Gunner’s Bbq

Highly recommended for food and hole-​in-​the-​wall atmosphere. This is a completely unpretentious BBQ shack, in minimally reconverted building in what was once a cinder block gas station. The inoperative fuel pumps are still out front. The BBQ pork was tender and tasty. The proprietor described it as Memphis style, smoked and chopped (as opposed to pulled); using shank meat (as opposed to more typical bade shoulder). This wet BBQ is served on a Kaiser-​type roll with fries for about 5 bucks. BBQ beef was decent but pales in comparison to the pork. The place has a lot of rustic charm. Listening to conversations between the proprietor and regular customers was a great sideshow revealing genuine down-​home affection and humor. Seating is minimal and rustic. About 80 miles east of St. Louis on Route 50 in Illinois.