- Attraction: Fatbacks BBQ
- Location: 901 N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://fatbacksbbq.com
Competition barbecue champions rarely open restaurants, but when they do, magic happens.
Donnie and Princess Osborne transformed their tri-state BBQ competition success into Fatbacks BBQ in 2012, bringing authentic pit-smoked perfection to Quincy’s dining scene. This isn’t your typical barbecue joint—it’s a drive-through operation where every piece of meat is smoked fresh daily and hand-pulled, nothing prepackaged in sight.
What started as overwhelming public demand from their competition circuit has evolved into Quincy’s top-rated BBQ destination, earning the #1 spot among the city’s 86 restaurants on TripAdvisor.
You’ll taste why this family-owned operation has developed such a devoted following—their motto of bringing “real deal BBQ to real deal people” isn’t just marketing speak, it’s a promise they deliver on every single plate.
BBQ Perfection You Can Taste
Burnt Ends: The crown jewel of their menu features the coveted “point” of the brisket, cut off, smoked to perfection, sauced, and served. They call it the “Prime Rib of BBQ” and you’ll understand why after your first bite—incredibly tender with so much meat it literally falls out of the sandwich bun. These burnt ends consistently earn rave reviews as the must-try item that keeps customers coming back weekly.
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Keep Exploring →Smoked Brisket: Their brisket showcases true pit master skills with a perfect smoke ring and melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll find the meat so tender it needs no sauce, though their variety of signature sauces adds another layer of flavor if you choose. The consistency here rivals the best BBQ joints in Kansas City and Memphis, according to well-traveled customers.
Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs: The ribs arrive with that perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender meat that pulls away clean from the bone. The “Hog & Hefer” combination platter lets you sample both brisket and ribs in one incredible meal, giving you the full Fatbacks experience in generous portions.
Pulled Pork Perfection: Hand-pulled daily from whole smoked shoulders, their pulled pork maintains incredible moisture and flavor without being overly sauced. The meat speaks for itself with deep smoke penetration and that authentic barbecue taste that only comes from low and slow cooking methods.
Signature Sides: Their mac and cheese stands out with its creamy, rich texture that perfectly complements the smoky meats. The cornbread arrives moist and flavorful every time, while their dirty rice and potato salad earn frequent mentions in reviews. Even the baked beans get special attention, slow-cooked with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
Sauce Variety & Specialty Items
Multiple Sauce Options: You’ll find several house-made sauces to experiment with, including their Burnt End, Tangy, Sweet Heat, Dusty Mustard, and Ghost White varieties. The thin-style sauce provides traditional barbecue flavor without overwhelming the meat’s natural taste. If you fall in love with any sauce, you can take home pints, quarts, or even gallons.
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Discover MoreBBQ Sundae: For something completely unique, try their BBQ Sundae—sweet baked beans layered with your choice of brisket or pork, topped with coleslaw, sauce, and finished with a dill pickle. This creative presentation turns familiar flavors into an Instagram-worthy experience that tastes as good as it looks.
Competition-Style Quality: Every meat reflects their competition barbecue background with precise smoking techniques and consistent results. You’re getting championship-level barbecue without the competition price tag, making this exceptional value for such high-quality food.
Drive-Through Convenience & Service
Streamlined Operation: The drive-through-only format keeps service incredibly fast while maintaining food quality. You can call ahead or order online to have your meal ready at the window, perfect for busy lunch breaks or family dinner pickups. The system works so efficiently that even during busy periods, wait times stay minimal.
Generous Portions: Prepare for leftovers—their portions consistently exceed expectations with enough food to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Many customers report getting multiple meals from single orders, making the already reasonable prices an even better value.
Family-Friendly Options: Despite being takeout-only, they accommodate families well with a kids menu and patient service for larger orders. The nearby Reservoir Park provides picnic tables and a pavilion if you want to eat your BBQ outdoors in a pleasant setting.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: You’ll find prices very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, typically ranging $10-20 per person for a substantial meal. The quality-to-price ratio consistently impresses customers who compare it favorably to more expensive barbecue destinations across the Midwest.
Parking & Accessibility: Plenty of free parking makes stopping by convenient, with wheelchair accessible facilities ensuring everyone can enjoy their food. The drive-through format eliminates concerns about finding seating during busy times.
Peak Times: Weekends and weekday lunch hours see the highest traffic, but their efficient system keeps lines moving. Calling ahead during busy periods ensures your food is ready when you arrive.
No Alcohol Service: They don’t serve beer or wine, focusing entirely on the food experience. Many customers grab drinks elsewhere or enjoy their BBQ at home where they can pair it with their preferred beverages.
Fresh Daily Commitment: All meats are smoked fresh daily and hand-pulled to order, meaning you’ll never get reheated or prepackaged barbecue. This commitment to freshness occasionally means popular items can sell out during busy days, so arriving earlier in service periods increases your options.
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Discover MoreFatbacks BBQ
📍 901 N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301
