Popped in for Thurs lunch favoring Pat's with fewer but better ratings and less expensive option in…read moreMurphysboro. First time...so went withh the sampler at $18 and most of their meats are included except the pork steak (makes sense to me since that's usually a separate feature in these parts along with Kentucky). It was three of us and we were given the heads up that the sampler can feed two. Figured we could start with that and order more. The order was a very generous helping of two large rib tips, two pork rib bones, two wing pieces, and pulled chicken, pork, and chopped brisket. Our choice of two sides were slaw and mac & cheese. Three buns were thrown in given the three of us in the party (thanks for the flex). Local bottled Big Muddy root beer is the same $1.50 as the can sodas in the case and it is made with honey and cane sugar. Of the things I tried, I thought the rib tips were excellent - smoked pink and moist - got a meaty piece with only a small piece of cartilage. The chopped brisket isn't my thing - I prefer sliced. My daughter said the ribs were great (figured would be as good as the tips). The wings I believe were smoked too rather than grilled and the taste from the rub/marinade wasn't something I was familiar with. Tender and not dry. Pulled pork and chicken were solid. We still had leftovers - so I'll get my chance to try the ribs and focus on the flavor of the wing. Will have to get the pork steak next time and order plates next time focusing on our faves. Roomy dining area with some tables near the windows. It was getting warm out there so having plenty of indoor seating on a quieter Thursday lunch was welcome over overflow seating outside at the covered picnic tables.

I live in the Midwest, in a small city. Our BBQ places are easy to find: look for a big, shouty…read moresign; the owner's $120,000 extended F250 taking up a space right in front of the door; and an ambiance that includes corrugated steel walls, self-consciously Texas-y lamps over closely huddled booths, and servers all wearing the same hat and shirt. Oh - and the food is usually fine, except no fried okra. Pat's is not in a city. It's outside a small southern Illinois town. Pretty far outside, in fact, which is where true BBQ is supposed to be located. The parking lot is gravel. The only pickups there belong to customers, and their worth is more in the range of $12,000, except to their owners, who use them as trucks. And the sign is a sign. It tells you where you are. Oh, wait - there are BBQ competition trophies in the entryway. Stand and marvel. There are more inside. Marvel more. Because other than these and some pics of family and locals and celebrities I didn't recognize on the walls, that's about it for decoration. Stare at the menu, menu board and signs. Pay attention to the happy person behind the counter when she tells you what they're out of, because the best BBQ places are out of something you want. Note the teasing banter between local customers and the kitchen staff, because everyone knows someone back there. And order. We got the pulled pork plate. My sister got potato salad and green beans. I got the fries. I got the local(?) root beer. They don't do fried okra, but this IS the Midwest. It all came to our table in a reasonable amount of time. The BBQ sauce came in a cup on the side. Ketchup was brought to us. So why only four stars? Everything was perfect, right? And prizewinning? Yeah, but BBQ is personal. Everyone has an opinion. I lived in northern Alabama, which styles itself as BBQ Country. As does Texas and Kansas City and Memphis and everywhere. Pat's, much beloved by regulars for its mild smokiness, juicy juicy soft texture and other features, seemed a bit too mild and even soggy to me. I know - I have no taste. And it was good. Just not five stars great. And not enough sauce in the container, though I could have gotten up to ask for more. And the potato salad was fine and the fries a little too starchy, but only a little. That said, the beans were the wonderful dark green juicy soft salty ones that are too ... wonderful. Get those. The root beer, brewed with honey, y'all, was the best ever. Get that, too. The dessert was what they were out of, dang it! Overall the experience was just great. Someplace to go back to. And you should go there.

This BBQ is awesome. Tried it at a local event. The line to try this BBQ was long but as good as…read morethe food was, it was not a surprise.

From the owner: Test check test onlyread more

Well worth the short drive into town! Greeted as soon as we walked in. Great BBQ with friendly…read moreattentive staff located on the square.

Amazing food , great friendly staff, great atmosphere, it's a 10! We loved everything we tried!!…read moreDon't skip this one !!

Stopped in for a quick lunch, the options were great, had the app sampler and the featured dessert…read more Ashley was taking care of us and she was AWESOME. She was quick to refill a glass but never intrusive, knew when it was time to ask if we were ready for anything else AND a true delight to chat with. Great food and PERFECT service.

We waited to be seated in the dining room and when we were escorted in, it was nearly empty! Our…read moreserver appeared reasonably quickly to take our order which included an appetizer. We got the appetizer fairly quickly and then waited another hour for our entrees!! Asked our server about it and got a DK reply and still no food. When food finally came, called the manager over and told her of our experience. Sorry was her reply and we will do better. The dining room never really filled up ( this is dinner time) and noticed others waiting. When we left with our to go orders( now) , walking through the bar area, I noticed EVERYONE had their food and drinks in front of them! Hmmmm.... Saw a lot of servers, bussing going on, so that did not seem to be the problem. Food is ok but nothing exceptional and a bit pricey for what you get which is pub grub.

Wow! Jerk Chicken was an explosion on the taste buds. The sides just as good. Service fantastic!…read moreGreeted warmly as we walked in.

The food was fantastic! This may be the best BBQ pork steak I have had. You can cut it with a…read morefork. The catfish sandwich is excellent too. I had homemade German chocolate cake for dessert, which was moist and not too sweet. The staff was very welcoming and environment was cozy. I highly recommend this cute restaurant!

We were driving the Great River Road and needed a lunch stop. We kept saying "the next town" but…read morethe towns were small and very depressed with few open businesses. When we drove into Wickliffe and saw lots of cars and trucks parked at a little roadside place we stopped. You order at a window and get to-go or sit out at one of two tables. A woman in front of me asked if I'd been there before. Then she told me she and her husband drive a couple hours just to get the BBQ. The woman that took our order was very friendly. We had a pork sandwich and a turkey breast sandwich. Most people came to get takeout. The staff knew everyone. Our sandwiches were so good we got ribs to-go. This place should be on Diners, Drive In's and Dives!

Efficient, friendly order and preparation. The brisket was tender but I think old age cow. The bbq…read moresauce too vinegary. The hashbrown more milk & cheese than potatoes. The baked beans (half beans, half goopy sauce: sweet, vinegary with jalapeño and onion. Ended up w stomach ache cuz of vinegar. I wish I had just bought smoked chickenn or turkey to go and no sides.

I always get the pork bbq sandwich with Apple City Red sauce and coleslaw…read more Really like the vinegar slaw on occasion. I almost always call it in and pick it up at drive through and they always get it right.

Great food and service! Always try to get something different each time we go and their "magic dust…read more" is amazing on everything that they have! And fresh pork rinds are incredible!

Make it a trip and wander past Red Bud and Ruma and get you some Wally's…read more I live within 15 minutes of a handful of bbq places in the STL Metro East, and none of them compared to Wally's. The brisket was tender, but not covered in grease. The mac-n-cheese was actually flavorful - most mnc's are just bland noodles with cheese - not the case at all at Wally's. "What on earth is honey mustard potato salad?" Oh, only the best potato salad you'll ever eat in your life, if you like honey mustard. The baked beans had a chili flavor to them without compromising the bbq sweet you want from baked beans. The poppy seed slaw wasn't just covered in mayo, it was actually refreshing and a nice complimentary side to the uber flavorful bbq mains. And the homemade ice cream was insane alongside the bread pudding. It's a bummer someplace like this is in the middle of nowhere and not closer to more people. But that seems to be part of what Wally wants: home cooking done the right way. Not just "grandmas style" that only appeals to a niche group of people. Wally has crafted his food to be enjoyed by all who happen upon this tiny "diner" along Route 3. Make it a trip and wander past Red Bud and Ruma and get you some Wally's. The menu isn't stacked full of options, but what is on the menu will instantly transport you back to a place where your pallet didn't understand what "food for convenience" was. Where ambiance didn't matter as much as the quality of food on your plate. Show up, order quickly, eat well, and tip better.

BBQ favorites with some specials on any given day. Serves up his choices for the day until food…read moreout. We enjoyed sandwiches, ribs, with typical sides. Very casual, but attentive, no frills service . A bit pricey but good food.

Cute place. Recently named by Rural Missouri newsletter, the best BBQ in Missouri. The service…read more from Amber was excellent. I had a small rib/1/2 pork steak combo with onion rings (superb) and baked beans (bland) Beans could have used some meat pieces and BBQ sauce. My ribs were dry and 1/2 pork steak a little dry also. My wife had a pork steak meal, and she was pleased with hers. She thought hers was very tender. Prices were reasonable, They only serve brisket on Friday, unfortunately. We tried it based on the Rural Missouri write up, and due to its location (Piedmont), I do not think we would be back.

Great food! I've had several different meals and everyone has been great…read more Service is wonderful. Highly recommend.