook
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If you meet someone who has had the brisket here at 7828 N 2nd St in Machesney Park, they'll likely tell you it was the best they've ever had. Ritchies has quite a reputation for great brisket.

Yelp reviews


 

5. Rick's RIbs

Rick's Ribs Facebook
Rick's Ribs Facebook
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This place is low key on location, but big on its carryout only repution for great barbecue. Rick's is hard to find as it is next to (and behind) a slots joint. The address is 349 E. Riverside Blvd in Rockford.

Yelp reviews

Those are the next 5 joints on my list, what's on yours? Where's your favorite spot?

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Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon