As the chill of winter fades away and the sun begins to shine brighter, many Midwesterners eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and the chance to fire up their grills. But for those living in the western suburbs, there's no need to worry about perfecting your grill skills. With many mouth-watering barbecue options, the only decision you'll have to make is which restaurant to visit first. So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in some of our best barbecue.

Q BBQ is a must-try restaurant for those who love BBQ. Inspired by the rich BBQ traditions across the country, Q-BBQ serves up an authentic version of one of America's original comfort food with regional flair. They draw from styles served in Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and the Carolinas, and cook all their smoked meats low and slow for six to 24 hours, the way BBQ should be. You can enjoy the meaty goodness of their best barbecue served between the soft slices of a brioche bun and two hush puppies (also known as corn fritters to Midwesterners). If you can't decide, try one of Q-BBQ's sharing platters and savor a little taste of everything they offer. With locations in Oak Park and La Grange, you don't have to go far to experience classic yet modern barbecue.

If you're a barbecue fan, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs in Oak Park is a must-visit destination. For over 40 years, it has been the ultimate barbecue joint in the area. Founder Charlie Robinson, a Mississippi native, drew inspiration from his grandfather's secret sauce recipe passed down through 14 generations of the Robinson family. Charlie spent long hours perfecting the recipe in his Oak Park kitchen and entered it into Chicago's first Ribfest in 1982, winning top honors. Today, Robinson's sauce is available nationwide. The restaurant offers a variety of mouth-watering options, including baby back ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, rib tips, hot links, sandwiches, and even cheeseburgers. You can also catch their food truck at various events around Chicago. Robinson's No. 1 Ribs is a true barbecue gem in Oak Park that's not to be missed.

For some of the best BBQ in the Midwest, head to Baby BBQ Fire in Berwyn. The experts at this restaurant use their skills to create delicious, flavorful meats cooked to perfection, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and healthy salads. All dishes are made with premium ingredients carefully selected to ensure the best possible taste. Baby BBQ Fire also prioritizes using 100% natural ingredients, with many ingredients sourced locally to support local businesses. When you order a dish, it will be cooked at the time of your order to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. The family atmosphere at Baby BBQ Fire adds a touch of warmth and affection to your dining experience. Residents agree it's an all-around great place to eat.

Babygold Barbecue restaurant is a delightful smokehouse in Berwyn, offering a high-quality and casual dining experience. The restaurant is attached to the legendary Berwyn nightclub, FitzGerald's, and is known for its classic southern spices rubbed into the slow-cooked meats. Babygold Barbecue offers an extensive menu that includes everything from beef brisket and ribs to chargrilled oysters, authentic po' boys, and homemade cornbread. Additionally, the restaurant caters to vegetarians, offering BBQ-spiced cauliflower and a delicious kale Caesar salad. With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and live music, Babygold Barbecue at FitzGerald's is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy great barbeque in Berwyn.

If you're looking for a place that serves excellent burgers and BBQ in Berwyn, look no further than Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge. This restaurant is known for serving one of the best burgers in town — the Backyard Burger, a mix of premium beef with burnt ends of their Rib-Tips, plus a touch of fire from the roasted poblano pepper in one patty. But if burgers aren't your thing, there are plenty of other delicious options, including hand-cut, rubbed, and smoked chicken wings, Habanero Hot Links, Tijuana Street Dogs, and Burnt-Tip Tacos made with burnt rib tips. The restaurant offers a range of homemade sauces and seasonings, including BBQ, bleu cheese, ranch, The Smoker Sauce, and Route 666 Death Sauce for the more daring diners. Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge serves slow-cooked BBQ goodness Tuesday through Saturday, from noon until 11 pm.

Located in the heart of Berwyn, The Garage BBQ is a must-try restaurant. They specialize in slow-smoked Texas-style BBQ, so you're in for a real treat. The menu has some great options, including a half-pound Black Angus Burger and half-racks of BBQ ribs, and don't miss out on their mini pulled pork sandwiches with homemade potato fries. The pork is dry-rubbed, slow-cooked in a custom-made smoker using cherry and apple wood, and topped with hot or mild slaw. You can wash it all down with a wide variety of craft beer or cocktails while enjoying live entertainment or playing video games. The Garage BBQ is the perfect place to satisfy your BBQ cravings while having a great time.

If you are looking for delicious, high-quality BBQ in Brookfield, look no further than Beach Avenue BBQ. This restaurant is committed to creating the best BBQ using only the highest quality meats, including pasture-raised hogs, Wagyu beef, and locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Beach Avenue BBQ offers a BBQ Meat Sampler that allows you to sample all of their juicy, slow-cooked meats. The restaurant offers a range of delicious house-made sides, including potato salad, chips, and even Brussels sprouts. With its commitment to quality and taste, Beach Avenue BBQ is sure to impress BBQ enthusiasts.

If you're a fan of classic BBQ, then Russell's BBQ in Elmwood Park is a must-visit spot. This iconic restaurant has been serving smoked brisket, baby back pork ribs, and roast beef with BBQ sauce sandwiches since 1930, making it a true BBQ institution in the USA. The original building in Elmwood Park, with its smokestack, neon lettering, and original wooden booths, has been a dining destination for generations of visitors and locals alike. Russell's has earned its reputation as a beloved BBQ spot through years of hard work and dedication to delivering delicious, classic BBQ to its customers.

Smokin M's BBQ in Forest Park is a go-to spot for barbecue lovers. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and its dishes are full of flavor and character. They offer a wide range of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, all cooked to perfection with their signature rub and slow-smoked for hours. Smokin M's BBQ also serves up delicious sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato fries. Don't miss out on their famous "Hog Trough" – a massive platter of BBQ goodness perfect for sharing. If you're in the mood for a burger, their juicy, homemade burgers will surely hit the spot. With friendly staff and delicious food, Smokin M's BBQ is a must-visit spot for any barbecue lover in Forest Park.

Hillary & Cooks BBQ is a beloved local BBQ joint in Maywood that has been satisfying customers' taste buds for decades. The restaurant's reputation is built on its mouth-watering ribs, perfectly cooked chicken, and exceptional customer service. Additionally, they are famous for their delectable wings, which have garnered a loyal fan base. It's no wonder that Hillary & Cooks BBQ has become a staple in the community, loved by everyone who visits. If you're looking for a place to satisfy your cravings for some delicious BBQ, Hillary & Cooks is definitely worth a visit.

Duncan and Dadas has fast become a local favorite in Westchester for delicious barbeque. Here, you'll find their smoked meats used in a variety of delicious ways, including for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and baskets. 

Their menu boasts an array of dishes, including beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, that are all slow-cooked to perfection. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is their "Big Daddy Burger," a double patty burger with bacon, onion rings, and BBQ sauce. For those who prefer something lighter, their salads are packed with fresh greens and topped with flavorful grilled meats. Don't forget to try their tasty sides, like sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, or coleslaw.

The origins of barbecue are somewhat shrouded in mystery, as various cultures have their own versions of this cooking technique. However, many historians believe that barbecue, in its earliest form, may have originated in the Caribbean, where indigenous peoples would cook meat over open pits, using green wood to create smoke and flavor. From there, the technique spread to the southern United States. Today, barbecue is enjoyed all over the world, with different regions having their own unique takes on this delicious cooking method. Whether you prefer Texas-style brisket, Memphis-style ribs, or Korean-style beef, there's no denying the appeal of good barbecue.

Here are a few of the most common takes on BBQ you'll find in the states:

Texas-style barbecue: This style is all about the beef, with slow-cooked brisket being the show's star. The meat is typically seasoned with a simple salt and pepper rub, then slow-smoked over mesquite wood. Texas-style barbecue is known for its smoky, bold flavor and tender, juicy meat.

Memphis-style barbecue: Memphis-style barbecue is all about the ribs, typically dry-rubbed with a mix of spices, then slow-cooked over hickory wood. This style of barbecue is also known for its vinegar-based barbecue sauce, which is tangy and slightly sweet.

Kansas City-style barbecue: This style is a bit more varied, but it often involves a mix of pork and beef, slow-cooked over various kinds of wood, including hickory, oak, and apple. Kansas City-style barbecue is known for its thick, sweet tomato-based sauce, often applied generously to the meat.

Carolina-style barbecue: Carolina-style barbecue can refer to either North Carolina or South Carolina, both of which have unique takes on the cuisine. North Carolina-style barbecue is all about the pork, which is slow-cooked over hickory wood and then pulled or chopped. The meat is typically served with a vinegar-based sauce that is tart and tangy. On the other hand, South Carolina-style barbecue often involves a mustard-based sauce, which is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.

Alabama-style white sauce: Alabama-style white sauce is a unique type of barbecue sauce originating in the northern part of the state. It is made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and various spices and is typically used as a dipping sauce for smoked chicken. The sauce is tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy.

Each barbecue and sauce style has its distinct flavor profile and cultural history, making the American barbecue scene a diverse and delicious experience.