Real Barbeque in Joliet - just in time for NASCAR

I have mostly been lurking on the board since relocating to the heart of Will County, I have visited some of the board favorites in Joliet but have mostly been missing the city. Until tonight.

Tonight I was driving along route 52 in south east Joliet when I smelled the distinctive aroma of barbeque, woodsmoke and pork. I turned around and spotted a sign for Louisiana Barbeque- now open. I pulled into the otherwise nondescript strip mall and followed my nose. The Pitman is named Al and he knows his way around a slab of ribs. I ordered half a slab and half of a hot link and got significantly more than I expected of both meats. They also serve tips, smoked chicken, brisket, pulled pork and a variety of sandwiches. Some available Saturday only. They were out of pulled pork and brisket at 7:00 tonight. The sides I had were nothing special but the ribs were smoky and did not need any sauce. The link was good. They are going to add to the menu, red beans and rice and a Memphis style pulled pork and spaghetti, he also talked about addding jerk chicken. I did not have a camera and did not have time to fully investigate their pit setup, but I enjoyed finding real barbeque cooked by a guy who cares about what he serves. I will be back. It looked pretty slow in there. If you are in Joliet this weekend, or anytime, stop in.

The menu states: We specialze in smoked meats. Our meat takes 4 to 5 hours to smoke.

From I80 exit Richards street go south on Richards. Go to 1st stop sign, look to the left for a long brick white building turn left 3rd store in.

Louisiana Barbeque
1220-C Richards Street
Joliet IL 60433
815-774-0131
Mon, Tue, Thurs - 11AM - 8PM
Wed - Noon to 9PM
Fri, Sat - 11AM - 9PM
Sun 2-7pm

I was passing through Joliet and decided to stop by and give this place a try. I ordered the link/tip combo for about $8.

The link casing had a nice snap, but the link itself was a little mushy. Flavorwise, it was very much like the links at Honey 1.

The tips had a nice bark, with tender fatty meat underneath, and was pretty good. The smoke ring was evident, along with the somewhat smoky taste. It was no where near the fantastic smokiness that permeates the tips at Uncle John's or Lems but it was pretty good.

I also agree that the place was practically deserted.

Glenn