The Downstate IL I-57/I-55 corridor

I wrote in "Opening in December - Smoque BBQ" in "Eating Out in Chicagoland":

On trips to see my mom back in Houston, I've driven through Marion (and the rest of downstate IL) dozens of times on I-57 and then I-55, usually like a bat-out-of-hell (facilitated by a radar detector), trying to get to the half-way dog-friendly motel outside of Memphis where I snatch up some ribs and stay the night, before hitting the road again, fueled by thoughts, depending upon the route, of AR catfish and East TX bbq or MS delta tamales and Cajun boudin.

If I've stopped in Marion and other points along the interstate, it was, alas, only to fuel up the car, not me.

I've eaten my way through TN, KY, MS, AR, AL, LA, GA, VA, NC and SC, but downstate IL along the I-57/I-55 corridor is, sadly, unnotched in my personal road-food belt. I did a search for Marion IL, and didn't turn up much.

Suggestions to get me off of the Interstate would be thoroughly appreciated; I am making the drive again this coming weekend.

Cheers,
Wade

I drove Chicago to Houston in July (hate to fly) and stopped off in Memphis.

On the way down I stopped at the 17th St. Bar & Grill. I took I-57 till it merged with I-55. But before that, I took a detour to 17th St. I found it to be worth the effort. I was initially disappointed when my slab was served on the cool side. The waiter took them back, leaving me my sides and gave me a new one (didn't just reheat the ribs) with new sides…no additional charge, no problem.

In Memphis I went to the Rendezvous, or as I was told, the world famous Rendezvous. I had their ribs. First time I ever had this type of what they call dry-style. I can’t imagine ever getting them again. I thought they were real bad. The place was interesting and the location with an entrance in an alley. It was something to see. I enjoyed the sides, but it is a place (IMO) you visit say “Wow” and then eat somewhere else.

The next day I had lunch at Margaritas Mexican Cantina (I-40 exit 279A) it was near my hotel and AAA recommended. It was surprising very good and reasonably priced. This place is in West Memphis.

By accident I stopped to get gas in Brookhaven, MS. The lady in the gas station recommended the place behind her station: Bowies BBQ. I had some of the best BBQ on the whole trip right there, even with some excellent stops in Texas. The best part was the price, 2 meats, 2 sides, free drinks, free corn fritters for about $11 tax and $1 tip, since it was a self serve cafeteria style place.

I forgot the exit off of I-55, but the address and phone # is: Bowies Barbecue- 333 Magee Dr 601-833-3711. Brookhaven is a little south of Jackson.

D

Mount Vernon exit, I-57 in Illinois

Nursing a bit of disappointment from not enjoying Pulley's BBQ (RIP) in Marion, IL. I stopped for the promise of BBQ at the Mount Vernon exit.

If you exit going east, then turn right (south) at the very next traffic light. This BBQ is at the end of the frontage road. Until a multi-story motel was built in front, you could easily see their large red 'BBQ' sign from the expressway. I offer this information because I drove deep enough into Mount Vernon to find the replica of Mount Vernon behind a automobile sales lot. I'm wee bit sorry they don't leave the large BBQ letters glowing at the motel in a passive aggressive stand to their neighbor.



37 Sam Mateer Dr,
Mt Vernon, IL
(618) 244-7500

Regards,