I am awarding Dig Doug’s BBQ five (5) stars. First, this is the best running BBQ I recall in the immediate six-state region (i.e., Illinois and the five surrounding states). Ribs are smoked outside. The aroma is enticing. There is true variety in the sauces. My favorite is a white horseradish sauce. Only time I ever had anything like this was in Nashville. Second, the owner is involved and cares about the customers. It shows. I have visited the restaurant twice - pre and post CoVid. The quality has not changed. It’s obviously because the owner is always present and always involved. I have probably spent a combined hour between visits talking with the owner. He makes customers feel like important people. The owner is giving back to community - always sponsoring local initiatives. My concluding sentence would probably be: enjoy the best BBQ in the region while supporting a mom-n-pop business that is visibly giving back to a low-income community. And don’t forget to purchase dessert! I, D.M. Boren, M.D., hereby pledge my word of honor that I was, in fact, a paying customer; that I am unaware of this business soliciting reviews from customers; and that my review is materially accurate to the best of my knowledge. Moreover, I have neither received any compensation of any form nor have been promised any compensation for writing this review.

Update (10/10/21): I originally wrote that Dig Doug's BBQ was the best BBQ outside St. Louis. Shortly after visiting Illinois, I visited St. Louis. Whatever other restaurant owners' excuses post-CoVid, the ribs I ate in St. Louis were not as good as Doug's. For now at least, I award Doug's ribs #1 in the immediate six-state region.