Popped in for Thurs lunch favoring Pat's with fewer but better ratings and less expensive option in Murphysboro. 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. read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - Sampler platter - ribs, tips, wings, pulled chicken and pork, chopped brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

I live in the Midwest, in a small city. Our BBQ places are easy to find: look for a big, shouty sign; 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. read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - Seriously delicious root beer. With honey! - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

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Delicious! Consistently good food, solid prices, and friendly staff. We use the drive thru for convenience. They offer a senior meal too.

Very good and service good. Only have canned soda. Food was good and place is always busy. I will go back to eat their.

I have decided if you are from Murphysboro you are born knowing how to bbq. 1/2 side of ribs and two sides less than $20. Yes please. My take out was so much it didn't fit in the container. read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - Overflowing to go. - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

I went to Pat's after being very disappointed at 17th Street Barbecue. I'll leave a review there about how bad that was. Pat's however was really good. Service was top notch and very friendly. I got their sampler platter. Every meat on the platter was good. I had green beans and coleslaw as my sides and both of those were quite tasty. Bottom line is that if you're in Murphysboro IL the place to go for BBQ is Pat's. read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - The Sampler combo plate - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

Great spot! I came here on the advice of a local and I wasn't disappointed. The bbq was excellent.

Great service Brisket meal with baked beans Can't be happier also pick up a bottle of big muddy root beer

The bbq is excellent! Wonderful staff. Brisket, ribs, chicken and pulled pork are always good. I also like the pasta salad a lot.

their food is pretty good. if your looking for decent service and fresh bbq i'd recommend this small place in murphysboro!

Great food, laid back and casual atmosphere. Order at the counter and have a seat. Staff is welcoming and friendly. They have a drive through also. Some of the best bbq and sides in the area!! We even waited until we were back in town after being in St. Louis, just to eat here. read more

AWESOME! I'm so glad I tried the sampler plate! You won't be disappointed! Add a Muddy Root Bear to complete the local experience! read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - Wall decor - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

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I didn't know this place existed until I asked my buddy, a founding member of the Carbondale Pork District, for recommendations. This place is my new go-to for BBQ in Murphysboro! The sampler platter came with chicken, pork, beef brisket, etc. Everything was as good as could be, including the marvelous beans and other side dishes. They had some very tasty bottled root beer, and for dessert there was bread pudding. Yum!! read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - a plate of food - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

Best in Southern Illinois next to my own BBQ. I wish they were open longer though I love this place.

This is our go to barbecue place. We love the brisket and the smoked chicken not much ambience because we always really get to go. The food is consistently awesome. read more

This place is SO good! Our first visit, but definitely not the last. The food is delicious, the workers were friendly, and the prices are so affordable! This is a must to check out. I had the supreme nachos and Mac n cheese. My husband had the Italian beef. And our boy had a kids meal which came with a sandwich, side and a drink. Check them out, you won't regret it! read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

Best BBQ in Murphysboro! Friendly folks and good food served in generous portions ... what more could you want?

We were looking for a place off of I-57 for a BBQ lunch, and 17th Street popped up. Reading the reviews someone suggested passing this up and head to Pat's. Driving from St. Charles MO we decided to do a scenic route trip thru Columbia, Red Bud and Sparta and it was worth the little over 2 hour drive. Excellent brisket and ribs, a couple of great sauces and Pat actually works the counter. Pat gave me some great suggestions on cooking brisket which I'll be putting to use. Only disappointment was the side of what they referred to as fried green beans. To me it was just a very good grade of canned green beans. The other sides we had, baked beans and slaw were quite good. If you're a BBQ lover do not pass this gem up. read more

Really legit BBQ. Super friendly atmosphere--both the folks working and the patrons were incredibly welcoming and talkative. That counts for a lot in my book. Had the pulled pork sandwich and tried the brisket and the chicken. They were all really, really tasty. Also tried the nachos which were so-so (but who orders nachos at a BBQ joint? That was my mistake--stick to the meat). I was here watching the eclipse, and the food and people made it a wonderful experience. We also had perfectly clear skies the whole way through (unlike Carbondale) and I think that was somehow karmically linked to the friendly folks at Pats. I'll definitely make a return trip for the 2024 eclipse. read more

It's an wonderful place to come! Amazing food, friendly people and great prices! Great place for all ages! My family loves to come here. The most requested place to eat for lunch or dinner. A real jewel in Murphysboro dinning. read more

Pat's BBQ & Catering - Jeremiah enjoying his nacho and mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Murphysboro, Illinois

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First time trying this place definitely was worth the stop food was great only suggestion since we got it to go is to ask for extra bbq sauce. Loved the baked beans and Mac and cheese pork was tender and delicious too read more

I don't even know where to start...Pat's is AMAZING!!!! The catered my welcome dinner and wedding reception at a house on Lake of Egypt this past weekend. For the welcome dinner, we did a full Pig Roast and sides (mac-n-cheese is outstanding!!!)--everything was delish! The pig was dressed nicely and the people from Pat's were so efficient, kind and prepared. For the wedding we did three meats (brisket, prime rib sliders) and sides (all were amazing). For dessert, we had cobblers and cupcakes. Again, the food was fabulous and service smooth. From arrival to departure, they were in charge and taking care of business. They cleaned up after themselves and had all the extra food (there was more than enough) packed up in the fridge. The food was amazing. Everyone raved about it! Thank you for making our day so special!! We will be back from Chicago to visit and eat!!! :) read more

We eat here quite a bit and the food is always good, but i really want to give a big shout out to the team for the Thanksgiving meals they put together this year! We decided to let Pats make Thanksgiving for us this year and it was fantastic. Everything was seasoned so perfectly the turkey was delicious and omg the dressing!! They included heating directions for everything. The pies were delicious as well! Great place to eat read more

Absolutely love their brisket and root beer. Very friendly and helpful customer service. Worth the money, time and trip!

Really good pulled pork BBQ, actually everything I have tried has been very good. Big portions on their sandwiches, no one is weighing everything to make sure you don't get to much. You literally get a fist full of meat on the pulled pork sandwich. Go, you may or may not think it's the best you ever had but you will not be disappointed I am sure. read more

BBQ doesn't get any better than this; you don't want to miss this place! Try the BBQ Nachos or the BBQ Sundae, heck, try them both; you'll be glad you did! read more

Very good BBQ. I've had the pulled pork, brisket and the Italian Beef. Make sure to get extra sauce if you order to go. Nice staff and fast service. read more

Amazing! The best bbq around. The only thing that would be better is if they were open all week. Great place.

The very best BBQ is in my opinion, Pats!!!Their prices are phenomenal for the portions served, but WAIT!! That is not why my hubby and I frequent this place. The meat they serve, no matter their award wining BBQ, is amazing, every time! I love the stuffed baked potatoes with your choice of chicken, pork or beef, the bbq nachos are also amazing. But my favorite is the rib tips! Hubby usually gets the ribs. ALWAYS amazing!! Pass up the hype regarding 17th St., give these guys a try, you won't be disappointed. They only take checks or cash, so go prepared for that. So worth it, drooling, just thinking about 'em!! Also they always have some sort of homemade amazing dessert! Take it home, cause chances are, you won't have room after your dinner, it's totally worth it!!! read more

Every once in a while, a place comes along which hits the sweet spot for small businesses- delicious food served in an impeccably clean kitchen with amazing customer service. I called over there at 7:10 and asked if they were open. The lovely woman on the other end said, "no but we are cleaning up, what would you like?" My husband arrived 15 minutes later to hot and ready food, brought it home, and we shared the most delectable ribs we had tried for a long time- crisp on the outside and tender on the inside with sauce served in cute bottles, a Cole slaw in a mild vinaigrette with a nice crunch and a fresh potato salad. Thank you Pat's! It made for an excellent Friday night with friends. I would have posted pictures but we were too busy eating. We will be back....a lot. read more

OMG. Just the absolute best pulled BBQ ever. Sides are to die for, too. Believe me, MUCH better than 17th Street.

This is my very first time visiting this restaurant. This by far is the best bbq I have ever eaten. The BBQ Brisquet just melts in your mouth. It is so tender. They have 2 BBQ sauces. One is Hot & the other one is sweet. The sweet is my favorite ! They accept local personal checks & cash only ! They do have an ATM inside if needed. My hats off to this local business of 28 years. The staff is very nice as well ! I will definitely be returning ! read more

Ate at Pat's and 17th Street this weekend for first time. Had the ribs at both and Pat's head and shoulders the better of the two. Moist tender and easy off the bone. Great smoky flavor and awesome sauce. Half slab and two great sides for $13 and worth more. Sorry no alcohol or credit cards but great food. read more