Take West State Road 46 out of central Bloomington to the town of Ellettsville to find this family-owned barbecue joint. They smoke their meat low and slow in a custom barbecue grill. Try tender beef brisket, on its own or in a sandwich, or get your hands dirty and dig into some dry-rubbed ribs, no utensils necessary! • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

Fat Dan's brings the flavors of Chicago to Bloomington. Our restaurant reviewer recommends that you try their IPA beer cheese fries, burgers, Chicago Dog—with all the condiments you can imagine—or hand-smoked brisket and pork. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.-Tues. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. • Bar: Beer and wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of Fat Dan's here! 

DIY barbecue puts you in control of your meal at Mama’s Restaurant. Meals are served with a variety of banchan: small bowls of Korean pickles, salads, and more meant to be eaten with your meal. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Sat. noon–10 p.m.; Sun. noon–9 p.m.; Closed every last Tu. of the month • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC • Outdoor Seating: No

Chef Jack Cody—“Smokin’ Jack”—specializes in (what else?) smoked ribs, but be sure to try the pulled pork, too. He offers five different sauces: regular, Jack’s sweet barbecue, Louisiana hot, barbecue hot, and Jamaican jerk. Collard greens and cornbread salad are among the sides. Monday is buy-one-get-one-free night for seniors from 4–9 p.m. Specials are offered every day. • Prices: $–$$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Closed Sun. • Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes